Need Advice....please :)

[numpty]

Im looking for a Chimera...know what i wanna spend around 16 - 20k. Just wondered if anyone could give me some buying tips. e.g Looked at a 95m 4L with 40,000 miles on the clock..is an m plate pushing it a bit on the reliability/build front. Would i be sensible getting as new as i can for my money?
Would appreciate any advice..
Thanks

[M@H]

I'd spend a bit less, loose less on depreciation, and still have a great car.. then if any minor problems arose, you have saved more than enough money to cover them IF they occurr.

There are low mileage older cars around in as good if not better conditon than newer ones for a lot less money..

Cheers
Matt

[numpty]

Thanks for that Mat, but are there any question marks around build quality etc on older cars?

[V8 Archie]

AFAIK they hold together quite well, and after 2 or 3 years any congenital defects have probably been ironed out by previous owners.

That said, I believe that there a number of things to check up on for early face-lift models (97S to 99T), but off the top of my head I'm not sure what.

[shpub]

There is a buyers guide on www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[M@H]

numpty said:

Thanks for that Mat, but are there any question marks around build quality etc on older cars?

Nope.. the build quility on all the cars is much of a muchness. Chassis coatings have improved over time, however an old car with a history of waxoyl/hammerite will be better than a 3 yr old that has never been treated.

Also consider that an older car with a good service history has already had all the minor things replaced that "go" over time, and therefore you don't have the expense yourself.. (I'm thinking wishbone bushes etc here)

Cheers
Matt.




>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 30th October 11:13

[numpty]

thanks guys

[Incorrigible]

Have a look in the classifieds

If you can afford it, I'd go for a facelift model, they have the slightly stronger (serpentine) engines and a better (T5) gearbox

For £16-20k you should be looking at a 96-99 IMHO

[Plotloss]

For £2-2.5K more you could be looking at a 2001 with a warranty...

[Trefor]

Forget the age of the car. Buy on condition. Check the chassis for rot (esp. outriggers, wishbones) and listen for transmission noises. If it pulls hard through the rev range, brakes straight, doesn't wobble or rattle too much and is dry inside (feel carpets behinds seats etc.). Then it is probably basically sound.

Other than that you'll probably end up buying the first one you drive like most of us did ops:

Forget AA/RAC inspections BTW - get an independent TVR specialist to give your intended a once over - cheaper and better. These guys also sometimes know of good cars for sale ...

[M@H]

Plotloss said:

For £2-2.5K more you could be looking at a 2001 with a warranty...

Yeah but for Ten grand less you could be looking at this And with a private Plate on it it could just as easily be a 1996-97




>> Edited by M@H on Thursday 30th October 11:46

[numpty]

Hmm just a little to old..but thanks anyway

[numpty]

Trefor said:

Forget the age of the car. Buy on condition. Check the chassis for rot (esp. outriggers, wishbones) and listen for transmission noises. If it pulls hard through the rev range, brakes straight, doesn't wobble or rattle too much and is dry inside (feel carpets behinds seats etc.). Then it is probably basically sound. Other than that you'll probably end up buying the first one you drive like most of us did ops: Forget AA/RAC inspections BTW - get an independent TVR specialist to give your intended a once over - cheaper and better. These guys also sometimes know of good cars for sale ...

What sort of specialist will do checks...?

[M@H]

numpty said:

What sort of specialist will do checks...?

Queue the name Batty about 10 times... Most TVR specialists will do a car inspection for you.

[M@H]

numpty said:

Hmm just a little to old..but thanks anyway

No Problem..

How about this one for the same money..?

[RCA]

[numpty]

Hmmm same car different plate? lo

M@H said:

numpty said: Hmm just a little to old..but thanks anyway No Problem.. How about this one for the same money..?

[M@H]

Yep.. however as with all Chimaera's its identical to any standard pre-facelift 4.0, so if I get some tippex on the logbook too would you be interested ?

Matt.

[cosmoschick]

Matt, what colour is your Chim...it looks like Cosmos Blue? At least it gives me an idea of how clear side repeaters will look on mine should I go that route.

My Chim is a 94M 4.0L with approx 40,000 on the clock. It was in mint condition when I bought it and personally I was more concerned that it was a sound example rather than age

[M@H]

Hi Cosmos.. Mine is Eclipse Blue... a rare colour by all acounts.. (more pics here: www.rashleigh-jones.co.uk/Chimaera )


you are 100% right though to buy on condition not age, as basically there is no difference between the years that the age would make a difference about.(other than the pre and post facelift)