From TVR to Porsche and back again?
Discussion
Hi, not posted for a while but...
I'm thinking about buying a TVR to replace a Porsche 911 but undecided on which model. I had a '96 Cerbera 4.5 a long time ago and whilst it was emotionally my favourite car it lived up to the poor reputation - overheating - starter problems - door solenoids not working - clutch slave cylinder failed etc. The 996 C4 has had it's share of problems too - but other than that it's great - just a bit clinical. I have always loved V8s so toyed with the idea of a Maserati 4200 (service costs - cambelts etc) a Lotus Esprit V8 GT (where to start?), M5 (VANOS / warranty costs) and a TVR (???). I realise they have their faults but I just love them. I have a budget of £20k and am thinking £2k a year costs on top of £1k warranty of some sort. T350s are looking interesting though not a V8. What is the state of play with TVR at the moment? Is servicing and warranty claims or parts an issue? Engine rebuilds? Am I going to regret it? I tend to change cars every 12 - 18 months and do about 5k miles a year.
All advice appreciated!
I'm thinking about buying a TVR to replace a Porsche 911 but undecided on which model. I had a '96 Cerbera 4.5 a long time ago and whilst it was emotionally my favourite car it lived up to the poor reputation - overheating - starter problems - door solenoids not working - clutch slave cylinder failed etc. The 996 C4 has had it's share of problems too - but other than that it's great - just a bit clinical. I have always loved V8s so toyed with the idea of a Maserati 4200 (service costs - cambelts etc) a Lotus Esprit V8 GT (where to start?), M5 (VANOS / warranty costs) and a TVR (???). I realise they have their faults but I just love them. I have a budget of £20k and am thinking £2k a year costs on top of £1k warranty of some sort. T350s are looking interesting though not a V8. What is the state of play with TVR at the moment? Is servicing and warranty claims or parts an issue? Engine rebuilds? Am I going to regret it? I tend to change cars every 12 - 18 months and do about 5k miles a year.
All advice appreciated!
I've done what you are thinking of doing and its worked for me.
The difference is amazing on how you feel in a TVR compared to the porsche.
For me its a recongnition thing. People acknowledge the car and you just feel special in it.
I've just done my second show in a week in the TVR. Knebworth, last sunday, and Buntingford this week.
The Porsche was nice (944S2 Cab) but no waves from other porsche owners, nothing at all.
As far as your new car goes and what to go for, its a difficult choice.
As has been said before on here, there are no problems with any of the Rover V8 models that you could buy with the money you have. Its only my thoughts, but I would consider the last of the Griffith, or as newer Tuscan that you can buy. I've driven one, and its like a race car compared to some of the early models.
I'm sure you will get advice from other people who have driven other TVR's who would be able to compare other models for the price you are looking at.
Good luck.
The difference is amazing on how you feel in a TVR compared to the porsche.
For me its a recongnition thing. People acknowledge the car and you just feel special in it.
I've just done my second show in a week in the TVR. Knebworth, last sunday, and Buntingford this week.
The Porsche was nice (944S2 Cab) but no waves from other porsche owners, nothing at all.
As far as your new car goes and what to go for, its a difficult choice.
As has been said before on here, there are no problems with any of the Rover V8 models that you could buy with the money you have. Its only my thoughts, but I would consider the last of the Griffith, or as newer Tuscan that you can buy. I've driven one, and its like a race car compared to some of the early models.
I'm sure you will get advice from other people who have driven other TVR's who would be able to compare other models for the price you are looking at.
Good luck.
At risk of upsetting the V8 boys, get yourself a drive in a T350 or Tamora, you won't believe the difference to the older cars. Strictly my opinion only, but I have driven virtually every model so it's based on my experience. Biased opinion I know being a T350 owner, but on the other hand I just love the Tam.
Waits in corner for V8 flamethrowers
Waits in corner for V8 flamethrowers
I agree with VGOM, you need to try some out to see what you really want.
I've only tried the Tuscan, so this bloke needs advice like this.
He's in a different league with what he has to spend.
Can he get a nice 350, or Tamora for what he has to spend.
although a V8 man myself, I don't know all the pitfalls with the 350 and Tom.
Are there any?????????????????
I've only tried the Tuscan, so this bloke needs advice like this.
He's in a different league with what he has to spend.
Can he get a nice 350, or Tamora for what he has to spend.
although a V8 man myself, I don't know all the pitfalls with the 350 and Tom.
Are there any?????????????????
Not really interested in the Tamora - it would be a T350T unless they leak / rattle, a Tuscan or another Cerbera - the Chims and Griffs whilst nice just aren't my thing.
The first thing I noticed when having the Porsche was that everyone hates you - in the Cerbie everyone was nice!
Any advice on warranties etc? The Porsche warranty was pretty much a must-have on 996s in case the engine goes pop.
The first thing I noticed when having the Porsche was that everyone hates you - in the Cerbie everyone was nice!
Any advice on warranties etc? The Porsche warranty was pretty much a must-have on 996s in case the engine goes pop.
From what I hear Cerbera specific parts are getting hard to get so might not be ideal these days.
If you get a Speed 6 engined car make sure it's either as new as possible or has had a fairly recent rebuild by one of the well known builders.
Aside from the well known early Speed 6 issues, clutches only last 20k ish so watch for that. Nitron suspension upgrade, particularly on the Tuscan is also a 'must have' upgrade if you don't want a scary ride. Not sure if this upgrade is popular with the T-chassis cars though (T350, Sagaris, Tamora).
Aside from that, a well cared for car with a full service history should be fine.
Warranties are very hit and miss. If you get one, make sure it's from a TVR dealer/specialist and it covers the engine and clutch.
If you get a Speed 6 engined car make sure it's either as new as possible or has had a fairly recent rebuild by one of the well known builders.
Aside from the well known early Speed 6 issues, clutches only last 20k ish so watch for that. Nitron suspension upgrade, particularly on the Tuscan is also a 'must have' upgrade if you don't want a scary ride. Not sure if this upgrade is popular with the T-chassis cars though (T350, Sagaris, Tamora).
Aside from that, a well cared for car with a full service history should be fine.
Warranties are very hit and miss. If you get one, make sure it's from a TVR dealer/specialist and it covers the engine and clutch.
stats007 said:
Thanks Dave. Is the rebuild a recurring thing or a one-off to cure a problem? I know very little of the Speed Six engines to be honest.
The Speed 6 is a fantastic engine although some early Speed 6's (pre 03/04) had component quality problems. This typically affected the valvegear and could cause an engine failure before 20k. Realistically, a good early Speed 6 is unlikely to last past 35-40k without attention.Later engines (reputed to be post mid 04) had slightly re-designed internals and higher quality components to combat the durability problems experienced with some of the early engines.
These later engines seem to be racking up decent milages now (40-50k) without any of the typical telltale signs of wear.
If the engine has had a rebuild, a post 04 rebuild will be your best bet and should be worry free. Obviously the later the better.
Edited by dvs_dave on Sunday 2nd September 01:02
V-GOM said:
At risk of upsetting the V8 boys, get yourself a drive in a T350 or Tamora, you won't believe the difference to the older cars. Strictly my opinion only, but I have driven virtually every model so it's based on my experience. Biased opinion I know being a T350 owner, but on the other hand I just love the Tam.
Waits in corner for V8 flamethrowers
I like the T350 aswell but the Tam just pips it for me. Having a JP Sports Exhaust does'nt beat the sound of a V8 though.Waits in corner for V8 flamethrowers
A T350/Tamora with a later RR Speed 6 is a match for any sports car and even the odd bike
. No disrespect but the 996 C4 is a fairly tame Porsche, it's what you buy the Mrs when you've made it, why not try this and scare yourself silly!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STUNNING-450-BHP-PORSCHE-911...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STUNNING-450-BHP-PORSCHE-911...
Edited by Bomber Denton on Sunday 2nd September 16:14
A guy called Jack Galusha from Autocar a few years ago summed it up nicely:-
'what TVR offers is real, and what Porsche offers is a lot more sanitised. And after five minutes in a TVR, those of us with a true driving spirit and, admittedly a slighly unhinged disposition, will get it. For the future of our cars and the future of your obsession, do us this favour - appreciate TVR. Because if not, they'll be gone, and all we'll be left with are the memories of a time when cars truly inspired.'
'what TVR offers is real, and what Porsche offers is a lot more sanitised. And after five minutes in a TVR, those of us with a true driving spirit and, admittedly a slighly unhinged disposition, will get it. For the future of our cars and the future of your obsession, do us this favour - appreciate TVR. Because if not, they'll be gone, and all we'll be left with are the memories of a time when cars truly inspired.'
I have always loved TVRs - however the head rules over the heart sometimes and I've bought 'sensibly' where I've not lost any money in depreciation and running costs were very low (Merc/Porsche).
It's time to go with the heart - it's going to be a Cerbera 4.5 or a T350 - my budget doesn't quite stretch to a Sagaris yet.
It's time to go with the heart - it's going to be a Cerbera 4.5 or a T350 - my budget doesn't quite stretch to a Sagaris yet.
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