Chim or Tamora
Discussion
Thinking of selling the boxster S, should I go for an older 5L Chimaera/Griff, or a used Tamora. Needs to be an everyday car, have had a Chim before so I know what that entails 
, but have no idea with the new TVRs as an everyday proposition. Also toying with an early 996 Cabrio. choices,choices.....please help.
, but have no idea with the new TVRs as an everyday proposition. Also toying with an early 996 Cabrio. choices,choices.....please help.RumbleTumble said:The same cars I'm torn between at the moment for upgrading to.
Thinking of selling the boxster S, should I go for an older 5L Chimaera/Griff, or a used Tamora. Needs to be an everyday car, have had a Chim before so I know what that entails
The S6 engine is IMO a better everyday driving proposition as I find them far smoother, but I haven't tried it queueing in traffic or driving slowly through town.
However a Rover V8 will be a lot cheaper to service and maintain. However since you've "done" the Chimaera before, I'd imagine you'll relish a newer car.
The Tamora is a much more practical car, and you are much more likely to be able to use it every day. The Chimaera is a series of compromises, and has heavy clutch and brake pedals. The Six is a lovely engine to potter about with, and has enough torque to prevent constant gear box stirring. It's also more user-friendly inside, and less cramped.
Having said that, don't expect Boxster levels of user-friendliness - it just isn't the same type of car...
Having said that, don't expect Boxster levels of user-friendliness - it just isn't the same type of car...
I have a 98 model 996 C4. Lovely car, but a bit ordinary to be honest.
It is under threat from a Tamora or a T350 to be honest. They seem to be pretty sorted, and reliable. And the handling is very good indeed - better than Tuscans and the older Chimaera and Griff.
Buy at the right price and it would be great I think.
It is under threat from a Tamora or a T350 to be honest. They seem to be pretty sorted, and reliable. And the handling is very good indeed - better than Tuscans and the older Chimaera and Griff.
Buy at the right price and it would be great I think.
Not sure I understand the "older Chim/Griff vs. Tam" - presumably you'd be looking at £25+ for a Tam - that would buy you a "newer" Chim/Griff.
I don't think you can beat a well set up v8 for driving flexibility but I do think that now that straight 6 engine reliability seems to be firming up the Tamora is beginning to appeal. Especially so, on the grounds that it offers the attraction of exclusivity. Reliability and exclusivity together will help to strengthen residuals.
I don't think you can beat a well set up v8 for driving flexibility but I do think that now that straight 6 engine reliability seems to be firming up the Tamora is beginning to appeal. Especially so, on the grounds that it offers the attraction of exclusivity. Reliability and exclusivity together will help to strengthen residuals.
Older Chim/Griff (18-20K) would just give me a bit of cash thats all, no other reason. I miss the old V8-pull from any speed feeling.
Im guessing that The boxsterS is proably like the Tam (cept slower of course), in as much as you dont have the power until 3000revs+.
My 450 chim (which I got from new) did let me down a few times in the year I had it and the 6k service interval was a pain.
The porker is great dont get me wrong, I just miss the thrill of TVR driving. Its been 5 years and I fancied another chance.. am I looking at it thru rose coloured specs as an everday proposition???
Im guessing that The boxsterS is proably like the Tam (cept slower of course), in as much as you dont have the power until 3000revs+.
My 450 chim (which I got from new) did let me down a few times in the year I had it and the 6k service interval was a pain.
The porker is great dont get me wrong, I just miss the thrill of TVR driving. Its been 5 years and I fancied another chance.. am I looking at it thru rose coloured specs as an everday proposition???
RumbleTumble said:
I miss the old V8-pull from any speed feeling.
Then I'd say it has to be the V8 - famed for low-down torque. I hadn't realsised how much I used it until I drove a Tesco - which at low rpm and round-town was, basically, rubbish. It seemed no faster than anything else. Sorry S6 fans but IMHO 6,000rpm ain't practical for everyday. And neither is an LCD dashboard!
RumbleTumble said:
Older Chim/Griff (18-20K) would just give me a bit of cash thats all, no other reason. I miss the old V8-pull from any speed feeling......am I looking at it thru rose coloured specs as an everday proposition???
Absolutely not - my 99 450's been 100% reliable over 10k miles since I bought it in Sept 02. Starts first time even after 3 weeks, doesn't leak but it does drink Optimax like there's no tomorrow. Buying any performance car is a bit of a lottery and there's guys who will post here that have had nightmare's. But I think if you go about buying one in a sensible way to avoid ending up with a premuim priced car, but without budget to have it looked after properly, then you can mitigate many of the risks that stand to make the experience an unhappy one.
Ooh decisions decisions!! A difficult choice indeed, seemingly impossible! Personally, I love both the Chim and Tamora so I'm no help here really. However, when a Tamora parked up next to my Chim (in the same colour too) a few weeks ago, I have to say that comparing the two I preferred the look of mine. And I'd miss the V8 sound in any case. Just a thought, have you test driven the Tamora (can't remember if you said) ?
I don't think you'll make a wrong move as such whichever one you go for
But I'd take into account having some spare cash in the bank to play with whilst still owning a superb TVR 
not that I'm being bias 
I don't think you'll make a wrong move as such whichever one you go for
But I'd take into account having some spare cash in the bank to play with whilst still owning a superb TVR not that I'm being bias Thanks for the feedback.
I havent test driven a Tamora, but just arranged a drive at the w/e for a 2002 model, 7000mls for 30K - does that sound about right?
Also never driven a 5.0 V8, but if I go for a V8 I was going to opt for the 5.0 - is it much different to the 4.5 or am I being fussy?
Just to confuse matters, a friend has suggested that I try out an M3 cabrio.....
I havent test driven a Tamora, but just arranged a drive at the w/e for a 2002 model, 7000mls for 30K - does that sound about right?
Also never driven a 5.0 V8, but if I go for a V8 I was going to opt for the 5.0 - is it much different to the 4.5 or am I being fussy?
Just to confuse matters, a friend has suggested that I try out an M3 cabrio.....
cosmoschick said:
Just to confuse matters, a friend has suggested that I try out an M3 cabrio.....
Although I love beemers(in fact most prestigious German cars) don't go for the M3. IMHO you won't get the same buzz from it as a TVR...nope definitely not.
Had an M3 for 4 days last year. The dealer was very keen to get me into one.
I was underwhelmed.
There are loads around as well - I think the residuals are about to take a freefall IMO.
cosmoschick said:
Ooh decisions decisions!! A difficult choice indeed, seemingly impossible! Personally, I love both the Chim and Tamora so I'm no help here really. However, when a Tamora parked up next to my Chim (in the same colour too) a few weeks ago, I have to say that comparing the two I preferred the look of mine. And I'd miss the V8 sound in any case. Just a thought, have you test driven the Tamora (can't remember if you said) ?
I don't think you'll make a wrong move as such whichever one you go for
Translation: Get a Black Tuscan.
rumbletumble said:
OK arranged a test drive (weather/work dependant), Tamora on sat, 996 Cab tomorrow
Decided to leave the M3 option for now.
suppose I'd better drive a V8 car whilst I'm at it to remind myself what it feels like
I have a 450 at present but test drove a 500 last week, only difference is marginal speed increase but far better torque for lazy driving and around town.....also the 450 revs quicker IHO.
Re the 450/500 difference - either of them will be a totally different experience from the other cars you mention.
Oh, and as for the soundtrack:
http://autograph.uk.com/Pix/griff.wav
http://autograph.uk.com/Pix/griff02.mp3.jpg
I defy you to buy an M3 or 911 after that!
Oh, and as for the soundtrack:
http://autograph.uk.com/Pix/griff.wav
http://autograph.uk.com/Pix/griff02.mp3.jpg
I defy you to buy an M3 or 911 after that!
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