Should I buy a TVR?
Discussion
Hi Folks,
Been on PH a wee while now but never popped in past the Trevor boys and girls to say hello, so here I am
I went to see a Chimaera 450 (98R 56k) at the weekend which as it turned out was a little tired and IMO not worth the 12k the vendor wanted for it. It also had 6 owners which I thought was a bit much.
However, I am now in love and spent the rest of the weekend making strange V8 noises (much to the bemusement of Miss ASBO)
I had considered swaping my current car for a Porker 968 but I left feeling a bit cold after going to view one. As soon as I saw the Chim I wanted it, but as I say I felt I could get a better one.
Here's the thing though.
Firstly I will only have the one car, so the Tivver needs to be used as a daily snotter as well as my weekend hoon wagon and track warrior.
Secondly, I cannot for the life of me decide which TVR to go for.
I love both the Chim and the Griff, but also quite fancy a Cerbie.
I have a budget of ~£14k and I'm after a car of roughly '99-'00 vintage with less than 50k on the clock. Would I be wise to look at the AJP engined cars or should I stick to the Rover V8's?
I dont want to have to budget £££'s every year in maintenace (although I will go into this with my eyes open) so the possibility of engine re-builds is out of the question.
Would love to hear from all of you as to what your thoughts are on running these things. Recomended insurers would alo be appreciated. I'm 24 so the cheaper the better!
Also, as far as the Chims are conmcerned, what's the preferred flavour amongst you lot; 4.0,4.5 or full fat? Have to say, judging by the performance figures I feel the 4.0 may be a little tame, but I'm willing to be corrected!
[nomex]...and Finally. What are the reliability issues on these respective motorcars
[/nomex]
Cheers,
Simon.
Been on PH a wee while now but never popped in past the Trevor boys and girls to say hello, so here I am
I went to see a Chimaera 450 (98R 56k) at the weekend which as it turned out was a little tired and IMO not worth the 12k the vendor wanted for it. It also had 6 owners which I thought was a bit much.
However, I am now in love and spent the rest of the weekend making strange V8 noises (much to the bemusement of Miss ASBO)
I had considered swaping my current car for a Porker 968 but I left feeling a bit cold after going to view one. As soon as I saw the Chim I wanted it, but as I say I felt I could get a better one. Here's the thing though.
Firstly I will only have the one car, so the Tivver needs to be used as a daily snotter as well as my weekend hoon wagon and track warrior.
Secondly, I cannot for the life of me decide which TVR to go for.
I love both the Chim and the Griff, but also quite fancy a Cerbie.
I have a budget of ~£14k and I'm after a car of roughly '99-'00 vintage with less than 50k on the clock. Would I be wise to look at the AJP engined cars or should I stick to the Rover V8's?
I dont want to have to budget £££'s every year in maintenace (although I will go into this with my eyes open) so the possibility of engine re-builds is out of the question.
Would love to hear from all of you as to what your thoughts are on running these things. Recomended insurers would alo be appreciated. I'm 24 so the cheaper the better!
Also, as far as the Chims are conmcerned, what's the preferred flavour amongst you lot; 4.0,4.5 or full fat? Have to say, judging by the performance figures I feel the 4.0 may be a little tame, but I'm willing to be corrected!
[nomex]...and Finally. What are the reliability issues on these respective motorcars
[/nomex] Cheers,
Simon.
Cerbs have high maitainance costs (or so I have been informed).
Chimps and Griffs - easily for both. In fact some believe that they are better used as a daily driver.
What to look out for - condition Pure and simple. If it doesn't look or feel right, walk away.
For that kind of money, you should be able to get yourself a nice one.... of what-ever you choose.
Chimps and Griffs - easily for both. In fact some believe that they are better used as a daily driver.
What to look out for - condition Pure and simple. If it doesn't look or feel right, walk away.
For that kind of money, you should be able to get yourself a nice one.... of what-ever you choose.
In all seriousness.
Avoid the Cerbera. As wonderful as they are (and they really are fecking wonderful!) they are not cheap to run and if you have a budget it may spoil the whole experience.
The most practical choice that ticks the boxes is probably the one you have already looked at, a 4.5. Performance (IMHO) is not any noticeably different to the 5 litre, but its less lumpy around town. Being a daily car as well as a weekend toy that is important. The V8's are pretty robust and less likely to spring surprises at you.
The Griff is lovely looking, but given your budget the Chimaera is less desirable so your money will stretch to a far later car than the equivilant Griff. Considering they are the same underneath, but the Chim is probably a touch more practical due to the bigger boot.
In terms of trackdays, you'll have to avoid one that has had the exhaust played with (and a lot have..) to stand any chance of dipping under the noise regs. Even then you'll be hard pressed and you will find that the track is not the TVR's natural environment. Having said that, you'll still have a ball on circuit, but you may find more track orientated small stuff is having no trouble in passing you.
Avoid the Cerbera. As wonderful as they are (and they really are fecking wonderful!) they are not cheap to run and if you have a budget it may spoil the whole experience.
The most practical choice that ticks the boxes is probably the one you have already looked at, a 4.5. Performance (IMHO) is not any noticeably different to the 5 litre, but its less lumpy around town. Being a daily car as well as a weekend toy that is important. The V8's are pretty robust and less likely to spring surprises at you.
The Griff is lovely looking, but given your budget the Chimaera is less desirable so your money will stretch to a far later car than the equivilant Griff. Considering they are the same underneath, but the Chim is probably a touch more practical due to the bigger boot.
In terms of trackdays, you'll have to avoid one that has had the exhaust played with (and a lot have..) to stand any chance of dipping under the noise regs. Even then you'll be hard pressed and you will find that the track is not the TVR's natural environment. Having said that, you'll still have a ball on circuit, but you may find more track orientated small stuff is having no trouble in passing you.
If your budget's £14k, you want to be spending £10k. Then you've got something left for unforseen disasters, bringing it up to scratch, and repairs. At £10k you need to buy very carefully. Fact is, you'll get a better Chimaera for that money that anything else - and a 4.0 at that. I doubt you'll get anything as late as a 99/00, even a 4.0. You'd be better buying on condition alone - don't get hung up on age. Even a 99 car is 8 years old...
As for insurance, if it's your only car you won't get a classic policy, and unfortunately, being 24 you're not likely to be treated kindly by mainstream insurers. Again, a 4.0 Chimaera has to be the best bet.
Finally I wouldn't ley 'high' numbers of owners put you off. It's a fact of life with most sportscars, and isn't necessarily a bad thing. When it is a bad thing is when people realise their dream cost more than they thought it would (or they didn't leave a contingency) and are forced to sell...
As for insurance, if it's your only car you won't get a classic policy, and unfortunately, being 24 you're not likely to be treated kindly by mainstream insurers. Again, a 4.0 Chimaera has to be the best bet.
Finally I wouldn't ley 'high' numbers of owners put you off. It's a fact of life with most sportscars, and isn't necessarily a bad thing. When it is a bad thing is when people realise their dream cost more than they thought it would (or they didn't leave a contingency) and are forced to sell...
Edited by griffter on Monday 14th May 12:20
I was in a similar situation to you a few years back. Bought my first TVR at 24, a Griff 500, but didn't use it as a daily driver. FYI it was insured with Elephant for the remainder of an existing policy as a lot of other insurers wouldn't insure me.
Looked into a Cerb but for the first step into TVR ownership the running costs were predicted to be too high. For your budget my advice would be to get a Chim as you're likely to get better condition, newer and lower mileage for your money compared to the Griff. Yes they can be used as daily drivers but remember that if you're going to use it as a daily driver, these aren't ordinary Euroboxes or hot-hatch type cars, so don't expect servicing costs to be comparable.
Looked into a Cerb but for the first step into TVR ownership the running costs were predicted to be too high. For your budget my advice would be to get a Chim as you're likely to get better condition, newer and lower mileage for your money compared to the Griff. Yes they can be used as daily drivers but remember that if you're going to use it as a daily driver, these aren't ordinary Euroboxes or hot-hatch type cars, so don't expect servicing costs to be comparable.
Listen to Schnozz. He knows what he's talking about.
We've run a Chim 450 (98'S') since 99 (still have it). I reckon it costs £2K a year in maintenance to run. Some years its been worse. Some better. But if £2K sounds over much don't buy one and end up pissed off.
Reliability? Surprisingly reliable. Reliable like a Toyota - of course not. Running one as an only car? Well yes you can. But you will end up buying a shitter for a few hundred quid to get about in occasionally. Reason being if something goes wrong that stops you you can be waiting a few weeks to get a slot at a good specialist. We've had two periods when the car was off the road for months at a time - simply because of specialists availability.
There again we've run ours constantly for seven years (so far) so its had plenty of time for stuff to go wrong. Most things that can have by now!
We've run a Chim 450 (98'S') since 99 (still have it). I reckon it costs £2K a year in maintenance to run. Some years its been worse. Some better. But if £2K sounds over much don't buy one and end up pissed off.
Reliability? Surprisingly reliable. Reliable like a Toyota - of course not. Running one as an only car? Well yes you can. But you will end up buying a shitter for a few hundred quid to get about in occasionally. Reason being if something goes wrong that stops you you can be waiting a few weeks to get a slot at a good specialist. We've had two periods when the car was off the road for months at a time - simply because of specialists availability.
There again we've run ours constantly for seven years (so far) so its had plenty of time for stuff to go wrong. Most things that can have by now!
My Chimaera 4.0L was the most reliable TVR I had. (Compared to the two Tuscans)
You are right to go in with eyes wide open as it will not be as reliable as a mainstream manufacturer.
Find and develop a relationship with a good Independant who will treat it as if it is their own car. I was lucky enough to stumble across Adrian Venn (Exactly TVR) who really looked after the car for me.
I would not be put off by a higher mileage car that has been regularly used/serviced and generally well looked after as this can be taken as proof of reliability.
You are right to go in with eyes wide open as it will not be as reliable as a mainstream manufacturer.
Find and develop a relationship with a good Independant who will treat it as if it is their own car. I was lucky enough to stumble across Adrian Venn (Exactly TVR) who really looked after the car for me.
I would not be put off by a higher mileage car that has been regularly used/serviced and generally well looked after as this can be taken as proof of reliability.
Cheers for the advise all 
The Chim is where I am likely find myself, as there seems to be plenty about and whilst its all down to preference, I prefer the look of them.
£2k a year maintenance is what I had in mind so I'm not put off yet!
What are these cars like on the circuit? Someone mentioned they arent the quickest things around (which I expected) but will they be good fun and can a suspension tweek make them more track orientated?
ETA: Can anyone point me in the right direction of the owners clubs and TVR specialists? or just general info on them - e.g buyers guides etc.
The Chim is where I am likely find myself, as there seems to be plenty about and whilst its all down to preference, I prefer the look of them.
£2k a year maintenance is what I had in mind so I'm not put off yet!
What are these cars like on the circuit? Someone mentioned they arent the quickest things around (which I expected) but will they be good fun and can a suspension tweek make them more track orientated?
ETA: Can anyone point me in the right direction of the owners clubs and TVR specialists? or just general info on them - e.g buyers guides etc.
Edited by ASBO on Monday 14th May 12:50
ASBO said:
What are these cars like on the circuit?
We have never tracked our Chimaera. At first because the Mrs was too afraid of doing so. Latterly because its not really the sort of precision tool you'd want for that IMO....I take my Porsche instead. Having said this there are those that race 'em so I imagine they can be sorted.
ASBO said:
What are these cars like on the circuit? Someone mentioned they arent the quickest things around (which I expected) but will they be good fun and can a suspension tweek make them more track orientated?
I haven't tracked my Cerbera, but did take my Chim 400 to Castle Combe. It was brilliant. Loads of grip, fast and loud. Chim 400 might not be super quick compared to say, a Cerb, but it's still a seriously fast car. A suspension change with a track oriented setup will be a huge benefit.
ASBO said:
seems its under maint: SERVER MAINTENANCE PAGE is what I get.
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