... (TVR owners know a secret way in)
4. The doors can fall off ( because the one bolt that holds them on can unscrew by itself)
Having said that, if you want the drive of your life these are the cars to go for. But remember it's handmade and not a German factory car made to machine tolerances.
Ed
Advantages: Blistering Drive Disadvantages: wet and unreliable
I have a 97 Chimaera 4.0 in Venetian Blue (grey) which is a fantastic car to drive. However, there are problems with them which anyone thinking of buying one should know.
1. They leak. A lot. If mine sits in the rain then the carpets get totally soaked. You have to take the roof off to dry it out! Not a good car if you don't have a garage (which I don't)
2. This is not a wet weather car. You may be the fastest car on dry roads, ... ...dead).
3. The electrics are unpredictable and odd. The brake lights often stop working because the button under the brake pedal gets stuck. The alarm will go off for no logical reason. The car will get the alarm and immobiliser out of sync and refuse to start. The locks won't work and the car will lock you out. (TVR owners know a secret way in)
4. The doors can fall off ( because the one bolt that holds them on can unscrew by itself) more
I have a 97 Chimaera 4.0 in Venetian Blue (grey) which is a fantastic car to drive. However, there are problems with them which anyone thinking of buying one should know.
1. They leak. A lot. If mine sits in the rain then the carpets get totally soaked. You have to take the roof off to dry it out! Not a good car if you don't have a garage (which I don't) 2. This is not a wet weather car. You may be the fastest car on dry roads, on wet roads or ice you are the slowest (or dead). 3. The electrics are unpredictable and odd. The brake lights often stop working because the button under the brake pedal gets stuck. The alarm will go off for no logical reason. The car will get the alarm and immobiliser out of sync and refuse to start. The locks won't work and the car will lock you out. (TVR owners know a secret way in) 4. The doors can fall off ( because the one bolt that holds them on can unscrew by itself)
Having said that, if you want the drive of your life these are the cars to go for. But remember it's handmade and not a German factory car made to machine tolerances.
Advantages: The name Disadvantages: Expensive for what you actually get!
Having overcome a huge reliability problem over the last decade or so, it seems that the little car plant in Blackpool is turning out some little jems. Having driven in a friends car only once, I was questioning how I could remorgage my house to raise the cash to buy one for myself. The 4.5litre model is just about the best compromise, as the 5l is rather twitchy and over powered, but could 4l ever be described as under powered? The answer is clearly ... ...Inside the car is plush, but not overt, dont expect air-con or navigation computers. The leather seats are cofortably close, and the pile of the carpets are suitably deep. The best aspect of this car is the sheer acelleration, it rocks! You dont have to even go over the ton to fully appreciate this car. The rear end isn't half as twitchy as some may suggest. Practically, the boot is spacious, designed around 2 sets of golf clubs. Security is good ...
shak_y2k 31.12.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of TVR Chimaera 450
Advantages: Fast, noisy, and exclusive. Disadvantages: Drinks fuel faster than William Hague drinks Beer.
The best thing about the TVR is that not only do people know when your about by the sight of the car, they also know your about by the noise of the car. Forget the politically correct quiet fuel economic cars of the new millenium, this is the beast of Blackpool that roars like a wild beast that is chasing down its prey. When I say chasing, what I really mean is that it has chased, caught and left its competitors for dead, 0-60 in a little over four ... ...nice little touch on the doors, there is no door handle, instead there is a button under the wing mirror. The finnish is not as high class as other leading sports cars, but then what do you expect for under £40,000 with a performance that most formula 1 drivers would be envious of. If you can afford to buy one, and can afford the high insurance, your own petrol station then I would suggest that you race down to your local dealer now. Hexham's Horseless ...
Malmsteen 09.08.2000
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of TVR Chimaera 450
