Help needed please

[neo 1]

Ok here goes im looking into getting a chimera and using it for a weekend toy,my dilemma is i want to get a cheap early car as it only going to get used occasionally,and i don't have a great deal of info on what to look for and what spec to get (or should i say which is the better to go for)any models not to get etc,are they reliable please don't flame me i am a novice,do TVR's suffer from electrical problems still or is that i thing of the past these days,i relise that you probably get a lot of this type of question but any advice would be very much apprieated.

[Jezer]

It sounds as though you are new to TVR -be warned, if you buy one you are going to get hooked. I suggest going for a 4ltr at first. In my experience (having owned a Griffith 500 and now a chim), they are far more complient and easier to live with. Make sure you have full TVRSH, but don't be scared by having a few miles on the clock, they are often more reliable after being used rather than being left in the garage. I have not experienced any electrical problems, and the Rover engines are bullet proof. Go for it - you know it makes sense.

[pupp]

Well, I'm going to be controversial and say that although a FTVRSH does add to value, they are pretty simple (even crude) beasts really and there's absolutely no reason why a careful, informed owner can't do most (if not all) of the maintenance perfectly adequately, and often better than an agent. There seems (to me) to be a wealth of mythology surrounding these motors (much of it propogated by owners/dealers to retain that air of "exclusivity"?). Much of it is just that, myth. If you can find a home maintained car that has been well looked after, you will likely save money over one with a dealer history and be no worse off in terms of the quality of the vehicle. Look out for corrosion around the chassis/suspension members (esp front wishbones)...if someone's kept on top of that, there's a fair chance they've not been shy of doing the other stuff. Don't be in a rush...try as many as you can and get used to looking round them. Faults soon become obvious really, but are often easily sorted. Well worth the leap and I've certainly not regretted buying my own 4.0 Chim for one moment. Good luck and enjoy! V8??...just four TL1000s zip-tied together, innit!?

[atg]

I'd say Steve Heaths book on the Griff and Chim is invaluable reading before you buy. It'll give you an insight into what its like to own and maintain one of these cars, and what to look for when buying.

[tractorboy]

..or check out where your local TVR club meet ,im sure someone would take a look at the car with you for a few lagers!....

[Foss]

I agree with atg, the Steve Heath book is invaluable. The oldest chimps are around 8 years old now and, if not maintained properly, will definately be showing signs of old age! Look for chassis corrosion (its a good sign if chassis is treated and wax-oyled) Wishbones get easily damaged/bent Drivetrain may be worn (propshaft/halfshafts) Suspension bushes may be damaged (resulting in clonking over bumps- but easy to fix) Floor, where seat mounts may be weak- but you can get reinforcing kits. Stone chips on nose are a pain Ill fitting roofs are also a pain Engines tend to be ok, but need exhaust manifold gaskets changing often Clutch master cylinder tends to leak onto your feet due to poor alignment of push-rod Ill fitting doors look crap and cause wind noise/water leaks Engine can over heat if not properly checked and serviced- take for a test drive in city/heavy traffic- should not exceed about 95 degC There are so many cars around, I would suggest looking at at least 5 before you buy, this will give you a subjective outlook. It is very easy to fall in love with the first car you see, even if it is not a goodun!! Luckily, the car I first looked at developed a major engine fault just before I bought it, so I spent a fair bit of time after this ensuring the one I eventually bought was good. I have owned a 4.0HC for around 16k miles now without any real problems, but these cars do require weekend maintenance. Wouldn't be without one!!

[caro]

I don't know whether this is typical, but my sister's first Chimaera was L reg and had no end of electrical problems - draining battery, periodic lockouts by the central locking etc. Her second, a P reg (swift prayer to the god of starter motors) has so far been rock solid electrically. Definitely try several and get the one you like best given a check over by someone who knows. And don't be put off - they are fantastic.

[trefor]

The earlier models with the keyhole in the door button definitely had a more tempremental central locking system. From '95 onwards I guess the newer the car, the better the build quality.

[neo 1]

thanks for the kind advice guys,i will spend a while looking at a few before i buy as for working on a weekend to keep it tip top no problems i'm a ex mechanic and need a excuse to get away from her indoors once in a while,i noticed early cars for circular of 11k is this too cheap do you think.