TVR reliability - Can I DD a Chim without facing bankruptcy?
Discussion
pretty much as the title really. i want to turbo/super my mx5 but i'm not sure i'll be 100% content, starting to think i'm getting a little bored of 4 pots since that's all i've owned
always fancied a chim (or cerb, if in budget) but it's the constant, apparent(?) reliability issues that make me wonder if a daily is a bad idea. what is there to go wrong? are drivetrains not ford sourced? body glassfibre, base spec engines bored rover v8's?
i assume a base 400 isn't going to be lower than high 20's mpg in a car that weighs just over a tonne? or is that naive?!
and are Clarksons's statements (huge pinch, no, handful of salt) in anyway just, with regard to 'floppy, wallowy chassis' etc. he's mentioned in the past? are we talking stock damping/spring rates or the shell itself?
i certainly wouldn't want to feel as though i'd bought a great straight line missile then long for the little mazda everytime i came to a bend
thoughts appreciated, tell me what i've overlooked regarding ownership!
always fancied a chim (or cerb, if in budget) but it's the constant, apparent(?) reliability issues that make me wonder if a daily is a bad idea. what is there to go wrong? are drivetrains not ford sourced? body glassfibre, base spec engines bored rover v8's?
i assume a base 400 isn't going to be lower than high 20's mpg in a car that weighs just over a tonne? or is that naive?!
and are Clarksons's statements (huge pinch, no, handful of salt) in anyway just, with regard to 'floppy, wallowy chassis' etc. he's mentioned in the past? are we talking stock damping/spring rates or the shell itself?
i certainly wouldn't want to feel as though i'd bought a great straight line missile then long for the little mazda everytime i came to a bend
thoughts appreciated, tell me what i've overlooked regarding ownership!
Edited by dylan0451 on Wednesday 14th July 13:05
sday12 said:
No,but you will die screaming and on fire.
well, i'm not particularly partial to dying, most certainly not screaming be it along side dying or otherwise, and having had the misfortune of being on fire before, so i'm not to into that either.is there a possibility i might not die screaming and on fire?
Dylan,
Buy a TVR on condition, condition and condition. Do not worry about mileage as long as the service book is full and all work done on schedule. There are lots of stories about chassis issues but it is quite easy to spot a munter if you follow the guidelines that can be found in the TVR section on here.
There are usually a few (read 3 or more) TVR's at the Essex meet which is coming up tomorrow. It is listed in the Essex & Kent section and you will be more than welcome to come along and have a chat with us owners about things.....apart from if it is raining or looks like rain when most of us stay home
If you are serious about owning a TVR ask the right questions in the TVR section, go and see a few, have a ride in a few (happy to provide tomorrow if dry) and see what YOU think not what others say. Yes you will need a fund in case of issues but the Chimaeras and Cerbs are mostly the wrong side of 10 years old now and built by hand so that is expected.
Buy a TVR on condition, condition and condition. Do not worry about mileage as long as the service book is full and all work done on schedule. There are lots of stories about chassis issues but it is quite easy to spot a munter if you follow the guidelines that can be found in the TVR section on here.
There are usually a few (read 3 or more) TVR's at the Essex meet which is coming up tomorrow. It is listed in the Essex & Kent section and you will be more than welcome to come along and have a chat with us owners about things.....apart from if it is raining or looks like rain when most of us stay home
If you are serious about owning a TVR ask the right questions in the TVR section, go and see a few, have a ride in a few (happy to provide tomorrow if dry) and see what YOU think not what others say. Yes you will need a fund in case of issues but the Chimaeras and Cerbs are mostly the wrong side of 10 years old now and built by hand so that is expected.
cocopop said:
There's a chance you could die screaming and soaking wet should you end up in a river.
From the research I've done Chim 400s can happily be used daily. Cerbs maybe not.
You'll probably get a better response in the TVR section.
From the research I've done Chim 400s can happily be used daily. Cerbs maybe not.
You'll probably get a better response in the TVR section.
i suppose there is the possibility that should i bin it in a river i might not even die? although, i'm almost certainly be wet, and i might let out a girly squeal as i slip a racing stripe in the gusset
good point, mods? could you move this?
dylan0451 said:
cocopop said:
There's a chance you could die screaming and soaking wet should you end up in a river.
From the research I've done Chim 400s can happily be used daily. Cerbs maybe not.
You'll probably get a better response in the TVR section.
From the research I've done Chim 400s can happily be used daily. Cerbs maybe not.
You'll probably get a better response in the TVR section.
i suppose there is the possibility that should i bin it in a river i might not even die? although, i'm almost certainly be wet, and i might let out a girly squeal as i slip a racing stripe in the gusset
good point, mods? could you move this?
And if you've got a MKI MX-5 you'll probably stay drier!dylan0451 said:
pretty much as the title really. i want to turbo/super my mx5 but i'm not sure i'll be 100% content, starting to think i'm getting a little bored of 4 pots since that's all i've owned
always fancied a chim (or cerb, if in budget) but it's the constant, apparent(?) reliability issues that make me wonder if a daily is a bad idea. what is there to go wrong? are drivetrains not ford sourced? body glassfibre, base spec engines bored rover v8's?
i assume a base 400 isn't going to be lower than high 20's mpg in a car that weighs just over a tonne? or is that naive?!
and are Clarksons's statements (huge pinch, no, handful of salt) in anyway just, with regard to 'floppy, wallowy chassis' etc. he's mentioned in the past? are we talking stock damping/spring rates or the shell itself?
i certainly wouldn't want to feel as though i'd bought a great straight line missile then long for the little mazda everytime i came to a bend
thoughts appreciated, tell me what i've overlooked regarding ownership!
Hi always fancied a chim (or cerb, if in budget) but it's the constant, apparent(?) reliability issues that make me wonder if a daily is a bad idea. what is there to go wrong? are drivetrains not ford sourced? body glassfibre, base spec engines bored rover v8's?
i assume a base 400 isn't going to be lower than high 20's mpg in a car that weighs just over a tonne? or is that naive?!
and are Clarksons's statements (huge pinch, no, handful of salt) in anyway just, with regard to 'floppy, wallowy chassis' etc. he's mentioned in the past? are we talking stock damping/spring rates or the shell itself?
i certainly wouldn't want to feel as though i'd bought a great straight line missile then long for the little mazda everytime i came to a bend
thoughts appreciated, tell me what i've overlooked regarding ownership!
Edited by dylan0451 on Wednesday 14th July 13:05
All cars have the potential to be unreliable
.I have had TVR's for 14 troublefree years (of course stuff needs doing, just nothing excessive).
Imho a Chimaera is pretty bullet proof and good sport to drive. You should haven't any difficult getting round any corners, provided you can drive (if you get what I mean).
There is potential to adjust the cars performance to your personal driving taste, if the standard set-up does not suit.
Not sure that MPG should be a siginificant part of your buying criteria?...That said, I'd always choose a TVR over my daily runner for a long journey - because the fuel economy is better on a long run, cos' its relatively effortless for such a light, high powered car.
I also have a Cerbera
(yes, very spoilt). Totally different cars. Whole different ball game in every respect (except maybe washing and polishing 
).I see you are in Essex. The Essex Club meet on the second Sunday lunchtime of each month I believe. If you fancy a run - the Cambridge Club meet this Thursday evening at The Ferry Boat in Holywell (near St. Ives). You could talk to lots of different people about all the different cars and probably get a blast to show you performance - and cornering ability
.Rather a long reply - sorry. Girls always talk a lot
Mrs FFG has been running a Griff 500 as a daily driver for 7 years now, and I used to run a Taimar for 8 years but that was a real challenge to keep on the road. Get a few gripes with the Griff every now and again but generally been reliable. Running costs relatively high but very little depreciation if any. Could have bought a brand new Mondeo (or similar) which would have been worth bugger all now or spend the difference on fuel. One car is slightly more exhilerating to drive than the other.
Its about 50% about the car and 50% about the new family you'll join. Lots of good events alwyas going on and some great down to earth, normal people (in the main obviously).
If you're looking at daily drivers I'd go Griff or Chim as the engines are pretty good with good parts availablity and plenty of modding options to suit all budgets. Cerb's are a lot more to run in general and Speed 6's will always be plagued with the engine issue, unless you've got a recent built one. Older ones - need a bit more TLC. Chims are around £4-£5 less than a Griff and its pretty much the same car so maybe a good starting point. A 400 will be fast enough but you'll always want a bit more.
FFG
Its about 50% about the car and 50% about the new family you'll join. Lots of good events alwyas going on and some great down to earth, normal people (in the main obviously).
If you're looking at daily drivers I'd go Griff or Chim as the engines are pretty good with good parts availablity and plenty of modding options to suit all budgets. Cerb's are a lot more to run in general and Speed 6's will always be plagued with the engine issue, unless you've got a recent built one. Older ones - need a bit more TLC. Chims are around £4-£5 less than a Griff and its pretty much the same car so maybe a good starting point. A 400 will be fast enough but you'll always want a bit more.
FFG
I can't subject my Chimaera to being a DD. I'm sure it's up to it,mechanically, but somehow, IMO, you'd be missing the point of it when you're queuing on a motorway in the pissing rain.
I could afford the petrol and servicing costs - thankfully - but I wouldn't have the heart to do it to the old girl. Rather someone else drive 3,000 miles per annum, keep her in a garage and smother her with affection, than drive her 12,000 miles a year and treat her like a workhorse.
That's why, after three fantastic years, mine's in the classifieds - and I've bought a 92 MX5 for a 50 mile daily commute.
(Just noticed I've referred to my car using feminine pronouns - sorry.)
I could afford the petrol and servicing costs - thankfully - but I wouldn't have the heart to do it to the old girl. Rather someone else drive 3,000 miles per annum, keep her in a garage and smother her with affection, than drive her 12,000 miles a year and treat her like a workhorse.
That's why, after three fantastic years, mine's in the classifieds - and I've bought a 92 MX5 for a 50 mile daily commute.
(Just noticed I've referred to my car using feminine pronouns - sorry.)
I personally would not like to use my Chimaera as a DD for a few of reasons
1. Winter time would be a right pain in the ass day to day get very heavy rain the wipers don’t do very much.
2. Driving in snow ice ect like last winter will be hard work and i would hate to get salt on my pride and joy.
3. Driving in heavy traffic is a pain and a good work out for the left leg its ok getting caught up every now and then but every day if you do would ruin driving it for me.
4. If used every day it would not seem that special to me any more drive a cheap hack day-day save a fortune and look forward to the evening/weekend play times with it.
Forgot to add on the plus side as the guys have said the more they get used the better they are i could not live with it DD but as you see a few do. Same with lotus owners ect you get a good few hard core owners but i like having a estate and 5 doors for when i need it and the tow bar.
1. Winter time would be a right pain in the ass day to day get very heavy rain the wipers don’t do very much.
2. Driving in snow ice ect like last winter will be hard work and i would hate to get salt on my pride and joy.
3. Driving in heavy traffic is a pain and a good work out for the left leg its ok getting caught up every now and then but every day if you do would ruin driving it for me.
4. If used every day it would not seem that special to me any more drive a cheap hack day-day save a fortune and look forward to the evening/weekend play times with it.
Forgot to add on the plus side as the guys have said the more they get used the better they are i could not live with it DD but as you see a few do. Same with lotus owners ect you get a good few hard core owners but i like having a estate and 5 doors for when i need it and the tow bar.
Edited by scotty_d on Wednesday 14th July 15:22
For TVR Sprint I did some research on the reliability of Chims/Griffs. I seem to remember 17 replies, 14 of which had no problems outside of servicing. No breakdowns.
The remaining three had aggro, one because he didn't use it much (3 or 4 times a year), another bought one without a service record and it turned out to be a bit of a dog. He knew he was taking a risk and it didn't come off. The third bloke bought one that seemed pristine and paid top dollar. It turned out to have been in an accident. He paid getting on for the same amount again but, oddly enough, was eventually happy with the car.
The average mileage was around 4,500 I think and a couple of the newer cars were DDs although one was a regular trip to Scotland. Or Derby, somewhere up there, so the average mileage was distorted a little.
The rule seemed to be to check levels weekly and if anything seems out of order, sort it.
The cars are no getting old and there is no doubt that they were, even when new, somewhat less reliable than mainstream saloons and such. Add to that the problems of age where things which have worked perfectly before suddenly stop for no apparent reason (I've been there, believe me). But there is a certain truth to the rumour that if you use it regularly it tends to stay working. And that goes for Chims and Griffs as well.
The remaining three had aggro, one because he didn't use it much (3 or 4 times a year), another bought one without a service record and it turned out to be a bit of a dog. He knew he was taking a risk and it didn't come off. The third bloke bought one that seemed pristine and paid top dollar. It turned out to have been in an accident. He paid getting on for the same amount again but, oddly enough, was eventually happy with the car.
The average mileage was around 4,500 I think and a couple of the newer cars were DDs although one was a regular trip to Scotland. Or Derby, somewhere up there, so the average mileage was distorted a little.
The rule seemed to be to check levels weekly and if anything seems out of order, sort it.
The cars are no getting old and there is no doubt that they were, even when new, somewhat less reliable than mainstream saloons and such. Add to that the problems of age where things which have worked perfectly before suddenly stop for no apparent reason (I've been there, believe me). But there is a certain truth to the rumour that if you use it regularly it tends to stay working. And that goes for Chims and Griffs as well.
Hi,
I've gone from a Turbo MX5 (running about 160-170 bhp) (still got it, no-one has bought it from me yet) to a Chimaera 430.
Chims prefer to be used daily, but as others have said, maybe not the best for Winter.
Mind you, you could always buy an complete bucket for a few months and run it into ground.
Saves running the TVR into a Tree
But if you've "played" with an MX5, you "should" be ok as I have no problem with the TVR communicating with me when it doesn't like what I'm doing :-) and thats on the Bilsteins.
I'd say, go for it, I love mine (even if it needs lots of TLC, bit of a dog) and the engine goes & sounds GREAT
Just have a good read on the Chim (and Griff) forums and you will see what the niggles are & what to look out for.
Mark S
I've gone from a Turbo MX5 (running about 160-170 bhp) (still got it, no-one has bought it from me yet) to a Chimaera 430.
Chims prefer to be used daily, but as others have said, maybe not the best for Winter.
Mind you, you could always buy an complete bucket for a few months and run it into ground.
Saves running the TVR into a Tree
But if you've "played" with an MX5, you "should" be ok as I have no problem with the TVR communicating with me when it doesn't like what I'm doing :-) and thats on the Bilsteins.
I'd say, go for it, I love mine (even if it needs lots of TLC, bit of a dog) and the engine goes & sounds GREAT
Just have a good read on the Chim (and Griff) forums and you will see what the niggles are & what to look out for.
Mark S
Have a read of this from the Chimaera forum,
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
The replies are balance and honest. ( As far as I can tell, mine certainly is. )
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
The replies are balance and honest. ( As far as I can tell, mine certainly is. )
Edited by P400PLS on Wednesday 14th July 15:44
scotty_d said:
I personally would not like to use my Chimaera as a DD for a few of reasons
1. Winter time would be a right pain in the ass day to day get very heavy rain the wipers don’t do very much.
2. Driving in snow ice ect like last winter will be hard work and i would hate to get salt on my pride and joy.
3. Driving in heavy traffic is a pain and a good work out for the left leg its ok getting caught up every now and then but every day if you do would ruin driving it for me.
4. If used every day it would not seem that special to me any more drive a cheap hack day-day save a fortune and look forward to the evening/weekend play times with it.
Forgot to add on the plus side as the guys have said the more they get used the better they are i could not live with it DD but as you see a few do. Same with lotus owners ect you get a good few hard core owners but i like having a estate and 5 doors for when i need it and the tow bar.
As said, can be used daily, but i prefer the old volvo for the mundane rubbish and commute (unless its a sunny Friday) and save the TVR for weekend and evening joy.1. Winter time would be a right pain in the ass day to day get very heavy rain the wipers don’t do very much.
2. Driving in snow ice ect like last winter will be hard work and i would hate to get salt on my pride and joy.
3. Driving in heavy traffic is a pain and a good work out for the left leg its ok getting caught up every now and then but every day if you do would ruin driving it for me.
4. If used every day it would not seem that special to me any more drive a cheap hack day-day save a fortune and look forward to the evening/weekend play times with it.
Forgot to add on the plus side as the guys have said the more they get used the better they are i could not live with it DD but as you see a few do. Same with lotus owners ect you get a good few hard core owners but i like having a estate and 5 doors for when i need it and the tow bar.
Edited by scotty_d on Wednesday 14th July 15:22
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff