Tamora as a daily driver?
Discussion
Hiya,
I've always been a big fan of TVR's (my next door neighbour has a Chimera and everytime he drives it past my house I have to wipe the druil of my chin) and I'm now looking at the possibility of replacing my car with one. I use my car daily for a 66 mile commute (each way) and 50 of those miles are motorway miles. I know I should really be sensible and get some black smoke monster, but frankly, I rather have a tooth extracted than be seen filling up with derv. Is it true that they (the Tamora) actually prefer to be driven daily? What sort of mpg could I expect when I'd drive it like a granny (as long as it is high 20's, low 30's I'd be thrilled)? Is the servicing really required every 6K miles, or could you get away with it servicing it every 10K miles (assuming I'd keep an eye on the oil level every two weeks)?
Another important question is if the interior space is any good? With that I mean if tall drivers have any problems getting behind the wheel. Reason I ask is because I tried to drive a BMW Z3 M Coupe this weekend and I was stuck with my head against the roof, and almost had my left leg jammed between steering wheel and console. I'm 6'5".
All help appreciated.
Q.
I've always been a big fan of TVR's (my next door neighbour has a Chimera and everytime he drives it past my house I have to wipe the druil of my chin) and I'm now looking at the possibility of replacing my car with one. I use my car daily for a 66 mile commute (each way) and 50 of those miles are motorway miles. I know I should really be sensible and get some black smoke monster, but frankly, I rather have a tooth extracted than be seen filling up with derv. Is it true that they (the Tamora) actually prefer to be driven daily? What sort of mpg could I expect when I'd drive it like a granny (as long as it is high 20's, low 30's I'd be thrilled)? Is the servicing really required every 6K miles, or could you get away with it servicing it every 10K miles (assuming I'd keep an eye on the oil level every two weeks)?
Another important question is if the interior space is any good? With that I mean if tall drivers have any problems getting behind the wheel. Reason I ask is because I tried to drive a BMW Z3 M Coupe this weekend and I was stuck with my head against the roof, and almost had my left leg jammed between steering wheel and console. I'm 6'5".
All help appreciated.
Q.
Hi,
The Tamora can be used as an every day car for sure. The sevicing "HAS" to be done to keep these engines running at their best. If you are racking up the milage the servicing times will come around very quickly. The servicing for thses cars are quite expensive. 12K service will set you back around £1000, make sure you budget for all this. I get araound 24 MPG driving "Correctly" (more on a motorway) no idea about what it does when you don't but the fuel doesn't last too long.
Maybe you should take a look at a Chim. or Griff.
The Tamora can be used as an every day car for sure. The sevicing "HAS" to be done to keep these engines running at their best. If you are racking up the milage the servicing times will come around very quickly. The servicing for thses cars are quite expensive. 12K service will set you back around £1000, make sure you budget for all this. I get araound 24 MPG driving "Correctly" (more on a motorway) no idea about what it does when you don't but the fuel doesn't last too long.
Maybe you should take a look at a Chim. or Griff.
I'm currently driving 600 miles a week - 130 of those in my Tamora.
I reckon I get almost 30mpg cruising on the motorway at 70mph in 5th.
That's about half as much as I get in the other car (Audi A3 Tdi) but still pretty impressive.
I think your main problem would be servicing costs at 4 services per year.
I wouldn't skimp on the servicing either or you'll never resell and the car won't be happy.
HTH.
I reckon I get almost 30mpg cruising on the motorway at 70mph in 5th.
That's about half as much as I get in the other car (Audi A3 Tdi) but still pretty impressive.
I think your main problem would be servicing costs at 4 services per year.
I wouldn't skimp on the servicing either or you'll never resell and the car won't be happy.
HTH.
Quinten said:
Sounds very much like a no-go then 
Because of servicing costs presumably? You could get a cheap Golf Tdi and split the drive between cars.
Must say I find the TVR day much more exciting than the A3 days!
Also get a lot more interest from other drivers in the Tiv - you know the sort 'c'mon then see if you can go faster than my BMW C5' or whatever they are LOL.
GET A TAM - YOU'RE A LONG TIME DEAD.
Quinten said:
... I have to wipe the druil of my chin
What the hell's "druil"?
Anyway, the Tamora is definitely a daily-driver, it's been mine for 4.75 years and 38,000 miles. But if I were to be doing 132 miles a day then it wouldn't be in the Tamora, it's just too expensive. I average about 22mpg and have never had more than 25mpg ever since I've had it. You'd also be getting it serviced every two months assuming you don't do any weekend mileage!
If you can afford it then go for it, it's just that I wouldn't.
Cheers... Andrew
"druil" is what you get when English isn't your first language 
I meant of course drool...
The reason why I said that it is probably not a good idea is indeed because of the servicing. I appreciate that these engines are not your average ones, but if I need to set £2000/year to service it, it will just have to remain to dreaming about them, instead of owning one.
I meant of course drool... The reason why I said that it is probably not a good idea is indeed because of the servicing. I appreciate that these engines are not your average ones, but if I need to set £2000/year to service it, it will just have to remain to dreaming about them, instead of owning one.
Quinten, I asked the same question as you a while ago and ended up buying a Tamora myself on the strength of the ringing endorsement on this board. I also wanted to use a Tamora every day.
I have to say I didn't find it very good as a daily driver despite TVR advertising it as such.
MPG no problem and if you drive sensible you'll get nearly 30mpg, use a heavy foot and the juice goes down a lot quicker, but it's great fun. You’ll HAVE to service the car every 6K.
The main problem is the ride quality and the turning circle, pot holes bang through the suspension and rough roads jiggle the car about lot, it's not the most comfortable way to travel every day. The turning circle is large and can be a real pain in multi story car parks or in tight spaces. 3 point turns become 4 or 5 point turns.
Mine also leaked a bit, so when it rained you came back to find a pool of water in the boot and on the driver seat belt, which is nice when you've got to strap it to your chest.
It depends how hardcore you are really, I found the Tamora to hard work for every day use. I suppose the decision can only be made be you. Plenty of posters use them daily.
My current and pervious car (both Porsches) were a bit too refined for my taste. Also had an S2000 in the past and found I that about right, not to boring but loud enough to be fun. The lotus Elise is also too much like hardwork for me, just to give you a bit of perspective on my view point.
Saying all this I’m still considering a T350 as weekend car, not much touches them for value for money/performance.
Good luck
I have to say I didn't find it very good as a daily driver despite TVR advertising it as such.
MPG no problem and if you drive sensible you'll get nearly 30mpg, use a heavy foot and the juice goes down a lot quicker, but it's great fun. You’ll HAVE to service the car every 6K.
The main problem is the ride quality and the turning circle, pot holes bang through the suspension and rough roads jiggle the car about lot, it's not the most comfortable way to travel every day. The turning circle is large and can be a real pain in multi story car parks or in tight spaces. 3 point turns become 4 or 5 point turns.
Mine also leaked a bit, so when it rained you came back to find a pool of water in the boot and on the driver seat belt, which is nice when you've got to strap it to your chest.
It depends how hardcore you are really, I found the Tamora to hard work for every day use. I suppose the decision can only be made be you. Plenty of posters use them daily.
My current and pervious car (both Porsches) were a bit too refined for my taste. Also had an S2000 in the past and found I that about right, not to boring but loud enough to be fun. The lotus Elise is also too much like hardwork for me, just to give you a bit of perspective on my view point.
Saying all this I’m still considering a T350 as weekend car, not much touches them for value for money/performance.
Good luck
Edited by bumcrack on Wednesday 1st November 12:13
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