Which one do I buy now?

[mikeyb13]

For many years now I have wanted to buy a second hand TVR. Eight years ago I got as far as test driving a Griffith and a Chimera I loved them especially the Griff, but got cold feet over maintanance costs. I decided to stick to hot hatches until i was in a better financial position. The time has now arrived, i decided to go for either a t350 or tamora, but then they closed the factory down. What effect do you feel this will have on parts and servicing on these newer models. Would one of the olders models without the speed6 and using more other manufacturers parts be a better option?

[Tripps]

My call on this doesn't involve the factory position, although my guess is that whatever happens, the independent specialists will always find a way to sort something out, even if official parts aren't available.

IMO though, you'd be better off going the Griffith/Chimaera as a starter TVR, mainly as they are less costly to run and make ideal introductory cars. Both sound and look great and will make you grin like a loon whenever you take them out. You can always get a T350 or Tamora later on, so it would be a shame to miss the classic V8 burble.

[srebbe64]

I've had my Griff for a few years now and it's been as good as gold. The odd niggle is dealt with by the dealer and it's not too expensive at all. Probably not a good idea to get into a S6 / RV8 debate, but dealers tell me that if you're going to buy a model with a S6 engine go for as newer car as possible.

[barreti]

If you look at the shape of the cars you've been looking at the T350, Tamora and Griffith are all similar. So ditch the Chimaera idea (unless you plan on taking up golf too)

Now you've got 3 stunningly beautiful cars but only 1 of them has the real heart and soul of a TVR - the V8

There you go, all logically done, and not a heartstring in sight.

GET A GRIFFITH

[.Mark]

Wot Tripps said.
Depending on your financial position now I'd also consider a V8 Cerb, actually I am considering a V8 Cerb to compliment the Chimaera.
I drove a Tamora the other day, and to be brutally honest, while I thought it was fab I still prefer the Chimaera, had I have never driven a V8 TVR I would have been smitten, but I have and I wasn't.

So depending on your circumstance I recommend the following.
Pretty comfortable financially, want the ultimate = Cerbera
Like style, class, classic good looks - Chimaera (in blue for added BHP)
Beard, patches on the elbows of your tweed jacket, medallion = Griff.

[ncs]

.Mark said:

Beard, patches on the elbows of your tweed jacket, medallion = Griff.

Somebody call??

Nick

[.Mark]

ncs said:

.Mark said:

Beard, patches on the elbows of your tweed jacket, medallion = Griff.

Somebody call??

Nick

[byker28i]

Thought about a Cerbera?

[neilboyd]

mikeyb13 said:

For many years now I have wanted to buy a second hand TVR..... I decided to go for either a t350 or tamora, but then they closed the factory down. What effect do you feel this will have on parts and servicing on these newer models. Would one of the olders models without the speed6 and using more other manufacturers parts be a better option?

Mikey
Been there (see www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=322207&f=7&h=0) seen it now done it.

I went along to the local TVR-CC meet and received not only a very warm welcome, but also some priceless advice.
I went to the meet wanting a Tamora.
Left the meet utterly convinced that a V8 made sooooo much more sense (I don't have unlimited funds).

Then I changed my mind.
So I bought a Tamora last week. I pick it up on Thursday.
Will it cost me more to run than a V8? No doubt.
Am I worried about availability of spares? Not as much as I was before speaking to the TVR-CC who reminded me that there will always be a market for spares for such cars whether made by TVR or independent suppliers. Look at the market for MGB parts / Reliant Scimitars / Morris Minors etc.
Does it have the same meaty growl as a V8? No but its got the Speed6 banshee under the bonnet instead.
Does it look like a classic car? Nah. But I realised that wasn't what I really wanted.
Will I be grinning from ear to ear every time I look at it (before I even turn the key)? You bet.

There you go, then. I'm an accountant so please don't accuse me of being a financial dimwit. But you don't buy a TVR if money is your number one concern - get a diesel Honda instead (that's my other car).

I really hope this helps.

Neil

PS
I engaged the services of Rob Ingleby (www.findasportscar.co.uk) to inspect the car that I eventually bought - I'd recommend this for 2 reasons:
1. the Tamora was the other end of the country so would have been expensive for me to pitch up and see
2. I am not a TVR expert and so wouldn't have known most of what to look out for. His opinion has given me much more confidence in the car I bought.
Oh, and Rob can also find a car for you if you tell him roughly what you're after.



EDITED TO ADD:
Re the Cerbera - there was a Cerbera at the TVR-CC meet. Magnificent.
If I could I would. But the Tamora's as much as I can justify. For now.....

Edited by neilboyd on Thursday 16th November 22:42

[mikeyb13]

byker28i said:

Thought about a Cerbera?

They certainly look the part. What are they like to drive?
Are they not silly money to run?

[.Mark]

mikeyb13 said:

byker28i said:

Thought about a Cerbera?

They certainly look the part. What are they like to drive?
Are they not silly money to run?

They are incredible to drive. Incredible.

Depends what silly money means to you but I'm guessing double a Chimaera. So in my case that means 3 - 4k. Got to be done, I used to work in the motor trade and have driven loads of nice gear, but the Cerbera is in a different league.

[Tripps]

.Mark said:

Depends what silly money means to you but I'm guessing double a Chimaera. So in my case that means 3 - 4k.

The generally accepted annual running cost (after insurance, tax, fuel and tyres) is £3K with an independent. But that can vary, mine had cost over £4k this year by the time I'd sold it in October as it had eaten its way through the usual suspects (clutch, starter, diff bush etc.)

The Speed6 and AJP V8 are a noticeable jump in cost to maintain up from the RV8 and earlier cars, but as long as you are aware of that you'll be fine.

[byker28i]

mikeyb13 said:

byker28i said:

Thought about a Cerbera?

They certainly look the part. What are they like to drive?
Are they not silly money to run?

Depends. The commonly accepted figure is £3k a year, but some cost less, some cost more. Fully comp insurance for me is just over £400 for 7K miles a year and track day insurance. I average about 22mpg, but have had 26mpg cruising at 95mph. Tyres cost about £100 each and I'm guessing I'd replace a set a year.

To drive it's just fantastic. It's grip levels are amazing, the performance fantastic and it's such a comfortable all day tourer. It's actually reasonably quiet at cruising as you're hardly touching the throttle, but when you press the loud pedal - ohhhh the sound

Normal journey are significantly slashed without driving at any excessive speeds just because you can get past any slow driver/queue of cars without delay instead of hopping each car.

For me it makes sense as it has a seat for my 8 year old, but it's a much more emotive reason. I wanted one every since they came out.