Which TVR to buy?
Discussion
Good evening all. I joined the TVR club just over a week ago at the NEC show, and started the process of achieving a life long ambition – to own a TVR.
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
Good evening all. I joined the TVR club just over a week ago at the NEC show, and started the process of achieving a life long ambition – to own a TVR.
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
Good evening all. I joined the TVR club just over a week ago at the NEC show, and started the process of achieving a life long ambition – to own a TVR.
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
Lots of good advice from the club at the NEC, and likewise, a warm welcome and good advice from the members at my local meeting at the weekend.
I am undecided which model of TVR to go for, and thought I would post this message on the model pages within my budget of around £10k, maybe slightly more. Always had a soft spot for the wedges and the S, and having tried a Chimaera on Sunday, that is also on the possibles list.
I have done my homework, and realise that I need to get out there and try a number of cars before actually buying one. I have owned (and still do own) older vehicles, so I know the best advice is to buy the best that the budget can stretch to, otherwise you end up spending at least as much on putting a cheap one right. Chassis / outriggers is a common thread in the advice I have been given for all models.
The car is initially going to have to be used several times a week, covering around 5,000 miles per year, and possibly sitting outside under a cover until space is available in the garage.
What I am hoping to get some opinion on is:
• What do you love and hate about this model of TVR?
• How practical is it to use regularly?
• Is anyone brave / foolish enough to use theirs several times a week?
• Which company do you insure your TVR with?
• What should I be looking to pay for something with good history, with no major faults, at this time of year?
• Are there any recommended dealers – Fernhurst, DG, Tony Gilbert?
Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Mark
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
bsdnazz said:
I've been using my S reg Chim 400 as a daily drive for the last 13 years and have put about 80,000 miles on it.
I use it for my daily commute to and from work - Twickenham to Colnbrook on the motorways or A and B roads depending on traffic and in September took it up to the Isle of Skye for a week.
We like the Chim for a number of reasons including looks and practicality. It looks great and has enough carrying capacity to go away for a few days. We often drive into town in the evening and traffic can be heavy but the Chim's cooling is sorted so it's fine. Coming home late at night with the top down and loud music playing makes use laugh like a couple of nutters!
Now that I've turned 50 insurance is a lot cheaper and I usually insure with one of the major companies, currently Churchill for just under £240 comp.
Good history does help as these cars to need to be cared for. I find the best way to catch problems early is to drive it daily.
We did pay a premium when we bought the car in 2003 and got it from Fernhurst. The service most years although I've also used Sportmotive a couple of times.
This is the kind of use that whatever I buy will get, so that is reassuring.I use it for my daily commute to and from work - Twickenham to Colnbrook on the motorways or A and B roads depending on traffic and in September took it up to the Isle of Skye for a week.
We like the Chim for a number of reasons including looks and practicality. It looks great and has enough carrying capacity to go away for a few days. We often drive into town in the evening and traffic can be heavy but the Chim's cooling is sorted so it's fine. Coming home late at night with the top down and loud music playing makes use laugh like a couple of nutters!
Now that I've turned 50 insurance is a lot cheaper and I usually insure with one of the major companies, currently Churchill for just under £240 comp.
Good history does help as these cars to need to be cared for. I find the best way to catch problems early is to drive it daily.
We did pay a premium when we bought the car in 2003 and got it from Fernhurst. The service most years although I've also used Sportmotive a couple of times.
Laughing like a couple of nutters - I can see me and Mrs M doing the same!
Insurance - that's an interesting one. I will need occasional business use, and this is causing problems with getting cover, apparently because I have never had a TVR before. Got some quotes from regular companies, and the premiums are very reasonable, not much more than you are paying (I am 45). However, is it not a bit risky insuring on a regular policy without an agreed value. I have heard lots of horror stories from other car clubs about very low payouts without an agreed value.
Cheers
Mark
I've come to the conclusion that I can't really make a wrong decision, I just need to get one. Tried an S3 at the weekend, and loved it. However, there were a handful of things that I wasn't happy with on the car, so used the old advice of 'don't buy the first car you try' and had a bit of a word with myself. The search continues....
Thanks for the additional replies all. All good info.
I am happy to deal with some aspects of maintenance and improvement myself, having tinkered with Triumphs for 25 years. Always had a Dolly Sprint (still have) so I am used to fragile engines!
The choice will be restricted by budget, but I think a reasonable Chimaera with a solid chassis should be just within reach.
I can take my time, view as many models of TVR as possible, and make a decision accordingly.
I can't wait.
Cheers all.
I am happy to deal with some aspects of maintenance and improvement myself, having tinkered with Triumphs for 25 years. Always had a Dolly Sprint (still have) so I am used to fragile engines!
The choice will be restricted by budget, but I think a reasonable Chimaera with a solid chassis should be just within reach.
I can take my time, view as many models of TVR as possible, and make a decision accordingly.
I can't wait.
Cheers all.
All good, and great to hear so much passion for your particular TVRs.
I am no stranger to the benefits of a close knit car club. Both Triumph clubs that am a member of are full of knowledgeable and helpful people. The camaraderie is never more evident than on the Round Britain Run, that me and Mrs M do in the Dolly Sprint every two years. Local TVR club members were very welcoming, so I am glad that I joined the club, and this forum.
The wedge does seem to divide opinion. I personally love the look of them, and when I drew up a bucket list of cars I have to own in the next 10 years, the wedge was on it.
Anyway, the search continues....
I am no stranger to the benefits of a close knit car club. Both Triumph clubs that am a member of are full of knowledgeable and helpful people. The camaraderie is never more evident than on the Round Britain Run, that me and Mrs M do in the Dolly Sprint every two years. Local TVR club members were very welcoming, so I am glad that I joined the club, and this forum.
The wedge does seem to divide opinion. I personally love the look of them, and when I drew up a bucket list of cars I have to own in the next 10 years, the wedge was on it.
Anyway, the search continues....
Kitchski said:
But, we're all different with different views etc. I wonder what the OP will buy?
Ahem, OP here. Loving the chat on this post.Topical really, and this reminds me why I am doing what I am doing. Current motor (apart from the Dolomite Sprint, which is going nowhere) is a Jaguar XF 3.0S. 280 bhp, effortless speed, quiet, comfortable, practical, economical, reliable, well equipped, looks lovely in silver with large alloys etc.... But, it has become very boring, and on the occasion when there is a problem, I have to find someone else to sort it. Polar opposites perhaps, but that is exactly why I want to be driving a TVR (even if it means I have to rattle around in a crappy city car for business miles and urban trips). A life long wish finally about to be realised.
I am drawn to the wedges, mainly a nostalgia thing. Am trying one this weekend to see how it goes. Tried an S, and a Chim. Chim probably slightly beyond the budget for now, but as I keep hearing, these cars are addictive...
Cheers all.
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