Am I just unlucky
Discussion
I've had my Chim since last December and so far have spent more time fixing niggles than driving it. Got home yesterday to find a head lamp lens gone for the second time in 6 weeks. Fiddly bloody job that is! The petrol guage can't make its mind up, the drivers door's stopped locking and the left hand indicator doesn't always indicate. Apart from that it's the dogs!!
I expected niggles from a low-volume, hand built motor. This was something I expected before I parted with my cash and so far the pro's have outweighed the cons for me. I think Mr chuckle parted with his cash with a bit less thought, and then decided to let us all know how naff tvr's are cause the bulb went. Stick with it slickshift, make your mind up AFTER the roof off weather has past. I heard that the bulbs last longer in a z3 though!
I've had my Chim since July 2001 and I can say it is the most enjoyable and reliable car I've ever had since I started driving in 1965. I know that makes me very old, but also gives me lots of experience of different cars including Jaguar XJ6 & XK8, Alfa Romeo, Volvos (including T5) and assorted MGs, Austin Healeys, etc. The Chim is ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS, and I would not swop it for anything, although it is going in for service on Monday, and I may just look at the Tamora demonstrator. As Sergeant Wilson used to say "Is that wise Sir?"
I bought mine (92 J) a couple of years back and it also had loads of (recurring niggles). I also considered selling it but I think (touch wood)I have sorted it now and the car has been reliable since November. I have definately noticed that the more often you drive it the better it is. There is often a reason a component fails regularly and it's important that you try and identify the root cause, if it's a crap design you may be able to modify it slightly. I think some people are quite happy to let small problems pile up, especially when they are going to sell the car. I spent the weekend looking for tunnels and blasting through them and each one makes it worth the previous hassle.
Sorry, I fall squarely in the "sell it" camp.
Unless you consider the ridiculous servicing costs, things that break when you do actually get to drive it (and not just on the way back from the dealer from the last time it broke).
Jezer, I understand your affection for the car, I had a Griff 500 and loved it for its sound and performance, but its reliability and running costs were outrageous. You compare it to Austin Healeys, Alfas, MGs, Jags and Volvos. With the scandinavian marque being the exception, your experience of reliability and hence expectation must be low!
TVR - I hope the Tamora is better, because you are losing hundreds of potential customers through reliability issues. Oh, the dealer network is crap too. Sort it out.
quote:
I have definately noticed that the more often you drive it the better it is
Unless you consider the ridiculous servicing costs, things that break when you do actually get to drive it (and not just on the way back from the dealer from the last time it broke).
Jezer, I understand your affection for the car, I had a Griff 500 and loved it for its sound and performance, but its reliability and running costs were outrageous. You compare it to Austin Healeys, Alfas, MGs, Jags and Volvos. With the scandinavian marque being the exception, your experience of reliability and hence expectation must be low!
TVR - I hope the Tamora is better, because you are losing hundreds of potential customers through reliability issues. Oh, the dealer network is crap too. Sort it out.
Everyone has differing experiences. I had a load of hassles with my TVR, which are now thankfully sorted. Since mine was a second hand car, I can't squarely blame TVR themselves, but look to the dealer network and previous owner(s) too.
Outrageous costs is unfair: go with a specialist you'll be very surprised. While specialists can be good or bad, so can dealers be, and the move from a ropey dealer to a good specialist is a very pleasurable experience. Saving me a packet too.
I shan't go into the list of bits that I had replaced under warranty, and at my own expense, on my BMW. Suffice it to say that the dealer network were largely fantastic. And while the number of faults far far eclipsed those on the TVR, the reaction to those faults makes all the difference.
Anyway back to the thread: headlamp lens - can't blame the car, surely? Door locking could be easy to fix if it's the same thing I experienced. Check and tighten all the connectors in the wing behind the drivers seat. The others I don't know about, but shouldn't be hard to fix.
Outrageous costs is unfair: go with a specialist you'll be very surprised. While specialists can be good or bad, so can dealers be, and the move from a ropey dealer to a good specialist is a very pleasurable experience. Saving me a packet too.
I shan't go into the list of bits that I had replaced under warranty, and at my own expense, on my BMW. Suffice it to say that the dealer network were largely fantastic. And while the number of faults far far eclipsed those on the TVR, the reaction to those faults makes all the difference.
Anyway back to the thread: headlamp lens - can't blame the car, surely? Door locking could be easy to fix if it's the same thing I experienced. Check and tighten all the connectors in the wing behind the drivers seat. The others I don't know about, but shouldn't be hard to fix.
Just to give some balance to this thread...I've had two Chimareas (both from new) over the last 6 years. They've been my most reliable of cars.
1st Chimaera (4.0L 96P) 2 years 28k miles
Paint flecked off on wing mirror after getting pressure hose lance to close (fixed on warranty).
Missfiring due to having to put in 95 octane while in Scotland. Fixed with English 98 octane!
Steering juddering (dealer said P.S. Pump). Sprayed greese on UJ in wheel arch. Fixed.
2nd Chimaera (5.0L 98S) 3.7 years (6k miles)
2 new batteries (see mileage above)
New ECU - possible jump start (see battery above) caused a gradual failure. (fixed on warranty).
Not bad for 6 years. Just keep it serviced regularly by someone you trust or have had recommended.
My Freelander I had for 18 months had to be trailed back to the dealer 3 times (twice because it wouldn't move an inch). All due to design problems. Other bits just fell off on the Motorway. I now have a Jeep.
1st Chimaera (4.0L 96P) 2 years 28k miles
Paint flecked off on wing mirror after getting pressure hose lance to close (fixed on warranty).
Missfiring due to having to put in 95 octane while in Scotland. Fixed with English 98 octane!
Steering juddering (dealer said P.S. Pump). Sprayed greese on UJ in wheel arch. Fixed.
2nd Chimaera (5.0L 98S) 3.7 years (6k miles)
2 new batteries (see mileage above)
New ECU - possible jump start (see battery above) caused a gradual failure. (fixed on warranty).
Not bad for 6 years. Just keep it serviced regularly by someone you trust or have had recommended.
My Freelander I had for 18 months had to be trailed back to the dealer 3 times (twice because it wouldn't move an inch). All due to design problems. Other bits just fell off on the Motorway. I now have a Jeep.
I've had my R reg Chim 4.0 for 18 months, done 27,000 miles, drive it every day, had it serviced regularly at Fernhurst, never had a problem - nothing but fun !
I would say that you should go to a reputable dealer, take their advice, and let them look after it, if there's a niggle get them to sort it immediately. It's probably true that earlier examples of a model may have problems, but certainly with Chims they are sorted by P/R reg.
And most important of all, drive it as often as possible, use the right petrol etc oh and take it on the track when you can.
Otherwise maybe a Boxster is the thing ? Or a TT, allegedly niggle free with good depreciation, but hey, its just a matter of what you want.... and I know what I want !
Guy
I would say that you should go to a reputable dealer, take their advice, and let them look after it, if there's a niggle get them to sort it immediately. It's probably true that earlier examples of a model may have problems, but certainly with Chims they are sorted by P/R reg.
And most important of all, drive it as often as possible, use the right petrol etc oh and take it on the track when you can.
Otherwise maybe a Boxster is the thing ? Or a TT, allegedly niggle free with good depreciation, but hey, its just a matter of what you want.... and I know what I want !
Guy
Don't believe that about the TT! I liek Audi's but a mate here has one and he's had to have 2 new dashboards! 2 Dashboards for goodness' sake! Apparently it's a complete self contained unit with most of the car's electrics in it. If one thing goes the whole lot needs replacing.
Oh, and you don't want to know how much a headlamp bulb is for one of those things... (not to mention the comple headlamp)
Oh, and you don't want to know how much a headlamp bulb is for one of those things... (not to mention the comple headlamp)
Question, why are there so many knockers of TVR on this chat room? Surely if they had that much displeasure they would want to avoid all contact. Perhaps they are frustrated by no longer owning a TVR and they want the rest of us to be miserable? well it wont work the SUN is coming and the roof is coming off >
Damn right, there are too many TVR knockers on here !
I drive one cos I love it, I don't care what weather it is. It's obvious that with all the things you get for the money, some features of the car won't be quite as "luxurius" as a Merc or whatever, but so what ?
People that have lots of problems usually either don't use them enough or try to cut corners on the maintenance - obviously there are lemons, but I know of more than one M3 that hasn't even made it a mile from the dealer !
TVR should be applauded for doing what they're doing, they are one of a small number of British companies who are actually trying to compete, imagine what they could do on the same budget as Audi or whoever !!!
Gassing is meant to be for swapping knowledge etc not slagging off TVR's - just don't buy one.
I drive one cos I love it, I don't care what weather it is. It's obvious that with all the things you get for the money, some features of the car won't be quite as "luxurius" as a Merc or whatever, but so what ?
People that have lots of problems usually either don't use them enough or try to cut corners on the maintenance - obviously there are lemons, but I know of more than one M3 that hasn't even made it a mile from the dealer !
TVR should be applauded for doing what they're doing, they are one of a small number of British companies who are actually trying to compete, imagine what they could do on the same budget as Audi or whoever !!!
Gassing is meant to be for swapping knowledge etc not slagging off TVR's - just don't buy one.
bit boring this thread, isn't it! Took mine down to Brighton on Saturday - 160 mile round trip including one hour, I tell you ONE HOUR, crawling down from the 15th floor of the carpark at 6pm and then a further hour crawling through town in traffic.
I will admit that I got a little hot, a little mad
... but the car - NO PROBLEM. Did it overheat? NO! Did bits fall of it? NO! It was just fine and dandy! But then a fine day out in the Chimaera is boring isn't it!!! Oh well, I was happy, the otgher half was happy, and the smiles on the faces of the drivers of the blue Chimaera [driving out of town as I was driving in], and the silver Chimaera (with rollbar) I saw driving through Brighton at about 4pm as what it is all about.
Ah, glad I've got that off my chest!
I will admit that I got a little hot, a little mad
... but the car - NO PROBLEM. Did it overheat? NO! Did bits fall of it? NO! It was just fine and dandy! But then a fine day out in the Chimaera is boring isn't it!!! Oh well, I was happy, the otgher half was happy, and the smiles on the faces of the drivers of the blue Chimaera [driving out of town as I was driving in], and the silver Chimaera (with rollbar) I saw driving through Brighton at about 4pm as what it is all about. Ah, glad I've got that off my chest!
I don't knock TVR intentionally, it's just that I had a bad experience with one and will voice my opinion (probably loudly, especially when pi55ed). 
I have moved on to drive a Subaru, which I adore. Although you TVR peeps will probably now bash it to death (probably equally as loudly, especially when pi55ed) I'll carry on!
Gassing is meant for the discussion of car related topics. Tell me if I'm wrong Ted? When you get ethusiasts together you will get different opinions (don't tell me you're shocked?). Then people discuss them, all the better if it's over a or two 
I loved my Griff, but couldn't live with the 'features' that many owners find acceptable.
It's funny, if you surf through the various chat sites on cars there's always a thread like this. A marque gets bashed a bit, then another owner comes back to say 'oi! I love my car, stop bashing it' then others will write 'hang on, we can say what we want... ' etc etc.
I started this note in seriousness, but I've realised I've become part of this natural flow of crap comments. Bah!
I have moved on to drive a Subaru, which I adore. Although you TVR peeps will probably now bash it to death (probably equally as loudly, especially when pi55ed) I'll carry on!
Gassing is meant for the discussion of car related topics. Tell me if I'm wrong Ted? When you get ethusiasts together you will get different opinions (don't tell me you're shocked?). Then people discuss them, all the better if it's over a
or two I loved my Griff, but couldn't live with the 'features' that many owners find acceptable.
It's funny, if you surf through the various chat sites on cars there's always a thread like this. A marque gets bashed a bit, then another owner comes back to say 'oi! I love my car, stop bashing it' then others will write 'hang on, we can say what we want... ' etc etc.
I started this note in seriousness, but I've realised I've become part of this natural flow of crap comments. Bah!
I don't understand duncanm's issue. I think it's a useful topic. We should know what problems to look out for, and that way hopefully avoid them.
I *love* my Chimaera, but I think it's also valuable to point out where TVR really let themselves (and us) down, in the vain hope that they'll take notice. We're mostly talking about just speccing the right components. Then their cars will be nothing short of perfect.
My car is well looked after, but I've gone through a few nasty bits which I wouldn't expect from any car. Having said that, the same is true of many other cars. I think they should all raise their game.
I *love* my Chimaera, but I think it's also valuable to point out where TVR really let themselves (and us) down, in the vain hope that they'll take notice. We're mostly talking about just speccing the right components. Then their cars will be nothing short of perfect.
My car is well looked after, but I've gone through a few nasty bits which I wouldn't expect from any car. Having said that, the same is true of many other cars. I think they should all raise their game.
I guess my beef is that there are so many threads on this site about how unreliable TVRs are, and as I think had been raised before - how representative a sample of the total TVR population are these?
My experience of the car is OK - some issues yes, but the same could be said of my Volvo, and my Westfield. As I type, the Westfield is being looked at by a mechanic 'cos the clutch is seized. This problem is a usage issue - the car was being stored in a friend’s garage on the proviso that he used it and looked after it. He didn’t properly prep it for the winter lay-over [as per my instructions] and quick-as-you-like, the car becomes a problem …
It is often said that TVRs need to be used, but how many cars are just brought out for high days and holidays? Like my Westfield – if it is not used, not driven then a problem ensues. Equally, another concern I have is that as TVRs become more ‘affordable’, they are bought by people who maybe do not realise the commitment required to maintain the car. How many people would by a Ferrari, a Porsche, a BMW M series and expect to maintain it on a shoestring?
I am not suggesting that the originator of this thread either skimped on maintenance, or did not use the car. Equally, I am not suggesting that TVRs are not without their faults. However, IMO there are people who skimp on maintenance, and there are people who do not use the car regularly enough and such issues contribute to the problems some people have.
Doing 160 miles last weekend was not unusual. I use the car regularly, both at weekends and for the daily commute and I agree with the sentiment that the car should be capable of 100k. Indeed I have seen TVRs for sale with high mileages and look forward to racking up the miles in mine, unless I fail in resisting the temptation of a Tamora!!!
>> Edited by duncan m on Thursday 28th March 11:35
My experience of the car is OK - some issues yes, but the same could be said of my Volvo, and my Westfield. As I type, the Westfield is being looked at by a mechanic 'cos the clutch is seized. This problem is a usage issue - the car was being stored in a friend’s garage on the proviso that he used it and looked after it. He didn’t properly prep it for the winter lay-over [as per my instructions] and quick-as-you-like, the car becomes a problem …
It is often said that TVRs need to be used, but how many cars are just brought out for high days and holidays? Like my Westfield – if it is not used, not driven then a problem ensues. Equally, another concern I have is that as TVRs become more ‘affordable’, they are bought by people who maybe do not realise the commitment required to maintain the car. How many people would by a Ferrari, a Porsche, a BMW M series and expect to maintain it on a shoestring?
I am not suggesting that the originator of this thread either skimped on maintenance, or did not use the car. Equally, I am not suggesting that TVRs are not without their faults. However, IMO there are people who skimp on maintenance, and there are people who do not use the car regularly enough and such issues contribute to the problems some people have.
Doing 160 miles last weekend was not unusual. I use the car regularly, both at weekends and for the daily commute and I agree with the sentiment that the car should be capable of 100k. Indeed I have seen TVRs for sale with high mileages and look forward to racking up the miles in mine, unless I fail in resisting the temptation of a Tamora!!!
>> Edited by duncan m on Thursday 28th March 11:35
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