Decisions, decisions...

[judas]

Hi all - new boy here looking to get his first TVR in the not-too-distant future

I've spent a while lurking and boning up so I'm not utterly clueless and understand there are some reliability issues with TVRs (not really a huge problem - I have an old MG which breaks down regularly so I'm used to it).

I'm not looking to buy new, but having done some reading I've narrowed the field down a bit: I can do the sensible thing and get a Chimaera of some description, or say what the hell and get a Tuscan Speed 6 'cos they are just sooo gorgeous. Whatever the case I'll probably go through Rob Ingleby. My budget will depend on what type of car - £15-20k-ish for a Chim, or up to the £28k mark max for a Tuscan, but less would be good. Obviously running costs are a major issue, so I have a few questions:

Are the overall running costs for a Tuscan significantly higher than for a Chim?

If reliability is such an issue (that is a wound I do not want to reopen here!), would I be better off going through a dealer and haggling a decent warranty out of them as part of the deal? Or should I leave that to Rob?

Which is the better car for someone who's never driven something quite so, er, powerful before? (Bear in mind the first thing I'll be doing once I get it is booking myself on an advanced driving course.)

I'm sure more questions will cross my mind,but 'til then over to you...

Thanks!

[MikeyT]

Running costs for a Tuscan will be higher than a Chim for one basic reason – servicing.

Oh, and purchase price.

The Tuscan boys can comment on the reliability of their cars for themselves. The Chim is a very reliable car IMO with an engine that is happy being fettled by independents as well as the dealers – and that's where you make the savings.

As for the Tuscan – unless Joolz can tell me differently – most Tuscans are still dealt with by the dealers. Hence higher servicing costs.

All IMO obviously.

[raceboy]

Can only really comment on Chimaera costs which can be surprisingly reasonable as long as you get a 'sorted' car which Rob seems to specialise in
If you fancy a TVR related chat sometime we could meet up as I see from your profile your based in Notts, any where near Hucknall? There are quite a few of us locally although no one has a Tuscan yet!
There are quite a few independants locally as well, Colin Blower in Hinckley and of course Joolz in Chesterfield, keep us informed as to what you decide

[kevinday]

I would recommend a Chimaera as a first TVR, rather than a Tuscan, of course this is just my opinion!

[plotloss]

quote:
I would recommend a Chimaera as a first TVR, rather than a Tuscan, of course this is just my opinion!

Seconded!

Matt.

[judas]

quote:
If you fancy a TVR related chat sometime we could meet up as I see from your profile your based in Notts, any where near Hucknall?

Not far at all - I'm about 5 miles up the road in Selston Drop me an e-mail and we can sort something out.

[steve-p]

Something that I read some years ago, is that if you spend a reasonable bit less than your absolute maximum budget, often you can enjoy the car more. So you might have more fun with the Chimaera to start with. Bear in mind that it's impossible to have too much power - you soon get used to it and want more. If you start with a 4.0 litre, you will want a bigger engine before long. So you might as well get a 4.5 or 500.

[gazzab]

My first tvr was a 450 Chim. I wanted a 500 within a week. I'd say go for a Griff and get that rock solid residual.

[Jason F]

quote:
Bear in mind that it's impossible to have too much power - you soon get used to it and want more.

I think there are a few people who have made friends with ditches who may disagree.

quote:
If you start with a 4.0 litre, you will want a bigger engine before long

True !!!

[TVRinBFG]

Chim 500 will follow Griffith residual wise, so maybe now is a good time to buy one.