What TVR?

[jem72]

Not to sure if this is a FAQ so excuse me if it is. I would like to buy a TVR as an everyday car doing minimal mileage, about four miles per day (I know I sould walk)through town and over about six speed humps. I will also use the car for fun days and would like a soft top. Questions are will it take the short journeys and speed humps, will it live OK outside for the whole year (i'm happy to put a car cover on it). Thanks in advance for your help.

[redleicester]

Don't, don't, don't. The car will suffer greatly from such small trips, as the oils in the gearbox, differential and engine will not have time to warm through on a short journey.

Speed bumps are not a problem if taken very slowly, so as long as you didn't mind crawling slower than you'd walk you'd be fine!

[tvrbob]

Short journeys and big engines, never a good combination. If you do then you really should let the engine warm through a little before setting off and don't over rev it. You will need to take it out for a good blast from time to time to blow off the low combustion by-products, carbon build up etc.

As for leaving it outside, many folk do, I don't so I'll leave that for someone else to comment on

[theaxe]

I wouldn't recommend a TVR for that kind of driving, the engine will never get a chance to warm up.

Something like a Triumph Spitfire would be more appropriate... Even better get a mini for the commute and a TVR for the weekends!

Or you could always find a longer way to work...

>> Edited by theaxe on Monday 24th April 13:25

[blujay10]

theaxe said:

Or you could always find a longer way to work... >> Edited by theaxe on Monday 24th April 13:25

Thats the answer, my Volvo route is 6 miles, TVR route 26 + esp if the sun is shining! I am sure you can find a longer way to work.....

[Bob the Planner]

I don't know that 4 miles is too short to get everything warmed through. I do not have an oil temp sensor on the Chim (yet) but the Tuscan oil is usually up to about 60 or so after about 10 minutes of travelling. I do not let the car warm up on idle but get in and drive straight away. The biggest temptation must be to boot it during such a short journey, however I always keep to below 2500 rpm until the engine is warm. I do find that a weekend blatt of a few tens of miles at the weekend keeps everything free & easy.

The biggest problem of keeping the car outside is water ingress. If you can keep the inside and hence the electrics dry there should be no problem with keeping the car outside. The only outer issue is tree sap and bird/squirrel pooh which should be removed asap.

[jsr]

My 400 doesn't have any problems with short journeys. It is a solid engine and at about 55 bhp per litre, it's not exactly highly tuned. Just don't thrash it in the first 10 minutes or so. Always treat it to a especially long drive at the weekend.


They work best when used everyday.

[jem72]

Thanks for the constructive advice, I live in London so taking the scenic route in rush hour will be Hell! I used to have a 'claassic' mini for the commute and then use a toy for the weekend but didnt really want to have a car purely for the short drive. I feel a TVR would be OK in the summer if as Bob says the car is driven calmly whilst cold and given a good blast at the weekend. I think my main concern will be in the winter when the elements and short drive might be a bit much. Looks like I've got some thinking to do....

[The Hood]

well living in London and travelling about 4 miles should take about 30 minutes so is PLENTY of time to warm the car up
I have to take mine over speed humps (or mountains as some are) as soon as i come out the end of my road, but like was mentioned previously go over them very slow (gives people better chance to admire your TVR)
I got overtaken going over speed humps the other day but the women in the passenger seat and 2 kids in the back got a good look at my car.
Glyn.