Right TVR for £25,000 ?
Discussion
Hi All
I am thinking of getting a TVR as a "fun" car - will be used only 3-4 times a week max.
I am used to powerful RWD cars (ex 996 GT2 owner) but now have a Turbo as my main car (namby pamby 4WD !!)
So I am not that clued up about models or what £25k might buy me, so any advice would be really welcome.
Ideally I would be a after as new a car as possible.
Thanks !
R.
I am thinking of getting a TVR as a "fun" car - will be used only 3-4 times a week max.
I am used to powerful RWD cars (ex 996 GT2 owner) but now have a Turbo as my main car (namby pamby 4WD !!)
So I am not that clued up about models or what £25k might buy me, so any advice would be really welcome.
Ideally I would be a after as new a car as possible.
Thanks !
R.
Well, always go for as late a model as possible, 2002 -2003 should be possible if you search around as prices are still depressed.
The Lightweight 4.5 seems a popular choice (40 kilo less weight) and have more potential to tune, and cars from 2002 onwards had the uprated suspension.
You also may not see the point in tuning, considering the speed of these cars in any event.
All 4.2 Cerberas from 1999 onwards, actually feature a 4.5 block and not a 4.2 - so if youve watched the Clarkson video from 1996 with the Cerbera 4.2 (alledgedly) vs the other supercars inc a 993 turbo, then you know what to expect from the 4.2, as that car was in reality,a 4.5 block and not a 4.2 as claimed -I know this as the factory boys who built and maintained the press cars (including that car) told me recently.
Throttle response from the 4.2 is a little crisper as they use a different induction system to the 4.5, and they feel (to me) a little more usable in day to day driving.
I have had all three models, and the 4.2 is probably the best choice in that its got the performance, good reliability, and driveability.
Milage is low normally on these, but any car of 2000 & later, is what to go for, as they feel a lot more spacious inside, due to a redesigned A frame.
The Lightweight 4.5 seems a popular choice (40 kilo less weight) and have more potential to tune, and cars from 2002 onwards had the uprated suspension.
You also may not see the point in tuning, considering the speed of these cars in any event.
All 4.2 Cerberas from 1999 onwards, actually feature a 4.5 block and not a 4.2 - so if youve watched the Clarkson video from 1996 with the Cerbera 4.2 (alledgedly) vs the other supercars inc a 993 turbo, then you know what to expect from the 4.2, as that car was in reality,a 4.5 block and not a 4.2 as claimed -I know this as the factory boys who built and maintained the press cars (including that car) told me recently.
Throttle response from the 4.2 is a little crisper as they use a different induction system to the 4.5, and they feel (to me) a little more usable in day to day driving.
I have had all three models, and the 4.2 is probably the best choice in that its got the performance, good reliability, and driveability.
Milage is low normally on these, but any car of 2000 & later, is what to go for, as they feel a lot more spacious inside, due to a redesigned A frame.
BTW, if you want performance at that money --then the Cerbera is the one to get, but the Tamora and T350 are great cars for fun days (using the straight six engine).They only have 2 seats where the Cerbera has 4. My advice is to try whatever fits your brief, and go from there. Im sure you will love whatever TVR you end up with.
Roshambo - there are some very good Tuscans around at that price and of relatively newish age to throw yet more confusion into the pot. Some early questions to ask yourself;
- do you require a convertible or not? If yes, then this limits your options and would restrict a Cerbera and T350C for example. Tamora a "full" convertible, T350T and Tuscan coupes with either roof panels or in the latter, a removable roof/rear screen. £25k would get you a good, MK II Tuscan at current market rates.
- do you need rear seats at all? Cerbera only one for you if this is the case!
- running costs vary a lot; a gross generalisation, but some of the "earlier" models - Griff, Chimera - have V8 engines less prone to some of the latter and well documented issues with the Speed Six engine in more recent models.
Ultimately, it would make some good sense to;
- spend some time reviewing the various forums on here (various makes, Speed Six forum, General TVR)
- review the TVR Car Club website for information and perhaps join?
- attend a regional meeting or make contact with a couple of local owners to chat through ownership experiences
- visit your friendly dealer to have a good look and potentially a test drive. Racing Green in Ash Vale amongst the best in the country and close by you near Aldershot.
- keep posting questions on Pistonheads
- go to Le Mans, where you are likely to see and hear all of the various models!
Happy Hunting! (BTW - where are you in Surrey?).
- do you require a convertible or not? If yes, then this limits your options and would restrict a Cerbera and T350C for example. Tamora a "full" convertible, T350T and Tuscan coupes with either roof panels or in the latter, a removable roof/rear screen. £25k would get you a good, MK II Tuscan at current market rates.
- do you need rear seats at all? Cerbera only one for you if this is the case!
- running costs vary a lot; a gross generalisation, but some of the "earlier" models - Griff, Chimera - have V8 engines less prone to some of the latter and well documented issues with the Speed Six engine in more recent models.
Ultimately, it would make some good sense to;
- spend some time reviewing the various forums on here (various makes, Speed Six forum, General TVR)
- review the TVR Car Club website for information and perhaps join?
- attend a regional meeting or make contact with a couple of local owners to chat through ownership experiences
- visit your friendly dealer to have a good look and potentially a test drive. Racing Green in Ash Vale amongst the best in the country and close by you near Aldershot.
- keep posting questions on Pistonheads
- go to Le Mans, where you are likely to see and hear all of the various models!
Happy Hunting! (BTW - where are you in Surrey?).
Edited by Mustang Baz on Tuesday 10th April 18:58
Hi
At 25K you might be pricing yourself out of the most raucous 'wind in the hair' fun. Why not spend 10-15K on a good Griffith and stick the rest in your savings or buy the lady in your life a super-sized boob job. Then you can have big fun with and without your clothes on.
Jay
At 25K you might be pricing yourself out of the most raucous 'wind in the hair' fun. Why not spend 10-15K on a good Griffith and stick the rest in your savings or buy the lady in your life a super-sized boob job. Then you can have big fun with and without your clothes on.
Jay
Edited by Jay Ayegees on Tuesday 10th April 19:51
LOL - Jay - Good idea, the gift that keeps on giving !!
Mustang - I am in Chobham, just outside Woking. Know Ash very well.
Thanks for the advice so far - great stuff.
I actually would like a convertible aspect, not perhaps full roof off job, but panels that remove would be great - as looks like we are in for a great summer.
R.
Mustang - I am in Chobham, just outside Woking. Know Ash very well.
Thanks for the advice so far - great stuff.
I actually would like a convertible aspect, not perhaps full roof off job, but panels that remove would be great - as looks like we are in for a great summer.
R.
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