1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0

Summary:

Fast, but rubbish

Faults:

Roof leaked whenever it rained.

Plastic rear window cracked.

Radiator leaked and had to be replaced.

Petrol gauge stopped working.

Window fuses kept blowing.

Problems winding windows up and down.

Alarm kept going off and had to be disconnected.

Broke down three times!

General Comments:

I was warned to avoid, but was taken in by the great looks and V8 sound!

Would never buy a TVR again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th July, 2011

17th Jan 2012, 12:09

Sounds like you had a bad car. Some break due to neglect by the previous owners. What I will say is that they are completely waterproof, but like most convertibles, you must waterproof the whole roof twice a year minimum. Without this, it will leak, yes. My Chimaera 400HC is the best car I have ever owned, and I'll be sad to see it go.

9th Feb 2013, 09:28

Clearly a car in need of some TLC -- new roof seals, window slide lubricant etc. Nothing difficult or expensive -- a shame the owner wasn't prepared to invest the time and/or money needed to turn a frustrating car into the smile machine that a properly cared form Chim can be.

29th Jan 2016, 11:49

Buy a well sorted one from a specialist like James Agger and you won't get any problems. Remember these cars must have full specialist history.

1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0

Summary:

Elegant dynamite

Faults:

The paint is very easily damaged.

The radiator got hit by a stone.

The alarm sensitivity is difficult to adjust.

General Comments:

Before I got a TVR I never drove just to drive. Now I have, on occasion, driven over 400 miles just for the joy of being in the car. Women flush, just to sit in the passenger seat, and whole playgrounds of children will drop everything to watch it go by.

I've driven around Europe in my TVR, and use it to commute to work every day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2000

27th Jan 2001, 23:30

How about your clutch foot? Was there room enough? I'm size 9 and it felt quite horrible. I drove with my left shoe off!

19th Apr 2001, 09:53

Women flush eh!

I'll have to get one!

16th Aug 2001, 06:51

Not what I've heard!!

In reply to 27th Jan 2001, 23:30

6th Sep 2015, 22:29

I'm a size ten Chimaera owner. I think there's problems with your feet. I've genuinely owned 70 odd vehicles, and by far they're a great car. They need looking after; they're a working man's car; it means getting your hands dirty to enjoy it. Go buy a Merc or BMW instead.

1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0

Summary:

All you could want and then some!

Faults:

Small hole in petrol tank after 500 miles - possibly made by the stereo installer. Replaced without question under warranty, and all the items in the boot which were ruined by petrol were replaced or refunded - that's dealer service - well done Harrogate Horseless Carriages!

Exhaust manifold gasket leaked - replaced under warranty but the other side recently failed also!

Some minor trim bits came adrift - rubber door seals for example - easily replaced.

Heater light cuts out intermittently - a minor problem.

General Comments:

Wonderful car to have. Causes people to smile and admire, yoofs stare, small children shout and wave, and passers-by nod - "nice car mate" is the usual comment. NEVER had any jealous/nasty comments, but many conversations in car parks with other people. Lots of respect from bikers (and a few races!). All in all a delight to own despite niggly faults.

Remains a crude car, and new Tuscan is MUCH more sophisticated and there's a new roadster due soon - but you can't beat the shape, noise and style of the Chimaera!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th September, 2000

1999 TVR Chimaera V8 4.0

Summary:

Fantastic car - a 4 wheeled wet dream

Faults:

Drivers door sometimes doesn't lock. Dealer took three attempts to solve the problem. Condensation on the inside of the clock, oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge. Dealer replaced all three immediately and without question. Passenger door dropped slightly and scuffed inside of door and door frame. Dealer re-hung door and resprayed damaged areas.

General Comments:

Not only does this car have jaw dropping styling but it has the performance to match. I get a buzz every time I take the car out of the garage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2000

1999 TVR Chimaera 4.0 4.0 petrol

Summary:

Maximum bangs for your bucks

Faults:

Solenoid on passenger door failed leaving that door only openable from the outside. Occasional trouble with latch on driver's door. Both easily repaired by dealer. Minor trim shortfalls, easily repaired by driver.

General Comments:

Wonderful. Sell your Grandmother to get one. The only cars on the road that look or sound more beautiful are TVRs. Performance only outstripped by other TVRs and the occasional exotics. Not a car for introverts though!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2000