What's the most useable, reliable TVR?
Discussion
Hello all, first time posting in the TVR section!
I have a query.
What is the most useable, reliable TVR for everyday use?
Are there any models that can realistically be used as an only car, say 3/4 times a week, covering around 6k miles on a variety of roads without playing silly buggers?
Is this possible, or are they best suited as toys with a boring/sensible daily to compliment?
I'd be interested to hear your views/thoughts/experience, thanks a lot.
I have a query.
What is the most useable, reliable TVR for everyday use?
Are there any models that can realistically be used as an only car, say 3/4 times a week, covering around 6k miles on a variety of roads without playing silly buggers?
Is this possible, or are they best suited as toys with a boring/sensible daily to compliment?
I'd be interested to hear your views/thoughts/experience, thanks a lot.
6k miles! A lot of weekend cars are covering that sort of mileage.
Mrs drives a Griff 500 daily. Couple of niggles but nothing major and no more expensive to fix than any other car, in fact parts a freely available at sensible prices. Fuel is the killer but with no depreciation and the grin factor still cheaper and more fun than any eurobox.
FFG
Mrs drives a Griff 500 daily. Couple of niggles but nothing major and no more expensive to fix than any other car, in fact parts a freely available at sensible prices. Fuel is the killer but with no depreciation and the grin factor still cheaper and more fun than any eurobox.
FFG
Get a Silver one with Black wheels; hides the dirt wellDifficult question to anwer without context!
All of them will be reliable if they have been looked after, it all really depends on how much time and money has been spent putting them right!
History definitely proves that Chimaeras tend to go wrong less often and cost less to put right!
But, buy a T car with a speed 6 thats been rebuilt and you get more modern electrics, better handling (generally) and probably a chassis in better condition...
Notice the use of 'generally' and 'probably' cause it really is down to condition and history...
All of them will be reliable if they have been looked after, it all really depends on how much time and money has been spent putting them right!
History definitely proves that Chimaeras tend to go wrong less often and cost less to put right!
But, buy a T car with a speed 6 thats been rebuilt and you get more modern electrics, better handling (generally) and probably a chassis in better condition...
Notice the use of 'generally' and 'probably' cause it really is down to condition and history...
I've used both Chim and Tuscan as daily drivers in all weathers for all sorts of commutes - central London, 300/400 mile round trip motorway journeys and country B-roads in winter.
The Chimaera (450) was probably marginally more practical (bigger boot, less engine worries, lower bills but ultimately more "niggles" and poor build quality).
I would say any cared for TVR is capable of what you are after.
The Chimaera (450) was probably marginally more practical (bigger boot, less engine worries, lower bills but ultimately more "niggles" and poor build quality).
I would say any cared for TVR is capable of what you are after.
Robertjp said:
Difficult question to anwer without context!
All of them will be reliable if they have been looked after, it all really depends on how much time and money has been spent putting them right!
History definitely proves that Chimaeras tend to go wrong less often and cost less to put right!
But, buy a T car with a speed 6 thats been rebuilt and you get more modern electrics, better handling (generally) and probably a chassis in better condition...
Notice the use of 'generally' and 'probably' cause it really is down to condition and history...
^^^ this.All of them will be reliable if they have been looked after, it all really depends on how much time and money has been spent putting them right!
History definitely proves that Chimaeras tend to go wrong less often and cost less to put right!
But, buy a T car with a speed 6 thats been rebuilt and you get more modern electrics, better handling (generally) and probably a chassis in better condition...
Notice the use of 'generally' and 'probably' cause it really is down to condition and history...
The cars like to be used and seem to present fewer problems if they are used frequently. I drive a fair amount for work as I have teams dotted all over the country and I often use the Tuscan, even when a meeting is critical, because I know I will arrive. No problems to date, except the noise makes the handsfree phone pointless, and it is thirstier than my Audi.
But. When I bought the car, I did have to sort a few things out and wouldn't have trusted it in terms of reliability until they were sorted. But its an 11 year old car and I would apply the same logic to any car of that age
Robertjp said:
But, buy a T car with a speed 6 thats been rebuilt and you get more modern electrics
EFA 
As for handling, there's a difference between handling in extremis and everyday driveability - for the latter my fist choice would probably be a Tamora and my second a Chimaera 400/450, while OTOH living with a Chim/Griff 500 or a Mk1 Tuscan would always leave me with the distinct feeling it would come to bite me in the posterior sooner rather than later.
Of course, add sensible modifications in the mix and things start to look differentyl again...
I have used my Chimaera every day since I have owned her, about a year now, & the only problem I have had was a broken fan belt. Perfectly usable in my experience, in fact I would say that the more I drive her the better she gets.
I can't speak for any other models, but I assume the Griff will be the same, albeit not as pretty & with an offset driving position
I can't speak for any other models, but I assume the Griff will be the same, albeit not as pretty & with an offset driving position
Usable - my wife says the two Griffs we've had are the most practical TVR's and her opinion is probably more objective than mine. Compared with earlier cars they are just easier to live with in poor conditions as the heater and demisting actually works.
Reliable - as others have said, this doesn't depend on model other than early S6 engined cars. It's all about how well they have been looked after. All of mine have been reliable. Have done somewhere around 200K miles in TVR's and had one breakdown requiring roadside assistance I can recall - and that was the front pulley coming off after an engine rebuild, so not the cars fault. The next closest was a radiator fan fuse blowing and the temperature rising, but I made it to a garage to get a new fuse without assistance with patience.
Reliable - as others have said, this doesn't depend on model other than early S6 engined cars. It's all about how well they have been looked after. All of mine have been reliable. Have done somewhere around 200K miles in TVR's and had one breakdown requiring roadside assistance I can recall - and that was the front pulley coming off after an engine rebuild, so not the cars fault. The next closest was a radiator fan fuse blowing and the temperature rising, but I made it to a garage to get a new fuse without assistance with patience.
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