Shall i shan't I???!!

[Daytripper]

Having looked from afar for many years i never got close enough as i was always jealous of what i couldn't have- until i saw one close up recently and noticed they'd obviously priced the car wrongly as they'd never be that cheap. Would they?!!

I'm now very serious about becoming a member of your 'exclusive' club but was wondering how easy it is to get parts for upgrades/repairs, and are they astronomically expensive since the factory closed down?

I've never really been that mechanically minded (changed a radiator once in my sisters old banger ) so am wondering whether i'm going to be receiving some large bills every time something goes wrong- which i hear is fairly often with TVR's? (if people know otherwise then please put mymind at rest)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as such I'd love to get one before my wife starts thinking of baby seats etc!!

[joesnow]

I'm fairly new in here and am in the same decision dilemma as you. Go to the 'this forum' tab above the threads and on the drop down select 'show faqs' and have a readup. all the best, they are a very tempting motor.

[sapper]

Most parts come from other makes so are readily available, and the Rover V8 has been around for ever. There isnt much you cant do yourself if you try, even then if you get stuck there are plenty of people on here who have done it before and are willing to give you help and advice. As for upgrades you can spend as much or little as you want.

Got for it and enjoy the summer

[BD Pro]

www.tvrbooks.co.uk/
www.chimaerapages.com/resources_buyers.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_Chim
These sites will help you. You should buy the Steve Heath book for good tips on buying and maintaining.
Brilliant cars. Just get out there and buy one(life is far too short not to)

[jasandjules]

DayTripper, if you can afford to run it, then get it.

Will it be a daily car? They are more reliable IMHO.
Will it be serviced regularly? This helps.
Will it be checked over by a specialist so you know you get a good one? This helps.
Will it have the minor niggles fixed before they turn into major ones? This helps.

I have had Chimaeras for about 6 years all in now, and apart from a few niggles have never had any major mechanical issues with either of my cars. I had problems like the wiring was cr*p, but I got that re-wired, problem solved.

[Daytripper]

Can i afford to run it- yes but I would rather have money to do other things than permanently spend on the upkeep of my car (as i'm not that loaded). I expect it to use more petrol and cost more to service, however, if it is going to be a monthly expense to fix things then maybe i should think about it more.

Will it be a daily car- probably not as i work from home. But then it might be nice to pop out at lunchtime down the country lanes or motorway (which are both very close) now and again- but then weekends it'll be properly run out!!

Will it be serviced properly- yes. How often do these need servicing if i'm only going to do 5k miles a year or similar?

Will it be checked over- Yes defintely.

Will it have minor niggles fixed- yes but as i'm not much of a mechanic i'd rather not have the expense of specialist garages which i imagine charge for their expertise. Although i'm willing to learn (but would rather not take the chance if i were likley to cause more problems trying).

Thanks for all the advice so far it's much appreciated and if anyone else has any more then please keep it coming.

Thanks again.

[midas dude]

Welcome Daytripper,as has been posted,RV8 engined TVRs(Griffith/Chimaera)are not generally wallet busters to maintain.Servicing is in the region of £4-500 per year or 6000 miles.Allow £1500 budget.
The AJPV8 engined Cerbera,needs a larger budget to maintain,popular opinion estimates are in the region of £3k for same period.
Speed Six engined range(Tuscan,Tamora,Sagaris and Cerbera variant)TVRs are also not cheap to maintain privately,and i would suggest purchasing from a reputable dealer,with a secure warranty.
The most important thing to remember is that they are all fantastic cars to own and drive,many owners are on their 5th TVR or more,they really are addictive.
May i suggest you contact your regional TVRCC,go along to a meet,and talk to the owners direct.(Graham Maidlow is regional organiser,0118 9696965)
Good luck in your hunting,you wont regret it!
AL

[mgaut]

just adding to the last post, the Berkshire crowd meet at The Swan (just south of M4 J11) on the third Tuesday of the month, from 8PM. You'd me more than welcome to come along for a natter. Drop me a PM if you are local (I'm out near Theale).

Mike

[Rum Runner]

The thing is unlike almost any other car the owners seem 95% great people and always willing to help. If things go wrong your first port of call is a post on hear . I had a problem with my alarm system and the guy who fitted at the factory back in 95 told me how to reset it and key the fobs back in in various e-mails over 1 day . Job sorted and alarm fixed. People like TVRparts are really great and nice to deal with . I was in the motor trade a long time and my father and my wife and its a refreshing change to deal with and be part of the TVR clan. Even though mine has just been sold ( leaderb just bought it ), though I am in the hunt for a 500.
You must buy right and then the whole ownership experience will be fantastic, if you are not sure what you are looking for, get some help and don't get carried away with the buzz of the first car you try. Condition , condition , condition.