... The myth of TVR unreliability is, in my experience, just that - a myth. Second, the fit and finish were superb. Third, the only problem my 5'2" girlfriend had driving them on a daily basis was seeing out. We added a height adjuster to the driver's seat and bingo. If anything, because of the ... Read review
Advantages: Shattering performance, classic style, one of the world's best interiors Disadvantages: Persistent leaks, traction in the wet
...I've owned. The myth of TVR unreliability is, in my experience, just that - a myth. Second, the fit and finish were superb. Third, the only problem my 5'2" girlfriend had driving them on a daily basis was seeing out. We added a height adjuster to the driver's seat and bingo. If anything, because of the torque and the power steering on the second car, a Chimaera is easier to drive then many small cars.
The downside of a 5 litre ... ...use all the power as TVR intended.
If you're going to buy one of these, try to find one with full leather. It's worth it for the ambience.
Avoid the sports suspension, unless you want to part company with your fillings. My girlfriend reckoned it "hurt her insides" going over bumps.
Finally, if you're going to buy one of these, have a think about the Tamora instead. Yes, I know it's been beaten ... more
Hi, my name is Steve and I'm an addict. I've had two of these - one au naturale and one with power steering. Both were wonderful.
First, let's deal with some common misconceptions. Neither car ever broke down in a substantial way. Sure there were niggles, but no more than in any mainstream car I've owned. The myth of TVR unreliability is, in my experience, just that - a myth. Second, the fit and finish were superb. Third, the only problem my 5'2" girlfriend had driving them on a daily basis was seeing out. We added a height adjuster to the driver's seat and bingo. If anything, because of the torque and the power steering on the second car, a Chimaera is easier to drive then many small cars.
The downside of a 5 litre car weighing 1000kg is traction - not just in the wet but all the time. Wheel spin is an issue. I don't feel I was ever able to use all the power as TVR intended.
If you're going to buy one of these, try to find one with full leather. It's worth it for the ambience.
Avoid the sports suspension, unless you want to part company with your fillings. My girlfriend reckoned it "hurt her insides" going over bumps.
Finally, if you're going to buy one of these, have a think about the Tamora instead. Yes, I know it's been beaten with the ugly stick by comparison, but that Speed 6 motor is a cracker. I'm saving up now.
oz_steve 19.03.2004 (19.03.2004)
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I have been a very proud and happy owner of a TVR Chimaera 500 for six years . It is a 1998 model with PAS and in stunning Blue Magnetique exterior and Paris Blue/ Prussian Grey Full Hide interior. It has been a joy to own and has never let me down. Fuel Consumption has been a reasonable 23mpg at brisk touring speeds. I have used the car on long journeys on long trips to Le Mans and owners of so called supercars have been embarassed when they cannot keep pace with me ( i,e. Porsches,Astons and Ferraris to name a few). the acceleration from 0-100mph is truly astonishing. I will be very sad to see this car go but as a victim of the credit crunch needs must !! ...
PCallwood 21.11.2008
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...however adds to practicality. The TVR Chimaera has a really nice spec too, with leather and walnut cockpit rendered in a refreshingly modern manner. The 4.0 and the 4.5-litre models are manageable, but the 5.0 litre might be a little too much for the inexperienced driver. At a similar price too the Griffith, it is up to personal preference to decide on which is best, personally I would take the Griffith any day. ...
Antkeay 15.08.2000
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Advantages: Very quick, fun to drive, look and sound great Disadvantages: reliabilty an issue on some models
The car I'm writing about belongs to a friend of mine. It is a 1992 TVRChimaera 430 which he bought in July 2002 for approximately £13000. It was bought through an expert advisor who for about £500 sources and inspects the car prior to purchase. It has been very reliable so money well spent I feel.
The 430 refers to the engine which is the very popular Rover V8 of 4.3 litres capacity and producing 280 bhp which in a light glassfibre 2 seater is plenty !
A small bit of triva, the name TVR comes from the guy who started the company, whose name was, wiat for it.... Trevor ! Definitely the best Blackpool based sportscar company in the world.
Just by looking at the car you know it is going to be fast, it is smooth and sleek and even with the hood up still looks like it means business. The engine starts with a roar, and settles into ...
gshughes 28.03.2003
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of TVR Chimaera 4.3
