Is it worth me getting a Chimaera????
Discussion
I curently have a Porsche Boxster but have had trouble with engine that has put me off. I think i want to get rid and buy a Chimaera but am unsure about the reliability because i will have to use it every day.
Is there a specific model that is better or more reliable?????
Thanks
Scott
Is there a specific model that is better or more reliable?????
Thanks
Scott
scott73 said:
I curently have a Porsche Boxster but have had trouble with engine that has put me off. I think i want to get rid and buy a Chimaera but am unsure about the reliability because i will have to use it every day.
Is there a specific model that is better or more reliable?????
Thanks
Scott
Interesting. One of the PHers (Mel) is getting rid of his Griff for a Porsche Boxster!
I don't think there is a specific model that is better or more reliable. I've got the 400 which I'm more than happy with although others will probably tell you to go for the 500 if your budget allows! I guess the 450 is a reasonable compromise.
IMHO what's more important is to buy on condition (and possibly mileage) rather than worry about the age of the car, ie, an older model in mint condition maybe a better bet than a newer model which hasn't been lovingly looked after! Isn't that right M&H?...oops sorry I meant M@H!
And don't forget to take out a warranty!
>> Edited by cosmoschick on Thursday 18th March 13:45
In which case forget all about models, there are good and bad cars to be found across the model range. Buy yourself the best maintained car you can find. The 4.0 is quicker than a Boxter, the 4.3 is rarer and a bit quicker again, 5.0's are around once in a while but for every day you might find the fuel economy and lumpiness in traffic a bit of a bind.
I'm not sure when the 4.5 came out, but it would be a bit more pricey again I suspect and if you're restricted by budget I wouldn't worry about it.
Buy on overall condition and service history.. also I'd suggest getting one with PAS if you can and ensure you get the later Borg-Warner gearbox too.
Cheers
Matt.
I'm not sure when the 4.5 came out, but it would be a bit more pricey again I suspect and if you're restricted by budget I wouldn't worry about it.
Buy on overall condition and service history.. also I'd suggest getting one with PAS if you can and ensure you get the later Borg-Warner gearbox too.
Cheers
Matt.
Engine-wise, I've had no problems whatsoever with my '95 Chim over 30k miles of driving. But because of (relatively) high mileage (91k) I've had a few problems with the diff, UJ's etc, but nothing that's stopped me driving it, just irritating rattles, clunks and vibrations. But touch wood, I've had no problems at all since August.
I think, if you want to buy privately, your best bet is to buy from someone who frequents these pages pretty often, then you can search old threads for problems they may (or not) have had, and you know it will have been well looked after.
There are a few horror stories out there, but generally with the newer cars that haven't been run in and sorted out yet.
I think, if you want to buy privately, your best bet is to buy from someone who frequents these pages pretty often, then you can search old threads for problems they may (or not) have had, and you know it will have been well looked after.
There are a few horror stories out there, but generally with the newer cars that haven't been run in and sorted out yet.
I use my Chim 500 everyday and have had no (or relatively few) reliability problems, but the only problems I have had are 'generic' problems - dead battery, leaky radiator etc which could have happened to any car at any time. My chim 500 is up for sale in the classifieds and there are a few other 500's up for sale as well, best bet is to look at as many as you can and choose based on history and condition.
scott73 said:
I curently have a Porsche Boxster but have had trouble with engine that has put me off.
Scott - what was the 'trouble' you had ? We TVR owners are constantly bombarded with the reliability of the Stuttgart Shoppers.
Come on over into the light, you won't regret it.
The V8 is pretty reliable and benefits from being driven on a regular basis. A great car to drive......
>> Edited by N17 TVR on Thursday 18th March 16:33
The intermediate shaft bearing collapsed and contaminated the whole engine with metal debris!!!
A nightmare!!!!
I've only had the car 9 months (1998 50k miles full history) and then all of a sudden wham out of the blue £££££££££
Gutted to say the least!!!!
I may be converted to a British sports car now!!
A nightmare!!!!
I've only had the car 9 months (1998 50k miles full history) and then all of a sudden wham out of the blue £££££££££
Gutted to say the least!!!!
I may be converted to a British sports car now!!
scott73 said:
Where can you get a warranty from??
And how much does it cost???
When I bought my Chim from a dealer it was already covered for a year with Warranty Holdings. However, on renewal they wanted in the region of £1000 for their 'Gold' cover
which they strongly recommended for a TVR...yeah right! 
So now I'm with the AA (Breakdown and Recovery) which specifically covers the person and not the car. One benefit of this is that you can then take out their additional 'Parts & Labour' cover as long as your car (which you have to specify this time) is up to 10 years old at the time of opting for this policy. Should you break down and the AA can't fix the problem at the roadside you are covered to have your car taken to the nearest appropriate garage etc and have the necessary repairs done. You can claim up to £500 x 3 per year for an annual cost of £52. Well worth it, but it may have limitations compared to a full-blown warranty cover.
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