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Buying checklist While no substitute for the depth of information in the bibles, this is a simple checklist of the major items that should be inspected when looking at a potential purchase. I would strongly advise getting an independent inspection as it is easy to get into the Rose coloured glass syndrome where the dream makes you blind the reality of the car's condition. For a Chimaera specific guide with model information (PDF) click here. Generally, TVRs are excellent cars provided they have been looked after i.e. regularly serviced and cared for. Whether a single point is enough to put you off buying the car depends on other factors: how much will it cost to repair? Can you repair it yourself? However, many of these more logical approaches can go out the window when it is exactly the colour that you were looking for! Chassis The chassis can rot on outriggers, behind the front wheels and in the bracing tubes in the rear suspension arms on older cars despite the plastic coating. Surface rust where the coating has been chipped or removed is common and not necessarily an issue. Be carefull of structural rust on wishbones. These can be replaced so this is not necessarily a show stopper. If you find a car where the chassis has been painted, it can be a good omen. However, do not rely on this — still carry out the checks. Check the chassis’ straightness at the front as it is easy to fit a new bonnet and hide impact damage. Click here for more detail.
The outrigger on a Wedge
Rear wishbones on an S series Temperature The temperature should stay rock steady at 80- 90ūC. If not, you could spend a lot of time and money getting this sorted out. If you cannot take the car for a run, start it and leave it idling until the electric fan cuts in. Check the radiator and water pump for leaks Oil pressure This should be 50-70 lb/sq. in for the V6 2.8/2.9 litre cars at a steady idle of 1,000 rpm after it has had a few minutes to warm up. A V8 typically has a pressure of around 30 lb/sq. in when warm and running normally and is fairly consistent. Start to worry if it drops below 20!. Oil pressure below 10 at idle are very worrying indeed. Bodywork Stone chips on the bonnet are quite common and should be viewed as a normal consequence of driving. Look for crazing at door hinges and around the bonnet scoop and air intakes. Severe crazing may indicate some chassis damage. Again, use some common sense when judging whether the damage is cosmetic and liveable with — or a symptom of something more sinister. Engine This should start and rev freely when warm. The exhaust should be smoke free, with no sign of burning oil. It should idle smoothly and not hunt. Suspension This can take a hammering. Check the steering rack, wheel bearings, and so on. (The car will need to be jacked up to do this.) Upper ball joint wear can be best detected by rocking the wheel with the car’s weight on it. Windscreen There should be no milkiness around the edges — this is a sign of water ingress and de-lamination. It can be hidden by black plastic or paint on the surface of the screen. Not necessarily a major problem as the screen can be replaced. It is also cosmetic and it is surprising the number of owners that don't notice it until it is pointed out. Exhaust
These can get knocked around a lot and older ones may need replacing. Check for holes. Small holes and leaks at joints can be repaired. The photo shows the down tubes from an S series car. The dents were caused by hitting objects and the pipes had broken away from the main exhaust box. Sometimes these exhausts are passed off as sports versions. Interior Check for water and rust marks on the upholstery and interior. Check the drain holes. Check that the carpets are dry underneath as well as on top. Seized or rusty seat belts can be a sign of a leaking roof. Exterior The car should be level. The shock absorbers should be functional and not leaking. The springs should not be compacted. Electrics Do they all work? In particular, the instrumentation, electric windows and mirrors and small accessories like the cigarette lighter. The wipers are another item to chcek but wet the windscreen first. For more information on the battery click here. Alarm system Check that it works and has a certificate. If not, you could face a hefty bill for a new one before the insurance company will insure you. Panel fit After looking at a lot of cars, you can tell whether the panel fit is right. Inspection Think about getting a car inspected. Many of the specialists will do this for you. It also gives peace of mind as you will get an impartial view of the car. It is very easy to get carried away.
I would also strongly recommend that an HPI check is carried out to make sure that the car is what it says it is. HPI 01722 422 422 TVR Car Club 01952 822126 | ||||||||||||||
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