Is a Chimera a good idea?
Discussion
OK, so I'm a Trev virgin, and I'm in the lucky position to spend about 6 grand on a car now, AND it doesn't have to be my daily driver.
I've had a 1800 Mk-1 MX-5 before and it was a joy, even if it was a bit slow. I'm tempted to get a mk2 this time and blast around that all summer.
But! I've loved TVRs since I was a kid, just something about them really makes me tick. I'd absolutely love a Chimera, 10 times as more than an mx-5, but if I get one around the 6k mark what are the chances of it turning into a massive money pit? e.g. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2218264.htm
How much would I have to spend to get one that isn't going to need a lot of money spending on it regulary? Does such a TVR even exist below 10 grand? If not, what cars would you recommend I look at?
Cheers!
Jim
I've had a 1800 Mk-1 MX-5 before and it was a joy, even if it was a bit slow. I'm tempted to get a mk2 this time and blast around that all summer.
But! I've loved TVRs since I was a kid, just something about them really makes me tick. I'd absolutely love a Chimera, 10 times as more than an mx-5, but if I get one around the 6k mark what are the chances of it turning into a massive money pit? e.g. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2218264.htm
How much would I have to spend to get one that isn't going to need a lot of money spending on it regulary? Does such a TVR even exist below 10 grand? If not, what cars would you recommend I look at?
Cheers!
Jim
Edited by js281 on Friday 21st January 01:51
Edited by js281 on Friday 21st January 01:52
Cheers for the reply!
I know it's the low end of chims, but I don't really fancy a wedge. To be honest I'd like a Cerbera or a Griffith but they're a bit out of my price range at the moment unless I'm going to use it to commute in.
Are there any "in a nutshell" guides to what I need to look out for on these in particular? I've got a few knowledgeable friends who are good with cars that are a bit special, and they'd help me avoid a total pig.
In general, are they all right to do about 2000 miles a year in? I know it's not going to be as reliable as an MX-5, but in general how much have Chim owners here ended up spending on theirs?
I know it's the low end of chims, but I don't really fancy a wedge. To be honest I'd like a Cerbera or a Griffith but they're a bit out of my price range at the moment unless I'm going to use it to commute in.
Are there any "in a nutshell" guides to what I need to look out for on these in particular? I've got a few knowledgeable friends who are good with cars that are a bit special, and they'd help me avoid a total pig.
In general, are they all right to do about 2000 miles a year in? I know it's not going to be as reliable as an MX-5, but in general how much have Chim owners here ended up spending on theirs?
There are some very good Chims around for 6k, just a case of having a good look around.
Just be prepared to look at quite a few, but for that money there probally be be some niggles to fix so just budget accordingly.
Might also be worth buying the TVR Chim bible, alot can be learnt from this and if you do buy one you will need one anyway.
Good luck with the search
Just be prepared to look at quite a few, but for that money there probally be be some niggles to fix so just budget accordingly.
Might also be worth buying the TVR Chim bible, alot can be learnt from this and if you do buy one you will need one anyway.
Good luck with the search
The chimaera pages is probably a good a start as any ( http://www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php) - but, if your buying right at the bottom end then you'll need more than a basic guide. Take your friends along if they really know their stuff.
It probably is possible to get a Chim at that money but you'll need to be handy with the spanners to maintain it. Even if you are, expect your maintenance costs (service every 6k, MOTs, tyres, oil, petrol, tax, insurance, parts etc etc) to run into the thousands each year (estimate £2k) - be realistic about this part and whether you can afford it.
If you were happy to look at a Cat D car then you could find a nice little car for that money - I would check the one you linked to, it mentions a rear end fix, maybe a Cat D. Also on that one - £2k professional full respray? sounds a little cheap to me, but may be ok.
If you find a good car at that money - you'll have an absolute blast! If you find a dog, well, you'll either hate it and get rid, or spend time and money putting it right - and have a blast!
It probably is possible to get a Chim at that money but you'll need to be handy with the spanners to maintain it. Even if you are, expect your maintenance costs (service every 6k, MOTs, tyres, oil, petrol, tax, insurance, parts etc etc) to run into the thousands each year (estimate £2k) - be realistic about this part and whether you can afford it.
If you were happy to look at a Cat D car then you could find a nice little car for that money - I would check the one you linked to, it mentions a rear end fix, maybe a Cat D. Also on that one - £2k professional full respray? sounds a little cheap to me, but may be ok.
If you find a good car at that money - you'll have an absolute blast! If you find a dog, well, you'll either hate it and get rid, or spend time and money putting it right - and have a blast!
Jim,
Take a look at the buyers guide on Chimaera Pages www.chimaerapages.com for a start.
Re: Annual mileage. I insure mine for 6000 miles a year, distance is not an issue for these cars, they are better driven than being left in the garage.
On the reliability front I can only speak for mine, six years trouble free motoring.
Yes you have the odd glitch but these are old cars now and you have to live with that. Biggest job I have had done is replace the radiator and I suspect the alarm system wil be coming under scrutiny fairly soon.
On the pistonheads forum most postings are asking for advice because they have a problem, not many people post to say they have enjoyed another year of reliable driving. The majority of people I have met on runs have good reports.
Many people recommend keeping a bubble off cash for repairs and unexpected costs, especially after initial purchase, sound advice.
Happy hunting.
Take a look at the buyers guide on Chimaera Pages www.chimaerapages.com for a start.
Re: Annual mileage. I insure mine for 6000 miles a year, distance is not an issue for these cars, they are better driven than being left in the garage.
On the reliability front I can only speak for mine, six years trouble free motoring.
Yes you have the odd glitch but these are old cars now and you have to live with that. Biggest job I have had done is replace the radiator and I suspect the alarm system wil be coming under scrutiny fairly soon.
On the pistonheads forum most postings are asking for advice because they have a problem, not many people post to say they have enjoyed another year of reliable driving. The majority of people I have met on runs have good reports.
Many people recommend keeping a bubble off cash for repairs and unexpected costs, especially after initial purchase, sound advice.
Happy hunting.
js281 said:
...........if I get one around the 6k mark what are the chances of it turning into a massive money pit?
If you are not confident to be able to spot a bad one then take someone with you that is, or get an indy to inspect it. Even then a certain amount of luck is required, more so than buying something like an MX5.Rads tend to leak, diffs can get noisy/leaky, check for damp interiors, badly repaired accident damage, but the biggest problem on earlier cars is becoming chassis rot if it is all original.
I have not regretted once buying mine in the 8 years I have owned it, apart from one minor hickup it has never missed a beat or failed to start once. Disregard a lot of negative stuff you hear about these cars, a lot of which is rubbish or self inflicted.
They are not cheap cars to run though, especially if you need to take it to a garage every time something needs to be done on it. Factor in zero/low depreciation and cheap insurance if you are not a kid and it isn't bad for what you are getting.
Apart from all that - do it
I was going to spend more than your budget but saw mine and bought on instinct for not a lot more than you are looking to spend. I just loved to colour and it looked clean.
In the first 12 months, I put 5000 miles on it. Were they trouble free - not completely. More frustrating than anything. Electrics are next on the list to sort,.. I spent a reasonable sum of money on new rad, up-graded brakes (it was an early 400 with small discs), decat y piece, new tyres, all new shocks/springs and geo set-up and a couple of everything in the book services at Dan Taylors.
Some new carpets ordered this morning from DC trim and after I have cleaned up a couple of earth points, as the sun is slowly breaking through the cloud, I am going to put a good few miles on it out and about in the lanes and A roads of Kent.
There will be lots of advice on condition which is 100% true but also think about the engine size. I dont regret buying the 400 but I do sometimes wish it was a 450 or 500.
In the first 12 months, I put 5000 miles on it. Were they trouble free - not completely. More frustrating than anything. Electrics are next on the list to sort,.. I spent a reasonable sum of money on new rad, up-graded brakes (it was an early 400 with small discs), decat y piece, new tyres, all new shocks/springs and geo set-up and a couple of everything in the book services at Dan Taylors.
Some new carpets ordered this morning from DC trim and after I have cleaned up a couple of earth points, as the sun is slowly breaking through the cloud, I am going to put a good few miles on it out and about in the lanes and A roads of Kent.
There will be lots of advice on condition which is 100% true but also think about the engine size. I dont regret buying the 400 but I do sometimes wish it was a 450 or 500.
A Chimaera is a good idea, but perhaps not for £6k. Not unless you have a substanital contingency fund and you're handy with the spanners.
Have you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
Have you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
Chris71 said:
A Chimaera is a good idea, but perhaps not for £6k. Not unless you have a substanital contingency fund and you're handy with the spanners.
Have you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
Totally agree owned an S2 and its such a great TVRHave you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
Chris71 said:
A Chimaera is a good idea, but perhaps not for £6k. Not unless you have a substanital contingency fund and you're handy with the spanners.
Have you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
+1 (I bought my Chim 430 for £6k and it needs a new Cam & rad, and I don't want to look at the Outriggers, lalala not listening lalala)Have you thought about an S? You would get a show condition S3 for that or a nice usable one for significantly less. At roads speeds the 2.9 V6's performance really isn't that far off a Chimaera 400 and it's arguably a better handling car in standard trim. Personally I even think the V6 sounds nicer too (it's more akin to small block Chevy than the usual 'half a V12' V6 noise!)
I've owned both and I had a 1.8 Eunos Roadster (similar to the OP's!) before that. Given £6,000 to play with I'd spend £5,000 on a nice S3C and keep the rest back for track days and road trips.
Don't get me wrong, the Chimaera is a better car overall - it's more refined, more practical, quicker in a straight line and signiicantly stiffer structurally - but I wouldn't say the gap is big enough to justify buying what will probably be quite a rough (and potentially problematic) one on a limited budget.
In short, S3 for the win.
Is a Chim a good idea - absolutely!!
I picked up Marjory ('95 4.0 HC) last Sept for a shade over £8k (private sale) and she has not put a foot wrong once. I got lucky; Marj was the 3rd Chim I viewed and the guy I bought if off of was honest to a fault and clearly looked after her. Each Chim has it own little idiocyncrasy, but that is half the 'fun' so be prepared to shower the old girl with love and attention from time to time. I've also been down the MX5 and Audi TT route - and they are great cars, but there is nothing like the V8 burble and 'the feel' of a Chim.
Take heed of the buyers guides - especially chasis condition. Buy with your head.....and a little bit of heart. Look at as many as you can but snap up the good one that comes along.
I picked up Marjory ('95 4.0 HC) last Sept for a shade over £8k (private sale) and she has not put a foot wrong once. I got lucky; Marj was the 3rd Chim I viewed and the guy I bought if off of was honest to a fault and clearly looked after her. Each Chim has it own little idiocyncrasy, but that is half the 'fun' so be prepared to shower the old girl with love and attention from time to time. I've also been down the MX5 and Audi TT route - and they are great cars, but there is nothing like the V8 burble and 'the feel' of a Chim.
Take heed of the buyers guides - especially chasis condition. Buy with your head.....and a little bit of heart. Look at as many as you can but snap up the good one that comes along.
I completely agree with the idea of an S for your £6k - or better yet £5k and a grand in the bank for running it.
I'm a Griffith owner, have nice hairy chest bit no face fuzz and I only occasionally get the sicky feeling when following Chims with their big saggy backsides.
But enough of that gentle banter and on with the advice.
AMSquared on here is a mate of mine and last year he went on the hunt for a Chim (god knows I tried to disuade.... oh sorry, I can't help it)
We looked at one which was OK for £6k but probably needed £2k spending on it, and one which wasnt even running on all cylinders and looked average underneath. They were worlds apart TBH
He ended up spending around £8k and had a good year last year with it in terms of running costs but is now doing the usual review of sensible upgrades and running repairs.
His fuel tank repair is going to be an expense he hadn't budgeted for - and that is the issue really, you absolutely do need a repair fund for those odd things which crop up and cost anything up to £500 if you don't want the car to spend all summer in the garage
Whatever you do, take someone who knows TVRs with you who will give you HONEST advice. Its no good having a mate grinning from ear to ear like you just when you fire up the engine. You want someone who is going to tell you to walk away when its blindingly obvious to anyone else except those with V8 induced rose tinted glasses.
Best of luck, enjoy the hunt, don't be afraid to walk away and I look forward to hearing of your new TVR in the near future.
I'm a Griffith owner, have nice hairy chest bit no face fuzz and I only occasionally get the sicky feeling when following Chims with their big saggy backsides.
But enough of that gentle banter and on with the advice.
AMSquared on here is a mate of mine and last year he went on the hunt for a Chim (god knows I tried to disuade.... oh sorry, I can't help it)
We looked at one which was OK for £6k but probably needed £2k spending on it, and one which wasnt even running on all cylinders and looked average underneath. They were worlds apart TBH
He ended up spending around £8k and had a good year last year with it in terms of running costs but is now doing the usual review of sensible upgrades and running repairs.
His fuel tank repair is going to be an expense he hadn't budgeted for - and that is the issue really, you absolutely do need a repair fund for those odd things which crop up and cost anything up to £500 if you don't want the car to spend all summer in the garage
Whatever you do, take someone who knows TVRs with you who will give you HONEST advice. Its no good having a mate grinning from ear to ear like you just when you fire up the engine. You want someone who is going to tell you to walk away when its blindingly obvious to anyone else except those with V8 induced rose tinted glasses.
Best of luck, enjoy the hunt, don't be afraid to walk away and I look forward to hearing of your new TVR in the near future.
Edited by Barreti on Friday 21st January 22:36
Well I probably broke every rule in the book when I bought my Chimaera last year. I started out looking for a suitable one with a budget of 11/12k, & then something happened which cut that budget to £5,500. Thing is i was so into them by this stage I couldn't back off & go for another car, I HAD to have a Chim. I eventually found a car that the previous owner had spent a lot of money getting up to scratch, only to fall in love witha Tuscan before he had finished the project, So I ended up with a car that mechanically was spot on, totally refurbed chassis, new 4.6 V8 Developments engine with stage three heads, all new ancillories, clutch, rad & fans, alternator, starter etc, AP 4 pot front brakes, new alloys & tyres, pretty much a nut & bolt resto, with the added benefit of all the work being done by a trusted TVR specialist, namely Richard at Dulford. Now admittedly the interior is tired, & she needs a respray, but I can easily sort those things out while I enjoy driving her. Doing the sums the previous owner spent more than double what I paid in the previous year, so I ended up with a car that was worth more than I paid for it, in my opinion. I will be fitting new seats & carpets & dashboard this year, & getting her resprayed next, & she will be good as new again.
So in summary, go into it with your eyes open, keep looking, & I am sure you will manage to pick up a decent car for your budget, & you will be so pleased you did.
Good luck.
So in summary, go into it with your eyes open, keep looking, & I am sure you will manage to pick up a decent car for your budget, & you will be so pleased you did.
Good luck.
There was a guy in Sprint a few years back who'd spent significantly less than that on his Chimaera (plus a lot of skinned knuckles and a certain amount of home welding...) and ended up with a very nice example, so it can be done very effectively. But don't underestimate what's involved in terms of both money and commitment - unless you're very 'hands on' it can backfire badly.
For my first TVR I narrowed it down - largely on the grounds of budget which was about £5,000 - to a relatively basic V8 Wedge or a V6 S. I expected the Wedge to be all blood and thunder and the S to be a bit limp in comparison. In fact it was almost the opposite; the S was every bit as much of an event - particularly hearing a non-cat example start up in a small echoey garage for the first time - as well as prettier and cheaper to run. All in my own opinion of course - the Wedges are a marmite thing and I'm sure many people would argue every bit as pasionately for a 350i.
Either way it's a fun choice to have. Enjoy!
For my first TVR I narrowed it down - largely on the grounds of budget which was about £5,000 - to a relatively basic V8 Wedge or a V6 S. I expected the Wedge to be all blood and thunder and the S to be a bit limp in comparison. In fact it was almost the opposite; the S was every bit as much of an event - particularly hearing a non-cat example start up in a small echoey garage for the first time - as well as prettier and cheaper to run. All in my own opinion of course - the Wedges are a marmite thing and I'm sure many people would argue every bit as pasionately for a 350i.
Either way it's a fun choice to have. Enjoy!
Edited by Chris71 on Friday 21st January 14:44
I don't know how many Wedges the above poster has driven or what condition they were in (they are so variable), but I'll in my unbiased way suggest that you may get a half-decent V8 S-series at the moment with your budget, if you prefer the more rounded shapes.
Chassis check should be your priority, including the trailing arms.
If you buy a car from a PHer there's a good chance that you'll be able to research some of its history on here through the owner's posts...always very revealing, and could be reassuring too.
Chassis check should be your priority, including the trailing arms.
If you buy a car from a PHer there's a good chance that you'll be able to research some of its history on here through the owner's posts...always very revealing, and could be reassuring too.
I think a Chim is a good choice as an entry level TVR. But to be honest £6k is not enough...if you buy a bad one you will need to spend more money on it. Save up a bit more, take your time and may buy one next winter, when prices fall again. Make sure you get underneath and check the chassis, at that price most out-riggers will need replacing at least. You need to keep some cash for maintenance/repairs, don't spend all your money on the car, or you will regret it. But once you have one you'll never loose the grin .
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