Which TVR...for a TVR virgin?
Discussion
Sorry if this subject has been done to death already.
Budget of around 10k-15k...
Am I better off trying to find the newest I can afford regardless of mileage? I've seen a couple of 350's on the trader for around 20k, I could maybe just maybe stretch to that...
Or a low mileage 10-12 year old Chim/Cerb/Griff?
I'm concerned about not buying a 'money pit' although I appreciate these cars will cost more than most to maintain. I don't have an issue with that, but I'd like something that will not leave me stranded every other journey and cost 1000s in non-maintenance work on a regular basis.
I appreciate they are 'no nonsense sports cars', but which would be the most suitable for me, a nice balance of power but not a monster like one of these 500/red rose things?
About the only thing I know is that the older straight sixes could be problematic (dont quote me on that though, it's only something I read!) but I think I'd prefer a V8.
I have heard the terms AJP V8 and RV*, I am assuming people arent referring to the MGRV8 but the Rover V8? What does AJP mean?
Finally, thanks in advance for any help. Anyone in the Solihull area that would mind me having a look/ride/chat in theirs? I'll buy you a pint!
Cheers!
Budget of around 10k-15k...
Am I better off trying to find the newest I can afford regardless of mileage? I've seen a couple of 350's on the trader for around 20k, I could maybe just maybe stretch to that...
Or a low mileage 10-12 year old Chim/Cerb/Griff?
I'm concerned about not buying a 'money pit' although I appreciate these cars will cost more than most to maintain. I don't have an issue with that, but I'd like something that will not leave me stranded every other journey and cost 1000s in non-maintenance work on a regular basis.
I appreciate they are 'no nonsense sports cars', but which would be the most suitable for me, a nice balance of power but not a monster like one of these 500/red rose things?
About the only thing I know is that the older straight sixes could be problematic (dont quote me on that though, it's only something I read!) but I think I'd prefer a V8.
I have heard the terms AJP V8 and RV*, I am assuming people arent referring to the MGRV8 but the Rover V8? What does AJP mean?
Finally, thanks in advance for any help. Anyone in the Solihull area that would mind me having a look/ride/chat in theirs? I'll buy you a pint!
Cheers!
texasjohn said:
Sorry if this subject has been done to death already.
Budget of around 10k-15k...
Am I better off trying to find the newest I can afford regardless of mileage? I've seen a couple of 350's on the trader for around 20k, I could maybe just maybe stretch to that...
Or a low mileage 10-12 year old Chim/Cerb/Griff?
a nice balance of power but not a monster like one of these 500/red rose things?
I think I'd prefer a V8.
Budget of around 10k-15k...
Am I better off trying to find the newest I can afford regardless of mileage? I've seen a couple of 350's on the trader for around 20k, I could maybe just maybe stretch to that...
Or a low mileage 10-12 year old Chim/Cerb/Griff?
a nice balance of power but not a monster like one of these 500/red rose things?
I think I'd prefer a V8.
I defiantely wouldn't get a TVR unless you can comfortably afford to keep it in tip top condition so wouldn't suggest a T350 based on your budget...sounds like a Chim/Griff is for you just depends which shape you prefer as both are very similar as far as chassis/engine goes. As long as it's been very well looked after, irrelevant of mileage, they are usually pretty reliable and easy to look after. The best advice is to drive it regularly, keep on top of any problems that come up and make sure you find a good local independent to look after it and expect niggly/frustrating problems to come up every now and then. If they don't even better! I would budget for approx £1-1.5k pa as far as upkeep/servicing which includes potential major expenses. always better to over budget and have some left over in my view! Get friendly with local chim/griff owners at your local TVRCC and ideally bring someone along when you have found one you like as your heart WILL rule your head when you find one you like! Go for it they are awesome cars but then I am biased! he he
oh edited to say...although i dont have experience of Cerbs it seems people go for one having had other TVR experience or coming from other high performance cars. They seem to cost more to upkeep that a griff/chim with potential major expenses but reward with serious power!
Edited by laz11 on Saturday 24th February 18:52
Having owned a Cerbera from new I would suggest that the Chimera or Griff (Chimera easier to drive if you are worried about the performance) would be better for the budget in terms of things not costing a lot and things going wrong but my honest advice would be to buy a Porsche (not meaning to start an argument)
Hi there
I my be corrected in future replies but I would say (only my opinion) the most straightforward TVR to go for at the budget of £10-15k has to be a Griffith or Chimaera. They are pretty similar, using the older Rover based engine. Personally I'm a Griff man, but either a great choice. Go for the usual- good service history, etc. Mine gives me no trouble at all. Just pamper it and remember they are a bit brutal. You should get a good 'un for £15k- mine (1999 t reg.)cost that with a FSH. You would struggle , I think,. to get a decent Cerbera( newer V8-AJP) for the money and they are nuts! Griffith oh yes.
I my be corrected in future replies but I would say (only my opinion) the most straightforward TVR to go for at the budget of £10-15k has to be a Griffith or Chimaera. They are pretty similar, using the older Rover based engine. Personally I'm a Griff man, but either a great choice. Go for the usual- good service history, etc. Mine gives me no trouble at all. Just pamper it and remember they are a bit brutal. You should get a good 'un for £15k- mine (1999 t reg.)cost that with a FSH. You would struggle , I think,. to get a decent Cerbera( newer V8-AJP) for the money and they are nuts! Griffith oh yes.
Edited by Gadaffi Duck on Saturday 24th February 19:09
The TVR you should get is the one you love the most!! If everyone says get a Griffith or Chimaera, but you really want a T350, then it won't be much help to you, cos' the pull will always be to the T350.
That said, they are all very different to drive too. I would be inclined to decide which one you desire the most, then see if you can find a good choice of cars within your budget. Then go to your local TVR meet and have a closer look and get the low down from the owners.
My first TVR was a Chimaera. My second TVR was a Chimaera and I still have it. It is fab to drive and in the 7.5 years I have had it, it has only suffered a holed radiator - hardly the cars fault. So lovely and reliable too and pulls like a train!
Serviced annually and driven, that simple. My third TVR is Cerbera. Nothing like the Chimaera to drive and more highly strung - resulting in being more expensive to run too.
Any use? Hope so. Good luck with your search.
That said, they are all very different to drive too. I would be inclined to decide which one you desire the most, then see if you can find a good choice of cars within your budget. Then go to your local TVR meet and have a closer look and get the low down from the owners.
My first TVR was a Chimaera. My second TVR was a Chimaera and I still have it. It is fab to drive and in the 7.5 years I have had it, it has only suffered a holed radiator - hardly the cars fault. So lovely and reliable too and pulls like a train!
Serviced annually and driven, that simple. My third TVR is Cerbera. Nothing like the Chimaera to drive and more highly strung - resulting in being more expensive to run too. Any use? Hope so. Good luck with your search.
Caddyshack said:
Having owned a Cerbera from new I would suggest that the Chimera or Griff (Chimera easier to drive if you are worried about the performance) would be better for the budget in terms of things not costing a lot and things going wrong but my honest advice would be to buy a Porsche (not meaning to start an argument)
hey... know it's off topic but curious to know why you went from cerb to 993...muat be very different as far as power/tourque goes!Presume you wanted more reliability less expense? not tempted by a T350 then?
laz11 said:
Caddyshack said:
Having owned a Cerbera from new I would suggest that the Chimera or Griff (Chimera easier to drive if you are worried about the performance) would be better for the budget in terms of things not costing a lot and things going wrong but my honest advice would be to buy a Porsche (not meaning to start an argument)
hey... know it's off topic but curious to know why you went from cerb to 993...muat be very different as far as power/tourque goes!Presume you wanted more reliability less expense? not tempted by a T350 then?
I went through a lot of cars in between, my cerbie was a very early Speed Six (supposed to be 360 apprx bhp) it felt very fast and spun its wheels a lot at close to 100 on a less than perfect road) but actually it wouldnt be THAT much faster than the 993 on real roads as opposed to a drag strip (I know this as I used to tussle with my friends 993) I like the look of the T350 but my friends one does go wrong a lot. I hated things like the gear nob got so hot it burned my hand, there was nowhere to put my clutch foot and it ran like a dog sometimes...thats coming from someone who puts up with the ergonomics of a 993.
Oh yes it lost £10,000 in 5000 miles and came back from the factory with "piston slap!" written on the engine!
Thanks guys, that is food for thought!
I agree that the Griff or Chimaera are probably where I would head for, rather than a T350 purely based on budget.
I have considered a Porsche (amongst other things) also.
I like my V8's though, an MG260 was on the cards til I drove one. Very heavy car so didnt feel quite special (quick!) enough. Nice motor though.
I agree that the Griff or Chimaera are probably where I would head for, rather than a T350 purely based on budget.
I have considered a Porsche (amongst other things) also.
I like my V8's though, an MG260 was on the cards til I drove one. Very heavy car so didnt feel quite special (quick!) enough. Nice motor though.
Caddyshack said:
laz11 said:
Caddyshack said:
Having owned a Cerbera from new I would suggest that the Chimera or Griff (Chimera easier to drive if you are worried about the performance) would be better for the budget in terms of things not costing a lot and things going wrong but my honest advice would be to buy a Porsche (not meaning to start an argument)
hey... know it's off topic but curious to know why you went from cerb to 993...muat be very different as far as power/tourque goes!Presume you wanted more reliability less expense? not tempted by a T350 then?
I went through a lot of cars in between, my cerbie was a very early Speed Six (supposed to be 360 apprx bhp) it felt very fast and spun its wheels a lot at close to 100 on a less than perfect road) but actually it wouldnt be THAT much faster than the 993 on real roads as opposed to a drag strip (I know this as I used to tussle with my friends 993) I like the look of the T350 but my friends one does go wrong a lot. I hated things like the gear nob got so hot it burned my hand, there was nowhere to put my clutch foot and it ran like a dog sometimes...thats coming from someone who puts up with the ergonomics of a 993.
Oh yes it lost £10,000 in 5000 miles and came back from the factory with "piston slap!" written on the engine!
Ok interesting...you dont sound like the typical Cerb speed mad owner then! Was thinking of a 993 myself as reckon it's the nicest looking 911 bar maybe the new 997...but very happy with the griff at present! Happy motoring!
texasjohn said:
Thanks guys, that is food for thought!
I agree that the Griff or Chimaera are probably where I would head for, rather than a T350 purely based on budget.
I have considered a Porsche (amongst other things) also.
I like my V8's though, an MG260 was on the cards til I drove one. Very heavy car so didnt feel quite special (quick!) enough. Nice motor though.
I agree that the Griff or Chimaera are probably where I would head for, rather than a T350 purely based on budget.
I have considered a Porsche (amongst other things) also.
I like my V8's though, an MG260 was on the cards til I drove one. Very heavy car so didnt feel quite special (quick!) enough. Nice motor though.
You like V8s
Nothing sounds quite like a Wedge old boy
I have heard the terms AJP V8 and RV*, I am assuming people arent referring to the MGRV8 but the Rover V8? What does AJP mean?
[/quote]
The AJP engine was TVR's own engine designed by Al Melling. The First form of the AJP was the 4.2 V8 and then I think in 1997 they increased the engine capaity to 4.5 litre. They continued on with the 4.2 engine however the 4.5 was slightly more expensive because it was supposed to be faster of the two.
I think the AJP engine was originally designed for the Griff but then they decided just to put the Rover V8 in it and put the AJP in their new car (Cerbera).
Performance wise the AJP would be more powerful then the Rover V8 hovever both are very quick cars. Maintanance costs for the AJP would be more expensive than the Rover V8.
The best option for you to go for IMO would be a Chimaera or Griff as they wouldn't be as expensive to run. I have read in the Cerbera fourms that looking after Cerb's can get pretty expensive.
I think that the Griff and Chimaera have the same chassis and engines as each other. You can get them both in a 4.0 litre 4.5 litre and a 5.0 litre (all of these are the Rover V8).
I think the only real difference between the Chimaera and the Griff is the body.
Hope this has helped and good luck with your search.
[/quote]
The AJP engine was TVR's own engine designed by Al Melling. The First form of the AJP was the 4.2 V8 and then I think in 1997 they increased the engine capaity to 4.5 litre. They continued on with the 4.2 engine however the 4.5 was slightly more expensive because it was supposed to be faster of the two.
I think the AJP engine was originally designed for the Griff but then they decided just to put the Rover V8 in it and put the AJP in their new car (Cerbera).
Performance wise the AJP would be more powerful then the Rover V8 hovever both are very quick cars. Maintanance costs for the AJP would be more expensive than the Rover V8.
The best option for you to go for IMO would be a Chimaera or Griff as they wouldn't be as expensive to run. I have read in the Cerbera fourms that looking after Cerb's can get pretty expensive.
I think that the Griff and Chimaera have the same chassis and engines as each other. You can get them both in a 4.0 litre 4.5 litre and a 5.0 litre (all of these are the Rover V8).
I think the only real difference between the Chimaera and the Griff is the body.
Hope this has helped and good luck with your search.
The AJPV8 was the engine used in later Tuscan racers and Cerberas in 4.2 and 4.5 varients
The RV8 was the Rover V8 used in the 350i all the way upto the latest Chimaeras and Griffiths and some of the earlier Tuscan racers
Hope this helps
My apologies
In a slightly boozey phase I seem to have answered someone who knows
I do apologise dear boy, I didnt see the quotation marks
Back to the film for me
The RV8 was the Rover V8 used in the 350i all the way upto the latest Chimaeras and Griffiths and some of the earlier Tuscan racers
Hope this helps
My apologies
In a slightly boozey phase I seem to have answered someone who knows
I do apologise dear boy, I didnt see the quotation marks
Back to the film for me
Edited by jagdpanther on Saturday 24th February 21:15
john no one has mentioned the v8s yet, the standard 4litre is perfectly capable of staying with a 400 up till it maxes out at around 140. they are very reliable and cheap to run and are not as common as a chimaera or griff take a look at my profile for an idea of the looks. you can get a very good one for under 10k and i paid 12k for mine as it is very low mileage and has substantial upgrades, the noise and fun are superb.gary::
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