Buying TVR vs 911 (not another slagging match!)

[V8 Kieran]

Howdy folks

I'm dragging along a mate to the Mid-Essex meet on Sunday to look at TVRs. He was looking to get a Porker 996 (I think - the exact model names elude me!) Anyhoo, circa £25k spends. I immediately said nah, you wanna proper sportscar etc......

But seriously, I don't know much about Porker relaibility/costs/ownership compared to TVR, so any (serious) comments pref. from someone who has/had both would be welcome.

He wanted a 4 seat drop top (rear only for his kid). Intrigued by Cerbera even tho' coupe, and always liked Swordfish Tuscan (even tho' no rear seats).

I feel I have to accept a labour of love type relationship with a TVR, especially if commuting everyday included. Would a Porker be easier for an everyday car, as I don't think he has quite the commitment, and would want an easier life.

I already know TVRs are best so don't need convincing, but I'm wondering whether a Porker would be better for my mate? I've heard 911s aren't as perfect as some would make out, rear main seals, head cracks etc, but never driven one, so sensible opinions please?

Please don't turn this into a Porker bashing thread - plenty of those have already run their course - I'm not trolling, this is a genuine question. Cheers

[BCA]

I have no real porsche experience other than having a fair bit of interest in them on these forums and such...

I reckon your mate is best off with the porsche, especially if he wants a convertable and is after a relatively niggle free life. The TVR's the more exciting car, if you can put up with certain faults - but the porsche should be relatively stress free.

[OllyOllyOlly]

Just for what it is worth I know two people with porker turbos and have had them for a good few years and they are extremely happy with them.

From an observer point of view, I think TVRs and Porkers probably have similar rates of problems and running costs but its the better way that Porsche deal with it that makes it easier to swallow.

[L1OFF]

If I had to use my car every day I would proberbly look at Porsche or similar.
Alan

[satans worm]

The 996 can suffer from RMS failure and so any engine dripping oil should be treated with much suspicion, would recomend if they opt for the porker to get a 111 point check by a opc and then buy a warrenty, final thing, 25k is quite low for a 996, you can get them but your looking at the bottom of the offerings with usualy high miles, a 'good' cerb might be easier to get hold of for that money?

[kipper_]

Went from 911 (targa) to Tuscan. Porker was more reliable but the TVR.... well once driven forever smitten.

The fact is you dont get a lot of Porsche for 25k (and not a RHD 996 sof top) but you will get a sub 10k mileage 2/3 year old Tuscan or 350T and reliability on these is not that bad IMHO.

[V8 Kieran]

Thanks everyone - much appreciated
'Twas as I thought, but didn't want to say too much without being sure. Heard of RMS problems. Was head-cracks/overheating sorted with water-cooled engines or still a necessary check?

Interesting point re prices (have I got the model right - believe 996 was previous model) - took it as read that was the price as quoted by mate, but maybe he should tread carefully then. An uber-cheap Porker is going to make any TVR look as reliable as a Jap methinks.

[Fire99]

V8 Kieran said:

Thanks everyone - much appreciated 'Twas as I thought, but didn't want to say too much without being sure. Heard of RMS problems. Was head-cracks/overheating sorted with water-cooled engines or still a necessary check? Interesting point re prices (have I got the model right - believe 996 was previous model) - took it as read that was the price as quoted by mate, but maybe he should tread carefully then. An uber-cheap Porker is going to make any TVR look as reliable as a Jap methinks.

In that price range i do believe he will get a much nicer TVR but i can see the argument in Porkers favour.

If you are bringing him down to the meet have a chat with the guys who will im sure give him an honest ownership representation. I'm sure he may get few rides if he asks nicely!

[V8 Kieran]

Cheers Nick

Hope to see you there (not sure which one is you, but will ask). Just got back from picking up Chim from service. My middle box appears to have gained some cherry bombs - phwoah: no Porker ever sounded this good!!