Unknown mileage?

[saxmund]

I'm getting Classifieds to sell me all the new Chims under 10K just in case I decide I can afford one* and I've just had this one sent to me www.pistonheads.com/sales/129489.htm. Now it seems to pretty much tick all the right boxes (including the chassis one, big time) but there is the question about mileage, which the seller has been (apparently) honest about. What do people think about the mileage question, given that I might want to trade it in in 2-3 years rather than keep it for ever? I think the price is a little high, without the mileage thingy I might be tempted to try knocking 10% off.

* well I got a settlement quote on my old car loan and it was a little higher than I thought it would be... and I'm waiting to see if by "reviewing" my salary the boss is going to think it's about right or wants to adjust it significantly upwards. And I can't decide whther I want to keep the Alfa or not, but if I bought the TVR now it would definitely have to go. And if I keep the Alfa maybe I should get a Griff? Decisions, decisions. Mind you I didn't feel this indecisive when cs174 had just taken me for a ride in his Chim, so I think I just need to get round to joining TVRCC, go to a couple of meets & smell the petrol...

Edited by saxmund on Sunday 28th January 16:23

[Rum Runner]

It would not be for me . As said your problem is when you come to sell.
This looks like a better option www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds/classified_detail.asp?ad_id=16513.
It looks more original, its a M plate not L and has the later seats, history and low miles .
Or something a bit cheaper an older bit a bit more spicy.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/126689.htm

Edited by Rum Runner on Sunday 28th January 17:53

Edited by Rum Runner on Sunday 28th January 18:03

[That Daddy]

Shame seems like a nice car,that chassis is a real bonus job,i would condider if i was buying, but i could not recommend for the reasons in your post Saxmund,Rum runner as the same opinion.

[spend]

I think you guys are being a little harsh, many before have said to buy on condition. There are plenty of low mileage cars in poor condition. Its not just the chassis paint, if somebody went to those lengths they probably made sure the running gear was all in top nick as well. I know its difficult to sell to 'new to the marque' on mileage, but there will be plenty of TVR experienced buyers around when you come to sell. I reckon you can only judge each car on its merit ~ and that doesnt seem an excessive gap / high mileage from the description anyway. A lot of the low mileage cars may have suffered from the 30k speedo freeze anyway!

Dave

[That Daddy]

Spend,i argee with what your saying but its not me buying and most buyers are obsessed with low milage(not me included)mine as gone round the clock anyways,it certainly looks like a nice car alright and as i said if i was looking i would give this car more than a glance.

[saxmund]

Well it's a bit academic as I'm probably not buying for a few months... thanks for your input, that cooper green one on the TVRCC certainly looks a nice one for the money (although I quite like the look of the red one as well).

[jasandjules]

Why not go and look at it?

Check the pedals etc.. for wear and see how many miles it looks like it has done.

If in fantastic condition (get a specialist to look at her too) then why not?

[900T-R]

On a Chimaera, I'd rather have a known perfect chassis and unknown mileage than the other way round.

[That Daddy]

900T-R said:

On a Chimaera, I'd rather have a known perfect chassis and unknown mileage than the other way round.

here,here,spot on 900-T,thats just my cents worth.

[silverback mike]

Mine has had a clock change, but the mot's verify miles.
I would agree with the above comments, a sound chassis, good sounding engine, and all the other plus points are more of a bonus than a slight grey in mileage.

[ubernoober]

Quoting the PH ad....."It is unlikey that the engine has had excessive wear as at 70mph it is only doing 1900rpm. " What gearbox has he got? My 400 does 25mph/1000 rpm in 5th, his is doing 36mph/1000 rpm - must be a slug for in-gear acceleration!

[spend]

TBH, after seeing the 'Griff Rolling Road in the West' results I would be looking for a nice 430 if you are interested in cars the age quoted.

Dave

[cossie.]

Rum Runner said:

It would not be for me . As said your problem is when you come to sell.

I'm afraid I'm in agreement with Rum Runner. There's no doubt it seems a lovely example but it would appear from the classifieds that for the most part owners find it a struggle to sell their perfect spec Chimaeras let alone those which aren't. Given the wide choice available I, personally, wouldn't opt for one with unknown mileage for a specified period because I believe it will limit the market when you come to sell. However, I guess there's always someone who will take it off your hands if the price is right.

[900T-R]

cossie. said:

Rum Runner said:

It would not be for me . As said your problem is when you come to sell.

I'm afraid I'm in agreement with Rum Runner. There's no doubt it seems a lovely example but it would appear from the classifieds that for the most part owners find it a struggle to sell their perfect spec Chimaeras let alone those which aren't. Given the wide choice available I, personally, wouldn't opt for one with unknown mileage for a specified period because I believe it will limit the market when you come to sell. However, I guess there's always someone who will take it off your hands if the price is right.

Um, we're talking 12-14 year old cars, and at that point I doubt anyone would buy without doing their homework and realise chassis condition is paramount. How many Chimaeras will you find at this price point that have had a body-off chassis refurbishment? And how many 'perfect spec' (which I assume is low mileage, mint interior and no stone stone chips on the front ) Chimaeras are advertised with no mention of any chassis maintenance whatsoever? I think this particular car has one major selling point in its favour, given the huge potential for headaches in this department.

[Podie]

I think this man had it summed up perfectly...

M@H said:

condition, condition, condition

[victormeldrew]

I'm put in mind of the old joke about the thirty year old spade, still original. Had twelve new handles and six new heads, but still original.

Buy on condition; little else matters. New chassis is a hell of a start (should be Waxoyled though at least!). Condition of interior is easy to check, and there should be no end of people capable of assessing the health of the engine. A test drive should give you an idea about the suspension, but if its a new chassis it would be reasonable to assume any work items would have been spotted and replaced.

Sounds like its worth a punt to me.

[seasider]

victormeldrew said:

(should be Waxoyled though at least!)

Sorry, i disagree, would much rather be able to see the chips/rust appearing & treat/paint as reguired

[900T-R]

Podie said:

I think this man had it summed up perfectly...

M@H said:

condition, condition, condition

And then - especially considering the age of the vehicles concerned - you have to be able to discriminate essentials from what's actually only of peripheral interest. Trawling through the forums, I'm gobsmacked by the shallow attitudes of some punters who'll describe perfectly honest and proper cars as 'tatty' because of minor issues that your local Chips Away (or whatever) will sort to a perfectly acceptable standard for next to nothing, then buy themselves into shiny paintwork, pristine vinyl trim, a low odo reading and Leven bling with the mechanicals left to sort for the next owner.

Then when the inevitable high bills hit them, there's no end of badmouthing TVR and/or whoever is called in to put stuff right...

[spend]

I'm with you on that Del, but its always been a marginal decision. There seems to be a fine line between preventing water access & trapping it. IMHO the worst areas on the chassis are the ones you cannot see / spray.

Dave

[Rum Runner]

Mmmmm not sure i agree with no waxoyle.My father has used it for years at his garage . It works best if put on when new. We have cars like 86 Fiats pandas 92 sierra's ,Toyota GTcoupes etc . Still in fantastic condition and not garaged ever.
When I worked at a ford dealers ,ford used to be slap dash at applying the stuff underneth, quite often they would get one row of brake pipes and not the other. After a few years the one missed was rotted out and the one that got covered still shiny. Best to look at boat engines , this is a harsh environment , look at a engine that is regularly waxoyled they stay like new , if not the paint soon lifts. I looked at many S series cars before buying the Chim , most had rotted chassis.I found 1 or 2 with good chassis (waxoyled from early days), and my mate has a good S2 which was waxoyled from new and its still like new !.