Discussion
I currently own a MK2 Elise and am thinking of getting a TVR- either a 98-99 Chimera or 97 Griff. I've had no problems with my elise and was wondering what might be the best option to go for of these two- if any difference. I fancy the V8 and the better reliability (rather than the S6)- am I expecting too much to get a Griff/Chim of this age and not have any (many) problems....?? should I definitely buy from a dealer (with 12 warranty)- is it a risk buying one of these private?? any thoughts much appreciated!
Depends on what money you're talking. Buy on condition, rather than age.
Do a search re the Chim vs Griff debates (there have been a lot lately). At the end of the day, test drive both and see which one you prefer.
Don't believe everything you hear about TVRs; it's not all horror stories! In fact, they're the most fantastic cars that money can buy. Nothing even comes close to the glorious sound. Can't recommend them highly enough.
If you buy from a dealer (I did, but an indie), it will be more expensive, but there is added peace of mind. Alternatively, buy from an enthusiast and if you're really bothered buy a warranty separately (but query the effectiveness - that's another thread
)...
Do a search re the Chim vs Griff debates (there have been a lot lately). At the end of the day, test drive both and see which one you prefer.
Don't believe everything you hear about TVRs; it's not all horror stories! In fact, they're the most fantastic cars that money can buy. Nothing even comes close to the glorious sound. Can't recommend them highly enough.
If you buy from a dealer (I did, but an indie), it will be more expensive, but there is added peace of mind. Alternatively, buy from an enthusiast and if you're really bothered buy a warranty separately (but query the effectiveness - that's another thread
)... I've owned 4 TVR and only had one very minor breakdown in the 8 years of ownership. This was in a 350i when the swirl pot came loose and resulted in a liberal sprinkling of petrol over her majesties highway.
Since then I have been lucky to have owned a 400se and a 450SEAC, my Griff' being the latest purchase.
Buy from an private individual but hire one of the highly rated independant TVR inspection services, more than worth a couple of hundred pounds or so.
IMHO its worthwhile to save the premium you pay on a dealer price using this for maintenance cost and any minor issues in first year of ownership.
Since then I have been lucky to have owned a 400se and a 450SEAC, my Griff' being the latest purchase.
Buy from an private individual but hire one of the highly rated independant TVR inspection services, more than worth a couple of hundred pounds or so.
IMHO its worthwhile to save the premium you pay on a dealer price using this for maintenance cost and any minor issues in first year of ownership.
(well, except for the petrol bill!)
abz said:I am hugely biased, but I think the Griff is the best TVR to buy.
I currently own a MK2 Elise and am thinking of getting a TVR- either a 98-99 Chimera or 97 Griff. Should I definitely buy from a dealer - is it a risk buying one of these private?
I moved from a Turbo Esprit to a Griff and I have recently driven a couple of Elises.
Your first impression will be that the TVR sounds fantastic and goes much more quickly than your Lotus.
You will also be impressed with the precise, short throw gearchange, rather than the slack, vague, inconsistent and unpleasant shift in the Lotus.
You will then realise that the TVR's ride isn't what it could be and the handling, which is just about passable in the dry, is thoroughly dangerous in the wet.
The steering is not in the same league as the Lotus, either.
I am of the view that the Lotus is a slightly better made, better engineered and higher quality piece of kit let down by a thrashy inadequate engine.
The Griffith appears nicely finished, but the build quality is a bit hit and miss and the chassis seems vulnerable to rot.
Whether you buy privately or from a dealer largely depends upon whether you have the time, inclination and ability to sort out all the little jobs that will need doing on your chosen TVR.
I love tinkering and enjoy sorting out disfunctional horns, temperamental boot locks and bonnet stays that simply fall off.
I wouldn't be comfortable buying an Esprit, Tuscan or Ferrari privately, given the potential expense of a mechanical failure.
I bought my Griff privately and have no regrets.
Cheers
Pat
I bought privately and I bought the first one I looked at. 
Maybe not the best advice but so far, I've had 2 years of mega enjoyable TVR'ing.
I do work in the trade though, so generally know what to look out for.
You could buy a dodgy Lotus just aswell as a dodgy TVR - Alot of it is down to pot luck IMO.
Maybe not the best advice but so far, I've had 2 years of mega enjoyable TVR'ing.
I do work in the trade though, so generally know what to look out for.
You could buy a dodgy Lotus just aswell as a dodgy TVR - Alot of it is down to pot luck IMO.
thanks for the replies guys- my big concern in the back of my mind I guess is that I live in Aberdeen (!) - there's no TVR dealer for quite a way (about 2 hour drive), so I'm wanting TVR ownership without the need to keep visiting the garage for problems to be sorted out.
Am I mad or not?!
(I posted this previously on the Chim board too, am new to this baord so won't do that again....)
Am I mad or not?!
(I posted this previously on the Chim board too, am new to this baord so won't do that again....)
Personally, I would decide between chim and griff based on looks. Once youve decided, find the right car for you. Both come with varying engine sizes, buy with a TVR service history from an owner who drove the car regularly based on the car spec you want.
When youve found the car you want to buy, buy it. If its from a dealer it will come with peace of mind. If its a private sale it will be cheaper so either way you win.
Where abouts are you, you could always start by visiting your local dealer and taking a few for a test drive this weekend!!
When youve found the car you want to buy, buy it. If its from a dealer it will come with peace of mind. If its a private sale it will be cheaper so either way you win.
Where abouts are you, you could always start by visiting your local dealer and taking a few for a test drive this weekend!!
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