Should I buy a TVR S?
Discussion
:wavey: It's been a while since I last posted in which time we now have our eight month old son, Oliver (who has more TVR's than I do, though some what small in size)
Since selling my 98 Chimaera before we had Oliver I'm definately missing my TVR. I sat and thought of other cars I could look at but every time nothing does it like a TVR for the money.
I could wait fo a year or two to buy what will probably be a Griffith but, I'm not known for my patience and the itch for buing another TVR is too much.
My budget is around £4-5000, not knowing much about the "S" what should I be looking to get for my beans. It will only be a weekend toy so wont have to be driven everyday, but then i said that about my Chim :rotate:
Does any one have a good sound clip of an "S", it wont be as quick as my Chim so I guess I have to make it louder.....
I would appreciate everyones opinions about buying an S,
Thanks in advance
Since selling my 98 Chimaera before we had Oliver I'm definately missing my TVR. I sat and thought of other cars I could look at but every time nothing does it like a TVR for the money.
I could wait fo a year or two to buy what will probably be a Griffith but, I'm not known for my patience and the itch for buing another TVR is too much.
My budget is around £4-5000, not knowing much about the "S" what should I be looking to get for my beans. It will only be a weekend toy so wont have to be driven everyday, but then i said that about my Chim :rotate:
Does any one have a good sound clip of an "S", it wont be as quick as my Chim so I guess I have to make it louder.....
I would appreciate everyones opinions about buying an S,
Thanks in advance
The S isn't as fast (out-and-out fast) as a Chim, true. Most of them are already louder though, if that's what floats your boat. A decat and a sports exhaust helps a bit too.
I've never driven a Chim, been driven in one though. Compared to a Chim, the S is a raw experience, more like a go-kart. A nearly-as-fast go-kart.
I also think they look better, more "classic" but that's probably just me.
Finally, the S is easier to work on yourself (the downside being that it's probably just as well that it's easier to work on!) and doesn't need too much specialist fettling.
I've never driven a Chim, been driven in one though. Compared to a Chim, the S is a raw experience, more like a go-kart. A nearly-as-fast go-kart.
I also think they look better, more "classic" but that's probably just me.
Finally, the S is easier to work on yourself (the downside being that it's probably just as well that it's easier to work on!) and doesn't need too much specialist fettling.
Ditto the above re fun factor
I would say there is a fair difference on the power front if the S is a bit tired and out of tune like mine, when they drop off, the gap on performance is very noticable, wheras on the V8 20bhp loss is not quite so bad because you still have more grunt from the extra cylinders.
However a good running S2 could be bought for 5k and won't depreciate very much at all, so if you wanted to upgrade later, you would get virtually all your money back.
I would say there is a fair difference on the power front if the S is a bit tired and out of tune like mine, when they drop off, the gap on performance is very noticable, wheras on the V8 20bhp loss is not quite so bad because you still have more grunt from the extra cylinders.
However a good running S2 could be bought for 5k and won't depreciate very much at all, so if you wanted to upgrade later, you would get virtually all your money back.
I agree with the above, I bought mine for 4,376 a few weeks back. Replaced the clutch cylinders yesterday, took it out for a drive around the villages with my 10 year old. Believe it or not had 4 people shout 'nice car mate' or similar. The sound is fantastic, the fun is huge. Very difficult to drive around not noticed though....
Also, the insurance is at 'classic' rates so should save you some money!
Also, the insurance is at 'classic' rates so should save you some money!
Evo,
Take a look at this.....
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=11&t=196181&h=0
I too have gone from a Chimaera to an S. We both have our reasons for selling our Chimaeras and if circ's had been different I'd have kept mine.
My first TVR was an S before my Chimaera so I knew what they were like before buying my current one.
Comfort, refinement and power are higher with the Chimaera as are the costs of running, servicing and depreciation.
My current S is primarily used as a 2nd car, whereas the other 2 TVR's were my everyday cars. As an everyday car the Chimaera's refinement meant it was better; as a 2nd car the costs / performance of the S means it is a clear winner for me and my circumstances.
Best thing to do is drive a couple of S's, feel how big the grin is and take it from there.
Longers
Take a look at this.....
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=11&t=196181&h=0
I too have gone from a Chimaera to an S. We both have our reasons for selling our Chimaeras and if circ's had been different I'd have kept mine.
My first TVR was an S before my Chimaera so I knew what they were like before buying my current one.
Comfort, refinement and power are higher with the Chimaera as are the costs of running, servicing and depreciation.
My current S is primarily used as a 2nd car, whereas the other 2 TVR's were my everyday cars. As an everyday car the Chimaera's refinement meant it was better; as a 2nd car the costs / performance of the S means it is a clear winner for me and my circumstances.
Best thing to do is drive a couple of S's, feel how big the grin is and take it from there.
Longers
Bought my first S about three months ago, having sold my Westfield which I loved but my partner didn't.
Was not sure at the time if I had made the right decision, but after three months I know I have.
Just come back from a blat and realise I am in love.
Don't think you will regret buying one,and it will fill the gap before you can afford the Grif,the only car by the way that I would consider changing mine for.
Was not sure at the time if I had made the right decision, but after three months I know I have.
Just come back from a blat and realise I am in love.
Don't think you will regret buying one,and it will fill the gap before you can afford the Grif,the only car by the way that I would consider changing mine for.
silverback mike said:
And me. It seems odd, but S owners seem to migrate to Griffs and nothing else.
I was talking about this just last weekend! I honestly would rather have my S than any of the other "modern" TVRs, although I was once almost tempted by a Griff in the PH classifieds.
Mind you, I also liked a Vixen I saw too...

Check the chassis thoroughly, outriggers especially. Engines are good, have a gander here. www.tvrsseries.com A good website.
Pies said:
silverback mike said:
<a href="www.tvrsseries.com"><a href="www.tvrsseries.com">www.tvrsseries.com</a></a> A good website.
yes it is a very good website!
<ahem>there are a few others too though, looking at the ownership experience<ahem>
Edited to add : OOOhhhhh!! looky that was my 2000th post!
>> Edited by tvrgit on Sunday 4th September 21:56
Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff









