TVR Owners advice needed.....
Discussion
Hi All,
I have recently aquired a company car with a new job. As its a rather bland Focus TDCI I was thinking of selling my current car (Astra Coupe) to purchase a fun weekend car! Don't laugh but I used to own a Fiat x1/9 which I had to sell due to lack of garage space. It was a great fun car and I am looking for the same kind of thrills for my next weekend car. Clearly a TVR is in a different league but i just long for those sunny days and bendy "B" roads once more!
My budget is in the region of £12-14k although for the right car I will stretch to £15k.
I was hoping some experienced and wise TVR owners could give me some tips on the following!!!!
1)Are there any good buyers guides on any websites out there? I am going to buy a copy of the "bible" as soon as my membership comes through. Is this all I will need, or are there any other essential resources?
2) I have done lots of research and I have gathered that getting the right car is paramount to reducing ownership headaches! Therefore I will definately get the Chimaema checked out by one of the recommend experts mentioned on this furum. Very roughly what does it cost for one of these inspections?
3) As it is going to be a weekend car I can't guarentee that its going to be used every weekend. It is likely that it my go 3-4 weeks without use, especially with the crappy UK weather! It seems that this maybe a problem from what I have read. Is there anyway to stop this being such a problem? Maybe some switch that disconnects the battery or something? Also is it just battery problems the TVR suffers if left unused for that period of time? Or are there other common problems that arise?
4) Storing the TVR.. Clearly ideally you would want to store the car in a garage. I am prepared to rent a garage (although they are few and far between in bristol!) but I do have a car port that I could use. If the TVR was to be left under the car port am I likely to experience problems with damp/rust/corrosion?
5) I am 28, live in Bristol, 3 years no claims, could have limited milage, use another car. Who is likely to give me the best quote.......
Well that's about all I can think of right now. Sorry for the barage of questions. Any advice you can give will be greatly received.
Cheers
Charlie (hopeful TVR owner!)
I have recently aquired a company car with a new job. As its a rather bland Focus TDCI I was thinking of selling my current car (Astra Coupe) to purchase a fun weekend car! Don't laugh but I used to own a Fiat x1/9 which I had to sell due to lack of garage space. It was a great fun car and I am looking for the same kind of thrills for my next weekend car. Clearly a TVR is in a different league but i just long for those sunny days and bendy "B" roads once more!
My budget is in the region of £12-14k although for the right car I will stretch to £15k.
I was hoping some experienced and wise TVR owners could give me some tips on the following!!!!
1)Are there any good buyers guides on any websites out there? I am going to buy a copy of the "bible" as soon as my membership comes through. Is this all I will need, or are there any other essential resources?
2) I have done lots of research and I have gathered that getting the right car is paramount to reducing ownership headaches! Therefore I will definately get the Chimaema checked out by one of the recommend experts mentioned on this furum. Very roughly what does it cost for one of these inspections?
3) As it is going to be a weekend car I can't guarentee that its going to be used every weekend. It is likely that it my go 3-4 weeks without use, especially with the crappy UK weather! It seems that this maybe a problem from what I have read. Is there anyway to stop this being such a problem? Maybe some switch that disconnects the battery or something? Also is it just battery problems the TVR suffers if left unused for that period of time? Or are there other common problems that arise?
4) Storing the TVR.. Clearly ideally you would want to store the car in a garage. I am prepared to rent a garage (although they are few and far between in bristol!) but I do have a car port that I could use. If the TVR was to be left under the car port am I likely to experience problems with damp/rust/corrosion?
5) I am 28, live in Bristol, 3 years no claims, could have limited milage, use another car. Who is likely to give me the best quote.......
Well that's about all I can think of right now. Sorry for the barage of questions. Any advice you can give will be greatly received.
Cheers
Charlie (hopeful TVR owner!)
Hi,
As a "newie" the TVR Forums you may not know you can search for "previous" history and advise.
If you use the attached link it may help you ease-in with "previous" advise.
Not meant as a turn-off to your specific questions. But it may help you see what other have done in similar circumstances.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/Search.asp?mode=doit&h=0
Trev McM
As a "newie" the TVR Forums you may not know you can search for "previous" history and advise.
If you use the attached link it may help you ease-in with "previous" advise.
Not meant as a turn-off to your specific questions. But it may help you see what other have done in similar circumstances.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/Search.asp?mode=doit&h=0
Trev McM
Hi Trev,
Thanks for the post, I have tried searching the forum for advice to the questions I have raised.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any threads that cover these particular area's.
Inparticular the question about keeping the TVR in top shape while not in regular use??
There must be lots of TVR owners out there who don't get to use their TVR every weekend? Guessing they all have different tricks ensure their baby starts first time! Anyone???
Cheers
Thanks for the post, I have tried searching the forum for advice to the questions I have raised.
Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any threads that cover these particular area's.
Inparticular the question about keeping the TVR in top shape while not in regular use??
There must be lots of TVR owners out there who don't get to use their TVR every weekend? Guessing they all have different tricks ensure their baby starts first time! Anyone???
Cheers
Hi Chas,
Not a very good link to Forums, actually, crap really as it doesn't work !!!
Try this, I used "newbie" as a search on all TVR Forums, all dates. That may help you: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=85977&f=8&h=0&hw=newbie
On storage, try "battery" and for deterioration, try "outriggers".
I use an Optimate, but then mines indoors and next to a mains supply. Batteries quickly discharge when TVRs are not used - well, any car battery does. Outside doesn't help, so these Optimates are "smart" chargers and don't boil the electrolite, just keeps the battery fully charged when not being "run".
Hope that's a bit more helpful. A bit of further advise is to join up with "other" TVR owners - try :www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/ and look for the Bristol region.
I'm not far away in Wilts with: www.tvrcc-wiltshire.co.uk
Trev McM
Not a very good link to Forums, actually, crap really as it doesn't work !!!
Try this, I used "newbie" as a search on all TVR Forums, all dates. That may help you: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=85977&f=8&h=0&hw=newbie
On storage, try "battery" and for deterioration, try "outriggers".
I use an Optimate, but then mines indoors and next to a mains supply. Batteries quickly discharge when TVRs are not used - well, any car battery does. Outside doesn't help, so these Optimates are "smart" chargers and don't boil the electrolite, just keeps the battery fully charged when not being "run".
Hope that's a bit more helpful. A bit of further advise is to join up with "other" TVR owners - try :www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/ and look for the Bristol region.
I'm not far away in Wilts with: www.tvrcc-wiltshire.co.uk
Trev McM
Trev,
Thanks for the tips, I was able to channel my search alittle better that time. I am correct in saying that there aren't any particular problems keeping them standing bar the quick drain on the battery (And chocking it rather than handbraking it)?
I am probably going to be renting a garage if I can find one! Although unlikely whether this will have any mains power supply. Is it best to try and disconnect the battery. Whilst I know that this will deactive the alarm
I could always remove some crucial engine component. Is there the distributor arm accessible?
I have signed up for the TVR Owners club and I am hoping to tag along to one of the TVR SW meets at somepoint. Sure that is the best place to get some tips. Maybe even be able to source a loved TVR from someone who is upgrading!
In terms of car age my price range seems to be able to get anything from a 1994-1998 car dependent on condition and milage. Is it purely just condition I should worry about? I hear that post 96/97 have fewer problems in general, would you guys agree with that?
Charlie
Thanks for the tips, I was able to channel my search alittle better that time. I am correct in saying that there aren't any particular problems keeping them standing bar the quick drain on the battery (And chocking it rather than handbraking it)?
I am probably going to be renting a garage if I can find one! Although unlikely whether this will have any mains power supply. Is it best to try and disconnect the battery. Whilst I know that this will deactive the alarm
I could always remove some crucial engine component. Is there the distributor arm accessible? I have signed up for the TVR Owners club and I am hoping to tag along to one of the TVR SW meets at somepoint. Sure that is the best place to get some tips. Maybe even be able to source a loved TVR from someone who is upgrading!
In terms of car age my price range seems to be able to get anything from a 1994-1998 car dependent on condition and milage. Is it purely just condition I should worry about? I hear that post 96/97 have fewer problems in general, would you guys agree with that?
Charlie
Get as late a car as you can afford. And get one with mid-range mileage for its age. You want a car that has been used enough for the owner to have needed to service it properly.
Check the history. A good independent is fine on older cars - but check its been stamped up regularly. On a mid-range mileage vehicle its likely to have been service more often the annual "time" based requirement.
Our Chimaera spends plenty of time in the garage these days. If its going to be left more than 3-4 days I attach a trickle charger. The car will be fine for 7-10 days if you don't attach one. Thereafter you are risking problems.
Use it at least once a fortnight - and not just to go to the shops. Get it properly warm.
In comparison to other cars a Chimaera will use oil. Not a huge amount but it will. It is essential to check the oil prior to taking the car out after being laid up for a few days. And check fortnightly anyway..
A Chimaera requires a service every 6,000 miles. This probably means every ten months or or so...although my wife used to need to service hers every six months. Services are *much* more expensive than for other cars. Live with it - its why they're so damn quick.
Some light brown discoloration on parts of the chassis is to be expected on an older car. The chassis should NOT be rusty however. If it is then you *really* need to know had badly rusted it is...a friend's Cerbera spent a long old while back at the factory getting big holes fixed.
Luckily he wasn't footing the whole bill - but even then not cheap.
GRP stonechips horribly as the paint doesn't stick to it as well as to metal. This is NOT an indication of a poorly maintained car. It is FAR cheaper to have the front touched up/sprayed than it is to replace chassis parts or the engine - so out of the two go for mechanical excellence over pristine bodywork.
When you finally get one for goodness' sake don't put it in a hedge...the car bites if you take liberties. Good advice is *never* to floor it with any lock on the steering wheel *at all* and really feather the throttle in the wet.
Above all - ENJOY! And *do* get one. They are brilliant!
Check the history. A good independent is fine on older cars - but check its been stamped up regularly. On a mid-range mileage vehicle its likely to have been service more often the annual "time" based requirement.
Our Chimaera spends plenty of time in the garage these days. If its going to be left more than 3-4 days I attach a trickle charger. The car will be fine for 7-10 days if you don't attach one. Thereafter you are risking problems.
Use it at least once a fortnight - and not just to go to the shops. Get it properly warm.
In comparison to other cars a Chimaera will use oil. Not a huge amount but it will. It is essential to check the oil prior to taking the car out after being laid up for a few days. And check fortnightly anyway..
A Chimaera requires a service every 6,000 miles. This probably means every ten months or or so...although my wife used to need to service hers every six months. Services are *much* more expensive than for other cars. Live with it - its why they're so damn quick.
Some light brown discoloration on parts of the chassis is to be expected on an older car. The chassis should NOT be rusty however. If it is then you *really* need to know had badly rusted it is...a friend's Cerbera spent a long old while back at the factory getting big holes fixed.
Luckily he wasn't footing the whole bill - but even then not cheap. GRP stonechips horribly as the paint doesn't stick to it as well as to metal. This is NOT an indication of a poorly maintained car. It is FAR cheaper to have the front touched up/sprayed than it is to replace chassis parts or the engine - so out of the two go for mechanical excellence over pristine bodywork.
When you finally get one for goodness' sake don't put it in a hedge...the car bites if you take liberties. Good advice is *never* to floor it with any lock on the steering wheel *at all* and really feather the throttle in the wet.
Above all - ENJOY! And *do* get one. They are brilliant!
Hi Don,
Thanks for the post, the more I hear the more I just need to get one! I am not in any rush though as I don't want to fall into the trap of just buying the first car I see. Although it may be harder to say that once I have driven one!
I know I am on the TVR forum so opinions will be a little biased, but from the postings I am amazed how reliable TVR actually seem. So long as you don't get a dog and look after it most people are just full of praise. I realise that it will be costly to run compared to other cars, but if its a hobby that provides great enjoyment how can you put a price on it. Expecially with that V8 growl!!!!
Any posters here members of the South West (Bristol) TVR club??
Thanks for the post, the more I hear the more I just need to get one! I am not in any rush though as I don't want to fall into the trap of just buying the first car I see. Although it may be harder to say that once I have driven one!
I know I am on the TVR forum so opinions will be a little biased, but from the postings I am amazed how reliable TVR actually seem. So long as you don't get a dog and look after it most people are just full of praise. I realise that it will be costly to run compared to other cars, but if its a hobby that provides great enjoyment how can you put a price on it. Expecially with that V8 growl!!!!
Any posters here members of the South West (Bristol) TVR club??
1)Are there any good buyers guides on any websites out there? I am going to buy a copy of the "bible" as soon as my membership comes through. Is this all I will need, or are there any other essential resources? the bible is worth getting, I don't know of any other essentials
2) I have done lots of research and I have gathered that getting the right car is paramount to reducing ownership headaches! Therefore I will definately get the Chimaema checked out by one of the recommend experts mentioned on this furum. Very roughly what does it cost for one of these inspections? I didn't bother but I did speak to Rob who I think said £300 or so
3) As it is going to be a weekend car I can't guarentee that its going to be used every weekend. It is likely that it my go 3-4 weeks without use, especially with the crappy UK weather! It seems that this maybe a problem from what I have read. Is there anyway to stop this being such a problem? Maybe some switch that disconnects the battery or something? Also is it just battery problems the TVR suffers if left unused for that period of time? Or are there other common problems that arise? I can only speak from experience and on that basis I can say that in 18 months of owning one and only using it infrequently I have not had any problems with battery discharge albeit that I renewed the battery soon after buying mine. It sits in the garage for weeks on end sometimes and always starts first time
4) Storing the TVR.. Clearly ideally you would want to store the car in a garage. I am prepared to rent a garage (although they are few and far between in bristol!) but I do have a car port that I could use. If the TVR was to be left under the car port am I likely to experience problems with damp/rust/corrosion? I strongly recommend renting a garage - they don't like the weather
5) I am 28, live in Bristol, 3 years no claims, could have limited milage, use another car. Who is likely to give me the best quote....... Peart from Kendal
2) I have done lots of research and I have gathered that getting the right car is paramount to reducing ownership headaches! Therefore I will definately get the Chimaema checked out by one of the recommend experts mentioned on this furum. Very roughly what does it cost for one of these inspections? I didn't bother but I did speak to Rob who I think said £300 or so
3) As it is going to be a weekend car I can't guarentee that its going to be used every weekend. It is likely that it my go 3-4 weeks without use, especially with the crappy UK weather! It seems that this maybe a problem from what I have read. Is there anyway to stop this being such a problem? Maybe some switch that disconnects the battery or something? Also is it just battery problems the TVR suffers if left unused for that period of time? Or are there other common problems that arise? I can only speak from experience and on that basis I can say that in 18 months of owning one and only using it infrequently I have not had any problems with battery discharge albeit that I renewed the battery soon after buying mine. It sits in the garage for weeks on end sometimes and always starts first time
4) Storing the TVR.. Clearly ideally you would want to store the car in a garage. I am prepared to rent a garage (although they are few and far between in bristol!) but I do have a car port that I could use. If the TVR was to be left under the car port am I likely to experience problems with damp/rust/corrosion? I strongly recommend renting a garage - they don't like the weather
5) I am 28, live in Bristol, 3 years no claims, could have limited milage, use another car. Who is likely to give me the best quote....... Peart from Kendal
Hi mate, as far as storing the car is concerned. Mine has been exposed to the elements for almost two years now, previous owner kept it in a garage but unfortunately I have got access to one, but there have been no real bad effects (see profile) other than having to clean the rain splashes off it all the time!
Insurance - I'm 29 now with 4 yrs NCB, but last year (28 with 3yr NCB) my insurance (through Sunninghill unlimited milage) was £1330, and thats with 6 points (2 fixed penalties). This year (with Classicline) it's £870 with 7500 limited mileage. I think that includes track day cover to. I don't live in a city though.
Not using the car for 3-4 weeks I personally think could cause some problems. People complain about TVR's being unreliable, but if any car is left standing for weeks then taken for a 3 hour blast then left again, then basically it's going to have problems, and not just with the battery. I used mine as an everyday car for a year and a half and now drive it at every oppertunity (when I'm now working away in a runabout car) and haven't had a single engine problem and only one flat battery since I bought it.
Even if you start it up every weekend and take it for a quick 15 mile spin it will help. Also remember to let the temp get right up and the oil flowing before you hammer it! Anyhow, once you've drivin it a few time's you'll be wanting to take it everywhere and it's the focus that'll be in the background!! It's a crime to leave a TVR unused for weeks!!
Good luck in finding a decent one, should be able to pick up a medium milage, very nice example, around about N reg for £12k-£13k privately. Expect to pay £15-£16k for the same from a dealer.
Cheers
Dan
Insurance - I'm 29 now with 4 yrs NCB, but last year (28 with 3yr NCB) my insurance (through Sunninghill unlimited milage) was £1330, and thats with 6 points (2 fixed penalties). This year (with Classicline) it's £870 with 7500 limited mileage. I think that includes track day cover to. I don't live in a city though.
Not using the car for 3-4 weeks I personally think could cause some problems. People complain about TVR's being unreliable, but if any car is left standing for weeks then taken for a 3 hour blast then left again, then basically it's going to have problems, and not just with the battery. I used mine as an everyday car for a year and a half and now drive it at every oppertunity (when I'm now working away in a runabout car) and haven't had a single engine problem and only one flat battery since I bought it.
Even if you start it up every weekend and take it for a quick 15 mile spin it will help. Also remember to let the temp get right up and the oil flowing before you hammer it! Anyhow, once you've drivin it a few time's you'll be wanting to take it everywhere and it's the focus that'll be in the background!! It's a crime to leave a TVR unused for weeks!!
Good luck in finding a decent one, should be able to pick up a medium milage, very nice example, around about N reg for £12k-£13k privately. Expect to pay £15-£16k for the same from a dealer.
Cheers
Dan
dannyboyo said:
Insurance - I'm 29 now with 4 yrs NCB, but last year (28 with 3yr NCB) my insurance (through Sunninghill unlimited milage) was £1330, and thats with 6 points (2 fixed penalties). This year (with Classicline) it's £870 with 7500 limited mileage. I think that includes track day cover to. I don't live in a city though.
As you can see from this, first year you have a TVR they hammer you! I paid around £1300 to insure my first TVR at 23. Last year at 25 I paid £560 on my Chimaera, with A Mannings
greg_D said:
I've just had a quote on a 500chim for £550, 27yo, 5yr ncb, no naughties, good post code. very reasonable, i thought (Direct Line)
Greg
yep, not bad at all, especially from a main stream insurer. I am 26 with full NCB, no naughties (thanks Road angel
) and good post code. Kept outside mind you and now paying a bit more at £620 but thats unlimited mileage. That also includes TVRCC trackdays...Thanks guys, there are some pretty good quotes there. Tried directline myself and got a pretty good £800 quote for an ok post code and parked on driveway.
Will try Classicline as well when i get a chance. Unlikely to do more that 7500 miles so should hopefully get a discount to have limited milage!
Just got to get my ass in gear and find one!
Will try Classicline as well when i get a chance. Unlikely to do more that 7500 miles so should hopefully get a discount to have limited milage!
Just got to get my ass in gear and find one!
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