buying a 96 chimp - what to look for
Discussion
Bennno - as with all TVRs, watch the outriggers, make sure everything works and watch for leaks in the usual places. Check the alarm as the old Meta jobs do fail, and replacements normally mean ripping the lot out and getting a new one.
If the car is ~70k (or passed) then watch out for a cam change, as many appear to go around then. Watch for crash damage on the inside wings, bonnet alignment and rear 3/4s. At that age pipes could be corroding, and seals worn. Check the suspension arms too, and when the bushes were last replaced. Drive shaft gaiters split, which can lead to costly repairs. Check diff type (BTR or GKN), but either way it shouldn't "clunk".
Estorial (Griff) wheels add value, although Imola's (Chim) are still trading for sensible money.
Car shouldn't overheat if left idling, and the rest is pretty much with any car - I don't think you need someone to tell you how to suck eggs.
If the car is ~70k (or passed) then watch out for a cam change, as many appear to go around then. Watch for crash damage on the inside wings, bonnet alignment and rear 3/4s. At that age pipes could be corroding, and seals worn. Check the suspension arms too, and when the bushes were last replaced. Drive shaft gaiters split, which can lead to costly repairs. Check diff type (BTR or GKN), but either way it shouldn't "clunk".
Estorial (Griff) wheels add value, although Imola's (Chim) are still trading for sensible money.
Car shouldn't overheat if left idling, and the rest is pretty much with any car - I don't think you need someone to tell you how to suck eggs.
I'd be looking at -
- All the stuff previously mentioned.
- Clutch wear (trying accleration hard from low revs in 5th)
- Cam wear
- Run the car from cold - wait for it to heat up - wait for fans to start and wait for fans to turn back off.
- Oil / fluid leaks - look on garage floor
- PAS - working?
- ALL electrics working e.g. lights, mirrors etc
If in doubt, get a survey done on it.
Cheers.
5LitreV8
- All the stuff previously mentioned.
- Clutch wear (trying accleration hard from low revs in 5th)
- Cam wear
- Run the car from cold - wait for it to heat up - wait for fans to start and wait for fans to turn back off.
- Oil / fluid leaks - look on garage floor
- PAS - working?
- ALL electrics working e.g. lights, mirrors etc
If in doubt, get a survey done on it.
Cheers.
5LitreV8
jasandjules said:
bennno said:
got a cheap Elise instead, thanks anyway guys
regards
ben hiscock
Ah well, you'll learn...When your back is throbbing after a long drive.....(Ex Elise owner...)
ive owned a elise before and found the seats great, besides 335i will be daily driver this is just a weekend toy
bennno
Nothing like a bit of exercise to keep a car on the straight and narrow (says he with the 106K Chim at similar money). 
bennno said:
got a cheap Elise instead, thanks anyway guys
regards
ben hiscock
Keep an eye on the coolant level Bennno,and for oily scum appearing in the radiator expansion bottle.......just in case you run into headgasket problems,not trying to frighten you but you have to be on your guard with the Rover K series because if you catch it early its much better on the pocket,no matter what people say,but good luck an enjoy you new car.
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