TVR - as bad as some say or shall we DO IT?
Discussion
I'm in the semi-final plans of getting 'something nice' (n about 6 months). I won't go into detail but I have the desire of an Elise or a TVR.....
I've had Elises (what is the plural of that?) so know all about them and I like the running costs.
But....
I have always had a desire for a TVR after my mates Cerb 4.2.
So, are TVRs as unreliable as some people say? Are there loads of little things you have to do (warm up, oils, rebuilds tappets??? etc etc). Are the running costs generally high?
It would be a 3rd car and would be either Cerb, Tuscan or Tamora. Indeed which would you recommend (a girl will drive it sometimes too).
I'd be stretching myself to get it so can't do super expense.
Any of your views would be champion.
Ta.
I've had Elises (what is the plural of that?) so know all about them and I like the running costs.
But....
I have always had a desire for a TVR after my mates Cerb 4.2.
So, are TVRs as unreliable as some people say? Are there loads of little things you have to do (warm up, oils, rebuilds tappets??? etc etc). Are the running costs generally high?
It would be a 3rd car and would be either Cerb, Tuscan or Tamora. Indeed which would you recommend (a girl will drive it sometimes too).
I'd be stretching myself to get it so can't do super expense.
Any of your views would be champion.
Ta.
The wisdom I've found is that TVRs will get you home even if they've become a bit sick or some bits have dropped off. Yes they are expensive cars to run, but what do you expect for the performance. For Cerbs I think £3kpa plus fuel is about the mark. I'd keep a slush fund of £1-2k just in case too. You might find that a Griff or Chim suits your budget better although you'll still want the fund.
I know of at least one girl who found a Cerb almost impossible to drive, largely because the gearbox was quite stiff. Equally I know of at least one girl who happily drives a Cerb.
Yes, you have to warm a TVR up gently (otherwise you are guaranteed engine troubles), yes they can go through oil (although I believe the Speed6 engine is less thirsty in that way).
Bearing in mind that it's a third car, I should point out that TVRs like to be used. Many of those that you hear bad things about go wrong because they are sat in the garage for ages and/or not given decent length runs.
I understand that the three cars you mention are very different experiences, so pick the one that suits you best.
I know of at least one girl who found a Cerb almost impossible to drive, largely because the gearbox was quite stiff. Equally I know of at least one girl who happily drives a Cerb.
Yes, you have to warm a TVR up gently (otherwise you are guaranteed engine troubles), yes they can go through oil (although I believe the Speed6 engine is less thirsty in that way).
Bearing in mind that it's a third car, I should point out that TVRs like to be used. Many of those that you hear bad things about go wrong because they are sat in the garage for ages and/or not given decent length runs.
I understand that the three cars you mention are very different experiences, so pick the one that suits you best.
I would not necessarily recommend a Cerb based on the situation you describe.
Cerbs take a lot of commitment and can hoover up spare cash quickly. Running costs are likely to be in the region of 2-4K per year in repairs and servicing... This amount of cash would probably last you at least a couple of years running an elise.
Oh...and heavy clutch travel...poor visibility of the front end of the car could easily lead to bumps and new clutches. (Just some concearns my GirlF had pointed out, her reservations about driving mine)
I agree with V8's words above. I love cerbs but it's quite a commitment.
>> Edited by cerealsurfer on Friday 24th June 14:11
Cerbs take a lot of commitment and can hoover up spare cash quickly. Running costs are likely to be in the region of 2-4K per year in repairs and servicing... This amount of cash would probably last you at least a couple of years running an elise.
Oh...and heavy clutch travel...poor visibility of the front end of the car could easily lead to bumps and new clutches. (Just some concearns my GirlF had pointed out, her reservations about driving mine)
I agree with V8's words above. I love cerbs but it's quite a commitment.
>> Edited by cerealsurfer on Friday 24th June 14:11
Don't discount the Rover V8 engined cars (like the Chimaera and Griffith) as they traditionally have better reliability and lower running costs. They're also much cheaper to buy which gives you extra budget for upgrades and fettling.
Buy on condition, not mileage or age. As has been said, these cars like to be used so a low-mileage dry-miles-only used-once-in-a-blue-moon cars are not a bargain; they're a liability.
Buy on condition, not mileage or age. As has been said, these cars like to be used so a low-mileage dry-miles-only used-once-in-a-blue-moon cars are not a bargain; they're a liability.
V8 Archie said:
I should point out that TVRs like to be used. Many of those that you hear bad things about go wrong because they are sat in the garage for ages and/or not given decent length runs.
Well said. It's not an ornament, get out there and use it! I've had the same thing said to me by a mate who works with TVRs, and I know of someone who used to go the breadth of Europe and back in them with little or no issues.
It does no car any real good to be sat still for weeks/months on end, TVR or not.
>> Edited by MarkoTVR on Friday 24th June 15:14
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