any tips?
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Discussion

pstruck

Original Poster:

3,525 posts

272 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Another new member, and another one who spends too much time 'surfing' at work!

I'm currently saving like crazy so that I can afford my first TVR (really can't wait). I have read many of the topics here with interest, so now know many of the 'niggles' that are part of TVR ownership. My preferred model would be a Chimaera. The 400 would probably be ample, but would like to find a good 450. Will soon be attending a TVRCC (Devon and Cornwall) gathering for a chat and some advice, but any 'gems' on offer through this forum would be welcome. I'm near Exeter, Devon....anyone nearby?

(I anticipate many comments regarding my current mode of transport!... heard them all before!)

yiw1393

23,018 posts

284 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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I'm at Cullompton - got a lovely 4.0 Chim from Peninsula - traded in a Xantia diesel!

Big Al.

69,329 posts

281 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Frigging thousands.... and welcome.

Have a look in the FAQ's (located in the "This Forum" dropdown above) or do a search on a specific subject.

Hope this helps.

Your current car well, .... no seriously nothing wrong with the five, one of the most reliable cars I’ve ever owned 41/2 years trouble motoring never let me down ONCE! If fact I sold it to one of our boys in blue last weekend he's got a good buy. I was sorry to see it go in a way. Still, it's not practical to keep both.

>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Tuesday 29th July 10:05

Corin Denton

8,762 posts

291 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Hi there and welcome to the madhouse!!

Given you're down here in sunny Devon I think one of the best routes you could take would be to go and buy a copy of Steve Heath's guide to Griffiths and Chimaeras Vol 2 (the bible!) study it long and hard, it will give you a very good insight into what to look for and what to go for, then take a trip up to Peninsula Exeter on the Exmouth road (about 5 miles past Westpoint) speak to Richard Smith (01395 232241) he will talk you through the cars, get you driving etc.
Sign up on your profile to receive classifieds by email on Pistonheads, also keep an eye on Auto Trader website for that potential bargain.
The club is very clicky in this area so don't expect too much although it is worth joining to receive 'Sprint' magazine, keeps you posted with what's going on.
But by far the best medium for ANY TVR related stuff has to be this site, there is always an answer here somewhere.

Good luck , I hope this helps.

Corin Denton

8,762 posts

291 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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P.S.
If you wanted a closer look at a 400, you're more than welcome to have a rummage around mine.

Corin.

yiw1393

23,018 posts

284 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Interested to hear you say the club is 'clicky' down here. I've never been to a meet, for the simple reason that I didn't fancy the sound of it. In fact they sounded like a complete bunch of from what I heard at the Peninsula open day.

Peninsula themselves? Top people!

Corin Denton

8,762 posts

291 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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yiw1393 said:
Interested to hear you say the club is 'clicky' down here. I've never been to a meet, for the simple reason that I didn't fancy the sound of it. In fact they sounded like a complete bunch of from what I heard at the Peninsula open day.

Peninsula themselves? Top people!





I have been to many of this regions meets and I couldn't have put it better myself.

Echo the Peninsula thing too.



>> Edited by Corin Denton on Tuesday 29th July 12:50

duncan hermer

78 posts

279 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Welcome to the fold. Just to hammer a couple of points, this is THE best place for any TVR related matter you wish to know about.

Peninsula are the best people to get advice from and they will get you in the cars driving them so you can determine what you like best. They are obviously trying to sell you a car, but the advice is about as impartial as you'll get and Richard Smith is totally honest about all his cars. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a car of him if the price was right, and in the worst you'll get to see (and more importantly feel) what's around.

You may get some tips and advice from the club, but it really does depend what you're after. You'll certainly get to see a mix of different TVR's and get some advice from their owners. Aside from that it's a matter of personal taste - I personally found the experience tedious and pretty worthless (apart from the monthly Sprint mag) and haven't been involved at all since.

Keep your eyes peeled on this site, events are posted every now and again for local blasts and generally having fun in the cars.

On a final note, i live in Plymouth but work in Exeter a couple of days a week, so should you want to have a look round my car just email via my profile. Fortunately i work in a place surrounded by private roads - ideal for taking a spin if you fancy it.

Good luck on the search and enjoy it.

simonrob

10 posts

305 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Don’t be put off coming to a D&C TVRCC meeting, I know Corin & Duncan don’t rate the regional club, but I was made very welcome from the first time I attended last summer. Since then I’ve been to a number of events all that have been well supported & great fun (even for us under 30’s). I don’t attend every meeting as work & wife sometimes call the shots, but would be happy to meet on the way to a monthly meet if you’d rather not turn up cold (I live in Totnes). Take a look at the club website www.tvrcc-devon-cornwall.co.uk/

Simon

Nurburger

9 posts

272 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Went to a Devon & Cornwall meet once, never again.
The members made me feel alienated and uninvolved.

pstruck

Original Poster:

3,525 posts

272 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies....keep 'em coming!
It's good to hear that there are others in this 'neck of the woods'. May just take up a couple of the offers to look over your cars sometime.
Will certainly be heading down to Peninsular...be daft not to as they're only 10 minutes away from home!
I've come across many references to 'the bible'. I'll certainly be obtaining a copy of that fairly soon and look forward to getting stuck-in.
Wouldn't like to make judgement on the D&C Club until I have experienced it for myself, but your comments (good and bad) have neen noted.

Big Al.

69,329 posts

281 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Be warned Corin I'll have no range wars in this forum!

If you have an axe to grind please take it somewhere else!

I'm hoping you'll edit your last thread so I don't have too.

Thanking you in advance.

>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Tuesday 29th July 17:05

Corin Denton

8,762 posts

291 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Who, me?

Big Al.

69,329 posts

281 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Corin Denton said:
Who, me?



I did not doubt that you were a gentleman Colin.

Thank you.

Big Al.

Ed to Add CORIN, sorry mate, thanks VictorM


>> Edited by Big Al. (moderator) on Tuesday 29th July 18:40

victormeldrew

8,293 posts

300 months

Tuesday 29th July 2003
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Colin? Bet you get that all the time Corin!

GarryM

1,113 posts

306 months

Wednesday 30th July 2003
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yiw1393 said:
I'm at Cullompton - got a lovely 4.0 Chim from Peninsula - traded in a Xantia diesel!



What colour is your Chim? I'll look out for you as I'm only a few miles down the road in Tiverton I usually assume TVRs down here are either going to or coming from Peninsula.

Peter - if you'd like to have a look at a Griff your welcome to call in anytime.

Garry (Green Griff 500)

>> Edited by GarryM on Wednesday 30th July 12:12

yiw1393

23,018 posts

284 months

Wednesday 30th July 2003
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Garry - Can't believe I haven't seen you. I live in Willand and often do the trolley grand prix in Safeway Tivvy.

Blue Chim - guess the reg!

Edited to add the wave!

>> Edited by yiw1393 on Wednesday 30th July 13:04

GarryM

1,113 posts

306 months

Wednesday 30th July 2003
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yiw1393 said:
Garry - Can't believe I haven't seen you. I live in Willand and often do the trolley grand prix in Safeway Tivvy.


Likewise yiw1393. I've only ventured into the Safeway car park once in the Griff though as it's more like a Demolition Derby in there! Will now probably see you every day for months!!

yiw1393

23,018 posts

284 months

Wednesday 30th July 2003
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Haven't had the motor out for 2 weeks - will be about this weekend though

jam1et

1,536 posts

275 months

Thursday 31st July 2003
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I've got a '92 burgandy 4ltr Griff in Taunton. I'm often blasting down the old Wellington Road as I have friends who manage the Waterloo Cross Inn at Junction 27. Also go down the link road quite a bit to see the folks in Barnstaple. Never seen any TVR's at all. Perhaps we should arrange an informal get together some time at said pub?