TVR Chimaera 4.0 2d (1996/N) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Performance per pound is unbeatable.
Costs
Can be expensive to fix, although lots of parts are much cheaper if you can find the original vehicle they were taken off. Recommned Fernhurst TVR in Midhurst, as they make you feel part of a club everytime I go there. Ten times better than VW dealers.
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On the road
Driving
A surprisingly easy car to drive in most conditions apart from stop-start, due to huge torque. Always feed the power in gently off roundabouts.
Performance
I've got to leave a rating of 5 for the 5 litre.
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Living with it
Reliability
Only had a couple of small faults - lost 5th gear while away for a weekend (circlip in gearbox) and oil pressure gauge sender unit failed. Both fixed under used car warranty. Drinks oil and coolant, so need to keep checking these.
Image
Good image due to fantastic noise and an almost timeless shape. Other owners wave. People let you out of junctions, unlike Porsche drivers!
Comfort
Have driven for 4 hours, with no complaints. A bit deafening on the motorway, but I love the noise so I'm not really complaining.
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Security and Service
Security
If you wanted to get in you could easily. Never leave it anywhere risky!
Service
Fernhurst TVR very knowledgeable and friendly. Can be pricey, but it's a performance car not a Toyota Corolla.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
History of engine makes it reliable. Oil pressure sender unit failed, so gauge was reading zero for a while!
Other
Huge oversteer scaring mother-in-law.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes