Been asked before....

[hoopyfrood]

Hi Guys & gals......

Been asked before but is there any buying advise on TVRs please (putting this lot in a sticky might be an idea). The midlife crisis is looming large so I was thinking of chopping in the M5 for a TVR and was thinking of either a Griffith or Chimaera (Cerbera's maybe but I'd prefer a ragtop whilst I've still got hair on my head to appreciate it). Been looking (and drooling) over the classifieds so I've now got a sticky keyboard and a desire for a Blackpool Rocket (atually did a small amount of college based work there many years ago from the local college)

So :
- Whats best? (subjective!)
- What to look for?
- What to ignore?
- What issues, problems and bonuses? (TVRs dont seem to have a standard specification)
- Mods?
- Maintenence? (not many experts here in Norfolk swampy land)
- Forums? (other than PH naturally)

[Jim Green]

If you check my profile, you'll see I was in exactly the same situation as you about 8 months ago. I had a councourse winning E39 M5, and loved it to death, but I still yearned for that extreme power (Previous to the M5 i'd had a genuine 450bhp Cosworth, and although the M5 was a fantastic car, it just wasn't extreme enough after the Cosworth).

I ended up selling the M5 and buying a late 2002 Tuscan. There are still things I miss about the M5....... Capable of cruising all day log at well over 100mph with total confidence and comfort, and fantastic handling for what is a medium to large car. Still miss it alot.

BUT........ The tuscan is a true petol heads car, with extreme acceleration and fantastic looks. you'll absolutely love it. BUT........ Be prepared to put alot more time and effort into perfecting it and keeping it reliable. Having owned my Tuscan for over six months, I've spent most of it making it more drivable and getting rid of all the reliablity issues. After six months now I'm enjoying it for what it is....... An extreme performance car that is well into the supercar league, but takes time to keep it in good health. Hope you enjoy getting your hands dirty and spending time in the garage. Or have a large bank balance, and a freindly local TVR Specialist close by.

You WILL love it though, and any of them are cars with a real spirit.

Go for it.

Edited by Jim Green on Tuesday 14th April 21:53

[350Matt]

Get yourself along to a local TVR club meet, there you can sit in most models and ask questions and even get taken for a spin if you ask nicely