A what car [TVR] thread with a twist...
Discussion
Just before Christmas I got a call from my bank. I've just come into some cash and they were encouraging me to put it into some sort of savings scheme. That sounded like a good idea until I heard how awful their interest rates were and I wondered if I'd be better off (well, happier) sinking it into a car for a while. I love my S3, but I'm always keen to move on to a new toy, so someting similar but different might be a vague possibility.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but the criteria would be:
The only general worry is the price of TVRs in years to come. Ignoring the credit-crunch for a second, what do you reckon is going to happen now the company looks unlikely to return?
Finally, would very much like to get another TVR if I did go ahead, but if any brave souls would care to venture anything especially relevant outside the marque that might be a vague possibility too.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but the criteria would be:
- Budget of up to £15k (possibly plus the trade in value of the S3 ~£5k in exceptional circumstances)
- Needs to retain its value well, or better still appreciate once the crunch is over
- Preferably reasonably affordable to maintain (just don't have the time to do much myself...) and unlikely to go wrong in any spectacularly expensive ways (it will be a garaged second car though)
- Would like to retain the chuckability of the S - I appreciate you have to be sensible with the throttle on a more powerful car, but I don't want anything fundamentally tricky to drive. Something progressive, with half decent warning of impending doom is a must
- Would like: more direct steering, limited slip diff, bigger brakes and a bit more oomph
The only general worry is the price of TVRs in years to come. Ignoring the credit-crunch for a second, what do you reckon is going to happen now the company looks unlikely to return?
Finally, would very much like to get another TVR if I did go ahead, but if any brave souls would care to venture anything especially relevant outside the marque that might be a vague possibility too.
You could get a perfect chim for that money, or a very good griff..
cerbs 'probably' cost more to run than the above.
griff/chim might be easier to service than a S.. ie big engine bay, designed to be built/serviced relatively more easy than earlier TVR's
A griff (desireable colur/condition, reasonably standard) will probably hold value the best of the above.
But honestly, buy the one you like to drive the most.
B
cerbs 'probably' cost more to run than the above.
griff/chim might be easier to service than a S.. ie big engine bay, designed to be built/serviced relatively more easy than earlier TVR's
A griff (desireable colur/condition, reasonably standard) will probably hold value the best of the above.
But honestly, buy the one you like to drive the most.
B
Edited by BJWoods on Friday 26th December 18:55
Tamora
Chris71 said:
Just before Christmas I got a call from my bank. I've just come into some cash and they were encouraging me to put it into some sort of savings scheme. That sounded like a good idea until I heard how awful their interest rates were and I wondered if I'd be better off (well, happier) sinking it into a car for a while. I love my S3, but I'm always keen to move on to a new toy, so someting similar but different might be a vague possibility.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but the criteria would be:
The only general worry is the price of TVRs in years to come. Ignoring the credit-crunch for a second, what do you reckon is going to happen now the company looks unlikely to return?
Finally, would very much like to get another TVR if I did go ahead, but if any brave souls would care to venture anything especially relevant outside the marque that might be a vague possibility too.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but the criteria would be:
- Budget of up to £15k (possibly plus the trade in value of the S3 ~£5k in exceptional circumstances)
- Needs to retain its value well, or better still appreciate once the crunch is over
- Preferably reasonably affordable to maintain (just don't have the time to do much myself...) and unlikely to go wrong in any spectacularly expensive ways (it will be a garaged second car though)
- Would like to retain the chuckability of the S - I appreciate you have to be sensible with the throttle on a more powerful car, but I don't want anything fundamentally tricky to drive. Something progressive, with half decent warning of impending doom is a must
- Would like: more direct steering, limited slip diff, bigger brakes and a bit more oomph
The only general worry is the price of TVRs in years to come. Ignoring the credit-crunch for a second, what do you reckon is going to happen now the company looks unlikely to return?
Finally, would very much like to get another TVR if I did go ahead, but if any brave souls would care to venture anything especially relevant outside the marque that might be a vague possibility too.
Have to say £15k will get you one very good Cerbera at the moment!
If you know how to feather a throttle it is a pussy-cat to drive.
Lead foot's need not apply!
Check out the APM web site for service cost, probably the most reasonable!
Although I just had a 12,000 service done at Austec which I though was very reasonable too!
I'll put it this way if I may, the 4.5 Cerbera IS the pinnacle of TVR in terms of performance and it's AJP engine. IMHO of course!
They are getting rarer every year as well and I predict once the crunch has un-crunched, it will become one very desirable motor again! Well I would wouldn't I!
Steve
If you know how to feather a throttle it is a pussy-cat to drive.
Lead foot's need not apply!
Check out the APM web site for service cost, probably the most reasonable!
Although I just had a 12,000 service done at Austec which I though was very reasonable too!
I'll put it this way if I may, the 4.5 Cerbera IS the pinnacle of TVR in terms of performance and it's AJP engine. IMHO of course!
They are getting rarer every year as well and I predict once the crunch has un-crunched, it will become one very desirable motor again! Well I would wouldn't I!
Steve
Chris71 said:
* Would like to retain the chuckability of the S - I appreciate you have to be sensible with the throttle on a more powerful car, but I don't want anything fundamentally tricky to drive. Something progressive, with half decent warning of impending doom is a must
Sounds like a V8S to me:- Would like: more direct steering, limited slip diff, bigger brakes and a bit more oomph
- chukability of the S? Tick
- LSD? Tick
- Bigger brakes? Discs all round instead of discs/drums in your V6. Tick
- Bit more oomph? Tick
ETA: you'd also have a fair chunk of cash left over to mitigate against any depreciation and provide a buffer for any unexpected costs.
Edited by nownek on Friday 26th December 20:47
It really comes down to personal choice in the end of course but I moved from a V8S to a Chimaera and don't regret it one bit. The Chimaera seems more stable and more civilised than the S, I do however have Nitrons and Powerflex bushes on the Chimaera so my comparison is a bit biased.
A good unmolested Chimaera will hold value quite well in the long run, so many are modified these days because they are thought to be plentiful, whereas keeping a Wedge 450SE or V8S stock seems obvious.
I would argue that in years to come a mint Chimaera could command a good price because they have such wide appeal. The V8S is rare but so often gets forgotten about until someone brings it up.(This thread is no exception) Price is driven by demand.
Just my opinion of course.
A good unmolested Chimaera will hold value quite well in the long run, so many are modified these days because they are thought to be plentiful, whereas keeping a Wedge 450SE or V8S stock seems obvious.
I would argue that in years to come a mint Chimaera could command a good price because they have such wide appeal. The V8S is rare but so often gets forgotten about until someone brings it up.(This thread is no exception) Price is driven by demand.
Just my opinion of course.
I must admit I didn't realise Tamoras were down to that sort of price range, but my concerns are that they will continue to fall (being rather newer...) and that the Speed Six is a bit more tempramental than the V8 powered cars? May well have to look into that option though. Can anyone suggest what they're like to drive compared to the earlier cars?
Have to be honest, I've never 'got' the wedges as much as most TVR fans do - if it wasn't for that an SEAC would be perfect.
I've heard a few people comment that the Chimera is a bit more touring orientated and the Griffith is more chuckable (a la S-Series...)? The Griff also seems to be regarded as the iconic '90s TVR, so I wondered if resale values would be a bit more bouyant?
A really mint V8S does appeal though (apart from still having 4+ turns lock-to-lock!) As does a Cerb. I am, however, slightly concerned that I'd die in the latter!
Love the fact I can interact with the S at quite low speeds (and with very little talent) - I don't want something where you have to be a driving god to push it a little.
I'm not really able to drive someone else's pride and joy on a test drive the way I'd drive my own car after a few weeks getting used to it, so I'm partly reliant on people's opinions. Very keen to hear any comparisons on some or all the cars mentioned from anyone who's had the pleasure.
Exige S1 also an interesting idea. I had a few non-TVR ideas and most of them began with the word Lotus...
Have to be honest, I've never 'got' the wedges as much as most TVR fans do - if it wasn't for that an SEAC would be perfect.
I've heard a few people comment that the Chimera is a bit more touring orientated and the Griffith is more chuckable (a la S-Series...)? The Griff also seems to be regarded as the iconic '90s TVR, so I wondered if resale values would be a bit more bouyant?
A really mint V8S does appeal though (apart from still having 4+ turns lock-to-lock!) As does a Cerb. I am, however, slightly concerned that I'd die in the latter!
Love the fact I can interact with the S at quite low speeds (and with very little talent) - I don't want something where you have to be a driving god to push it a little.
I'm not really able to drive someone else's pride and joy on a test drive the way I'd drive my own car after a few weeks getting used to it, so I'm partly reliant on people's opinions. Very keen to hear any comparisons on some or all the cars mentioned from anyone who's had the pleasure.
Exige S1 also an interesting idea. I had a few non-TVR ideas and most of them began with the word Lotus...
i'd be tempted by a good Griff personally, you could afford a VERY good precat for your money and if you enjoy the joys of old skool Tivving it'd be very hard to beat! (4.3, the best RV8 thunder EVER!! 
)
V8S are wonderful machines too, 50's macho looks with 90's power, fantastic!
best bet is to drive a few, buy the best example you can find (condition is key) and enjoy!
) V8S are wonderful machines too, 50's macho looks with 90's power, fantastic!
best bet is to drive a few, buy the best example you can find (condition is key) and enjoy!
I think the V8S and Griff are definitely the main contenders. Can anyone give me an idea how the two compare behind the wheel (IIRC they're even loosely based on the same chassis)?
My slight concern with the Griff's rather fearsome reputation would be that it's either too difficult to drive enthusiastically or simply too fast to have fun with on the road.
My slight concern with the Griff's rather fearsome reputation would be that it's either too difficult to drive enthusiastically or simply too fast to have fun with on the road.
Griff's a great car. 
Does everything so much better than the wedges. This one, IMHO, is a bloody steal...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/829201.htm
Does everything so much better than the wedges. This one, IMHO, is a bloody steal...http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/829201.htm
Chris71 said:
I think the V8S and Griff are definitely the main contenders. Can anyone give me an idea how the two compare behind the wheel (IIRC they're even loosely based on the same chassis)?
I've had both. Whilst I retain a fondness for the V8S I wouldn't go back. The Griff feels more solid, and more 'planted' on the road, it's quieter, has fewer rattles, drives more smoothly (except for infuriating drive line shunt at low speeds), the heater is much better, but the roof is a pain to put in the boot. Driven with respect and caution I've found the Griff less likely to lose the back end than the V8S. You'll miss the engine accessibility of the 'S' though.I wouldn't consider 'affordable' car to be an investment though, especially when you take into account running costs, so whatever you buy just do it for the pleasure of owning the car.
All in my opinion of course.
Chris71 said:
I think the V8S and Griff are definitely the main contenders. Can anyone give me an idea how the two compare behind the wheel (IIRC they're even loosely based on the same chassis)?
My slight concern with the Griff's rather fearsome reputation would be that it's either too difficult to drive enthusiastically or simply too fast to have fun with on the road.
Thought the Griffith was on a modified Tuscan racer chassis, the original show car being on a S chassis.My slight concern with the Griff's rather fearsome reputation would be that it's either too difficult to drive enthusiastically or simply too fast to have fun with on the road.
I too think Griff or V8S with the Griffith being much better value IMHO.
Mind you SEAC or a good Chimp.
,Im not helping much am I.DarkMatter said:
Driven with respect and caution I've found the Griff less likely to lose the back end than the V8S. You'll miss the engine accessibility of the 'S' though.
I wouldn't consider 'affordable' car to be an investment though, especially when you take into account running costs, so whatever you buy just do it for the pleasure of owning the car.
A mobile rear end is good as long as it's progressive and well-telegraphed. I'd like something where I can drive it on the throttle it at sensible speeds (and under sutiable conditions), but where I can live to tell the tale!I wouldn't consider 'affordable' car to be an investment though, especially when you take into account running costs, so whatever you buy just do it for the pleasure of owning the car.
Can I ask what you mean by engine accesibility? I suppose the good thing about the V6 is it's 'slow' enough to work fairly hard on a B-road(?)
Entirely agree about the investment comment - the aim is not to make any money, just to buy something which is not about to depreciate massively. It's just going to be a long time before I have the same sort of expendable income again, so I'd like to think I could hold on to a reasonable portion of it (obviously excluding running costs etc). That's why the newer cars worry me slightly.
hot metal said:
Thought the Griffith was on a modified Tuscan racer chassis, the original show car being on a S chassis.
I too think Griff or V8S with the Griffith being much better value IMHO.
Mind you SEAC or a good Chimp. ,Im not helping much am I.
My bad, the production version was indeed Tuscan-based...I too think Griff or V8S with the Griffith being much better value IMHO.
Mind you SEAC or a good Chimp.
,Im not helping much am I.
Not strictly helping, no, but (SEAC aside) I'm having exactly the same dilema.Ideally I'd like a huge garage and one of each.
Now to complicate things, where does the Chimera fit in (dynamically)?
Edited by Chris71 on Saturday 27th December 09:41
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