Thinking of Buying TVR - New Concerns
Discussion
Hi all,
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
Chugger said:
Hi all,
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
You'll be fine if you treat the car with respect. Some advanced driver training and a track day or two will help your relationship with the car to develop such that you get maximum safe enjoyment.
The Tam (and the other 'T' cars) are easier to drive and handle than the older V8 TVRs - the long pedal travel means that you can control the throttle very easily, and the nice flat torque curve means that you are not going to have the rear fishtailing unless you really force the issue.
If you drive it exactly as you would a normal car (not thraping it), you will not have any issues and you will love it - you will be used to its charicteristics in no time.
Just remember, ALWAYS treat it with the respect it needs, and it will always reward you.
If you drive it exactly as you would a normal car (not thraping it), you will not have any issues and you will love it - you will be used to its charicteristics in no time.
Just remember, ALWAYS treat it with the respect it needs, and it will always reward you.
Edited by chris watton on Wednesday 14th June 08:58
just get some driver training - I can recommmend www.carlimits.com - done about 7 days with Andy over the last 4 years, + on track trg ....driving is like any skill - you need to learn, then practice ongoing ...one days trg wont turn you into a quick/safe driver ..but it will open your eyes and get you accustomed to the limits of the car...then you can go back for more later
Echo that - you've got the right kind of attitude (I'm no Schumacher either, but I do pay the sometimes very serious performance machinery I'm exposed to as a car hack proper respect and have been fine and enjoying every minute of driving whatever it was so far - it's when people start taking liberties that they get themselves in trouble), some advanced driver training in your own car as soon as possible after you get it is always a good thing, and the Tamora sounds like the perfect match for you as it's reportedly the most sorted and 'accessible' (in a dynamic sense) Tiv (at least pre-Sagaris).
chris watton said:
good stuff
What he said!! Like Chris says, the newer cars are actually surprisingly easy to potter around in. You're only likely to lose control if you push it too hard! If you're worried about it though, then a driving day like others have mentioned would probably give you more confidence. Edited by holmsie on Wednesday 14th June 10:09
Smooth application of all controls, that is the key. Remember S6 powered cars have 2 personalities. <3.5k potter about >4k serious beast. Cold roads or wet roads can catch the unwary that stray into the >4k realm. Same for all TVR's really just that a Griff 500 is a serious beast at 1500 rpm.
VYT said:
Smooth application of all controls, that is the key. Remember S6 powered cars have 2 personalities. <3.5k potter about >4k serious beast. Cold roads or wet roads can catch the unwary that stray into the >4k realm. Same for all TVR's really just that a Griff 500 is a serious beast at 1500 rpm.
Please, not this drivel again. Above 4K the S6 its a pussy cat until it hits 5>5.5K. If you're not concentrating sufficiently, such that you're are caught out between 4>5K - you shouldn't be driving a shoppping trolley.
Griff serious beast at 1500 rpm? No sorry - unless you have a serious poroblem with the vehicles set-up..
Sorry if my comments offend, trying to be realistic sometimes has this effect..these vehicles are not widdow makers, they are well sorted sports cars.
I think the secret is good training and respect for the road conditions. I am an experienced driver and I race karts at a national level but still found a day with ride drive a usefull learning experience. The tam has tried to catch me out but I have always kept it undercontrol, but as I said its been in extreme conditions when I should have known better.
Silly things like new tyres and near petrol stations need to be taken into account.
But as for driving fun, its more smiles per mile than any car I have ever owned.
Silly things like new tyres and near petrol stations need to be taken into account.
But as for driving fun, its more smiles per mile than any car I have ever owned.
Thanks guys, really appreciate the help, have experienced some planks on other sites who call themselves TVR purists who haven't helped, but you've given me just the answers i was looking for really. Think some tuition will be a good idea, now just looking to getting behind the wheel of my own!
Can only echo what's been said. The real issue is that people these days have never driven a RWD car but I believe the MX5 is so your OK there. From what you've said it's fair to assume you won't simply jump in a floor it so you will be fine. Just drive it within the limit you feel comfortable with and gradually you will feel the urge to go a bit faster or corner a bit harder, just don't do stupid things like gunning it out a roundabout on a damp day! I hear most TVR accidents occur 100 yards after roundabouts with no one else involved 
Rich...
Rich... Edited by richb on Wednesday 14th June 13:05
i am new to tvr ownership and the first time i was driving in the wet came off a roundabout and the back end went light without too much effort, scary as i didnt expect it, but managed to catch it before hitting the kerb. does take a bit of getting used to as i was unfamiliar with rear wheel drive, loved every minute of it though.
I came from a VX220 Turbo which itself demanded a lot of respect, especially in the wet, and (touch wood) I've been able to adapt myself to the T pretty well. You have such a long throttle pedal - use it appropriately and you'll be fine. I was shitting myself the first time I drove the T in the wet yet it was totally fine, I only had one moment of slight wheelspin which was self induced
I've seen it before with the VX quite a lot - IMO if you're going to crash the car you'll crash it, we can talk about 'giving it respect' until we're blue in the face but until some people have that 'moment' they won't listen. So listen! The T is far from a pussycat, but it's the driver that crashes, not the car. Think about how you drive it and you'll be fine
I've seen it before with the VX quite a lot - IMO if you're going to crash the car you'll crash it, we can talk about 'giving it respect' until we're blue in the face but until some people have that 'moment' they won't listen. So listen! The T is far from a pussycat, but it's the driver that crashes, not the car. Think about how you drive it and you'll be fine
Daftlad said:
VYT said:
Smooth application of all controls, that is the key. Remember S6 powered cars have 2 personalities. <3.5k potter about >4k serious beast. Cold roads or wet roads can catch the unwary that stray into the >4k realm. Same for all TVR's really just that a Griff 500 is a serious beast at 1500 rpm.
Please, not this drivel again. Above 4K the S6 its a pussy cat until it hits 5>5.5K. If you're not concentrating sufficiently, such that you're are caught out between 4>5K - you shouldn't be driving a shoppping trolley.
Griff serious beast at 1500 rpm? No sorry - unless you have a serious poroblem with the vehicles set-up..
Sorry if my comments offend, trying to be realistic sometimes has this effect..these vehicles are not widdow makers, they are well sorted sports cars.
I think the different nature of the two engines was the point being made, the 5.0 V8s produce something like 80% of power at 1800rpm which is pretty impressive but the way they are set up means you don't have to end up eating trees all the time. The S6 is a more linear engine and developes it's power higher up the revs, but, as you said, the car is set up to let you use it
Chugger said:
Hi all,
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
Back again, have been spending hours and hours trawling through the message board reading some very interesting and in many cases entertaining stories of TVR ownership. All well and good, until i got to the thread advising a youngerster on whether or not to invest in one. I'm 31, drive a GTV Alfa at the mo and have also had a MX-5 (no laughing at the back) and a Clio 172 as my more sporty cars. Not really in the same league as a TVR when it comes to the power stakes. I'm looking at buying a Tamora (same as the whippersnapper in the advice thread) and am now slightly concerned that i might end up killing myself or worse, denting the Tam! If i'm honest its not so much me, its the missis, she has actually recomended taking the plunge (great girl), its just that i'd never hear the end of it if i crashed! I've been driving for over 10 years, had three points on the licence 4 years back and someone crashed into me on a push bike just over 6 months ago on a push bike (19stone monster - 3k of damage) so lost no claims. Don't get me wrong, i don't drive like a lunatic, but given the opportunity i like to open a car up and give it some welly.
Your thoughts please!
Go for it mate I am 29 and a bit of a speed freak, my advice is take it easy and learn the power curves in a straight line first (no high rev flooring it on a roundabout
)... I also ride a motorbike and find the best way to stay alive is to consider what could happen just before I give it full beans, doesn't always work but I am sure it has saved my life on a few occassions. I said the "unwary".
Daftlad said:
VYT said:
Smooth application of all controls, that is the key. Remember S6 powered cars have 2 personalities. <3.5k potter about >4k serious beast. Cold roads or wet roads can catch the unwary that stray into the >4k realm. Same for all TVR's really just that a Griff 500 is a serious beast at 1500 rpm.
Please, not this drivel again. Above 4K the S6 its a pussy cat until it hits 5>5.5K. If you're not concentrating sufficiently, such that you're are caught out between 4>5K - you shouldn't be driving a shoppping trolley.
Griff serious beast at 1500 rpm? No sorry - unless you have a serious poroblem with the vehicles set-up..
Sorry if my comments offend, trying to be realistic sometimes has this effect..these vehicles are not widdow makers, they are well sorted sports cars.
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