Discussion
I'll hopefully be looking to buy a TVR as a "weekend car" in a couple of years time.
What car would you recommend buying given a £5k budget? I'd prefer a V8 for the sound, or is that advisable spending only £5k?
I've seen a few Wedges around that figure at the moment - but will I get a decent car for that amount - or am I better splashing out closer to 10k for a Chimaera?
I've just sold on a Saab 9000 Carlsson Turbo (220 BHP) and would like something quicker to replace it (eventually). That car was all mid range, but had an inability to get any power down in the wet!
I'm asking now, so that I know what sort of figure to aim for to save, and what cars to look out for.
My company lease is up in May 2004, and it's either a new car, or a TVR plus something to do all the miles!
Apologies if this is the wrong board to ask...
Kevin Mc
What car would you recommend buying given a £5k budget? I'd prefer a V8 for the sound, or is that advisable spending only £5k?
I've seen a few Wedges around that figure at the moment - but will I get a decent car for that amount - or am I better splashing out closer to 10k for a Chimaera?
I've just sold on a Saab 9000 Carlsson Turbo (220 BHP) and would like something quicker to replace it (eventually). That car was all mid range, but had an inability to get any power down in the wet!
I'm asking now, so that I know what sort of figure to aim for to save, and what cars to look out for.
My company lease is up in May 2004, and it's either a new car, or a TVR plus something to do all the miles!
Apologies if this is the wrong board to ask...
Kevin Mc
it's not neccesarily the wrong board to ask on Kevin.
It's just that you're probably better off asking nearer the time as values of cars will have changed a lot in 2 yrs. For example I paid £19500 for my Griffith 500 in Oct 1999, I sold it in June 2001 for £14,000 both of which were on market realistic levels.
You could probably pick up an early Chimaera for about £10,000 at the moment, this will have dropped a bit within 2 yrs. The only caveat is that cars do reach the bottom of their depreciation cycle and stop devaluing to an extent.
I'd wait until nearer the time then go and drive a few cars so you can appreciate the differences, then set your sights on what you want, cash in hand so you are a viable buyer who knows what he wants.
Best of luck.
It's just that you're probably better off asking nearer the time as values of cars will have changed a lot in 2 yrs. For example I paid £19500 for my Griffith 500 in Oct 1999, I sold it in June 2001 for £14,000 both of which were on market realistic levels.
You could probably pick up an early Chimaera for about £10,000 at the moment, this will have dropped a bit within 2 yrs. The only caveat is that cars do reach the bottom of their depreciation cycle and stop devaluing to an extent.
I'd wait until nearer the time then go and drive a few cars so you can appreciate the differences, then set your sights on what you want, cash in hand so you are a viable buyer who knows what he wants.
Best of luck.
Hi Kevin,, I note you aren't considering an S.. is that due to the lack of V8'ness for £5k.. well true, but it does still have that "TVR sound" but I agree may not have the performance you are after... how quick was the SAAB?
one minor problem:
..does this mean that you want something that will grip in the wet..?
Cheers
Matt.
one minor problem:
quote:
That car was all mid range, but had an inability to get any power down in the wet!
..does this mean that you want something that will grip in the wet..?
Cheers
Matt.
M&H - I would consider a TVR 'S' - just saw that they were 2.9's and assumed they were Ford lumps (newbie to TVR's so please forgive any blasphemies!)
As Craig mentioned, I think I'll have a good look around at the time and try out the different cars. An older 350 Wedge went past my house yesterday and even my 6 year old lad wanted one for the noise!
Whichever car I went for, it wouldn't see too much rain anyway - it was just that the Saab was a rain magnet. It'd be a lovely morning, so I'd take the Saab instead of the company car - it'd end up chucking it down, with 1.1 Fiesta's getting away from me at junctions! The main thing is to get a car which is a lot of fun, so looks, noise and performance are all high priorities. I take it some TVR's are a little "interesting" in the wet!
As Craig mentioned, I think I'll have a good look around at the time and try out the different cars. An older 350 Wedge went past my house yesterday and even my 6 year old lad wanted one for the noise!
Whichever car I went for, it wouldn't see too much rain anyway - it was just that the Saab was a rain magnet. It'd be a lovely morning, so I'd take the Saab instead of the company car - it'd end up chucking it down, with 1.1 Fiesta's getting away from me at junctions! The main thing is to get a car which is a lot of fun, so looks, noise and performance are all high priorities. I take it some TVR's are a little "interesting" in the wet!
you are right Kevin, it is the Ford Cologne 2.9 V6, but to be fair, with some basic tlc these engines are as good as the next one.. plus with TVR's induction and exhaust you get a health 168bhp out of them, coupled to a weigh of 950kg giving over 175bhp per ton.
When i was out with a couple of Chims last week I had no problems keeping up and the fact that its basically Ford mechanics doesn't half help heep the running costs down too..
Cheers
Matt.
When i was out with a couple of Chims last week I had no problems keeping up and the fact that its basically Ford mechanics doesn't half help heep the running costs down too..
Cheers
Matt.
Wedges and Chimaeras are very very different beasts. It's not just how much you want to spend, it's what do you want out of your weekend toy.
Wedges, especially big ones, are not at all relaxing to drive, they require 100% driver involvement; great soundtrack though! Chimaeras are positively civilised by comparison; softer ride, decent boot, less severe looks; they still go like stink though....
The S series are good TVRs, all sound OK, V8S sound great. The S looks the part of the classic British sportscar.
I suggest you get yourself down the nearest TVRCC regional meet, ask around, look, listen. Also try and blag a ride or two.
Wedges, especially big ones, are not at all relaxing to drive, they require 100% driver involvement; great soundtrack though! Chimaeras are positively civilised by comparison; softer ride, decent boot, less severe looks; they still go like stink though....
The S series are good TVRs, all sound OK, V8S sound great. The S looks the part of the classic British sportscar.
I suggest you get yourself down the nearest TVRCC regional meet, ask around, look, listen. Also try and blag a ride or two.
quote:
.............., V8S sound great. The S looks the part of the classic British sportscar.
Duncan very kind of you to say so
but they still sound a little tame compared to the big boys wedges. The SEAC's and even 400/450SE's still have my 'best tvr music' vote any day
, you just need to put it a CD so that the modern 'T' cars can put it on their ICE 
. Harry
Kevin Mc
I know what you mean about the sound of the V8's!
I agree with the suggestion before, you should get down to some of the TVRCC meets and blag a ride or two. When looking for my Tiv, I wanted a V8 and with my budget (about £11k) was looking at either V8S, early 4.00 griff or Chim. The V8s won as IMHO typical English sportscar, small, lightweight two seater with unfisably large engine! Perfick!! And that soundtrack!!!
Whichever TVR you eventially go for, you'll have the satisfaction of owning and enjoying a real drivers car and for the money, better than any of the imitation euro/japanese 'sportcars'!
Good luck, it's worth the wait
I know what you mean about the sound of the V8's!
I agree with the suggestion before, you should get down to some of the TVRCC meets and blag a ride or two. When looking for my Tiv, I wanted a V8 and with my budget (about £11k) was looking at either V8S, early 4.00 griff or Chim. The V8s won as IMHO typical English sportscar, small, lightweight two seater with unfisably large engine! Perfick!! And that soundtrack!!!
Whichever TVR you eventially go for, you'll have the satisfaction of owning and enjoying a real drivers car and for the money, better than any of the imitation euro/japanese 'sportcars'!
Good luck, it's worth the wait
I've just re-read my earlier post and I think I've done Wedges an injustice.
Wedges are not subtle. They assault your senses aurally and visually. It's not so much a styling thing, Wedges have serious attitude. They vigorously stick two fingers up at motoring conservatism.
Wedges would be hard to live with as your everyday transport. However, as a weekend toy Wedges are perfect.
Every run out is something special. Big silly grins are guaranteed.
Wedges are not subtle. They assault your senses aurally and visually. It's not so much a styling thing, Wedges have serious attitude. They vigorously stick two fingers up at motoring conservatism.
Wedges would be hard to live with as your everyday transport. However, as a weekend toy Wedges are perfect.
Every run out is something special. Big silly grins are guaranteed.
The more I read the replies, the more I want one! Can I really wait 22 months?
I will find out when the next meet near me is on and get down for a look.
The Saab was the first car I'd owned where you could experience G force on acceleration - look forward to more of the same with a TVR!
At least I won't have to worry about ICE, as the engine should provide all the aural entertainment! It'll certainly make a change sitting in the car, as opposed to winding down the windows in another car to hear the music from the engine!
I will find out when the next meet near me is on and get down for a look.
The Saab was the first car I'd owned where you could experience G force on acceleration - look forward to more of the same with a TVR!
At least I won't have to worry about ICE, as the engine should provide all the aural entertainment! It'll certainly make a change sitting in the car, as opposed to winding down the windows in another car to hear the music from the engine!
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