Another my first TVR thread

[seaton]

Ok, I never thought I could afford (read Insure) a TVR but after getting some on line quotes I was quite surprised. Last year my renewal on the Escort was £800
Quotes for when I’m 22 with 5 years no claims as follow

Griffith 1992 4.0 or 4.3 £988.05
Griffith 1996 5.0 £1151.10

Chimaera 1996 any engine £1127.70

Cerbera 1996 3.9 £1127.70 (not to sure I trust that quote)

So I’ve read some past threads and it seams a 4.0 is going to be the one to go for, But what is going to be best for my first TVR something like a 92 pre-cat Griffith or a later 94 ish Chimaera . I recon I should realistically have about £15k by the end of winter.

[anonymous-user]

seaton said:

Cerbera 1996 3.9 £1127.70 (not to sure I trust that quote)

I wouldn't trust it either... TVR don't make 3.9 litre version of the Cerbera. In 1996 they only had 4.2 and 4.5 versions with a 4.0 out in 1999.

[Pies]

Don't blow all your money on the initial purchase of the car you really need to keep some capital available for emergencies

Get the griff

Or cheaper still a V8S, or even cheaper get any other of the "S" series cars, still great fun but running cost are around 50-70% cheaper

Whichever you get you wont be dissapointed

[redwedge5]

You could even get a wedge . Prices seem pretty low at present even for the bigger engine models. Insurance could be cheaper especially if you can go down the classic car insurance route.

[TeGriffic]

Certainly go for a Griff BUT be aware, you'll probably pay the insurance premium again (if not more) every year keeping it on the road - parts are expensive. And your petrol costs are going to rise as well.

[seaton]

Well 15k is an estimate leaving plenty of cash for sorting niggles. A lage chunk of that is comeing from the thinning of my current fleet, but i might keep the Rangie for those icy mornings!. the fuel bills i can deal with (i've had a V8 in something since i was 18 and currently have two) is a 4 or 4.3 pre cat Griff going to cost he same as a Chimaera to service ETC? and is getting parts a problem for either?

[Pies]

Griff/chim same book different cover

[seaton]

Being a compleat TVR novice i understand one thing to bear in minde is if i play golf or not

[simpo two]

Pies said:

Griff/chim same book different cover

Yep, especially later models - they got increasingly identical under the skin. My advice is to buy the one you like the look of most. On the practical front, yes, Chimps have bigger boots but that's all. If you're sure £15K is your working budget then spend it all or you'll feel compromised later.

You might it helpful to go along to your nearest TVRCC meeting and see some at close-quarters, ask your questions etc. It's a great time - you'll never forget bringing your first TVR home!