After 29 years I am thinking the unthinkable...
Discussion
Some of you may recall my precat Griffith which I have owned for some 29 years and which I wrote about extensively for Sprint magazine about 3 years ago. I have loved and cherished this car over the decades I have owned it and always used to say I would never sell it and they would have to bury me in it!!! Brian Hosfield, Peter Wheeler's personal race mechanic who worked on the car when it was being retrimmed in Blackpool a couple of years ago declared it the finest pre-cat Griffith he has ever driven. The car has had a few careful modifications to iron out some of its design foibles (relocating and uprating the heating and ventilation fan so it now demists and heats properly, replacing the tungsten and fibre optic lighting for the central console lighting with custom designed LED and uprating the radiator to a TVR aluminium racing radiator, so it now runs as cool as my Toyota daily). It's also of course had the outriggers done, had the entire chassis sanded and painted so it's in excellent condition, enjoyed a full respray in its original Cooper green and been fully retrimmed in irish mist and forest green leather by DC Trim in Blackpool. A Pater Wiggins dash was fitted and because I am actually an audio reviewer I had four Audison high end dual concentric speakers professionally fitted with custom mountings by Sextons and the head unit upgraded to a nice Alpine unit with bluetooth music and phone integration. It's even got centre tunnel mounted USB sockets for phone charging and GPS power. It's also got the rare OZ multispoke alloy wheels fitted at the factory from new.
I want the missus and I to continue to enjoy epic country drives at the weekends (currently the TVR offers this) so I need to replace both the GT86 and TVR with a single car that fulfills both purposes. The MX5 is the obvious choice.
I had no idea how good the MX5 actually is until I drove one for the first time last weekend. The tiny cabin is just so beautifully designed and they ve done a fabulous job of evoking the feel of classic British sports cars with chrome rimmed gauges, faux leather and the painted metal door tops and a wonderfully small curving windscreen. It s just so cosy and I could imagine Mrs G and I heading off on a load of road trips and adventures in the next few years in one of these. No it isn t quite as epic as the TVR, it doesn t sound like a Merlin engined Spitfire as it thunders across the countryside and it doesn t have the utterly explosive way of hurling you at the horizon that the TVR does on full reheat, but it still feels special.
Looking around the market for a nice one it struck me that the finance on secondhand is so much worse than on new, that buying a lightly used 3 year old example actually results in higher monthly payments than buying a new one! I ve never owned a new car and my wife is keen that if I m to let my beloved TVR go, that I get a brand new MX5 to replace it. The savings on running, taxing and insuring the TVR and GT86 plus my daughter s car which is going too, more than covers the £329 a month on PCP.
I ve got another test drive in an MX5 booked for tomorrow and they ve offered me what I feel is a sensible trade in on the GT86 against it.
I ve always wanted to tour the Scottish highlands and if I had an MX5 I wouldn t think twice of doing so, but in a 33 year old TVR you do have to consider venturing that far afield. Similarly I have always wanted to drive across the Alps to Italy or Switzerland and again the MX5 feels like it would open up these possibilities and adventures to us more easily. It s not just about reliability either because in truth we drove around Wales in the TVR a couple of years back and it didn t miss a beat. It s also about things like air conditioning, lighter controls that my wife can operate, better fuel economy (40mpg in an MX5, 20mpg in a TVR - and half that if you re trying!)
Saxon
I want the missus and I to continue to enjoy epic country drives at the weekends (currently the TVR offers this) so I need to replace both the GT86 and TVR with a single car that fulfills both purposes. The MX5 is the obvious choice.
I had no idea how good the MX5 actually is until I drove one for the first time last weekend. The tiny cabin is just so beautifully designed and they ve done a fabulous job of evoking the feel of classic British sports cars with chrome rimmed gauges, faux leather and the painted metal door tops and a wonderfully small curving windscreen. It s just so cosy and I could imagine Mrs G and I heading off on a load of road trips and adventures in the next few years in one of these. No it isn t quite as epic as the TVR, it doesn t sound like a Merlin engined Spitfire as it thunders across the countryside and it doesn t have the utterly explosive way of hurling you at the horizon that the TVR does on full reheat, but it still feels special.
Looking around the market for a nice one it struck me that the finance on secondhand is so much worse than on new, that buying a lightly used 3 year old example actually results in higher monthly payments than buying a new one! I ve never owned a new car and my wife is keen that if I m to let my beloved TVR go, that I get a brand new MX5 to replace it. The savings on running, taxing and insuring the TVR and GT86 plus my daughter s car which is going too, more than covers the £329 a month on PCP.
I ve got another test drive in an MX5 booked for tomorrow and they ve offered me what I feel is a sensible trade in on the GT86 against it.
I ve always wanted to tour the Scottish highlands and if I had an MX5 I wouldn t think twice of doing so, but in a 33 year old TVR you do have to consider venturing that far afield. Similarly I have always wanted to drive across the Alps to Italy or Switzerland and again the MX5 feels like it would open up these possibilities and adventures to us more easily. It s not just about reliability either because in truth we drove around Wales in the TVR a couple of years back and it didn t miss a beat. It s also about things like air conditioning, lighter controls that my wife can operate, better fuel economy (40mpg in an MX5, 20mpg in a TVR - and half that if you re trying!)
Saxon
Edited by saxon on Tuesday 10th June 08:01
Moderator edit: no advertising
I have a Griffith and I also (last month) bought an MX5. 
The NC (Mk 3) model, I'm not sold on the Mk 4 myself0 Not just looks, the NC fits if you're 6 ft 2". You're right about them in many ways, I got the 2.0 Sport with a 6 sped gearbox. Only more power is missing.
When you say the monthly payments would be the same on used or new, I assume you would be buying it with a loan? Or are you considering a PCP on a used car? I wonder if you have priced in everything, including the final 'balloon' payment, often called the GFV. I also have an EV on a PCP and the payments are low (£211 p.m.) but the GFV is £26k after 3 years. It'll be going back.
PCP is really long term renting, where you pay the interest on the money they've lent you to buy it plus an amount to cover the depreciation (depending on the mileage in the plan). If you bought one, you'd have an asset to sell on. There's also leasing where you don't actually own the car (which can make the insurance higher) but the leaser normally foots the bill for the VED.
The NC (Mk 3) model, I'm not sold on the Mk 4 myself0 Not just looks, the NC fits if you're 6 ft 2". You're right about them in many ways, I got the 2.0 Sport with a 6 sped gearbox. Only more power is missing.When you say the monthly payments would be the same on used or new, I assume you would be buying it with a loan? Or are you considering a PCP on a used car? I wonder if you have priced in everything, including the final 'balloon' payment, often called the GFV. I also have an EV on a PCP and the payments are low (£211 p.m.) but the GFV is £26k after 3 years. It'll be going back.
PCP is really long term renting, where you pay the interest on the money they've lent you to buy it plus an amount to cover the depreciation (depending on the mileage in the plan). If you bought one, you'd have an asset to sell on. There's also leasing where you don't actually own the car (which can make the insurance higher) but the leaser normally foots the bill for the VED.
I was running my 450 SEAC and a 1.8 NB MX5. Both so different. The MX5 was a joy to drive, handled impeccably, didn't rattle, didn't leak, did 35mpg and was totally reliable. As I semi retired last year "the boss" suggested one toy was enough, so the MX5 went, but it is sadly missed. I therefore can totally understand the attraction of the MX5. A mate of mine had the same dilemma. He was running a 5 litre Chimaera, had recently retired but was struggling with the bills, so Chimp was sold and he now runs an newish MX5. His wife wouldn't sit in the TVR, but loves driving the MX5, so it has opened up more holiday opportunities for them.
We have a 2.0 sportstech NC. It averages 32mpg, is very noisy on the motorway, much more than the Cerbera. Thats even with the folding metal roof.
It's brisk, not fast, but yes is reliable, fun on A roads with the roof down, and it is the sort of car to drive into town rather than the TVR.
You can fit a surprising amount in the boot
I had to do 9 trips over two weeks into London, and it was a great car for that.
I know you said you were looking at new, but if you look at older ones, do check underneath for rust, and consider swapping the center dash for one that takes a 2Din audio with Apple/Andoid car connect for Sat nav.
It's brisk, not fast, but yes is reliable, fun on A roads with the roof down, and it is the sort of car to drive into town rather than the TVR.
You can fit a surprising amount in the boot
I had to do 9 trips over two weeks into London, and it was a great car for that.
I know you said you were looking at new, but if you look at older ones, do check underneath for rust, and consider swapping the center dash for one that takes a 2Din audio with Apple/Andoid car connect for Sat nav.
I’m looking to go the other way! I have a 2l NC roadster and love it. I can get the weekly hop in the boot and have the roof down. And by down it’s all the way down so all round visibility is better than the Griff plus it’s quicker and easier to operate. I’m trying to see whether I can have the MX5 as a winter car and the TVR for summer but there’s a bit of wishful thinking going on there.
It’s good in the wet, undriveable in slush or worse,
One option is to get a hard top NC with air con (non optional, it can steam up in seconds) and the Bose stereo. That’s about £7k now. The work needed to mine has been new headlights, tyres, back end f the exhaust and I need to see to a bit of rust on the rear subframe. That’s it for a 12 reg. If you ignore me driving into a very narrow bridge, scraping the side a bit 😳
I imagine you’ll miss the pull and sounds of the Griff but being able to clearly hear bird song whilst you’re driving along is wonderful.
It’s good in the wet, undriveable in slush or worse,
One option is to get a hard top NC with air con (non optional, it can steam up in seconds) and the Bose stereo. That’s about £7k now. The work needed to mine has been new headlights, tyres, back end f the exhaust and I need to see to a bit of rust on the rear subframe. That’s it for a 12 reg. If you ignore me driving into a very narrow bridge, scraping the side a bit 😳
I imagine you’ll miss the pull and sounds of the Griff but being able to clearly hear bird song whilst you’re driving along is wonderful.
I used to buy write of cars & bikes. I bought a few MX5's. The 1.8 2005 was sort of ok. The by far the best was a 2010 Sport tech. These have the 2 litre Mondeo engine. Bilstien suspension. Limited slip diff. 6speed getrag gearbox. Lots of toys like heated seats Blutooth radio etc. They are the bee's knees of Miata's. But & a big but,,, not a patch on a sorted TVR.
Steve.
Steve.
Used ND prices are pretty good but only you can decide what you want to do money wise.
Makes more sense to get a loan probably depending on interest rates.
Problem with the previous models is rust, at least with something a few years old you stand a chance of finding something decent.
The NC was my favourite version looks wise personally and some say the best but the ND is supposed to feel a bit more like the original NA.
I have just gone through all this and ended up in a Honda S2000, I fancied an MX5 but just wanted to try the Honda engine with a bit more character.
I can only describe it as an MX5 on steroids really.
I don't think you will be disappointed with the more user friendly MX5 but you do miss the noise of the TVR.
Makes more sense to get a loan probably depending on interest rates.
Problem with the previous models is rust, at least with something a few years old you stand a chance of finding something decent.
The NC was my favourite version looks wise personally and some say the best but the ND is supposed to feel a bit more like the original NA.
I have just gone through all this and ended up in a Honda S2000, I fancied an MX5 but just wanted to try the Honda engine with a bit more character.
I can only describe it as an MX5 on steroids really.
I don't think you will be disappointed with the more user friendly MX5 but you do miss the noise of the TVR.
“ ……but in a 33 year old TVR you do have to consider venturing that far afield” I know the feeling but give it a try this year !
I took my Griffith to Spain for x2 years, driven around Norway, Italy, France and plan for a German Alps trip this year. I feel trepidation but then what’s the worst that can happen ? AA cover, etc but most mechanics (and suggestions from PH) can fix most problems.
I broke down in France years ago, did a champagne tour while an alternator was couriered from the UK only to find it was the 300amp fuse, as suggested by PH !
I took my Griffith to Spain for x2 years, driven around Norway, Italy, France and plan for a German Alps trip this year. I feel trepidation but then what’s the worst that can happen ? AA cover, etc but most mechanics (and suggestions from PH) can fix most problems.
I broke down in France years ago, did a champagne tour while an alternator was couriered from the UK only to find it was the 300amp fuse, as suggested by PH !
OchAye74 said:
I m looking to go the other way! I have a 2l NC roadster and love it. I can get the weekly hop in the boot and have the roof down. And by down it s all the way down so all round visibility is better than the Griff plus it s quicker and easier to operate. I m trying to see whether I can have the MX5 as a winter car and the TVR for summer but there s a bit of wishful thinking going on there.
It s good in the wet, undriveable in slush or worse,
One option is to get a hard top NC with air con (non optional, it can steam up in seconds) and the Bose stereo. That s about £7k now. The work needed to mine has been new headlights, tyres, back end f the exhaust and I need to see to a bit of rust on the rear subframe. That s it for a 12 reg. If you ignore me driving into a very narrow bridge, scraping the side a bit ?
I imagine you ll miss the pull and sounds of the Griff but being able to clearly hear bird song whilst you re driving along is wonderful.
Bose stereo has a problem with the Amp, they fail and you get max volume machine gun fire. £810 replacement from Mazda, or £400 from a guy who repairs in Scotland.It s good in the wet, undriveable in slush or worse,
One option is to get a hard top NC with air con (non optional, it can steam up in seconds) and the Bose stereo. That s about £7k now. The work needed to mine has been new headlights, tyres, back end f the exhaust and I need to see to a bit of rust on the rear subframe. That s it for a 12 reg. If you ignore me driving into a very narrow bridge, scraping the side a bit ?
I imagine you ll miss the pull and sounds of the Griff but being able to clearly hear bird song whilst you re driving along is wonderful.
Honestly the Bose isn't that great, we had it and swapped it when we had the above for the pioneer shown. Big screen sat nav is great.
steviegtr said:
I used to buy write of cars & bikes. I bought a few MX5's. The 1.8 2005 was sort of ok. The by far the best was a 2010 Sport tech. These have the 2 litre Mondeo engine. Bilstien suspension. Limited slip diff. 6speed getrag gearbox. Lots of toys like heated seats Blutooth radio etc. They are the bee's knees of Miata's. But & a big but,,, not a patch on a sorted TVR.
Steve.
Exactly what we have. 15 years of mostly fault free motoring, just get in and drive. However, even with the metal folding roof (which is really quick to put up and down) it's not quiet on the motorway, its brisk not fast, and nothing like a TVR. It's also the heaviest, hence why even with 160bhp it doesn't feel quick.Steve.
ESDavey said:
but in a 33 year old TVR you do have to consider venturing that far afield I know the feeling but give it a try this year !
I took my Griffith to Spain for x2 years, driven around Norway, Italy, France and plan for a German Alps trip this year. I feel trepidation but then what s the worst that can happen ? AA cover, etc but most mechanics (and suggestions from PH) can fix most problems.
I broke down in France years ago, did a champagne tour while an alternator was couriered from the UK only to find it was the 300amp fuse, as suggested by PH !
We've done lots of trips around Europe, ourselves and with other TVR's. Only had two problems. A cheap chinese distributor cap broke the center carbon brush on a Griff, and on another trip a griff went over a large pothole and an engine mount was broken (unknown) and it jumped the engine and the pully cut a groove into the thermostat housing?/Pipework.I took my Griffith to Spain for x2 years, driven around Norway, Italy, France and plan for a German Alps trip this year. I feel trepidation but then what s the worst that can happen ? AA cover, etc but most mechanics (and suggestions from PH) can fix most problems.
I broke down in France years ago, did a champagne tour while an alternator was couriered from the UK only to find it was the 300amp fuse, as suggested by PH !
Fixed with self anealing tape until it got home.
One thing I’d add is the NC seats are very comfortable. I’ve driven from York to Bristol and back in the same day without stopping except to fill up in Bristol. I was fine when I got home only to be *asked* to got into town by wifey. After all what’s another 15 miles when you’ve just done 440! I’ve not driven an ND but YouTube reviews all seem to say they’re not great.
Hi folks,
Soime really great replies here and I really appreciate it (including one reply that made me laugh out loud!!!) ;-)
Strangely enough I have been out for about a 50 mile run in the Griff today and she was magnificent taking some American visitors to the National Trust. I've put a huge amount of money into it over the past decade in particular which means it is now the best it has ever been cosmetically and mechanically. The last thing I would want is to have to skimp on maintenance and see it decline due to my inability to keep it up to scratch due university costs or retirement.
Somebody here did suggest selling the GT86 and putting the £329 a month lease costs for the MX5 into increased petrol and maintenance costs to run the TVR as a daily. I don't really fancy the 90 mile round trip commute in such a car, indeed even an MX5 is giving me pause for thought for such duties, but I have access to another car on the two days a week that the missus is either off or working from home so hopefully the MX5 won't be too bad - at least it has aircon, light controls and pedals etc.
Good too to hear all the positive tales of those of you running MX5's, they really do seem to delight people across all four generations of the car. I think Mazda and Toyota have really kept the flame alive of traditional fun to drive sports cars in recent decades far more than any other manufacturer.
Some great videos on all generations of the MX5 on the Savage Geese channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CA8BzgbE-A&t=...
Many thanks,
Saxon
Soime really great replies here and I really appreciate it (including one reply that made me laugh out loud!!!) ;-)
Strangely enough I have been out for about a 50 mile run in the Griff today and she was magnificent taking some American visitors to the National Trust. I've put a huge amount of money into it over the past decade in particular which means it is now the best it has ever been cosmetically and mechanically. The last thing I would want is to have to skimp on maintenance and see it decline due to my inability to keep it up to scratch due university costs or retirement.
Somebody here did suggest selling the GT86 and putting the £329 a month lease costs for the MX5 into increased petrol and maintenance costs to run the TVR as a daily. I don't really fancy the 90 mile round trip commute in such a car, indeed even an MX5 is giving me pause for thought for such duties, but I have access to another car on the two days a week that the missus is either off or working from home so hopefully the MX5 won't be too bad - at least it has aircon, light controls and pedals etc.
Good too to hear all the positive tales of those of you running MX5's, they really do seem to delight people across all four generations of the car. I think Mazda and Toyota have really kept the flame alive of traditional fun to drive sports cars in recent decades far more than any other manufacturer.
Some great videos on all generations of the MX5 on the Savage Geese channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CA8BzgbE-A&t=...
Many thanks,
Saxon
Moderator edit: no advertising
If it is a sorted car maintenance costs should not be high at all really in the future, they are very easy to look after.
Not sure who does your servicing but "specialists" can charge you a fortune.
One of the best mods you can ever do to these cars is get an aftermarket management system fitted with modern coilpacks etc. Ok the initial outlay is quite high and maybe not what most want but would make the car even more reliable and easy to live with.
Not sure who does your servicing but "specialists" can charge you a fortune.
One of the best mods you can ever do to these cars is get an aftermarket management system fitted with modern coilpacks etc. Ok the initial outlay is quite high and maybe not what most want but would make the car even more reliable and easy to live with.
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff