1995 TVR CHIMAERA5.0L PETROL

The 1995 TVR Chimaera presents a stable and recently improving maintenance trend. The most recent test on 1 May 2026 at 47,438 miles passed with zero defects recorded, a clean sweep that contrasts sharply with the advisory-laden entries of previous years. This suggests the last owner addressed the long-standing mechanical niggles that had persisted through 2023 and 2024. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 31-year-old vehicle. At roughly 1,530 miles per annum, the Chimaera has seen minimal use. The record shows a gap of nearly thirteen months between the February 2025 test at 46,774 miles and the May 2026 test at 47,438 miles, during which only 664 miles were covered. This points to very light, intermittent use rather than regular daily driving. Such low annual mileage can preserve mechanical components but raises its own concerns around stale fuel, deteriorated rubber hoses, and brake seizure from prolonged standing. The recurring fault across multiple tests is play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint. It appeared as an advisory in April 2023, again in March 2024, and was noted on the failed test of April 2023 before being rectified for the retest on the same day. The fact that it has not reappeared in the 2025 or 2026 records indicates the repair has held, but a buyer should still check for any uneven tyre wear on the nearside front and have the steering rack inspected on a lift for any fresh movement or deterioration. Oil leaks have been a persistent minor theme. The 2024 test flagged both an oil leak and a minor exhaust gas leak, while the 2025 test noted an oil leak again, though not excessive. The clean 2026 result suggests these were resolved, but given the age of the engine and its gaskets, a thorough inspection of the engine underside, bell housing area, and exhaust manifold joints is advisable. With a car that covers so little mileage, rubber components such as suspension bushes, brake hoses, and tyre sidewalls deserve close scrutiny for age-related perishing rather than wear.