Chimera vs. S3c???

[MPETT]

First post here!

Hey guys. I'm going to buy a TVR, its just that I am on a budget! I have two cars lined up, one s3c in great condition at the top of my budget and a 4.3l Chimera '93 £2K sort of my budget. The Chimera needs work, but was on the road last year. Currently it has not MoT and no tax and has been sitting for 12months (outside) with a rear screen that has come undone at the stitching! Can I have some advice on what it is I will need to replace and what I can expect to be wrong with it. If its going to cost me the earth to put right, I'll have to give up my plans for V8 heaven and continue saving! What are your thoughts???

Cheers guys,

Martin

[S7Paul]

If it's been sitting a long time, you could have problems with seal leakage (e.g. oil seals). If the window has been leaking, you need to see what's been damaged inside (e.g. carpets, seat belts - check the reels). Does it have a full service history and a stack of receipts for before the lay-up period? And above all, what state is the chassis in? Do a search on this forum using keywords like chassis, rust, outriggers, wishbones and you'll be inundated with info and advice. Not wishing to pry into your financial state, but the £2K left could very easily be swallowed if you're not careful. What if you spend it all and the car still needs things fixing? Once it's fixed, can you afford to keep it well-maintained? I'm not trying to put you off, as they're great cars; just make sure you go in with your eyes open, and don't bite off more than you can chew. If you're not sure, you may be safer going for the S3C, and upgrading at a later date.

Oops, almost forgot, welcome to PH. It'll become a way of life.

Edited by S7Paul on Friday 8th June 20:35

[silverback mike]

Check the chassis thoroughly, my L reg chim had always been serviced well (by a garage), never been off the road, but when I came to sell it I decided to give the chassis a good old clean up and waxoyl to find both outriggers (outside bits that run from front to back just underneath the body) had rotted right through. Obviously I couldn't sell it like that so had to bite the bullet and get it repaired. As it was it was done by a friend "numbnuts" here on ph who did a cracking job, and it cost me £800. But bank for it to be higher than that if they need doing.

Mechanically they are pretty good.

Usual stuff like checking brakes etc etc,

Also check electrics, if the roof has made the interior open to the elements then check them thoroughly.

Great cars though

However..............

I had an S3C as well, a brilliant car, that in my view would suit you better. A good example of an older model is better than a ropey newer one.



Whatever you choose they are both good. The S3C is more chuckable, and generally more 'fun' whereas the chim has a v8, and feels the more modern and supposedly better screwed together...

[mgaut]

Miss my S3C, especially decatted.

Traded up to a Chim, wanting the extra power and long term cruising ability, but the S3 wins on the twisty stuff.

Tough call, but a well sorted S3 probably wins over a neglected Chim.

for what it's worth

Mike

[MPETT]

Thanks for your input so far!

Just had a reply from the bloke selling the Chimera and he has confirmed that he will take £4K. I was kind of hoping he would refuse the offer and I would have the simple answer of the s3c. My plan was to go to have another look on sunday and make my mind up once and for all. Its a realy tough decision. Hopefully, this time when I see the chimera, the engine will run (battery was dead last time) and I can take it for a short spin on private roads. At least I'll be able to see if there are any leaks or problems with the electrics which will inform my descion!

Your advice and comments are stil welcome

[MPETT]

p.s. does anyone know a web site showing chassis restoration and the body off process?

Cheers

[silverback mike]

Have a gander under 'search' here on ph, I'm sure there are loads of bits and bobs in there.

4k for a chim. That's very cheap. Don't necessarily write it off, but do thorough checks, it can be a lot more expensive to 'do up' a basket case than just spend a bit more on one that is already sorted.

Sounds good though, drop me a pm I'll give you my mobile number if you need a chat. I've been over, under inside and got stuck in most places in a chim. (and an S3C for that matter)

http://www.tvrsseries.com/
http://www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php

Theres a couple of links for you - both very good. (pies on ph started the s series one if I recall)

Regards.
Mike.

Edited by silverback mike on Saturday 9th June 12:12

[S7Paul]

See this thread:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Rum Runner]

Well sorted S3C every time as you could end up going well over budget trying to get the Chim the way you want it , better with a car you love than one, you really want but constantly p---es you off because its bad , it could also put you off getting a good Chim later on .
Just make sure the S3C is really good Chassis wise as I looked at about 10 cars that where all bar 2 bad in the chassis dept , the other where 1 a write off and the other body knackered, so in the end my 6k budget went to 10k .Make sure you HPI i ended up telling 2 owners there cars had been a total loss and they new nothing !.S series cars are simple and easy to maintain thought .
You need to be looking at spend 10k to get a nice older car ,serp motor T5 box, especially this time of the year .