O/T Chimaera conundrum.....

[chrisbin]

Hi All.....sorry, I know this isn't aTiv forum......but I also know that you lot are never shy of expressing your opinions..  and it would be nice to know what you lot think.....

I've decided the next toy is going to be a Chimaera - that bit is sorted

So, I've spoken to a few people (owners/specialists etc) and read all I can including Steve Heath's "Bible", but my problem is that I haven't got time (nor the right job anymore ) to be travelling the country looking at potential cars. So I really have to try and decide on a car from what I can glean from Ad's/emails. I know this isn't ideal, but thats the situation

Problem is, that for the price I am looking the choice is wide in spec/age/miles. Wisdom seems to be go for the latest car possible as they were built better and have upgraded bits (suspension, brakes etc). However, is it really better to go for a high mile late car, than a cherished low mile early one....??      

So, at the moment, I have a shortlist as follows, in order of price (£1500 covers cheapest to most expensive ):

'94 4.0 66k

'95 4.0 70k

'95 4.0 36k needs tidying

'93 4.0 39k Pristine

'96 5.0 79k one owner

'94 4.0 56k Pristine

I know that its really an impossible question but I'd value any opinions....... no, really, I would!!!!

TIA

[Martin Keene]

Gut feeling would say steer clear of the 66k, 70k & 79k examples. With the best will in the world a TVR will never have the same high milegae testing as a normal car, and I would expect anything with much above 70k (probably quite hard miles as well) to start suffering problems.

But, knowing nothing specific about TVR's I could be talking out my   but then your did say...

but I also know that you lot are never shy of expressing your opinions

...so there

[ROC]

The 5L you know you want to  

[chrisbin]

The 5L you know you want to  

     

Was it that obvious.......

Yep Martin, no problem with your views, even if they come from your   .....    

[Martin Keene]

Well, some people say I do...

[Westfieldman]

79K does this include the time and milage spent on a recovery truck

Or is this a good one that has not spent most of its life broken down.

[studbuckle]

'95 4.0 70k

'95 4.0 36k needs tidying

'96 5.0 79k one owner

'needs tidying'? How much

Those are my choices. You do right to go for the later models 95 on, they made a lot of changes and they were a lot better put together

[Boxerman33]

I am on the lookout for TVR too but a Griffith in my case.

Try a guy called James at TVR Mads (www.trv-mads.co.uk)

He's a genuine guy who has been recommended by several people and sells his TVR's with a full (TVR backed) 12 month warranty, which may just be worth it's weight in gold.

5 litre V8        

[Boxerman33]

Oh, and forgot to say...apparently high mileage in TVR's is OK as they tend to have less problems if they've been used regularly rather than just as weekend toys!!

[chrisbin]

 Thanks guys..

[DAVE O]

A friend had a 1996 Chimera which suffered with front wishbone bush problems and the electrics weren't too clever.

Apparently the wishbone bushes are a common problem - check-em-out!

[hilux]

rover based engines are preferred, tried and trusted.

big bore rover griff is best one IMO

[Buzz Billsberry]

Have word with Turbo Tommo he bought a TVR about 6 months ago and I'm sure its a Chimaera or was it a mythical greek beast? anyany or even speak to these guys ACT Performance They know tons about TVR as well as V8 westfields.

I'd agree with Studbuckle go with the later 95 models, they had a lot of changes

Also try these guys they might have an idea TVR Car Club

Don't forget to post your pickys when you've bought it! good hunting

Buzz

[chrisbin]

Sorry got the late reply - I've not been able to get on the board along with a lot of others by the looks of things.

Anyway, thanks for the input. Have had the front suspension bush "issue" pointed out to me so its on my list    but thanks for the reminder Dave.

Buzz - have joined TVRCC and its been helpful (good mag) but to be honest, their website aint a patch on this one. Have found Pistonheads to be best source of info/owner's experience.

Thanks again guys and I'll keep you posted.    

[samcooke]

Have you tried a Griff?

I went throught the want a TVR phase two years ago (got over it before I bought one) and preferred the drive of the Griff.

Plus I reckon it is a more cohesive, better proportioned design and has much better residual potential. The griff is a classic, the car that brought TVR back to the mainstream - the Chimaera is just the cheapest TVR you can buy so likely to suffer more depriciation long term.

And FWIW, I'd get an elise. Much more entertaining, less breakage potential, and you'll get a much newer one for equivalent £