Which one, a nice dilemma!
Discussion
Hi all,
Firstly, a bit of background on my situation.
About 3 months ago, i decided to sell my S2000. I loved this car, and spent a lot of money on it. Every penny was worth it. I looked forward to driving it, and it never failed to provide a smile,
I finished with a nice stable job, to start work for my uncle who wanted us to start our own. So i thought, i best be sensible, sell the s2000 and get a newer, less aggro, easier to live with in the winter car. I bought a z4. I like this car, its nice, its fastish (3.0l), but i dont look forward to getting in it as I did with the S2K.
Anyway, last week, my uncle ordered a plain and simple corsa van, which should be ready soonish. This now free's up my car. So now I don't need such a practical car, and I can go back to getting one for the weekends.
So one of the options I'm thinking about is a TVR. Ideally a tuscan, i've always loved this car and promised myself one day, i would get one.
But there is also the Tamora and the Chimaera, it has to be a convertible.
I know theres a lot written about the reliability of these cars, but each new topic you read seems to contradict itself a little.
What are the running costs of each of these, servicing etc? What is the reliability like? I've seen quite a few adverts advertising the tuscan with a rebuild. Does this improve the reliability, or is it likely to need another rebuild?
Im going to spend what my z4 sells for, so probably circa 16k. Am i dreaming for this amount, as I've seen the prices vary quite a bit.
Any help guys would be amazing.
Thanks in advance.
Luke
Firstly, a bit of background on my situation.
About 3 months ago, i decided to sell my S2000. I loved this car, and spent a lot of money on it. Every penny was worth it. I looked forward to driving it, and it never failed to provide a smile,
I finished with a nice stable job, to start work for my uncle who wanted us to start our own. So i thought, i best be sensible, sell the s2000 and get a newer, less aggro, easier to live with in the winter car. I bought a z4. I like this car, its nice, its fastish (3.0l), but i dont look forward to getting in it as I did with the S2K.
Anyway, last week, my uncle ordered a plain and simple corsa van, which should be ready soonish. This now free's up my car. So now I don't need such a practical car, and I can go back to getting one for the weekends.
So one of the options I'm thinking about is a TVR. Ideally a tuscan, i've always loved this car and promised myself one day, i would get one.
But there is also the Tamora and the Chimaera, it has to be a convertible.
I know theres a lot written about the reliability of these cars, but each new topic you read seems to contradict itself a little.
What are the running costs of each of these, servicing etc? What is the reliability like? I've seen quite a few adverts advertising the tuscan with a rebuild. Does this improve the reliability, or is it likely to need another rebuild?
Im going to spend what my z4 sells for, so probably circa 16k. Am i dreaming for this amount, as I've seen the prices vary quite a bit.
Any help guys would be amazing.
Thanks in advance.
Luke
You'll pick up a very, very nice Chimaera for that and a good Tamora and a decent-ish Tuscan.
If it's a Tuscan you've always wanted go for it, you'll regret anything else. If it's had a rebuild it should be ok although I don't know how many that have had one rebuild need another later.
If it's a Tuscan you've always wanted go for it, you'll regret anything else. If it's had a rebuild it should be ok although I don't know how many that have had one rebuild need another later.
Hi Luke. If you get a Speed Six TVR, only buy one that's had a TVR Power rebuild, & has the remainder of the 5 year warranty that comes with one of these re-builds. I was speaking to a chap with a Tuscan at the South West Wales Brekkie meet who'd done 50k miles on his TVR Power re-build & it was still driving like a dream.
The Chimaera has the Rover V8 engine & I think you'll be dissapointed with anything other than a well sorted 4.5 or a 5.0. If you want to feel what a genuine 290bhp Rover V8 feels like I'll take you for a blast in mine. At least you'll have something to compare 'grunt' wise.
The Chimaera has the Rover V8 engine & I think you'll be dissapointed with anything other than a well sorted 4.5 or a 5.0. If you want to feel what a genuine 290bhp Rover V8 feels like I'll take you for a blast in mine. At least you'll have something to compare 'grunt' wise.
If i had £16k to spend i would, subject to a ramp inspection, buy this Tamora, yes i'm a bit biased, but this would be my choice.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3048318.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3048318.htm
All personal opinions of course (dons flamesuit!).........but throwing my hat into the ring -
LOOKS: Tuscan then Tamora - sorry but Chimp is too old school for me and would be discounted regardless of all its other excellent attributes ie. V8 etc.....sorry,
!
HANDLING: Tamora then Tuscan. Although spacer mod (cheap - read up using the search function) has helped with the Tuscans. Tuscan is certainly 'livelier' regardless, especially as originally most are 4.0l opposed to Tamora 3.6l(discounting the odd RR version). Tamora rides very well and if it could be said, represents the 'safer' route into TVR ownership - however, they will both bite hard if you take the p*ss!!
PERFORMANCE: Both will blow your mind; performance and noise, even coming from a sorted S2K which also likes to rev high, the TVR is in a different league. They are an 'event' every time you go out, be prepared for everyone to look, take photos and randomly come up to chat......big plus of ownership!
ENGINE (enhances flame suit!!): regardless of what anyone says (post-2004 the engine was stronger...blah, blah...), I wouldn't bother getting a Speed6 car nowadays without an engine rebuild or upgrade from Power / Str8six / Racing Green / Track V Road / Dulfords etc with warranty remaining.
I had a mint 2004 T350, full service history, no expense spared, loved like a precious thing in all aspects; with original engine and it was still strong as an ox when I sold it with 28K miles in 2010 - it may have gone on for another 28K miles or 58K miles, but it could go in 5K or 10K miles - too much unknown and it WILL play with your head and can effect enjoyment. Bottom line, many original engines are getting old, have known problems and are becoming tired. Why take the risk......when I come back to TVR; another 'minter' like mine, but rebuild all the way (Power 4.3l please!).
Plenty of S6's have now been upgraded and rebuilt, with proven modern reliability - sale price is not much different, which means engines are almost bullet proof, with remainder left of 100K mile / 5yr guarantees (caveat correct servicing etc) - why go for one with an original engine which is going to cost circa £6K min for a decent rebuild(up to £10K all in for capacity upgrade as well). PS. I would generally ignore those that have had a 'factory' rebuild at some point - this is not the same as the offerings from Power, Str8six, RG etc.
CHASSIS: Both models (well, most TVR's!) can have issues with rusted outriggers / chassis which is an expensive fix. You will not see it from a normal 'look around'. Most TVR's look amazing from the outside due to GRP body and great paint colours, but can be horrors underneath. DO NOT BUY WITH YOUR HEART THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE - WHICH YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH!! Get it on some ramps and inspected by an expert for a couple of hundred quid (PH search function will be your friend again!).
COSTS: Budget £1500-£1800 per year for general servicing, replacing sundry items and keeping on top of ALL the little jobs. servicing every 6K miles. Some years you may spend less than a £1K - roll your budget over (or use it for mods!). TVR's are cars not to cut corners with. If you are VERY handy with the spanners, then fair enough for some jobs. Fuel (gulp!) and insurance additional.
TVR Community: Brilliant bunch, a massive plus with ownership - get involved with your regional club. Get in touch before buying and go and look around both models, get a passenger ride, talk about ownership experiences.
With 16 large ones as a budget, given the current choices of Tusc / Tam on the classifieds, I'd wait for some more choices to come up over the next 6 months. If you can't wait:
Bit of a left of field choice due to mileage (however, they do benefit from use and 6K miles per year is fine), it is an S, with a recent rebuild and in reflex colour:
TUSCAN - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3182916.htm
comments: get full details of the rebuild and appraisal of the car direct from Track V Road (they are very well respected), speak in depth to current owner and previous owner before him if you can, biscuit leather is a bit marmite.....! Reflex colour is AWESOME but horrendously expensive if repair is anything other than very minor (think £2K for a front end re-spray....), I had reflex green and kept on top of small chips / scratches with a matched paint pen -this worked very well. Offer £14,000 subject to proper inspection (good buyers market over the winter months), get the spacers on, geo-set-up from someone who knows TVR's, wheels refurbed and smarten up any other minor bits and bobs with your change. Easy on the right foot until you get used to it...lol
Research, research, research; choose very carefully, get an inspection - you will love a TVR!
Plenty more to talk about, but I've bored myself and I'm off for a kip!
Hope this helps.
LOOKS: Tuscan then Tamora - sorry but Chimp is too old school for me and would be discounted regardless of all its other excellent attributes ie. V8 etc.....sorry,
!HANDLING: Tamora then Tuscan. Although spacer mod (cheap - read up using the search function) has helped with the Tuscans. Tuscan is certainly 'livelier' regardless, especially as originally most are 4.0l opposed to Tamora 3.6l(discounting the odd RR version). Tamora rides very well and if it could be said, represents the 'safer' route into TVR ownership - however, they will both bite hard if you take the p*ss!!
PERFORMANCE: Both will blow your mind; performance and noise, even coming from a sorted S2K which also likes to rev high, the TVR is in a different league. They are an 'event' every time you go out, be prepared for everyone to look, take photos and randomly come up to chat......big plus of ownership!
ENGINE (enhances flame suit!!): regardless of what anyone says (post-2004 the engine was stronger...blah, blah...), I wouldn't bother getting a Speed6 car nowadays without an engine rebuild or upgrade from Power / Str8six / Racing Green / Track V Road / Dulfords etc with warranty remaining.
I had a mint 2004 T350, full service history, no expense spared, loved like a precious thing in all aspects; with original engine and it was still strong as an ox when I sold it with 28K miles in 2010 - it may have gone on for another 28K miles or 58K miles, but it could go in 5K or 10K miles - too much unknown and it WILL play with your head and can effect enjoyment. Bottom line, many original engines are getting old, have known problems and are becoming tired. Why take the risk......when I come back to TVR; another 'minter' like mine, but rebuild all the way (Power 4.3l please!).
Plenty of S6's have now been upgraded and rebuilt, with proven modern reliability - sale price is not much different, which means engines are almost bullet proof, with remainder left of 100K mile / 5yr guarantees (caveat correct servicing etc) - why go for one with an original engine which is going to cost circa £6K min for a decent rebuild(up to £10K all in for capacity upgrade as well). PS. I would generally ignore those that have had a 'factory' rebuild at some point - this is not the same as the offerings from Power, Str8six, RG etc.
CHASSIS: Both models (well, most TVR's!) can have issues with rusted outriggers / chassis which is an expensive fix. You will not see it from a normal 'look around'. Most TVR's look amazing from the outside due to GRP body and great paint colours, but can be horrors underneath. DO NOT BUY WITH YOUR HEART THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE - WHICH YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH!! Get it on some ramps and inspected by an expert for a couple of hundred quid (PH search function will be your friend again!).
COSTS: Budget £1500-£1800 per year for general servicing, replacing sundry items and keeping on top of ALL the little jobs. servicing every 6K miles. Some years you may spend less than a £1K - roll your budget over (or use it for mods!). TVR's are cars not to cut corners with. If you are VERY handy with the spanners, then fair enough for some jobs. Fuel (gulp!) and insurance additional.
TVR Community: Brilliant bunch, a massive plus with ownership - get involved with your regional club. Get in touch before buying and go and look around both models, get a passenger ride, talk about ownership experiences.
With 16 large ones as a budget, given the current choices of Tusc / Tam on the classifieds, I'd wait for some more choices to come up over the next 6 months. If you can't wait:
Bit of a left of field choice due to mileage (however, they do benefit from use and 6K miles per year is fine), it is an S, with a recent rebuild and in reflex colour:
TUSCAN - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3182916.htm
comments: get full details of the rebuild and appraisal of the car direct from Track V Road (they are very well respected), speak in depth to current owner and previous owner before him if you can, biscuit leather is a bit marmite.....! Reflex colour is AWESOME but horrendously expensive if repair is anything other than very minor (think £2K for a front end re-spray....), I had reflex green and kept on top of small chips / scratches with a matched paint pen -this worked very well. Offer £14,000 subject to proper inspection (good buyers market over the winter months), get the spacers on, geo-set-up from someone who knows TVR's, wheels refurbed and smarten up any other minor bits and bobs with your change. Easy on the right foot until you get used to it...lol
Research, research, research; choose very carefully, get an inspection - you will love a TVR!
Plenty more to talk about, but I've bored myself and I'm off for a kip!
Hope this helps.
Hi Guy's, sorry I'm slow replying, i've been away.
Thanks for replies!
I'm a bit worried that I'll buy a dodgy one, so kind of puts me off a little. I'll have to do a lot of research before hand.
Are there any good forums? I'd like to go to a meet and chat to owners, maybe try and get a passenger ride to see what its like.
grant3R - great info, thanks very much. I've saved a copy for reference.
pwd95 - a passenger ride would be great if you don't mind
The engine rebuild does really worry me. Its between a Tuscan and Exige at the mo.
Thanks for replies!
I'm a bit worried that I'll buy a dodgy one, so kind of puts me off a little. I'll have to do a lot of research before hand.
Are there any good forums? I'd like to go to a meet and chat to owners, maybe try and get a passenger ride to see what its like.
grant3R - great info, thanks very much. I've saved a copy for reference.
pwd95 - a passenger ride would be great if you don't mind
The engine rebuild does really worry me. Its between a Tuscan and Exige at the mo.
i would recommend you have a ride in one first, doesn't matter which, just to show you the difference in power to what your used to.
most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
as a suggestion given your budget , why not try a chimaera for a year, buy wisely . spend circa 8-9k, then move up to a tuscan/tamora.
thats what most people used to do .
start with a 4.0 chimaera, then move up the power ladder.
i started with a 2.8s then a\ 400se, then 2 chimaera's.
plenty of dealers out there who love and know their products, and have good reputations, dont be afraid to use them.
most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
as a suggestion given your budget , why not try a chimaera for a year, buy wisely . spend circa 8-9k, then move up to a tuscan/tamora.
thats what most people used to do .
start with a 4.0 chimaera, then move up the power ladder.
i started with a 2.8s then a\ 400se, then 2 chimaera's.
plenty of dealers out there who love and know their products, and have good reputations, dont be afraid to use them.
[quote=joncon]i would recommend you have a ride in one first, doesn't matter which, just to show you the difference in power to what your used to.
most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
And where does the Griff fit in? Best future classic perhaps?
most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
And where does the Griff fit in? Best future classic perhaps?
marz92]oncon said:
i would recommend you have a ride in one first, doesn't matter which, just to show you the difference in power to what your used to.
most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
And where does the Griff fit in? Best future classic perhaps?
im my defence , op doesn't menion the griffith !most peoples idea of a fast car goes out the window when you see what a tvr can do.
chimaera ...best all round tvr
tamora .... best handling tvr
tuscan ......best road presence
t350.........prettiest tvr.
And where does the Griff fit in? Best future classic perhaps?
plus low mileage, mint condition griffs are now rapidly increasing in value
I sold my S2k for a Cerbera..
One thing I had to get used to was the car not always driving in the same way it did when it was parked up last lol.. You can sometimes start it up and find somethings suddenly not behaving! The worst I ever had with the S2k was a seized caliper and the o2 sensor registering a fault now and again because of the decat! easy motoring!!
One thing I had to get used to was the car not always driving in the same way it did when it was parked up last lol.. You can sometimes start it up and find somethings suddenly not behaving! The worst I ever had with the S2k was a seized caliper and the o2 sensor registering a fault now and again because of the decat! easy motoring!!
lukedon said:
Hi Guy's, sorry I'm slow replying, i've been away.
Thanks for replies!
I'm a bit worried that I'll buy a dodgy one, so kind of puts me off a little. I'll have to do a lot of research before hand.
Are there any good forums? I'd like to go to a meet and chat to owners, maybe try and get a passenger ride to see what its like.
grant3R - great info, thanks very much. I've saved a copy for reference.
pwd95 - a passenger ride would be great if you don't mind
The engine rebuild does really worry me. Its between a Tuscan and Exige at the mo.
Hi Luke, I was in a similar situation to you last year. I had my eye on a stunning Tuscan, it was an early car with only 10,000 miles on it, and totally mint in every respect, it took my breath away when I first saw it. But I couldn't get the idea out of my head that the engine would let go on me, and I knew that if I bought it it either would let go or I wouldn't get full enjoyment out of it through worrying. I opted for a Chimaera 500, and whilst the looks of it didn't (initially) take my breath away, the driving experience was awesome, and just keeps getting better. The advice from the guys above is spot on, and I have nothing to add to it other than to emphasise driving these cars before you buy, you have to get behind the wheel to fully appreciate how special they are..Thanks for replies!
I'm a bit worried that I'll buy a dodgy one, so kind of puts me off a little. I'll have to do a lot of research before hand.
Are there any good forums? I'd like to go to a meet and chat to owners, maybe try and get a passenger ride to see what its like.
grant3R - great info, thanks very much. I've saved a copy for reference.
pwd95 - a passenger ride would be great if you don't mind
The engine rebuild does really worry me. Its between a Tuscan and Exige at the mo.
Chilli..
Luke, what a dilemma? For my two penneth [mind you what do I know 
]
S6 engined cars; I had a T350, great car to drive and look at but gutless low down. I know of a friends Tuscan which has covered over 40k miles without issue and it still pulls like a train and is whisper quiet. I also know of another guy who had 3 rebuilds to his T350 [04 car] in 15k miles.
RV8 cars; Had two Griffs, one early and no probs' one late and some engine probs'. Have at the moment a late Chimaera for 6 years and I've had no problems with. Whatever, wish you all the best and be warned they are addictive in any form.
]S6 engined cars; I had a T350, great car to drive and look at but gutless low down. I know of a friends Tuscan which has covered over 40k miles without issue and it still pulls like a train and is whisper quiet. I also know of another guy who had 3 rebuilds to his T350 [04 car] in 15k miles.
RV8 cars; Had two Griffs, one early and no probs' one late and some engine probs'. Have at the moment a late Chimaera for 6 years and I've had no problems with. Whatever, wish you all the best and be warned they are addictive in any form.
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