Newbie Question

[SWarner]

Hi - I'm new to this forum and am contemplating buying my first TVR - a Chimaera. However, I have a couple of questions which I am hoping some kind person might be able to answer:

1. Do the 400s run on Unleaded or Super?

2. How good is the roof seal generally? (I don't have a garage, so it will be left on my driveway)

Thanks in advance for any advice......

[plotloss]

1) Either, most choose Optimax though...

2) Depends on the age of the car and the previous owners. Mine was bought from new and has never leaked...

Matt.

[atg]

If maintained properly, the roof is fine. The fabric needs to be waterproofed from time to time, you need to check the windows seal properly against the rubber and that the stitching around the plastic rear window doesn't rot.

[chim_knee]

With regards to the leaking... I have a Leven Hood cover which, on the occasions I have used it, has been excellent. The only thing I would mention though is that it is a bit aggressive on the paint where it secures around the wing mirrors. The paint on mine has been worn away in places (but not from my minimal use, I believe the previous owner used it frequently)

It came with the car but I think it costs around £150.

[K3NJW]

It's not just the roof it's door seals, and under the bonnet you have to worry about from the water getting in point of view. I bought mine in April last year and the weather was glorious and the bloke told me it was 100% waterproof ..... well it wasn't and once it started really raining in October it started really leaking. But I made it a mssion to waterproof it, and eventually succeeded. There are loads of threads on here about various people's attempts to crack it, but as long as you're persistent, and use the right stuff, it is achievable. Mine now sits out on the drive, and I use it every day for work, and not a drop gets in.

However, if you're seriously considering buying, then once you've driven one you'll have to have one, whether it leaks or not.

[incorrigible]

TVRs are fg brilliant IMHO

However to keep them properly maintained you need to be either...

a: Good with spanners (used to work in a garage or built a few cars in you spare time good)
b: A competent DIYer prepared to learn and be on a steep curve (twice as much time as "a:" a good 4 days a year)
c: Rich

[shpub]

1. Predominently super but some can run on reg. See Unleaded FAQ on my website for more details.

2. Pretty good. Roof needs regular waterproofing but other areas like the brake master cyl or more frequent culprits. The majority of cars are pretty watertight.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[SWarner]

Thanks to you all for the replies.

Sounds like I need to take a bucket of water with me when I go to test drive one ;-) .....or buy a cover.

I test drove one the other day at a dealer, and the bug has bitten already. Just need to convince the wife that it will be no more expensive to run than my Audi S3 (which I'm selling, in case you know someone who wants one....)

[shadowninja]

wrt petrol type, I was told to try normal unleaded. I did, no pinking, never looked back (shame i drove around for a year using super!) apparently the performance is less, but I haven't really noticed to be honest.

[raceboy]

I'll second that, I notice no difference at all when I use Super and the car hates Optimax (think I'm on my own with that though)

[.Mark]

raceboy said: I'll second that, I notice no difference at all when I use Super and the car hates Optimax (think I'm on my own with that though)

No you're not, tried Optimax in mine for a wile and noticed not difference whatsoever - except a lighter wallet.
I use normal unleaded and she goes fine. Pop-bang-pop-pop-bang.
Just got back from B&Q 10 mile round trip took nearly 2 hours, roof down, sun shining

Edited due to poor grammer and untidy parking.


>> Edited by .Mark on Thursday 27th March 15:35

[Leadfoot]

Just need to convince the wife that it will be no more expensive to run than my Audi S3

Good luck with that bit, it won't however be true!

[SWarner]

Leadfoot said:

Just need to convince the wife that it will be no more expensive to run than my Audi S3

Good luck with that bit, it won't however be true!

Neither was me telling her that I was filthy rich before we got married