Attention TVR owners!

[Deester]

Hi guys,

I need your advice on this one. I am heading back to Scotland shortly to work/stay/play. I am going to sell my F355 and buy something more 'useable'. I am thinking of getting my first TVR.

I have always liked these cars and although they still attract attention it cant be as bad as driving the 355, can it?

Could I have some suggestions as to what model would be best? I will be doing about 20,000 miles per year an intend to use it for business. I stay waaaaaaaaay out in the highlands and I will have to drive occasionally to client sites / meetings / airports etc.

Runnings costs? Insurance? Im looking for general info on the TVR, any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Deester

[ABBTVR]

Hi MrDee, you may what to have a read in the Chims FAQ section try www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=25542&f=8&h=0
You may pick up some answers relating to your questions.
As far as TVR admiration is concerned, don't think were in the same league as an F355 but VERY NEAR!

Happy hunting.

Big Al.



>> Edited by ABBTVR on Sunday 16th February 22:16

[apache]

as long as the business pays for the servicing T350c/t or Tuscan or Cerbera,

[gemini]

No - it cant be anything which need a new engine every 6K - he lives way out - unless the nieghbour happens to work for the AA!
stick with the V8 - awesome - hassle free TVR ownership
Dont get me wrong - the new ones are stunning pieces of automotive sculpture and drop nickers but they do have a habit of needing more than just some new oil! Just look at Blackpools factory floor!

[CraigAlsop]

Hi Deester, with mileages like that then you should probably be looking at a Rover engined beastie, otherwise your servicing/depreciation costs are going to be a tad high (at least double I would imagine), although the AJP8/Speed 6 engined cars are quicker, and tend to handle a little better (you will need a Tamora/T350 to approach Ferrari handling).

I would suggest a newish Chimaera or Griff 450 or 500 for the most "tidy" car, although there are some real bargains to be had on the older/higher mileage examples. So long as the car has been maintained properly, higher mileages shouldn't put you off - one of the guys in the Celtic region (Colin Logan) has manages over 100,000 hard miles in his Chimaera, and is still going strong.

Whereabouts in the Highlands are you going to be? The only downside I can see is that TVRs are particularly crap in the snow (although no worse than Ferraris I would imagine ), so you would be best to have something else (4WD) as well if you are going to be living off the beaten track.

I think our current most northerly TVR member lives in Embo (Dornoch), although I've taken mine back up to Orkney (where I'm originally from) quite a few times.

If you want more info, or want to come along to a local club meet etc, feel free to email me through my profile.

>> Edited by CraigAlsop on Monday 17th February 00:37

[pbrettle]

Agree with Craig, maybe the best way forward is a RV8 engined model. Scotland is unfairly not covered by many dealers and therefore for safety it might be better to go with a RV8 rather than a newer AJP or SP6 engine. I guess it depends exactly where abouts you will be moving too and if you can 'escape' for a day or so when it goes for servicing.....

Mind you, some of the stories posted here from the Scots owners about the roads where make it very tempting indeed.

To answer some of your points though:

1) The older RV8 engines require cheaper servicing. Not because they need less, but simply because they are less complex and there is more knowledge around. Not cheap to service, but for 20K a year you are looking at 3 - 4 services a year at around £350 - £500 each time...

2) Insurance - for that amount of miles you will need to pay a fair whack. Ok, so it wont be as bad as a Fezza, but still looking into the £1000 for it. Do shop around though, its a very competitive market and some unlikely places come up with cheap insurance - for example I had a cracking deal from Elephant and I know of people insured through Tescos on a cheap rate!!!

3) Would seriously recommend that you get a second / third car. Not for any other reason that should the TVR require and extended stay for a service leaves you without a motor!!! Something cheap chearful and pretty undestructible is the best way.

4) What I would aim for is a late Griffith 500 (maybe a SE one - though the lights are a personal taste). Performance gallore and cracking looks. A good Chimaera is worth a look, but the last of the line ones dont look too good as they have changed the wheel size at the front and lifted it up on the suspension - makes it look a little daft.

Cheers,

Paul