RE: PH Fleet: TVR Chimaera and Mazda MX-5
Discussion
I used APM for everything on my Tuscan - no coffee, no showroom, just an expert and enthusiast. He is (or certainly was) authorized by 'TVR Power' to do their warranty servicing.
In 30k I never had any problems over and above servicing and tyres - all for half of 'posh' dealer rates.
May just have had a 'good-un' (would have been luck as I bought it drunk on Ebay!)
Still is my cheapest to run and most reliable car (and it appreciated).
It will all seem OK when you look at the 'whole life' running costs with little/no depreciation.
What do you reckon the work would have cost at a non-showroom?
In 30k I never had any problems over and above servicing and tyres - all for half of 'posh' dealer rates.
May just have had a 'good-un' (would have been luck as I bought it drunk on Ebay!)
Still is my cheapest to run and most reliable car (and it appreciated).
It will all seem OK when you look at the 'whole life' running costs with little/no depreciation.
What do you reckon the work would have cost at a non-showroom?
Shabs said:
I am not so sure about this - maybe some people get lucky, but from what I can gather my experience was quite normal. I am not even suggesting that this is a bad thing, but these are hand-made cars that are getting on 15 years old now so maintenance is to be expected. With my Chim, I also discovered many interesting design features that made ownership challenging, but couldn't be bothered going into them here - I understand this is what bearded TVR owners term "character"...
I don't think luck comes into it as I have owned the car from new so its maintenance has been entirely down to me, Portfield and Racing Green. Anyway sounds like your happy to not be a TVR owner so all ended well. RichB said:
Shabs said:
I am not so sure about this - maybe some people get lucky, but from what I can gather my experience was quite normal. I am not even suggesting that this is a bad thing, but these are hand-made cars that are getting on 15 years old now so maintenance is to be expected. With my Chim, I also discovered many interesting design features that made ownership challenging, but couldn't be bothered going into them here - I understand this is what bearded TVR owners term "character"...
I don't think luck comes into it as I have owned the car from new so its maintenance has been entirely down to me, Portfield and Racing Green. Anyway sounds like your happy to not be a TVR owner so all ended well. 1) As you have owned it from new, then you have control and so I can see it being much better. Buying second hand is a mine field as they are specialist cars and require specialist care which if neglected can be disasterous
2) Yes, I now own a Lotus and have owned several. They have cost me servicing and tyres and are immense fun, so it ended well. I do still love what TVR stands for and would love to own a T350 one day, but I doubt I will ever make this a reality based on my (potentially unlucky) experience
This big bill stuff on V8 TVR`s troubles me. I know not everyone can or might choose not to but theses cars are a piece of cake to service and fix your self. Most things for a service can be bought a Halfords and you only need a few spanners, some ramps and “The Steve Heath Bible” to do it yourself.
Yes, if metallic things break and they do (it’s a car) they can be expensive if you don’t put a bit of effort into sourcing stuff. Brakes are common parts, rads can be recored and a HD clutch is only £300 quid.
Its great that PH runs these but IMHO the reports of bills in the £0000`s is irresponsible. This puts people off running these cars which is a real shame and a missed opportunity as it’s the next generation of PHers that should be encouraged to take these on with honest and realistic information. This lazy approach to ownership is contrary what PH stands for.
The forums on here are fabulous and the contributors’ really helped me with my Griff 500 with time, free flowing info, tips and parts information.
Of course just my take but this piece got on my wick and is contraire to the spirit of being a TVR owning PHER.
Ill get me coat.
Yes, if metallic things break and they do (it’s a car) they can be expensive if you don’t put a bit of effort into sourcing stuff. Brakes are common parts, rads can be recored and a HD clutch is only £300 quid.
Its great that PH runs these but IMHO the reports of bills in the £0000`s is irresponsible. This puts people off running these cars which is a real shame and a missed opportunity as it’s the next generation of PHers that should be encouraged to take these on with honest and realistic information. This lazy approach to ownership is contrary what PH stands for.
The forums on here are fabulous and the contributors’ really helped me with my Griff 500 with time, free flowing info, tips and parts information.
Of course just my take but this piece got on my wick and is contraire to the spirit of being a TVR owning PHER.
Ill get me coat.
Edited by Russell B on Tuesday 4th December 18:10
Garlick said:
AW35 said:
I think that is a great pair of cars,but instead of the tvr which does the same job as the Mazda, what about this instead
Won't be buying another car for a while...that's the plan anywayFor those concerned about a high cost per mile for servicing TVRs the obvious answer is to go and drive more miles. What better way to spend your driving time?
me too, cheerio.....
I dont know one end of a spanner from another, but understand the importance of looking after my Cerbera properly which I do and as a result have no issues with it.
Topcats lok after mine and as a result Ive recently sold my 997 to run the Cerb as a daily driver ( watch this space!)
I dont know one end of a spanner from another, but understand the importance of looking after my Cerbera properly which I do and as a result have no issues with it.
Topcats lok after mine and as a result Ive recently sold my 997 to run the Cerb as a daily driver ( watch this space!)
It's a personal running report funded by the bank of Garlick where I share my experiences good and bad. I don't claim my bills on expenses and neither did I get the car for free.
My fleet updates tell the story of what happened this month, invariably that involves maintenance etc that happens along the way. I'm not too sure how that is deemed as irresponsible? I bloody love the car and my ownership has been relatively pain free and costs (when compared to my old RS2) reasonable.
Maybe I should say 'nothing happened' but I feel that treats the reader with a level of ignorance they don't deserve. Worth noting that I've kept this car longer than any other and that in itself speaks volumes about my feelings towards it. In just a fussy bugger and if something needs doing (even if non essential) ill get it done without issue
Still, if that's how it comes across then so be it.
My fleet updates tell the story of what happened this month, invariably that involves maintenance etc that happens along the way. I'm not too sure how that is deemed as irresponsible? I bloody love the car and my ownership has been relatively pain free and costs (when compared to my old RS2) reasonable.
Maybe I should say 'nothing happened' but I feel that treats the reader with a level of ignorance they don't deserve. Worth noting that I've kept this car longer than any other and that in itself speaks volumes about my feelings towards it. In just a fussy bugger and if something needs doing (even if non essential) ill get it done without issue
Still, if that's how it comes across then so be it.
Garlick said:
My fleet updates tell the story of what happened this month, invariably that involves maintenance etc that happens along the way.
Makes sense to say it how it is. People have different experiences with cars and different approaches to ownership.If someone is thinking of buying a TVR they need to read around and see what it could cost. If they are mechanically proficient, and have the space / time to work on it, they may consider it will cost them less.
If working on my TVR was left to me, it wouldn't be in great shape given the jobs that have needed doing. Forunately there are some fine TVR specialists around the country who provide a good service.
Mine recently had a large-ish bill, but quite a lot of work was done, so I don't expect anything else to crop up for some time.
I do need to change the aux belt at some point, but I'm pretty sure even my lack of ability self could do that.
It really is a much more rewarding car to drive than anything else I have owned or driven previously, and even the most recent bill was small in comparison to what I spent on maintaining the GTO.
I do need to change the aux belt at some point, but I'm pretty sure even my lack of ability self could do that.
It really is a much more rewarding car to drive than anything else I have owned or driven previously, and even the most recent bill was small in comparison to what I spent on maintaining the GTO.
RichB said:
Russell B said:
... the spirit of being a TVR owning PHER...
What, are you saying that getting one's car serviced by a dealer is not in the spirit of Pistonheads? If so it's time for me to leave 
Respect to Mr Garlick for his excellent choice of rides.
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