Really can't decide what to do - please help!

Really can't decide what to do - please help!

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PuffsBack

2,430 posts

226 months

Friday 8th August 2014
quotequote all
BMW Z4 more sensible my arse!

My 2 year old 320 Convertible spent more time having warranty repairs done than on the road. Cue a very funny conversation a few wmonths back when the dealer phoned me up to say it was a due a service etc. I told him I had to sold it to buy something more reliable (and it has been far more reliable) He asks what, I reply "TVR Cerbera", probably he did the best thing he could at the time and hung up the phone.


QBee

20,995 posts

145 months

Friday 8th August 2014
quotequote all
FlipFlopGriff said:
QBee said:
Apologies OP if you have already said, but location "UK" on your profile is naff all use to anyone thinking of inviting you to something local. biggrin
Clue above.
FFG
Yup - found it. As a Chim owner I am always out in the car, so no time for checking back for locations. Offer still stands if the OP fancies it.

ChilliWhizz

11,992 posts

162 months

Friday 8th August 2014
quotequote all
m4tti said:
QBee said:
That way you get to try a Chimaera (that you have already dismissed) and see what a joy it is as a tourer.
No dont.. chimaera look like giant MG roadsters laugh



I happen to own a Chimaera AND an MGB roadster, and they look nothing like each other..




alex_gray255

6,313 posts

206 months

Friday 8th August 2014
quotequote all
I also assume you are near Herts somewhere as you were thinking about popping along to the Knebworth show.

Try popping into Bespoke performance in Ware as they have quite a large selection of different TVRs currently for sale and
they can talk you through the pros/cons of each model.

Last time I was there - they had a Tuscan/Cerb/Chim/Griff and Sag for viewing. There are always usually a good selection
of different TVRs as customer cars as well to have a look at and talk about.

Might help in your decision making process.

http://www.bespokeperformance.co.uk

leerdam23

606 posts

262 months

mk1fan

10,523 posts

226 months

Friday 8th August 2014
quotequote all
Now that's a nice Griff. Looks a good price too - imho.

shep1001

4,600 posts

190 months

Saturday 9th August 2014
quotequote all
TVRHunter said:
Thanks for all the replies - I'm based in Milton Keynes btw.

Erm, I totally get why it seems odd that I can't even narrow it down from 5 models. The thing is I really like them all in their own way and yet none are sufficiently brilliant enough to outshine the others. Without wanting to offend anyone i would say what makes me hesitant about each model is the following:
Chim - too common
Griff - a but middle aged man (but with a lovely bottom)
Tuscan - a bit too ott with styling (am I the only person who doesn't like the Sagaris?)
T350 - not a convertible
Tamora - the girly car of the range?

Naturally not everything is equal but I do find prices tend to rank them in a fair order for me (although Tuscan prices do confuse me as they seem the most variable). I suppose that if they were all the same price and all good condition I would have a T350T first then, Tuscan S, Tamora, Griff, Chim. Does that help at all?

Right, given that I have to keep an eye on budget i'm toying between these options (all around 40,000 miles or under):

Chimaera 4.3 or 4.5 in bright colour for around £13k
Griff 500 in blue or yellow for mid teens
Tuscan S in low £20k
Tamora in bright colour around £20k
T350T in bright colour(s) for low £20k

I am im discussion with a dealer about this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

But I think too steep given the miles. Would you disagree?

Oh yeah, whilst I am at it, what is so special about 4.3 v8 aside rarity?

Thanks!
Not for sale but if you want to look at a nice Tam I am local to you, about 15 miles away

TVRHunter

Original Poster:

123 posts

190 months

Saturday 9th August 2014
quotequote all
Hi everyone,
Sorry haven't replied in a while - have been travelling back from the Dordogne (lovely burgundy 04 Tuscan at the Shuttle entertaining the queues with its exhaust). Looking forward to reading through the responses tomorrow on my way to Wembley!
Stu

Byker28i

60,142 posts

218 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
SteveSPG said:
TVRHunter said:
. I'm used to power (my VXR8 had 530bhp)
just noticed this.

the characteristics of the speed 6 will be very different to drive than a LSv8. suggest you get a good demonstration drive somewhere to assure yourself that the car suits your driving style
Exactly this, plus cerberas beat them at fighting torque on acceleration. Big heavy cars. Power with little weight is a whole new consideration.

Byker28i

60,142 posts

218 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
I like the way the op said Chim's were common, yet was considering a z4 biggrin

My take on it, Cerberas are the quickest, have 4 seats (ish), solid roof but the chims and griffs aren't slower in real terms on the road, are two seater sports cars and open top if that's your thing. They'll embarrass everything on the road (even you at times), bar big bikes and true expensive exotica. The rover v8 cars are relatively cheap to run, the cerbera is slightly more, but nothing near what some people will say. These have the more classic british lines and appearance.

The later cars, tamora, tuscan, t350, sag etc all have the speed 6 engine, which if sorted is a very good unit indeed. Add to that the more modern look and they don't look out of date against todays cars.

All TVR's turn heads. I was at Caan crossing back as the cars arrived for Le Mans Classic. The Porsche owners came off, some nice old classics, but when one gave it beans, everyone within earshot just said disparaging comments. Three TVR's came off, nothing but positive comments and you could hear them for the next 5 mins.

The parts and servicing availably is second to none and reasonable (generally) and the owners are the best car enthusiast I've ever had the fortune to meet. Just look at how many offers you've had.


EGB

1,774 posts

158 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
[redacted]

Billiam

135 posts

123 months

Sunday 10th August 2014
quotequote all
PuffsBack said:
BMW Z4 more sensible my arse!

I told him I had to sold it to buy something more reliable (and it has been far more reliable) He asks what, I reply "TVR Cerbera", probably he did the best thing he could at the time and hung up the phone.
Hahaha loved this, couldnt help but comment.. but then i keep telling people TVR is not based on Trevor Wilkinsons name, its an acronym for Total Vehicle Reliability biggrin

Rib

2,548 posts

190 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
If you want to experience them properly come up to Curborough on the 22nd of August, there's a couple of chims, tam etc amongst other things, well worth the trip up, and I'll show you what a chimp can really do!

TVRHunter

Original Poster:

123 posts

190 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
Thanks again for all the replies. My ill conceived comment about Chims being common was incredibly subjective - i merely meant that when I see a TVR on the road that's what it tends to be wink

If a T350 came as a full convertible it would be decision made for me smile

DarkMatter

1,473 posts

232 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
TVRHunter said:
If a T350 came as a full convertible it would be decision made for me smile
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

QBee

20,995 posts

145 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
DarkMatter said:
TVRHunter said:
If a T350 came as a full convertible it would be decision made for me smile
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Steady ON!!! PH Classifieds is telling me that for that money i could have a 24 valve Boxster, an Audi A6 2.0 TDI estate, or a BMW 320 D estate. Tough decision..... whistle

Rib

2,548 posts

190 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
not really a convertible T350 is it? its a Tamora with a front light conversion lol

grahamn

1,777 posts

235 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
QBee said:

My Chimaera has more power than I can use on the road, and it got me round Cadwell Park at the TVRCC track day faster than all the 4.5 Cerberas.
Now now Anthony, no telling porkies on the TVR forum please. On track you and your Chim know your place.

QBee

20,995 posts

145 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
grahamn said:
QBee said:

My Chimaera has more power than I can use on the road, and it got me round Cadwell Park at the TVRCC track day faster than all the 4.5 Cerberas.
Now now Anthony, no telling porkies on the TVR forum please. On track you and your Chim know your place.
Sorry Graham, you're right - "faster than all the 4.5 Cerberas other than Graham's". I was so excited at getting past the Orange one on 888s I forgot about the usual suspect... bow

grahamn

1,777 posts

235 months

Monday 11th August 2014
quotequote all
QBee said:
Sorry Graham, you're right - "faster than all the 4.5 Cerberas other than Graham's". I was so excited at getting past the Orange one on 888s I forgot about the usual suspect... bow
LOL biggrin