Real Chim running costs.
Discussion
Hi there,
I have recently fallen in love with the idea of owning a Chimaera; however, I currently plan to own it for a year, as a change of circumstances then will mean I will have to buy a property!
As a newcomer to both TVRs and performance motoring in general, I wonder if a Chimaera owner could give me a realistic approximation of running costs including servicing, maintenance and depreciation over a year. I plan to try and find myself a good example under £12,000.
I am aware that no figures are set in stone and TVR ownership is not the most predictable of expenditures, but a good figure to hang my hat on would be very useful!
I have recently fallen in love with the idea of owning a Chimaera; however, I currently plan to own it for a year, as a change of circumstances then will mean I will have to buy a property!
As a newcomer to both TVRs and performance motoring in general, I wonder if a Chimaera owner could give me a realistic approximation of running costs including servicing, maintenance and depreciation over a year. I plan to try and find myself a good example under £12,000.
I am aware that no figures are set in stone and TVR ownership is not the most predictable of expenditures, but a good figure to hang my hat on would be very useful!
Hi
I have owned my 98 Chimaera 400 for just over 2 years and have been so pleased with it. I paid 12K for it with 36k miles on the clock. I had a big service and one or two bits sorted when I first brought it which was about £700 and have spent a further £800 on servicing and a few maintenance jobs since. It's now due for another service so I hope that would not be more than about £400.
I reckon the car would still be worth about 10K judging by similar priced and conditioned cars currently for sale ( not that I'm looking to sell it ), so all in all not a bad ownership experience.
Good luck - take your time to find a nice one, make sure you have a good look underneath and check the chassis out especially the outriggers. You have to look beneath the surface of these cars, bear in mind that even the most tired examples can still look good, don't be fooled by shinny paint and that exhaust note to die for.
Enjoy!
I have owned my 98 Chimaera 400 for just over 2 years and have been so pleased with it. I paid 12K for it with 36k miles on the clock. I had a big service and one or two bits sorted when I first brought it which was about £700 and have spent a further £800 on servicing and a few maintenance jobs since. It's now due for another service so I hope that would not be more than about £400.
I reckon the car would still be worth about 10K judging by similar priced and conditioned cars currently for sale ( not that I'm looking to sell it ), so all in all not a bad ownership experience.
Good luck - take your time to find a nice one, make sure you have a good look underneath and check the chassis out especially the outriggers. You have to look beneath the surface of these cars, bear in mind that even the most tired examples can still look good, don't be fooled by shinny paint and that exhaust note to die for.
Enjoy!
I bought a 98R 400 in 2002 for £17k
In 6 years its cost me around £5000 in servicing bills, MOT feees, and replacement parts including a clutch replacement 2 sets of tyres, and upper and lower front wishbones. I used to have it serviced at the factory, but laterly at local indies. Most of the non-service work, I've done myself.
It may be worth about £9k on a good day - but I've no intention of selling
So, including depreciation, six years have to date cost me around £13k, not including Road Tax, Fuel or insurance .
It's only let me down twice in that time. Timing cover gasket went. The cost of the gasket was less than a fiver, but took 5 hours of my own spannering to fettle. This would otherwise have added a few hundred pounds to garage bills.
One day it wouldn't start - two fuel pump relays sorted that one out.
In 6 years its cost me around £5000 in servicing bills, MOT feees, and replacement parts including a clutch replacement 2 sets of tyres, and upper and lower front wishbones. I used to have it serviced at the factory, but laterly at local indies. Most of the non-service work, I've done myself.
It may be worth about £9k on a good day - but I've no intention of selling
So, including depreciation, six years have to date cost me around £13k, not including Road Tax, Fuel or insurance .
It's only let me down twice in that time. Timing cover gasket went. The cost of the gasket was less than a fiver, but took 5 hours of my own spannering to fettle. This would otherwise have added a few hundred pounds to garage bills.
One day it wouldn't start - two fuel pump relays sorted that one out.
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
If you do that, pound for pound I cannot think of any car that will give such low cost credible motoring/fun . If you bought a face lift model for £8-10,000 my guess is you would motor for £2/2500 for the year plus fuel and other.
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
If you do that, pound for pound I cannot think of any car that will give such low cost credible motoring/fun . If you bought a face lift model for £8-10,000 my guess is you would motor for £2/2500 for the year plus fuel and other.
Edited by Littletidnock on Monday 14th July 10:58
My running costs are detailed on my cars blog on my profile.
Mine will also be up for sale end of August, it's a 97 facelift 400 with 60k on the clock, just had a 12k service 400 mile ago along with MOT, new tyres, recent clutch etc. very solid chassis and IMHO is a stunning colour inside & out.
Only let me down twice in 3 1/2 years and 30'000 miles - once with a broken clutch and next with a failed 100amp fuse (96p to replace).
Should you still be looking around that time and want to know more then PM me.
Mine will also be up for sale end of August, it's a 97 facelift 400 with 60k on the clock, just had a 12k service 400 mile ago along with MOT, new tyres, recent clutch etc. very solid chassis and IMHO is a stunning colour inside & out.
Only let me down twice in 3 1/2 years and 30'000 miles - once with a broken clutch and next with a failed 100amp fuse (96p to replace).
Should you still be looking around that time and want to know more then PM me.
Edited by Zippee on Monday 14th July 11:28
It sounds like you're in the same position I was in last year.
I knew then that owning a TVR was only going to be a realistic option for 12-18 months (2 years max) and I was just desperate to get one and enjoy all the thrills of owning such a great car.
I found myself a really low mileage 1999 4.0 last september. Since then, i've had a pretty faultless ownership experience, a couple of minor niggles i.e. a linkage in the throttle broke which was a dead cheap and easy repair, and i've just replaced the otter switch to cure a problem with the fans switching on inappropriately.
Key to owning cars like these for a short period is to make sure that you look after them and to keep up to date on servicing etc. So for me, its cost £400 in servicing, and probably £150 total to get a couple of small things done, new oil etc etc. I'm looking to sell mine on at the moment and I'm pretty confident I'll get something similar (although obviously less) to what I paid last year (PM me if you're interested).
I'd say go for it but keep in mind that you'll need to maintain it to ensure that you get a decent re-sale. Make sure you view a good number of them and enjoy it whilst it lasts!! Happy hunting!
I knew then that owning a TVR was only going to be a realistic option for 12-18 months (2 years max) and I was just desperate to get one and enjoy all the thrills of owning such a great car.
I found myself a really low mileage 1999 4.0 last september. Since then, i've had a pretty faultless ownership experience, a couple of minor niggles i.e. a linkage in the throttle broke which was a dead cheap and easy repair, and i've just replaced the otter switch to cure a problem with the fans switching on inappropriately.
Key to owning cars like these for a short period is to make sure that you look after them and to keep up to date on servicing etc. So for me, its cost £400 in servicing, and probably £150 total to get a couple of small things done, new oil etc etc. I'm looking to sell mine on at the moment and I'm pretty confident I'll get something similar (although obviously less) to what I paid last year (PM me if you're interested).
I'd say go for it but keep in mind that you'll need to maintain it to ensure that you get a decent re-sale. Make sure you view a good number of them and enjoy it whilst it lasts!! Happy hunting!
Edited by MrE on Monday 14th July 18:02
Gridley123 said:
Hi there,
I have recently fallen in love with the idea of owning a Chimaera; however, I currently plan to own it for a year, as a change of circumstances then will mean I will have to buy a property!
As a newcomer to both TVRs and performance motoring in general, I wonder if a Chimaera owner could give me a realistic approximation of running costs including servicing, maintenance and depreciation over a year. I plan to try and find myself a good example under £12,000.
I am aware that no figures are set in stone and TVR ownership is not the most predictable of expenditures, but a good figure to hang my hat on would be very useful!
How many miles do you plan on doing in the year? Servicing (every 6000 miles) at a TVR specialist will be about £350-£550 depending on what you have done, then allow another £1-2k for if things go a bit wrong! I've probably spent about £3k on mine in the last year (£500 of that i knew needed going when i bought it, then had a few things that needed doing)I have recently fallen in love with the idea of owning a Chimaera; however, I currently plan to own it for a year, as a change of circumstances then will mean I will have to buy a property!
As a newcomer to both TVRs and performance motoring in general, I wonder if a Chimaera owner could give me a realistic approximation of running costs including servicing, maintenance and depreciation over a year. I plan to try and find myself a good example under £12,000.
I am aware that no figures are set in stone and TVR ownership is not the most predictable of expenditures, but a good figure to hang my hat on would be very useful!
ETA: I have covered about 10,000 miles in the past year.
Edited by Timja on Monday 14th July 22:49
Littletidnock said:
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
So if you were buying that car you wouldn't notice it needs a big service, MOT, tyres etc etc ??Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
I got mine 3 years ago next month, 4ltr M plate, at the time Budgeted myself £12k, looked at a few, returned to the 1st one i looked at and paid £8k for it, purely because, although untidy, it looked original (no respray, repairs etc)!!!!
In the past 3 years have spent in region on £3k on services, minor repairs (broken clutch fork, wheel bearings) and general personal improvements.
Speaking personally, the TVR reputation has not been that bad to me so...
my advice? GO FOR IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!
In the past 3 years have spent in region on £3k on services, minor repairs (broken clutch fork, wheel bearings) and general personal improvements.
Speaking personally, the TVR reputation has not been that bad to me so...
my advice? GO FOR IT, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!
Ribol said:
Littletidnock said:
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
So if you were buying that car you wouldn't notice it needs a big service, MOT, tyres etc etc ??Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
I got a Tuscan now, but if I ever bought another Chim it would be privately - there are not many cars that genuinely offer the potential for "free" motorning, least of all ones that are so much fun as a Chim. Best of all there is plenty of choice so you can hold on for the right one.
MJW1977 said:
Ribol said:
Littletidnock said:
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
So if you were buying that car you wouldn't notice it needs a big service, MOT, tyres etc etc ??Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
Ribol said:
Littletidnock said:
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
So if you were buying that car you wouldn't notice it needs a big service, MOT, tyres etc etc ??Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
Incidentally I bought my car, due a 12,000 mile service, MOT and new carpets,
Littletidnock said:
Incidentally I bought my car, due a 12,000 mile service, MOT and new carpets,
I notice from another thread you started this is your first TVR and you have had it a month.Isn't it early days in your ownership to be advising others on the economics of running these cars?
Ribol said:
MJW1977 said:
Ribol said:
Littletidnock said:
What I would do if you only want to own the car for a year and assuming you do not do a big mileage
Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
So if you were buying that car you wouldn't notice it needs a big service, MOT, tyres etc etc ??Buy one at the right price, that has all the desirability criteria to buy and then re-sell, buy one that has just had a 12,000 service, good tyres and long MOT. Run it for a year, don't service it, don't buy it any toys and drive sensibly.
You may also want to work out what your insurance would be. If you haven't ever driven anything big-engined before it can be quite a whack the first year, even if yo have good history in ordinary cars. If you're only going to own it for a year you wont benefit from the cheaper premium next time. If you find this, it may be cheaper to insure it on a very limited milage and then push the mileage up once you've done most f it. I found this more cost effective at the start, as the "this guy is going to crash the first time he gets in the car" factor soon wears off with the insurance co after a few 100 miles and when you come to increase the mileage, the fee is pleasantly surprising...
Nick
Nick
Ribol said:
Littletidnock said:
Incidentally I bought my car, due a 12,000 mile service, MOT and new carpets,
I notice from another thread you started this is your first TVR and you have had it a month.Isn't it early days in your ownership to be advising others on the economics of running these cars?
Lets have your opinion on the topic not your opinion of my opinion
Edited by Littletidnock on Wednesday 16th July 08:57
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