Discussion
Firstly, apologies if this topic is in the wrong place or contains questions that are asked regularly, I'm just looking for some help.
I've been interested in (lusted after) TVRs for about 25 years and feel that this year could finally be the year when my TVR dream becomes reality. I know quite a few of you on here seem to own or have owned the cars so I'm looking for some honest opinions and a reality check.
The first thing I want to understand is whether owning a TVR that I could use 2 or 3 days per week is a realistic dream. I don't know much about the cars but have stumbled across comments about "starting process" and wonder what this all means.
A number of cars I've seen advertised for sale mention "engine rebuild at 30k" (or similar) and my concern is, why would this be needed at such a low mileage? I guess what I'm looking for is an idea of running costs. I understand they need to be serviced at every 6K (which I wouldn't expect to be more than once per year) but what other costs would I be looking at on an annual basis? I'm not planning on turning into a racing driver, I want the car because I've always admired its looks, I'm not planning on thrashing it every where I go.
I've not settled on a specific model yet, but my current thinking is that a convertible probably isn't the best option due to reports of leaks etc, but if people on here can put my mind at rest then maybe being a convertible won't count against the car I consider.
At present I'm thinking of a T350 Targa, a Tuscan or a Griffith (in that order). Should I be looking at only models under a certain age? I'm thinking of a budget around £30k which I think will be enough to secure a decent model.
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I've been interested in (lusted after) TVRs for about 25 years and feel that this year could finally be the year when my TVR dream becomes reality. I know quite a few of you on here seem to own or have owned the cars so I'm looking for some honest opinions and a reality check.
The first thing I want to understand is whether owning a TVR that I could use 2 or 3 days per week is a realistic dream. I don't know much about the cars but have stumbled across comments about "starting process" and wonder what this all means.
A number of cars I've seen advertised for sale mention "engine rebuild at 30k" (or similar) and my concern is, why would this be needed at such a low mileage? I guess what I'm looking for is an idea of running costs. I understand they need to be serviced at every 6K (which I wouldn't expect to be more than once per year) but what other costs would I be looking at on an annual basis? I'm not planning on turning into a racing driver, I want the car because I've always admired its looks, I'm not planning on thrashing it every where I go.
I've not settled on a specific model yet, but my current thinking is that a convertible probably isn't the best option due to reports of leaks etc, but if people on here can put my mind at rest then maybe being a convertible won't count against the car I consider.
At present I'm thinking of a T350 Targa, a Tuscan or a Griffith (in that order). Should I be looking at only models under a certain age? I'm thinking of a budget around £30k which I think will be enough to secure a decent model.
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to those who have so far replied. From what I've read the "starting procedure" seems to be no more than keep the revs down until the engine has got to a certain temperature? If so, that shouldn't be a problem as long as the car doesn't idle at anything ridiculous like 3,000 rpm!
The main thing I'm pleased about in the replies I've read is that no one has said anything to scare me off allowing the dream to live on. The feeling like an old car comments are a bit concerning as I've been spoilt by modern technology, but hopefully the drive will feel no more outdated than my old Alfa 156 year 2000 model.
The next step will probably be for me to visit a couple of dealers when the weather is a bit better (maybe May) so I can get my hands on the different models. Fernhurst Motor Company seem to have a lot of TVR stock and Racing Green TVR also seem to have a fair selection. Does anyone have any experience of these companies?
The main thing I'm pleased about in the replies I've read is that no one has said anything to scare me off allowing the dream to live on. The feeling like an old car comments are a bit concerning as I've been spoilt by modern technology, but hopefully the drive will feel no more outdated than my old Alfa 156 year 2000 model.
The next step will probably be for me to visit a couple of dealers when the weather is a bit better (maybe May) so I can get my hands on the different models. Fernhurst Motor Company seem to have a lot of TVR stock and Racing Green TVR also seem to have a fair selection. Does anyone have any experience of these companies?
I'm not convinced a convertible is for me because I'm a little concerned about leakage. The car will be in my garage when not in use but I don't want to worry about it leaking everytime I'm out and it rains, this is why the T350 currently heads my list.
I'd not thought too much about the Tamora because IMO, it doesn't stand out as much (i.e. doesn't look as mad) as the other cars I've mentioned. It does look smaller though so when I see the cars "in the flesh" I may think its size offers some advantages.
I'd not thought too much about the Tamora because IMO, it doesn't stand out as much (i.e. doesn't look as mad) as the other cars I've mentioned. It does look smaller though so when I see the cars "in the flesh" I may think its size offers some advantages.
Thanks again for all the comments. My first car was a 1976 Ford Capri so I know well what it is like to drive without driving aids, even without power steering *shudder*
I then moved to a 1987 Ford Orion 1.6i Ghia, 1992 Ford Orion 1.8 LXi, 2000 Alfa 156 2.0 TS and currently have a 59 plate 325i coupe.
I'm going to have a call with a dealership tomorrow to go through my list of questions and after that (assuming I've not heard anything to put me off) will arrange to have a test drive for some of their cars. Not sure when the test drive will be (thinking of May), but this depends on how long they will keep a model I like if I put down a deposit as I'm not thinking of getting one until October.
I then moved to a 1987 Ford Orion 1.6i Ghia, 1992 Ford Orion 1.8 LXi, 2000 Alfa 156 2.0 TS and currently have a 59 plate 325i coupe.
I'm going to have a call with a dealership tomorrow to go through my list of questions and after that (assuming I've not heard anything to put me off) will arrange to have a test drive for some of their cars. Not sure when the test drive will be (thinking of May), but this depends on how long they will keep a model I like if I put down a deposit as I'm not thinking of getting one until October.
Thanks Jamie, a useful point to consider. I'm not going to risk buying from a private seller as I feel I'm going to need a warranty so I'm not sure whether dealership prices fluctuate based on weather! I hadn't fully considered what people meant by "direct" but i'm getting a better understanding thanks to your explanation about acceleration. The cars are definitely beginning to sound like monsters that the owners either need to tame or be enslaved to so I am expecting an amusing challenge - I try to drive quite frugally having once got 41.5mpg from my 3 litre BMW which I'm quite proud of.
TVRJAS said:
I have always had the same view buying cars private,but since joining PH I would have no issue whatsoever about buying from a member of the TVR forum,in fact i'm leaning towards the theory that it's the best option.
Although I wouldn't expect someone from PH to deliberately rip me off, if there is a problem 6 months on it needs to be sorted at my cost. A couple of the dealerships I am looking at offer 1 or 2 year warranties, covering wear and tear. I'll need to thrash out the terms to make sure they are what they say they are, but paying a bit more for some peace of mind is necessary at this stage. I had a fairly lengthy chat with a dealer yesterday and the warranty they offer is for 2 years, but maximum limit per claim is £2k which meant that should I be unlucky and need an engine rebuild, I'd be picking up most of the cost.
During the discussion he made it fairly clear that if I did buy a TVR I would have to expect problems. He said 90% of the time it would be OK, but I would encounter oddities like windows opening and possibly the car not starting. Is this the typical TVR experience and I should expect that in between each service there will always be problems? I guess my biggest concern over this is whether I hit a problem that means it is not possible to drive the car as the closest dealership to me is probably around 60 miles away.
One thing he mentioned that really concerned me was the process for starting from cold - he said something about that if the engine cuts out (I assume if stalled) from cold I won't be able to get it started again without assistance (something about the type of spark plugs). Is this true and if so, is it likely to be a problem I will experience?
Following on from this he also said that once started you should drive it immediately rather than let it idle. This probably sounds like a stupid question, but what does this mean? Will I be able to leave the car running whilst I close the garage? If I get onto a main road shortly after I start it and hit traffic meaning I'm idling, will this be a problem?
What is the minimum time/distance I can drive before it is safe to turn off the engine and be able to start it again?
During the discussion he made it fairly clear that if I did buy a TVR I would have to expect problems. He said 90% of the time it would be OK, but I would encounter oddities like windows opening and possibly the car not starting. Is this the typical TVR experience and I should expect that in between each service there will always be problems? I guess my biggest concern over this is whether I hit a problem that means it is not possible to drive the car as the closest dealership to me is probably around 60 miles away.
One thing he mentioned that really concerned me was the process for starting from cold - he said something about that if the engine cuts out (I assume if stalled) from cold I won't be able to get it started again without assistance (something about the type of spark plugs). Is this true and if so, is it likely to be a problem I will experience?
Following on from this he also said that once started you should drive it immediately rather than let it idle. This probably sounds like a stupid question, but what does this mean? Will I be able to leave the car running whilst I close the garage? If I get onto a main road shortly after I start it and hit traffic meaning I'm idling, will this be a problem?
What is the minimum time/distance I can drive before it is safe to turn off the engine and be able to start it again?
alex_gray255 said:
Get yourself a Porsche or an Aston, mate. I think they would suit you better 
Unfortunately not. My dream car has always been a TVR and is the first car that comes to mind in discussions of "What car would you have if money was no limit?". To be honest, if I wasn't considering a TVR I'd just stick with the cars I have.As a few recent posters have mentioned, it is clear I want one and you do only live once. Although I've come on here to ask questions and already contacted a dealer, I'm kind of sticking my fingers in my ears and thinking "la la la, still buying a TVR" when I hear negative stuff. I guess I'm looking for some peace of mind but at the same time knowing a TVR will be mine.
The way I see it is that worst case, I get the TVR stuck on my drive or I'm out for a ride one day and have broken down at the side of the road waiting for the RAC. But guess what? Running or not, I'm still the one with the TVR
Zippee said:
OP - My blog on my profile lists all my T35s costs over the last 6 1/2 years so should give you an idea of running costs.
Where abouts in the country are you? If near Cambs/Beds I'm happy to show you round mine and have an open chat about ownership.
Thanks - some scary costs averaging £4k per year, although I guess if we don't include your engine rebuild and decadent items it would fall to £2k per year.Where abouts in the country are you? If near Cambs/Beds I'm happy to show you round mine and have an open chat about ownership.
so called said:
Also, don't forget that the value if your TVR will stay the same or increase.
There are so many reasons why owning a TVR puts a smile on your face.
Don't get me wrong, I made the cardinal sin of if buying from the heart with my first Tuscan and payed for it big time when the engine blew after 34 miles.
Even them, I was so excited to get it back and all was forgiven and forgotten when I was back on the road
Wonderful machines.
I've noticed the prices now seem steady so I'm quite prepared to get one and if for some reason it doesn't work out feel that I won't lose too much if I get rid of it. There are so many reasons why owning a TVR puts a smile on your face.
Don't get me wrong, I made the cardinal sin of if buying from the heart with my first Tuscan and payed for it big time when the engine blew after 34 miles.
Even them, I was so excited to get it back and all was forgiven and forgotten when I was back on the road
Wonderful machines.
As for buying from the heart I suspect everyone buying a TVR does this! My heart wants it and my brain is in agreement, but says "be careful and make sure there is a good warranty".
PGNCerbera said:
OP, have you spoken to Str8six yet?
Not spoken, but e-mailed them some questions. I'm leaning towards buying from them, my only concern is their limited stock. I will probably go and see them around June and if they have something I like in my budget, I'll put down a deposit.
Ok. So went down to see a Cerbera that was described as "stunning condition" all round. My thoughts were that this would be one of the best models around so if I didn't get on with this, the TVR dream endeth!
So first thing I'm told is that they've had to remove the carpets from the drivers well because there has been a water build up, but not to worry as this is a common fault in the Cerbera. The guy selling it didn't know exactly where it was leaking from, but this wasn't a massive concern to me because he wasn't a TVR specialist and I'm sure a specialist could identify the issue and put it right. The car was a 1997 4.2 model and other than a few cuts on the bonnet, the body work was generally in good condition (also some slight kerbing on a couple of the wheels). Whilst looking near the front wheels I noticed that the frame by the wheels was fairly rusty, is this typical for a car of this age or was the "stunning condition" possibly a lie?
I then moved onto the all important sitting in the drivers seat to see whether this was going to work for me. Very happy to report that there is much more legroom and to my delight, the pedals are like a conventional car (coming from the top rather than the bottom like in the Tuscan, which I kind of struggled with for gear changes and braking!). Couldn't find the steering wheel adjustment so had to test drive in the position it came in.
For me, it was much better than the Tuscan and as a result, think I can live with this car. But not this car, another Cerbera. When I tried to adjust the mirrors, neither of them worked. I was also expecting a light to light up when it is time to change up gear, but didn't see this either. The boot release also didn't work and the boot could not stay open and needed re-gassing. "Stunning condition" indeed. I guess the one thing the car did have going for it was that it was "only" 15K, but as it was not sold by an expert and as a total non expert there were a number of items that concerned me, this wouldn't be a bargain for me. But the good news about today's trek is that I now know there is probably a TVR for me.
...and I may have found it. On Saturday I should be going to see a 2000 4.5 light weight (which I prefer anyway, if nothing else for the front lights) and I've also heard that the roof is slightly higher. This is almost twice the price at £28k, but it is sold by a company that have experience with TVRs, will fully prepare the car so it is as immaculate as possible and offer a fairly decent warranty. This is fairly close to the top end of my budget but I'd much prefer a decent example than just picking up a cheap model.
So first thing I'm told is that they've had to remove the carpets from the drivers well because there has been a water build up, but not to worry as this is a common fault in the Cerbera. The guy selling it didn't know exactly where it was leaking from, but this wasn't a massive concern to me because he wasn't a TVR specialist and I'm sure a specialist could identify the issue and put it right. The car was a 1997 4.2 model and other than a few cuts on the bonnet, the body work was generally in good condition (also some slight kerbing on a couple of the wheels). Whilst looking near the front wheels I noticed that the frame by the wheels was fairly rusty, is this typical for a car of this age or was the "stunning condition" possibly a lie?
I then moved onto the all important sitting in the drivers seat to see whether this was going to work for me. Very happy to report that there is much more legroom and to my delight, the pedals are like a conventional car (coming from the top rather than the bottom like in the Tuscan, which I kind of struggled with for gear changes and braking!). Couldn't find the steering wheel adjustment so had to test drive in the position it came in.
For me, it was much better than the Tuscan and as a result, think I can live with this car. But not this car, another Cerbera. When I tried to adjust the mirrors, neither of them worked. I was also expecting a light to light up when it is time to change up gear, but didn't see this either. The boot release also didn't work and the boot could not stay open and needed re-gassing. "Stunning condition" indeed. I guess the one thing the car did have going for it was that it was "only" 15K, but as it was not sold by an expert and as a total non expert there were a number of items that concerned me, this wouldn't be a bargain for me. But the good news about today's trek is that I now know there is probably a TVR for me.
...and I may have found it. On Saturday I should be going to see a 2000 4.5 light weight (which I prefer anyway, if nothing else for the front lights) and I've also heard that the roof is slightly higher. This is almost twice the price at £28k, but it is sold by a company that have experience with TVRs, will fully prepare the car so it is as immaculate as possible and offer a fairly decent warranty. This is fairly close to the top end of my budget but I'd much prefer a decent example than just picking up a cheap model.
Edited by jeremyc on Friday 10th April 07:04
Soooo, after some time the car is here meaning that the dream is now either starting, or ending.
A few minor niggles so far (not including the electric unit for the mirror falling onto my foot whilst driving home prompting a quick pitstop and return).
It seems that when the lights are switched on, turning them off doesn't actually make them go out! The current solution is to use the immobiliser key and then switch them on and off again. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
There also seems to be a problem with either one of the key fobs or the alarm/locking in general. A couple of times I've locked the car and it unlocks almost straight away so I've had to tell it to lock several times before it stays locked. Had 2 new fobs so don't know if one of them is playing up or if it is a general problem, need to investigate further....
Also noticed drips of something on my drive. Not sure what this is yet as the oil is new and when I touched it and smelt it, didn't really feel like oil or have a smell. I'll check tomorrow if the drive still has a mark and also if there is anything in the garage from sitting there over night.
A few minor niggles so far (not including the electric unit for the mirror falling onto my foot whilst driving home prompting a quick pitstop and return).
It seems that when the lights are switched on, turning them off doesn't actually make them go out! The current solution is to use the immobiliser key and then switch them on and off again. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
There also seems to be a problem with either one of the key fobs or the alarm/locking in general. A couple of times I've locked the car and it unlocks almost straight away so I've had to tell it to lock several times before it stays locked. Had 2 new fobs so don't know if one of them is playing up or if it is a general problem, need to investigate further....
Also noticed drips of something on my drive. Not sure what this is yet as the oil is new and when I touched it and smelt it, didn't really feel like oil or have a smell. I'll check tomorrow if the drive still has a mark and also if there is anything in the garage from sitting there over night.
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