My dream's about to become reality!

[Scott_86]

I first joined up to Pistonheads earlier this year (I think); at which time I spent a little time every day dreaming of owning a 4.0L Chimaera. Now... as luck would have it, I have been blessed with a bit of good fortune which means I will be able to turn my day dreams into reality!

Hurrah..

Now, the thing is - where do I start? Admittedly, I am compulsive, and fear I may buy the first shiny, wonderful sounding Chim I see!
I will more than likely buy my car through Pistonheads classifieds - I assume I am more likely to find people who have lovingly looked after their cars on here???
I would really like to enlist the help of someone who knows what they're talking about, to help me buy.
These are my first steps into a very exciting world I know little about.

All advice most welcome!

Thank you!!
Scott

[CLN1]

Scott

You have email.

Colin.

[dogbucket]

Take a small mirror with you, and before looking at anything else on a car check the outrigger tubes under the doors for rust holes.

I wasted alot of time looking and driving cars only to be disappointed and having to walk away when I found horrors underneath.

Also learn as much as you can about the different variations of Chims by reading this forum or buying the Steve Heath book. Try and decide roughly what year/model you are interested in. eg I really wanted a facelift car etc

Edited by dogbucket on Saturday 6th October 17:56

Edited by dogbucket on Saturday 6th October 17:57

[Altrezia]

If you want your wife/mrs/whatever to drive it, deffo get power steering. Otherwise, they will weep when trying to steer.

[mgaut]

Half an hour on the 'phone to an enthusiastic owner usually pays off, rather than a quick "come and see it".

As always, it's the chassis that's the big weakness.

Mike

[gadgit]

Scott, just give us an idea how much you want to spend.

[Scott_86]

Further to the last point, I was actually looking in the sub-£10K price bracket.
How much should I expect to be paying for a Chim 400 in mint condition - I understand the price will vary due to age and mileage, but is there a lower limit which I should steer clear of?

[Johnniem]

Drive as many as you can before you buy. This may take some time but will pay dividends. I bought in May but it took several months to find one that fitted me. Colour and trim become secondary to condition but everyone know blue ones are faster! Get the Steve heath "bible" which you can order through the TVR car club website. If you want to get someone to help you find the one for you Rob Ingleby from www.findasportscar.co.uk will charge a finders fee in the region of £600 but please check his website or give him a call. I found my car (through PH classifieds) and used him to check it over before I bought. He is very helpfiul and appears to know his stuff.

Why not go along to a few TVRCC meets at your local area club. Meet owners and find out about each model. I fond the 450 suited me best. I bought in May and still have the TVR perma-grin. It really is a factor of TVR owenership that will blow you away! Plus, the TVR community are the best bunch in the motoring world. No pretensions, just a love of the car. All the best with the search matey!

[Altrezia]

Deffo see more than 1. I went to see 1 that was advertised as 'excellent condition bar 1 scratch on the bonnet' - got there, it was quite doggy, every pannel had scratches and what-not, smelt musty inside, and didnt have the urgency of the one that I eventually bought.

Buy with your head and you'll be fine.

[MrE]

James Agger is worth a shout too. I'm very pleased with the one I got from him.

[leetvr]

yep, just call James Agger.

[cloggy]

Also look at this www.chimaerapages.com , it has a buyers guide.

Edited by cloggy on Monday 8th October 12:02

[symphonysid]

i also bought from james. good service - he delivered the car to me 150 miles away. you will pay a bit more, but normally he presents them fully serviced and ready to go which was important for me.

[roborod1969]

don't end up like 60 % of all new tvr owners.they crash them in the first six months!!!!!
incidently my MINT 98-99 chim is for sale. you can call on 0777 555 7323. want about £10.75 K