It's time to down grade and sell the Tvr

[CaptainSlow]

300bhp/ton said:

Early MK1's are lighter because they have a floppy chassis. Extra bracing added later brought the weight up and I think MK2's weight the same as these later MK1's.

I don't know which mx-5 they used to measure this. If it were an early 1.6 without a cabin brace then adding a brace weighing a couple of kilos has made a big difference to mine. Without knowing which model they measured that chart is pretty meaningless.

[bicycleshorts]

Alexdaredevilz said:

Would this be a winner>?

http://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/gallery_440931...

I bought my Eunos from Steve at Goodwood. Left it with my Dad to drive before I picked it up, it was so good he went and bought one off Steve as well

He scours the country to try and find good examples, really knows his stuff and can probably source something specific for you if you know what you want. If you spend your time researching, you can probably save a bit of money but he's been doing it for a few years now.

As for that particular car, it was imported in 1997 and has covered quite a few miles so I'd be worried of rust - but he does specifically mention it being rust free. Give him a call and see what else he's got/got coming in.

The bilsteins can also be quite firm but they are good when pressing on/on track. You can get some Gaz coilovers which'll improve the car immensely for <£500.

[Chris71]

Alexdaredevilz said:

What next?

Rwd preferred

Budget 3-4k max

So far on my short list

Smart roadster coupe (mapped to 115)
Mx5 mk2 1.8
Porsche 944
Cooper S (love the sc noise)

Suggestions would be great

Thanks

What do you want to use it for? Daily driver or weekend toy? Do you need much in the way of practicality?

I love the front engined Porsches, but they are the polar opposite to a TVR. There's no drama, just beautifully engineered functionality. There is passion there too, but it's very different to the flame spitting nature of a Tiv.

If it's mostly for weekends, but you want a bit of practicality I'd suggest an MX5. Or what about a mk1 MR2 - possibly with a V6 conversion or a supercharger?

I didn't realise you could get a good Boxster for under £4k yet. They're fantastic cars, but bear in mind the servicing and repair costs are on a par with a 911 (and probably more than a V6 S-Series or Wedge ) so it's not strictly downgrading.

[Royster]

TVR S series or BMW E36 M3 - coupe or convertible?

[Fastdruid]

300bhp/ton said:

topless_mx5 said:

Alexdaredevilz said:

What next?
Mx5 mk2 1.8

I would save yourself a couple of grand and get a Mk1, much lighter and a better drivers car in my opinion.

Early MK1's are lighter because they have a floppy chassis. Extra bracing added later brought the weight up and I think MK2's weight the same as these later MK1's.

RX-8 30000 Nm/degree. Bunch of wibbly wobbly crap...

[Alexdaredevilz]

I have a headache

The car will be used as daily driver, so good mpg is a plus ( any thing will be better than my tvr )

The missus has a 1.6 Ka and classic mini cooper, so I don't need it practical i can use her cars if needed

The 200sx is abit to chavy for my liking

I hate the Rx8

Boxter is a good idea, but worried about buying at the bottom of the price range

I don't want another TVR yet,

Bmw E36 good car but id prefer some thing smaller

I like the idea of being able to drop a LS lump in the MX5 at a later date

I think i need to test drive the Smart roadster to see if i hate the gearbox or not,

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

[CaptainSlow]

Alexdaredevilz said:

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

Well, there were quite a few new PHers signing up just before the SS held at the MINI plant, I'm sure they'll all be along soon to advise on this.

[Chris71]

Alexdaredevilz said:

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

A lot. But it doesn't strictly fulfil the RWD criteria in your original post!

Apart from the titchy boot and the slightly high prices I'd be very tempted by a Cooper S as a daily driver. Adequate performance, reasonable economy, great handling and still quite a mature feel for a hot hatch.

It will feel desperately ordinary after a TVR though.

ETA For something with a bit more emotional appeal that still retains the everyday usability you could do a lot worse than a 944. The price is borderline for a good S2, so I'd look at getting a smart 2.7 Lux with some money left over instead. It's not the same as a Tiv, but compared to most mainstream cars it still blends plenty of charisma with real world capabilities. Huge boot, rear seats (sort of), decent fuel costs and great reliability ... all contained within a slab of fun, retro Porsche.

Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 20th March 12:01

[Chris71]

Alexdaredevilz said:

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

A lot. But it doesn't strictly fulfil the RWD criteria in your original post!

Apart from the titchy boot and the slightly high prices I'd be very tempted by a Cooper S as a daily driver. Adequate performance, reasonable economy, great handling and still quite a mature feel for a hot hatch.

It will feel desperately ordinary after a TVR though.

ETA For something with a bit more emotional appeal that still retains the everyday usability you could do a lot worse than a 944. The price is borderline for a good S2, so I'd look at getting a smart 2.7 Lux with some money left over instead. It's not the same as a Tiv, but compared to most mainstream cars it still blends plenty of charisma with real world capabilities. Huge boot, rear seats (sort of), decent fuel costs and great reliability ... all contained within a slab of fun, retro Porsche.

Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 20th March 12:01

[Royster]

Alfa GTV V6? Lovely engine and noise.

Not sure about MPG, though.

[jvr]

I've had 4 TVRs and recently sold my 4.5 chim after moving down to Hants,wasn,t using it much and too busy everywhere.I wasn't going to buy another leisure car but that didn't last long so bought another car.Its very difficult as its hard to find anoter vehicle that gives the same occasion that a TVR gives at sensible money.
I tried a very nice Boxster S a S2000 but they didn't inspire so I ended up buying a very resonably priced Smart Roadster Brabus.Its not fast but feels it as its very small lots of toys and do not need to go seven bells to enjoy!

[J4CKO]

I want to go the other way, 944 to TVR, think though, after a TVR the 944 will sem a bit tame, well anything will.

[Alexdaredevilz]

J4CKO said:

I want to go the other way, 944 to TVR, think though, after a TVR the 944 will sem a bit tame, well anything will.

Mine is fairly modded aswell, but needs must

[Vladimir]

Alexdaredevilz said:

I have a headache

The car will be used as daily driver, so good mpg is a plus ( any thing will be better than my tvr )

The missus has a 1.6 Ka and classic mini cooper, so I don't need it practical i can use her cars if needed

The 200sx is abit to chavy for my liking

I hate the Rx8

Boxter is a good idea, but worried about buying at the bottom of the price range

I don't want another TVR yet,

Bmw E36 good car but id prefer some thing smaller

I like the idea of being able to drop a LS lump in the MX5 at a later date

I think i need to test drive the Smart roadster to see if i hate the gearbox or not,

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

My dad has one (52 plate) and I utterly love it! That SC noise is just like a rally car (even though rally cars don't have SCs!), the handling is great and they are fairly practical. However they are flipping thirsty and seem to be prone to breakdowns. Buy wisely and expect mid 20mpg.

[300bhp/ton]

jvr said:

I've had 4 TVRs and recently sold my 4.5 chim after moving down to Hants,wasn,t using it much and too busy everywhere.I wasn't going to buy another leisure car but that didn't last long so bought another car.Its very difficult as its hard to find anoter vehicle that gives the same occasion that a TVR gives at sensible money.
I tried a very nice Boxster S a S2000 but they didn't inspire so I ended up buying a very resonably priced Smart Roadster Brabus.Its not fast but feels it as its very small lots of toys and do not need to go seven bells to enjoy!

+1

Sense of occasion, feeling of speed and shear fun & grin factor the smart Roadster (Brabus) does it very very well.

[RobCrezz]

I know you already dismissed it, but its got to be the MR2 turbo. You would get a really nice one for your budget.

They really are fast and exciting to drive. Bits wear out like any car, but toyota reliability is good.

[Chris71]

Gaz. said:

J4CKO said:

I want to go the other way, 944 to TVR, think though, after a TVR the 944 will sem a bit tame, well anything will.

Have you driven any? You have a point if going from the OP's 4.6 to a 944S but you are going from an S2 to a 4.0...

I'd say J4CKO's point still holds.

An S2 or 968 could well give a 4-litre Chim a hard time over a twisty road, but while the TVR driver might find himself grappling with traction, getting insects in his face from the open air, having his ear drums perforated by 105 dB of V8 exhaust and shooting flames out the exhaust on overrun, the Porsche driver could do it all without adjusting his air con or having to turn off Radio 4. That's either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your point of view.

[CO2000]

Chris71 said:

Alexdaredevilz said:

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

A lot. But it doesn't strictly fulfil the RWD criteria in your original post!

Apart from the titchy boot and the slightly high prices I'd be very tempted by a Cooper S as a daily driver. Adequate performance, reasonable economy, great handling and still quite a mature feel for a hot hatch.

It will feel desperately ordinary after a TVR though.

ETA For something with a bit more emotional appeal that still retains the everyday usability you could do a lot worse than a 944. The price is borderline for a good S2, so I'd look at getting a smart 2.7 Lux with some money left over instead. It's not the same as a Tiv, but compared to most mainstream cars it still blends plenty of charisma with real world capabilities. Huge boot, rear seats (sort of), decent fuel costs and great reliability ... all contained within a slab of fun, retro Porsche.

Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 20th March 12:01

I like our 2006 Cooper S (last of the SC ones) early ones had longer gearing/final drive (can't remember exactly which) which put me off older ones & ours has the lowered supension + LSD & is great fun.

[grayze]

Keep the TIV man.

[900T-R]

Chris71 said:

Alexdaredevilz said:

Is there really no love for the cooper s?

A lot.

I've got one on order through the company car scheme.

But would I replace my TVR with one? No chance in hell.