Which TVR to buy?
Discussion
sparkythecat said:
I've had my Chimaera for almost 15 years and still enjoy it. The only thing that I dislike about it is the roof. In fact, I hate the roof.
Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, f
king numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.
Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that st again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.
If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid tt 
^^^^^^^ piss funny Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, f
king numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that s
t again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid t
t 
sparkythecat said:
I've had my Chimaera for almost 15 years and still enjoy it. The only thing that I dislike about it is the roof. In fact, I hate the roof.
Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, fking numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.
Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that st again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.
If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid tt
You are of course, completely correct in your observations.Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, f
king numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that s
t again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid t
tThis is why my roof stays on most of the time as I can't be arsed to take it off!
Depends on your priority list. For any fun/sports car, I can think of:
Acceleration
Handling
Looks
Interior
Noise
Reliability
Value
Running costs
Tinkering potential
Others? Having had a Chimaera and now a 350i FHC, I reckon some important factors influence how these priorities work. On roads these days, speed/power/acceleration has limited appeal if you need your license. Even the 4.0 Chimaera I had was a beast.
The way I look at it now is the Wedge wins on noise, has ample power, presents a challenge (!) with handling, is fun to tinker at, isn't going to worry you about being too valuable (yet?) and is pretty cheap to run.
Some food for thought maybe.
Acceleration
Handling
Looks
Interior
Noise
Reliability
Value
Running costs
Tinkering potential
Others? Having had a Chimaera and now a 350i FHC, I reckon some important factors influence how these priorities work. On roads these days, speed/power/acceleration has limited appeal if you need your license. Even the 4.0 Chimaera I had was a beast.
The way I look at it now is the Wedge wins on noise, has ample power, presents a challenge (!) with handling, is fun to tinker at, isn't going to worry you about being too valuable (yet?) and is pretty cheap to run.
Some food for thought maybe.
Well first of all good choice! If this is a life long ambition then you're already on the right road!
I've owned an S1 and now have a 400 and love both but there are marked differences which make an argument for either when it comes to a daily driver (comfort/fuel) amongst them. Both certainly can be used in this way but its important (as others have mentioned above) that you buy on condition and history.....recent being more important than historic IMO. Low mileage is nice but be aware that when you start using it alot theres a chance it may get found out when you start piling on the mileage, whereas a known daily driver should in theory be ready.
I bought for 8k and have spent that again to get her in good shape and I havent carried out a body off yet, so its definately worth spending a few more thou now to get a good one if you can. That said I like others spent what I could afford knowing I'd spend more in the long run but in managable chunks.
Once you decide on the model then put some thought into which variant is for you... Many people on here including myself have bought one that seemed to fit the bill at the time but wanted more not long down the line! Which creates a potentially expensive scenario.
Most of all though enjoy the process...they are fantastic cars with bags of character and very rewarding when you look after them properly......and can become a bit of an obsession
All the best with the search.
I've owned an S1 and now have a 400 and love both but there are marked differences which make an argument for either when it comes to a daily driver (comfort/fuel) amongst them. Both certainly can be used in this way but its important (as others have mentioned above) that you buy on condition and history.....recent being more important than historic IMO. Low mileage is nice but be aware that when you start using it alot theres a chance it may get found out when you start piling on the mileage, whereas a known daily driver should in theory be ready.
I bought for 8k and have spent that again to get her in good shape and I havent carried out a body off yet, so its definately worth spending a few more thou now to get a good one if you can. That said I like others spent what I could afford knowing I'd spend more in the long run but in managable chunks.
Once you decide on the model then put some thought into which variant is for you... Many people on here including myself have bought one that seemed to fit the bill at the time but wanted more not long down the line! Which creates a potentially expensive scenario.
Most of all though enjoy the process...they are fantastic cars with bags of character and very rewarding when you look after them properly......and can become a bit of an obsession
All the best with the search.
davetripletvr said:
Hi and welcome, as you are in the midlands i would give David Geralds a call as he did have a couple of Chimaera's in that were up for sale and as serviceing and honesty goes i trust David Geralds, they will also bend over backwards to help you out. Always found Tony Gilberts a bit expensive but thats just my opinion, he does have a lot of returning customers.
e
+1 for David Gerald / Classic World Racing.e
A couple of months ago they had a stunning Mk3 450 for sale - unfortunately it was a little more than double your budget.
You'll notice that the above is written in the past tense - cos I bagged it
My 2p
I went from a V6 2.9ltr S Series 2 which I had back in the early 2000's, to a V8 4.5ltr Chim approx 12 years later, I cant comment on the Wedges except that I think they will be the only cars with some form of side impact protection in the doors?, Others can verify. Also Wedges tend to polarise opinion in that the Wedge was very much a shape of the 70's/80's, whereas the curves of the 'S'/Chim whilst still 'retro', are more timeless/classic/less date specific if this makes sense?
The was a comparison done between a Chim & S in the Tvr car club magazine back in the early 2000's, both green ones I think. It basically said both are good cars, but the Chim has a more modern chassis so 'should' handle better, & was a bit bigger, which made it more easier to store luggage etc.
My S had a stiff clutch, but my Chim clutch is softer, but every Tiv seems to be different, I tried a 4.0ltr Chim & it's clutch felt rock hard. These arent cars with all the easy driving modern aids, so if you have bad knees/back etc, watch out for this. Clutches can be altered/adjusted though.
My 'S' was non PAS, Chimera has it, which I find useful as I have a back condition.
The 'S' convertible hood, being in 2 pieces, is a lot easier to install/remove than the large, single piece Chim one, as others have said, which can feel like you're trying to move one of Stonehenge's stones about, not good if it's starting to rain/get windy etc.
My 'S' had short doors, so more difficult to get into/out of. S3s onwards i think have longer doors. Chim doors are longer to.
I was getting high 20's mpg on the 'S', but approx 15-25mpg on the Chim.
Parts should be easier to get for the Chim, as far more were made.
The 2.9ltr V6 had a fantastic 'bark'/rasp to the exhaust, the V8 is more 'rumbly/rorty'. I only ever bothered with the radio to check if it worked when I bought the car, the rest of the time, it's the engine/exhausts 'orchestra' I listen to. It can be noisy in the car, but I've never had to shout to a passenger. You will get lots of creaks/noises coming into the cabin.
Both have poor headlights as standard, but can be upgraded.
Both had/have a constant stream of niggly items (which you will sort over time anyway), but drivetrain/engines are strong/good.
Review getting any immobiliser upgraded! Most will be old by now, & may be starting to cause issues. A friend of mine sold his Tiv due to immobilisor/alarm playing up. Carl Baker did mine on the Chim, which i viewed as maintenance, rather than an upgrade. He also gave me the remote boot release option on th ekey fob which is handy. When installing new system, with the dash off, you'll be able to check wiring/see if anything needs looking at to.
Both cars dont like being left idle, use them as much as you can. Chim doesnt like short journeys as it overfuels on start, so may 'clog up' spark plugs.
Both cars are getting on a bit, so as others have said, bad parts have probably been replaced. A later 'S' series car may have had general factory improvements/evolution, e.g later Chimeras had larger bonnet vents to help with cooling etc.
Dashboard in the S changes. Series 1, 1.5 & 2 have a radiused indicator bar, whereas S3's onwards (I think) have horizontal/straighter instrumentation (you will see what I mean).
Passenger access/comfort in the Chim is poor due to battery located in footwell there/less legroom. Generally though, for driver, there is good room.
Insurance - I use A.Manning in Reading. They will cover track days, but only at particular tracks (which belong to one of the main organisations).
For both types, check chassis condition thoroughly.
Go to local Tvr Car Club meet, although a lot of cars may look the same, owner mods etc may make them very different. Also, someone may be selling at your budget, with a well known car, so win-win.
Window motors need attention as water does get down there, so need lubrication/maintenance now & then.
Side mirrors - Powered Chim type can get 'droopy'/not work due to metal bracket/frame inside fracturing. Citroen AX type I think, so can be replaced. I dont think the 'S' have this issue.
Others/more learned people will be along to agree/disagree with above!
With the V8, you will never tire of telling lesser, other manufacturers cylinder models, after listening to their engine, frowning, putting on a serious face, asking them to rev the engine slightly ( i dont do this when engine is cold), then telling the owner it sounds like it's 'only' running on 4 or 6 cylnders! My Lotus driving friends know what I mean!
Good luck in your search!
TCGC
I went from a V6 2.9ltr S Series 2 which I had back in the early 2000's, to a V8 4.5ltr Chim approx 12 years later, I cant comment on the Wedges except that I think they will be the only cars with some form of side impact protection in the doors?, Others can verify. Also Wedges tend to polarise opinion in that the Wedge was very much a shape of the 70's/80's, whereas the curves of the 'S'/Chim whilst still 'retro', are more timeless/classic/less date specific if this makes sense?
The was a comparison done between a Chim & S in the Tvr car club magazine back in the early 2000's, both green ones I think. It basically said both are good cars, but the Chim has a more modern chassis so 'should' handle better, & was a bit bigger, which made it more easier to store luggage etc.
My S had a stiff clutch, but my Chim clutch is softer, but every Tiv seems to be different, I tried a 4.0ltr Chim & it's clutch felt rock hard. These arent cars with all the easy driving modern aids, so if you have bad knees/back etc, watch out for this. Clutches can be altered/adjusted though.
My 'S' was non PAS, Chimera has it, which I find useful as I have a back condition.
The 'S' convertible hood, being in 2 pieces, is a lot easier to install/remove than the large, single piece Chim one, as others have said, which can feel like you're trying to move one of Stonehenge's stones about, not good if it's starting to rain/get windy etc.
My 'S' had short doors, so more difficult to get into/out of. S3s onwards i think have longer doors. Chim doors are longer to.
I was getting high 20's mpg on the 'S', but approx 15-25mpg on the Chim.
Parts should be easier to get for the Chim, as far more were made.
The 2.9ltr V6 had a fantastic 'bark'/rasp to the exhaust, the V8 is more 'rumbly/rorty'. I only ever bothered with the radio to check if it worked when I bought the car, the rest of the time, it's the engine/exhausts 'orchestra' I listen to. It can be noisy in the car, but I've never had to shout to a passenger. You will get lots of creaks/noises coming into the cabin.
Both have poor headlights as standard, but can be upgraded.
Both had/have a constant stream of niggly items (which you will sort over time anyway), but drivetrain/engines are strong/good.
Review getting any immobiliser upgraded! Most will be old by now, & may be starting to cause issues. A friend of mine sold his Tiv due to immobilisor/alarm playing up. Carl Baker did mine on the Chim, which i viewed as maintenance, rather than an upgrade. He also gave me the remote boot release option on th ekey fob which is handy. When installing new system, with the dash off, you'll be able to check wiring/see if anything needs looking at to.
Both cars dont like being left idle, use them as much as you can. Chim doesnt like short journeys as it overfuels on start, so may 'clog up' spark plugs.
Both cars are getting on a bit, so as others have said, bad parts have probably been replaced. A later 'S' series car may have had general factory improvements/evolution, e.g later Chimeras had larger bonnet vents to help with cooling etc.
Dashboard in the S changes. Series 1, 1.5 & 2 have a radiused indicator bar, whereas S3's onwards (I think) have horizontal/straighter instrumentation (you will see what I mean).
Passenger access/comfort in the Chim is poor due to battery located in footwell there/less legroom. Generally though, for driver, there is good room.
Insurance - I use A.Manning in Reading. They will cover track days, but only at particular tracks (which belong to one of the main organisations).
For both types, check chassis condition thoroughly.
Go to local Tvr Car Club meet, although a lot of cars may look the same, owner mods etc may make them very different. Also, someone may be selling at your budget, with a well known car, so win-win.
Window motors need attention as water does get down there, so need lubrication/maintenance now & then.
Side mirrors - Powered Chim type can get 'droopy'/not work due to metal bracket/frame inside fracturing. Citroen AX type I think, so can be replaced. I dont think the 'S' have this issue.
Others/more learned people will be along to agree/disagree with above!
With the V8, you will never tire of telling lesser, other manufacturers cylinder models, after listening to their engine, frowning, putting on a serious face, asking them to rev the engine slightly ( i dont do this when engine is cold), then telling the owner it sounds like it's 'only' running on 4 or 6 cylnders! My Lotus driving friends know what I mean!
Good luck in your search!
TCGC
Having owned a 4.5ltr Chimaera and now a 2.9ltr I'd suggest you consider what sort of driving experience you prefer.
I'd use that as the primary part of your decision making.
And drive a few for a good few miles in each option if possible to help to work it out.
The V6 likes to be revved and the S can be joyfully chucked about. While the Chimaera was epically fast in a straight line, but more of a grand tourer in my experience. It depends what style you like the most. That fizzing feeling that James May talks about.
And to be honest either are truly fabulous hand made British sports cars. So it's impossible to make a wrong choice !
I'd use that as the primary part of your decision making.
And drive a few for a good few miles in each option if possible to help to work it out.
The V6 likes to be revved and the S can be joyfully chucked about. While the Chimaera was epically fast in a straight line, but more of a grand tourer in my experience. It depends what style you like the most. That fizzing feeling that James May talks about.
And to be honest either are truly fabulous hand made British sports cars. So it's impossible to make a wrong choice !
Interesting about the Chimp roof - that explains a few things. The Wedge roof goes on top of the luggage in the boot, so all you need to do is leave 2 inches to stow it.
You can get it down in 90 seconds flat. Also for an in-drive experience it can go behind the seats at a squeeze so you can drop it in traffic if you stop at the lights or something.
You can get it down in 90 seconds flat. Also for an in-drive experience it can go behind the seats at a squeeze so you can drop it in traffic if you stop at the lights or something.
adam quantrill said:
Interesting about the Chimp roof - that explains a few things. The Wedge roof goes on top of the luggage in the boot, so all you need to do is leave 2 inches to stow it.
You can get it down in 90 seconds flat. Also for an in-drive experience it can go behind the seats at a squeeze so you can drop it in traffic if you stop at the lights or something.
Beat me to it!You can get it down in 90 seconds flat. Also for an in-drive experience it can go behind the seats at a squeeze so you can drop it in traffic if you stop at the lights or something.
And as well as the easier storage of the targa panel, the rear section goes down without creasing the plastic rear screen.
One area where the Chimaera was a backward step.
The other IMO was the doors, I could enter and exit the Wedge much easier than the Chimaera.
On the negative side the Wedge I had seemed to have a very "flexible" chassis and awful scuttle shake and steering column shake that the Chimaera solved completely.
Just to put things into (my) perspective... I, and I assume most of us here... live in the UK.. In the UK it rains a lot. Like really a lot... Here in the UK us sports car nuts (assuming everyone reading this thread falls into that category) like our soft tops... So, soft top down whenever we can, always high chance of rain, obvious potential outcome... we're gonna get wet... like proper wet.... Rain, like most intelligent people know, is made up primarily of water... It's the same stuff we clean our teeth with, shower in, drink, add to our whisky, and wash our cars with... Before getting old I was a commercial diver, that meant I worked completely submerged... in water... So, for example, when I was a diver on the Thames Barrier back in the early eighties, I worked under water and was always wet.. when I came out of the water and it was raining I remained wet... at the end of my shift I rode home (South London) on my bike and invariably got even more wet.... when I got home I had a hot shower... yes, that was wet too....
All my life I've got wet... couple of minutes to put the roof back on the Chim... getting maybe a bit damp in the process..? Yep... wet again.... If you're adverse to getting wet then don't get a TVR.... In fact, if you don't like getting wet then you're a pussy... It's only water FFS...
All my life I've got wet... couple of minutes to put the roof back on the Chim... getting maybe a bit damp in the process..? Yep... wet again.... If you're adverse to getting wet then don't get a TVR.... In fact, if you don't like getting wet then you're a pussy... It's only water FFS...
I've driven most Wedges, then S-Types, Chimaeras, Griffiths, a Tuscan racer, every T-car and a Cerbera but not a Sagaris. A T440, nearly forgot that.
The one I enjoyed driving the most was the Tamora. However, if it was my money, I would probably go for the T350 coupe.
At the time the smaller Speed 6 was the more, much more, reliable engine but a lot of water has flown under the bridge so I would assume that difference has disappeared.
What stunned me with the Tamora was the combination of gearbox, clutch, steering and brakes, with oodles of grip and an exciting level of handling. There was no difference discernible to me between the Tam and the T350 in driving.
I like a nice interior and of the T-cars the Tuscan was second only to the Cerbera, the latter having the most wonderful insides of anything I've seen.
I had 7 years with a Chim and I loved that. Again grip and handling were excellent, brakes were great, but it suffered a bit in comparison with the Tam/T350. It had the advantage of getting you noticed.
The one I enjoyed driving the most was the Tamora. However, if it was my money, I would probably go for the T350 coupe.
At the time the smaller Speed 6 was the more, much more, reliable engine but a lot of water has flown under the bridge so I would assume that difference has disappeared.
What stunned me with the Tamora was the combination of gearbox, clutch, steering and brakes, with oodles of grip and an exciting level of handling. There was no difference discernible to me between the Tam and the T350 in driving.
I like a nice interior and of the T-cars the Tuscan was second only to the Cerbera, the latter having the most wonderful insides of anything I've seen.
I had 7 years with a Chim and I loved that. Again grip and handling were excellent, brakes were great, but it suffered a bit in comparison with the Tam/T350. It had the advantage of getting you noticed.
Evening all, and thanks very much indeed for the feedback and advice. It is refreshing to see that TVR owners have the same daft/warped sense of humour as the Triumph owners that I have spent time with over the last 25 years (and will continue to do so!).
It sounds like the best thing to do is get out there and try as much as possible before I buy. Regular use isn't going to be a problem for me, and I am slightly surprised at how many owners do seem to use them very regularly.
I can't wait to get started.
Thanks all.
Mark
It sounds like the best thing to do is get out there and try as much as possible before I buy. Regular use isn't going to be a problem for me, and I am slightly surprised at how many owners do seem to use them very regularly.
I can't wait to get started.
Thanks all.
Mark
I miss my S3 hugely.
I pretty much loved everything about it. They look stunning, almost older than they are. The interior is lovely, enough leg room, and height for all of my passengers. The noise mine produced was spine tingling, such a raw, race car sound, it was addictive. The driving experience was very exciting, you feel very much part of the process. It was quite quick to about a ton, but I never felt the need to go near that speed really. I used to set my alarm for about 5:30 on a sat or sun, and get out on the empty roads and just drive anywhere! It was magical, and you don't have to be doing silly speed's to enjoy it. That's what I really loved about it, it was great just idling at a red light, cruising at 50mph, or giving it the full beans. Plus it received lots of positive attention.
It was very reliable, cheap to insure and good on fuel.
Negatives..
It was noisy on the motorway, but I rarely took it on one.
It could have handled a little better, but that's down to the individual set up of the S. But the main thing, was the worry of the outriggers. I only used mine on dry day's, but in hindsight, I wish I had sourced one which had just had all the work done, for y piece of mind.
Brilliant, brilliant cars though. I can't recommend one enough.
I pretty much loved everything about it. They look stunning, almost older than they are. The interior is lovely, enough leg room, and height for all of my passengers. The noise mine produced was spine tingling, such a raw, race car sound, it was addictive. The driving experience was very exciting, you feel very much part of the process. It was quite quick to about a ton, but I never felt the need to go near that speed really. I used to set my alarm for about 5:30 on a sat or sun, and get out on the empty roads and just drive anywhere! It was magical, and you don't have to be doing silly speed's to enjoy it. That's what I really loved about it, it was great just idling at a red light, cruising at 50mph, or giving it the full beans. Plus it received lots of positive attention.
It was very reliable, cheap to insure and good on fuel.
Negatives..
It was noisy on the motorway, but I rarely took it on one.
It could have handled a little better, but that's down to the individual set up of the S. But the main thing, was the worry of the outriggers. I only used mine on dry day's, but in hindsight, I wish I had sourced one which had just had all the work done, for y piece of mind.
Brilliant, brilliant cars though. I can't recommend one enough.
sparkythecat said:
I've had my Chimaera for almost 15 years and still enjoy it. The only thing that I dislike about it is the roof. In fact, I hate the roof.
Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, fking numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.
Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that st again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.
If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid tt
Tip! Don't buy a Griffith, think you have problems now! Would that I could release 2 handles on the header rail and throw it easily back over my head like the MX5 driver, or press a button and have it stowed automatically like most other modern convertibles. But oh no! I have to get out of the bloody thing, release tensioned struts and velcro, empty all my luggage and shopping out of the boot and then manhandle a big, f
king numb, lump of canvas covered glassfibre into a floppy vinyl sack before wrestling it in a convoluted twisting and lowering action into the boot, trying all the time to avoid scuffing the bodywork, before e, replacing the luggage and shutting the boot lid. Then I have to carefully fold down the rear roof section so i can see over it through the rear view mirror, taking special care not to crease the flimsy plastic rear window too much, before i can eventually get back in the drivers seat and continue on my journey.Then, a half hour later, when it stars raining, i have to do all that s
t again in reverse, this time taking special care to ensure the roof section is dead centered otherwise either you or your passenger are liable to be deafened by wind noise, dripped on or both. The drip is in any event academic, because by the time you've got the roof out of the boot, out of it's bag and back on the car, you, your passenger and your luggage and shopping are all piss wet through anyway.If ever I should meet the numpty who designed this roof, I'm going to slap him and piss in his pockets. The stupid t
twanacoop said:
I miss my S3 hugely.
I pretty much loved everything about it. They look stunning, almost older than they are. The interior is lovely, enough leg room, and height for all of my passengers. The noise mine produced was spine tingling, such a raw, race car sound, it was addictive. The driving experience was very exciting, you feel very much part of the process. It was quite quick to about a ton, but I never felt the need to go near that speed really. I used to set my alarm for about 5:30 on a sat or sun, and get out on the empty roads and just drive anywhere! It was magical, and you don't have to be doing silly speed's to enjoy it. That's what I really loved about it, it was great just idling at a red light, cruising at 50mph, or giving it the full beans. Plus it received lots of positive attention.
It was very reliable, cheap to insure and good on fuel.
Negatives..
It was noisy on the motorway, but I rarely took it on one.
It could have handled a little better, but that's down to the individual set up of the S. But the main thing, was the worry of the outriggers. I only used mine on dry day's, but in hindsight, I wish I had sourced one which had just had all the work done, for y piece of mind.
Brilliant, brilliant cars though. I can't recommend one enough.
Beautifully put - I completely agree. Except I'm never selling mine ! I pretty much loved everything about it. They look stunning, almost older than they are. The interior is lovely, enough leg room, and height for all of my passengers. The noise mine produced was spine tingling, such a raw, race car sound, it was addictive. The driving experience was very exciting, you feel very much part of the process. It was quite quick to about a ton, but I never felt the need to go near that speed really. I used to set my alarm for about 5:30 on a sat or sun, and get out on the empty roads and just drive anywhere! It was magical, and you don't have to be doing silly speed's to enjoy it. That's what I really loved about it, it was great just idling at a red light, cruising at 50mph, or giving it the full beans. Plus it received lots of positive attention.
It was very reliable, cheap to insure and good on fuel.
Negatives..
It was noisy on the motorway, but I rarely took it on one.
It could have handled a little better, but that's down to the individual set up of the S. But the main thing, was the worry of the outriggers. I only used mine on dry day's, but in hindsight, I wish I had sourced one which had just had all the work done, for y piece of mind.
Brilliant, brilliant cars though. I can't recommend one enough.
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