Discussion
Tip 1:
Buy mine www.pistonheads.com/sales/49184.htm
Seriously though, flick through a few pages of this forum, you'll find loads of people like yourself who are interested in the marque, and loads of people who have bought one and then regretted it (for whatever reason).
Number one bit of advice is to buy on condition, not age or mileage. Plenty of people here who can advise on what to look for, just if you go shopping try and get someone from here or the TVRCC to go with you.
>> Edited by parrot of doom on Friday 30th September 19:43
Buy mine www.pistonheads.com/sales/49184.htm
Seriously though, flick through a few pages of this forum, you'll find loads of people like yourself who are interested in the marque, and loads of people who have bought one and then regretted it (for whatever reason).
Number one bit of advice is to buy on condition, not age or mileage. Plenty of people here who can advise on what to look for, just if you go shopping try and get someone from here or the TVRCC to go with you.
>> Edited by parrot of doom on Friday 30th September 19:43
MikeMartin said:
I'm working on a 10k ish budget (give or take a grand).
Well you're going to need to be very careful what you buy - I'm thinking more about wishbone/chassis than drivetrain problems. Ignore the shiny lacquer on the surface of the plastic but do look for tell-tale signs of bodywork damage, specifically look for uneven tyre wear - front end has probably been resprayed several times to get rid of stone chips by the time the ticket gets to 10k.
Definitely follow the advice to take someone who knows what they are looking for. You could easily find yourself paying out 25-30% of your purchase budget in the first year to sort out the typical problems associated with models of this age. That is not to say there aren't some good bargains to be had, particularly at this time of the year but you need to go in with your eyes open.
I think I'd be looking / listening for: (1) exhaust manifold leaks - ticking noise varying with engine speed - maybe a gasket, maybe also a cylinder head reface; (2) tapping noise indicative of worn rockers / possibly damaged camshaft; (3) gearbox operation - all gears, don't forget reverse - especially when engine hot; (4) diff / drive shafts problems; (5) musty smell in car due to water leaks - you never get rid of the smell - especially when it's been in the sun; (6) oil and fluid leaks.
What did I forget? Oh yes continuous service history - not necessarily TVR main dealer but at least a recognised indie. Don't hesitate to call them up and talk about the car they'll want to keep it's custom, especially as new owners tend to overspend on servicing in their first year.
Don't bother with an AA or RAC service - get a TVR / indie to give it the once over for you and expect to pay around 100-150 pounds for this. The best value you will get for your money in terms of TVR ownership.
Best of luck with your search!
Agree completely with the 'buy on condition' - particularly around the 10k price point - there is a lot of dross out there that has not been looked after. 6k/annual servicing is a must for reliability.
Go along to your local TVR Car club meets www.tvrcc-wiltshire.co.uk/
and look at a few - members will be more than happy to show you around their cars and point out what to look for.
As to Parrot's no 1 suggestion; I've never met the guy or seen his car in person, but from the posts here and on the TVRCC forum, it is certainly a well looked after car that has had a huge amount of care and attention - you could do far worse.
You will of course need to budget to replace the bling grille though!
Go along to your local TVR Car club meets www.tvrcc-wiltshire.co.uk/
and look at a few - members will be more than happy to show you around their cars and point out what to look for.
As to Parrot's no 1 suggestion; I've never met the guy or seen his car in person, but from the posts here and on the TVRCC forum, it is certainly a well looked after car that has had a huge amount of care and attention - you could do far worse.
You will of course need to budget to replace the bling grille though!
I got some very good advice on what to look for from various posts on this site, and there's a full section in 'the bible'.. problem is I couldn't wait for my bible to arrive so went ahead anyway. Basically I went for full dealer service history (phone the dealer and speak to them about the cars history, Hexham Horseless Carriage in my case, and even though it was a private sale, they were very good about this), sound bodywork and interior, sound chassis (little or no rust on outriggers etc), no obvious mechanical noises (engine, transmission and suspension) and a good test drive. Don't go for the first one you see, unless it's mint, have a look at a few to compare.
Whatever, there's always an element of risk. Mine's been very reliable, 1500 miles so far and all I've bought is Optimax... now that's tempting fate. However, save a few quid just in case, and you'll probably want to buy some bits and pieces to bring it up to your own spec anyway.
Good luck
Whatever, there's always an element of risk. Mine's been very reliable, 1500 miles so far and all I've bought is Optimax... now that's tempting fate. However, save a few quid just in case, and you'll probably want to buy some bits and pieces to bring it up to your own spec anyway.
Good luck
MikeMartin said:
Thanks, I'll have a good root around this site. What's this bible that Stuartlynn mentions, I'll have a search for it on PistonHeads but if you could send me a link or some info that'd be great.
Cheers for all the helpful comments, I'm curious to see this grill now
Steve Heath (shpub)..workshop manual & more.
Hi Mike 
Where in Wilts are you? I live a few miles north of Chippenham.
As Nick suggested, take a look at the Wilts website for details of our next meeting - unfortunately you've just missed September's meeting - the next one is on the last Weds of October at The Barge, Seend Cleeve (between Devizes and Melksham).
Re The Bible: I have a copy of the first edition Chimaera / Griffith 'bible' that you can borrow if you wish - drop me a mail through my profile.
If you want to buy your own (second edition - much bigger, well worth it) call the TVRCC Office, and they'll send you a copy.
edited to add this www.pistonheads.com/sales/52368.htm
Paul
>> Edited by chim666 on Sunday 2nd October 15:17
Where in Wilts are you? I live a few miles north of Chippenham.
As Nick suggested, take a look at the Wilts website for details of our next meeting - unfortunately you've just missed September's meeting - the next one is on the last Weds of October at The Barge, Seend Cleeve (between Devizes and Melksham).
Re The Bible: I have a copy of the first edition Chimaera / Griffith 'bible' that you can borrow if you wish - drop me a mail through my profile.
If you want to buy your own (second edition - much bigger, well worth it) call the TVRCC Office, and they'll send you a copy.
edited to add this www.pistonheads.com/sales/52368.htm
Paul
>> Edited by chim666 on Sunday 2nd October 15:17
Hello and welcome. Aswell as all that's been said do check the brake discs for wear - any 'lip' on the circumference and they'll need replacing. Check handbrake holds car. Check that the remote locking/alarm system works fully. Lock the car and check that both doors are actually locked... very often the lights flash but the doors haven't actually locked at all. Check that the alarm does actually sound aswell. Finally ask to see the fuse block just above the battery in the drivers footwell and particularly the condition of the 'slow blow' orange coloured one for the fans.. unless protected by retro fit relay these often fail causing overheat and cracked block/heads/manifolds. Don't wish to put you off as you're making an excellent choice really as it's PROBABLY regarded as the model which is least complicated, pure and simple enjoyment and with the least problems. I think I would be prepared to pay top price from individual who is clearly an enthusiast rather than the cheapest that has been dumped on a dealers forecourt - at a higher price to cover warranty. Pocket the difference and use it IF you need to. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
chim666 said:
Hi Mike
If you want to buy your own (second edition - much bigger, well worth it) call the TVRCC Office, and they'll send you a copy.
...I will second recommendations to get "The Bible". I got my copy (Second Edition) way before I got a Chim, and it was very useful. I still have it, although no longer have the Chim...
edited to add: I wouldn't part with the new one though
>> Edited by TheHobbit on Sunday 2nd October 18:41
Well it's unanimous on the topic of the bible. Chim666, thanks for your offer but I think its worth getting my own copy.
I'll check out the Wilts events but I'm going to be a bit quiet for the next month (holiday to OZ) but my car search starts in earnest when I get back.
Thanks again for all you tips
Mike
I'll check out the Wilts events but I'm going to be a bit quiet for the next month (holiday to OZ) but my car search starts in earnest when I get back.
Thanks again for all you tips
Mike
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