HELP ME PLEASE, it'll be my very first TVR!
Discussion
Hi to all, any info will be extreamely greatful.
Am considering buying my first TVR, and still thinking whether to purchase a late S-Series or an early chim!
My brain keeps telling me if i buy a chim:
a) I won't be able to afford a decent one and be left a bit skint
b) they seems a little modern and i will loose the sports car ride in replacement for comfort.
c) If i get a cheaper chim, i'll have to spend 2k to get it up to scratch. (reading the chim forum, is very nerve raking!)
The S-Series on the other hand is the reason why i fell in love with the tvr. The arse on these motors looks fantastic, and still looks to have the road and road handling of a true sports car.
My heart is telling me that with 7.5/9k, i can get a decent S3 with change for any unforseens and insurance.
I love the look of the car, and think that i'll be just as happy with a beast of an s-series.
The s-series seems to be the type of car that i can work on quite easily, and get parts for reasonably priced.
Could anyone please tell me the true joy's and terrors of these cars? Are there any classic reoccuring faults with the S-series i should be aware of when looking at some propective purchases?
many thanks, outstanding web-site.
Ben.
Am considering buying my first TVR, and still thinking whether to purchase a late S-Series or an early chim!
My brain keeps telling me if i buy a chim:
a) I won't be able to afford a decent one and be left a bit skint
b) they seems a little modern and i will loose the sports car ride in replacement for comfort.
c) If i get a cheaper chim, i'll have to spend 2k to get it up to scratch. (reading the chim forum, is very nerve raking!)
The S-Series on the other hand is the reason why i fell in love with the tvr. The arse on these motors looks fantastic, and still looks to have the road and road handling of a true sports car.
My heart is telling me that with 7.5/9k, i can get a decent S3 with change for any unforseens and insurance.
I love the look of the car, and think that i'll be just as happy with a beast of an s-series.
The s-series seems to be the type of car that i can work on quite easily, and get parts for reasonably priced.
Could anyone please tell me the true joy's and terrors of these cars? Are there any classic reoccuring faults with the S-series i should be aware of when looking at some propective purchases?
many thanks, outstanding web-site.
Ben.
Ben,
You'll certainly be able to get yourself a very nice S for around the 7k mark and if you're prepared to stretch to your upper limit you should be able to get a V8S.
The main thing to look for (as everyone in here will attest!) is the condition of the chassis as this is pretty much the most expensive thing to put right. The engines are pretty rock solid so higher mileage one's aren't a problem if they've been looked after. There's an excellent buyer's guide here, definitely worth a look before you view any cars: www.tvrsseries.com/
Parts for the cars are pretty cheap and its possible to do a lot of the maintenance yourself should you be inclined!
I've had my S3 for about 7 months now and I still get the same grin on my face as I did when I first picked it up! They're great fun to drive, look the business and sound awesome too!
Happy S-hunting!
You'll certainly be able to get yourself a very nice S for around the 7k mark and if you're prepared to stretch to your upper limit you should be able to get a V8S.
The main thing to look for (as everyone in here will attest!) is the condition of the chassis as this is pretty much the most expensive thing to put right. The engines are pretty rock solid so higher mileage one's aren't a problem if they've been looked after. There's an excellent buyer's guide here, definitely worth a look before you view any cars: www.tvrsseries.com/
Parts for the cars are pretty cheap and its possible to do a lot of the maintenance yourself should you be inclined!
I've had my S3 for about 7 months now and I still get the same grin on my face as I did when I first picked it up! They're great fun to drive, look the business and sound awesome too!
Happy S-hunting!
I’ve had my S3 for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. Spent about a year deliberating and finally went for it in June. If this is your first Tiv, I’d definitely recommend an S. As Jon has already said, £7k will get you a very good S3, maybe a V8 if you are prepared to stretch a bit further but before you hand over the cash but remember 
Chassis Chassis Chassis Chassis Chassis 
Your brain is telling you good things…..
a) but there’s no reason to think that a Chim in the lower end of the price range will be an old duffer but this may lead to a lot of expense if you choose wrong.
b) The S is generally regarded as being a very good car handling wise. Every time I drive mine I find it more and more capable and I haven’t even started playing with the suspension yet.
c) This may also be the case with an S if you do not ‘buy clever’ If you decide on a car, try and agree with the seller for an inspection by a specialist. Adjust the price as necessary afterwards or walk away if you feel it is too much expense or effort for you to take on.
Not a lot mechanical goes wrong with these cars. The engine and drivetrain are pretty bulletproof. Electrics can be an issue and don’t be surprised if even the best car rattles and knocks a bit, they all do.
From my own experience, the best tip I can give is don’t spend your entire budget on the price of the car. Try and keep aside a bit for getting the car up to scratch. No matter how well an owner looks after their car there will always be something that needs doing, even if it’s just to get it looking or going the way you want it to rather to the taste of the previous owner.
I went down the ‘buy it relatively cheaply with some problems and get it up to code myself’ route but this may not be for you. I am still working on getting the car sorted and it gets infurating from time to time but its worth it when you turn the key.
Keep your head and try not to fall in love with the first one you see ( or hear
) and you’ll get what you’re after. This forum is littered with posts about the recurring problems that every owner gets at some time or another. If you can’t figure it out for yourself, just ask on here and someone will know what to do - we’re a friendly bunch!
Happy hunting and good luck!!
Chassis Chassis Chassis Chassis Chassis Your brain is telling you good things…..
a) but there’s no reason to think that a Chim in the lower end of the price range will be an old duffer but this may lead to a lot of expense if you choose wrong.
b) The S is generally regarded as being a very good car handling wise. Every time I drive mine I find it more and more capable and I haven’t even started playing with the suspension yet.
c) This may also be the case with an S if you do not ‘buy clever’ If you decide on a car, try and agree with the seller for an inspection by a specialist. Adjust the price as necessary afterwards or walk away if you feel it is too much expense or effort for you to take on.
Not a lot mechanical goes wrong with these cars. The engine and drivetrain are pretty bulletproof. Electrics can be an issue and don’t be surprised if even the best car rattles and knocks a bit, they all do.
From my own experience, the best tip I can give is don’t spend your entire budget on the price of the car. Try and keep aside a bit for getting the car up to scratch. No matter how well an owner looks after their car there will always be something that needs doing, even if it’s just to get it looking or going the way you want it to rather to the taste of the previous owner.
I went down the ‘buy it relatively cheaply with some problems and get it up to code myself’ route but this may not be for you. I am still working on getting the car sorted and it gets infurating from time to time but its worth it when you turn the key.
Keep your head and try not to fall in love with the first one you see ( or hear
) and you’ll get what you’re after. This forum is littered with posts about the recurring problems that every owner gets at some time or another. If you can’t figure it out for yourself, just ask on here and someone will know what to do - we’re a friendly bunch! Happy hunting and good luck!!
Hi
ive owned an S2 2.9v6 for 4 years now and still love it. I had the chance to upgrade to a griff/chim but decided that the fun per £ was far better with my S. particularly as i spent alot of Sundays getting her just right.
If you want a 'different' TVR with fantastic seat of the pants handling, power and feedback then the S is for you. If you want a cruiser then go for the Chim & hunt out a good one.
Most S series owners would suggest the Chim is a bit dissapointing after the thrills of the S
Good luck
ive owned an S2 2.9v6 for 4 years now and still love it. I had the chance to upgrade to a griff/chim but decided that the fun per £ was far better with my S. particularly as i spent alot of Sundays getting her just right.
If you want a 'different' TVR with fantastic seat of the pants handling, power and feedback then the S is for you. If you want a cruiser then go for the Chim & hunt out a good one.
Most S series owners would suggest the Chim is a bit dissapointing after the thrills of the S
Good luck
clive f said:
with mostly cheap off the shelve Ford parts, and relitavely easy to work on, plus fuel economy on a V6 is more smiles per gallon than a V8, go with your first choice, you won`t regret it!!
Whichever you choose you wont be disappointed for sure, but if its a pure sports car you are after go for an S the Chim is too civilised. The V6 is more economical for sure but drive a V6 and then drive a V8 straight after, I am sure which one you will want, the extra fuel costs are well worth it
Having owned a V6 and a V8S they are different beasts, the V6 will FEEL more than fast enough as its revvy and sounds good. The V8 on the other hand IS more than fast enough, sounds fantastic and a sorted one is as fast as a 450 Chim so its all the power you need. If you have 9K to spend and buy a S3 it wont be long before you want a V8 (took me 3-4 months), save the time and get one now! M<ike
Do it 
Do it Do it Do it
V6 s is much cheaper to run, maintain and fix. Its got every bit of power you really need, and won't try and bite you in half, rape you and leave you in a ditch at the side of the road every time you accellerate off a roundabout.(just on the odd occasion when you try and be too cocky or use pirellis on the back.)
Go out of you way to get the best one you can afford. See loads of cars and be picky! There is always cars coming on the market.
Do it Do it Do it V6 s is much cheaper to run, maintain and fix. Its got every bit of power you really need, and won't try and bite you in half, rape you and leave you in a ditch at the side of the road every time you accellerate off a roundabout.(just on the odd occasion when you try and be too cocky or use pirellis on the back.)
Go out of you way to get the best one you can afford. See loads of cars and be picky! There is always cars coming on the market.
I read your posts on the Chim forum, seems you really want a Chim .
Drive both and be honest with yourself.
In my view there is no rule which car will be cheapest to run , you don`t know what will go wrong ,if anything with cars 10yrs + old.
If you do buy an S will will be unlikely to loose big time if you sell-on and get a Chim in a years time.
Drive both and be honest with yourself.
In my view there is no rule which car will be cheapest to run , you don`t know what will go wrong ,if anything with cars 10yrs + old.
If you do buy an S will will be unlikely to loose big time if you sell-on and get a Chim in a years time.
mycroft said:
If you do buy an S will will be unlikely to loose big time if you sell-on and get a Chim in a years time.
Owning an S first may even help with the chim insurance too. Some Insurance companies like previous high performance car experience.
LONGERS has owned both, he may hyave a view.
Big Ian said:
LONGERS has owned both, he may hyave a view.
Correct!
This may help....
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=11&h=0&t=196181
Financial:
Things will go wrong with either car so leave some money in hand and don't be tempted to spend it all on buying.
S will not depreciate as much (if at all) as the Chimaera.
S is cheaper to run and maintain.
Fun:
S, S, S, S, S.....
Comfort / refinement:
Chimaera but this isn't really relevant unless you intend doing lots of miles. Le Mans and back was more comfortable in the Chimaera, but see above for which was more fun!
Better heaters on Chimaera so save some money for a hat and fleece if you get an S and want the roof off on a crisp dry winters day, which you will!
Size of boot:
This isn't really relevant either! However bigger Chimaera boot meant I could get golf bag & roof in boot. Problem solved by buying a new golf bag for the S.
S1, 2, 3, or V8S:
Given your budget I'd go for the V8 provided it leaves you enough of a contingency for repairs etc. The reason for me selling the Chimaera was to release some money for the new house so I went for the V6. I agree with the above - the V6 has enough performance but the V8 is a completely different driving experience. You will not be disappointed with either.
Overall if I'd kept my first S and upgraded suspension, brakes etc rather than sell it for a Chimaera I'd have saved a lot in depreciation. Having said that I did have 2 great years with the Chimaera and did some long Euro drives. But don't regret having another S - I love it! I plan to keep this car for a long time, upgrade a few bits each year as and when things need to be replaced and have no intention of moving to a newer model. That's what suits me and my situation, good luck with finding out which suits yours.
Longers
Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply, i appreciate any advise from owners and will hopefully speak to you all again.
I have done nothing but think all weekend about this and i'm 90% sure i'll probably go for the S3 and keep the extra cash for upgrades/unforseens.
I'll let you know the result.
Thanks again, Ben.
I have done nothing but think all weekend about this and i'm 90% sure i'll probably go for the S3 and keep the extra cash for upgrades/unforseens.
I'll let you know the result.
Thanks again, Ben.
Hi Ben,
Late into the thread I'm afraid, but I have an S3C and I can only advise you to get one. Yes they are sometimes a bit tetchy (well, mine is a little feisty) but they get under your skin. Also I have yet to find someone who says a negative comment about it (or them)
They do tend to shake the teeth out of your head if you drive them like they should be driven, and if you buy an S, you do realise the roof never goes on.
They're great.
Late into the thread I'm afraid, but I have an S3C and I can only advise you to get one. Yes they are sometimes a bit tetchy (well, mine is a little feisty) but they get under your skin. Also I have yet to find someone who says a negative comment about it (or them)
They do tend to shake the teeth out of your head if you drive them like they should be driven, and if you buy an S, you do realise the roof never goes on.
They're great.
Bought my first TVR(S3)in May 2004. It's an addictive car that you won't regret buying. I was looking for something sporty, RWD, soft-top, powerful BIG motor, 2 seater, that I could work on myself, and got it.
Good handling, sounds fabulous and looks great especially from the rear. Thank god for ebay, where I was surfing through the classic cars; I didn't know TVR S's existed, and at those prices. Passers-by often comment...."nice car", unsolicited, and they're right.
Bought through this site too. Future classic, that I won't sell.
Good handling, sounds fabulous and looks great especially from the rear. Thank god for ebay, where I was surfing through the classic cars; I didn't know TVR S's existed, and at those prices. Passers-by often comment...."nice car", unsolicited, and they're right.
Bought through this site too. Future classic, that I won't sell.
Edited by jonlodge on Wednesday 26th September 09:39
I can only agree with all the comments about the 's' - I have had mine for 18 months and it has never let me down and been a joy to own. Many of these are now in the hands of enthusiasts and are well looked after, considering their age. For fun per £ they are hard to beat and you can always move onto a Chim in the future if you must..............
I love the sound of the V6 S's but the V8 just sounds awesome when you start it up. It fills car parks. 
I usually park in my local multi-storey... not sure why that is...
Servicing (well where I went) is more expensive for the V8. Petrol costs me about £30-40 for a journey of 140 miles. If you start flooring it a lot though, you can almost see the fuel gauge move down. Not sure about the V6 but my V8 seems to use about a litre of oil every 200-400 miles. I buy the £36 4-litre bottles of Mobil 1.
I've only broken down twice - first was the throttle cable and it wasn't really a surprise to be honest. It's just something that can happen on these cars. Unfortunately, a new cable is £60 inc VAT. There are modifications you can make, and I will be doing it this winter. Second breakdown was simply the fuel pump relay that blew, but that entailed fishing around in the mass of bad wiring in the passenger footwell. It has been remarkably reliable - but I am still expecting things each time I go out. The expectation of breaking down can be worse than actually doing so, particularly if you have to be somewhere or you're out for a nice drive with a friend. That sometimes puts me off driving it. But having said that I've done about 7000 miles in the past year and it's performed flawlessly apart from the two problems listed above.
I usually park in my local multi-storey... not sure why that is...
Servicing (well where I went) is more expensive for the V8. Petrol costs me about £30-40 for a journey of 140 miles. If you start flooring it a lot though, you can almost see the fuel gauge move down. Not sure about the V6 but my V8 seems to use about a litre of oil every 200-400 miles. I buy the £36 4-litre bottles of Mobil 1.
I've only broken down twice - first was the throttle cable and it wasn't really a surprise to be honest. It's just something that can happen on these cars. Unfortunately, a new cable is £60 inc VAT. There are modifications you can make, and I will be doing it this winter. Second breakdown was simply the fuel pump relay that blew, but that entailed fishing around in the mass of bad wiring in the passenger footwell. It has been remarkably reliable - but I am still expecting things each time I go out. The expectation of breaking down can be worse than actually doing so, particularly if you have to be somewhere or you're out for a nice drive with a friend. That sometimes puts me off driving it. But having said that I've done about 7000 miles in the past year and it's performed flawlessly apart from the two problems listed above.
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