everyday tvr...

[Roadrunner]

Which is the most suitable tvr to run as everyday transport - ie the most reliable - out of all the models? Are the previous rover engines a better bet than newish speed 6 engines for example? Maximum gain with least pain please!

[apache]

Griff 500, the later the better....if you need a bigger boot and don't mind the lesser exclusivity get a Chimera 500

[Roadrunner]

Don't mind about practicality at all really, just reliability on the major components.

[trefor]

Each car is different. My girlfriend's Dad bought an S500 a few years ago and rejected it under the lemon laws (US) - makes any TVR look ultra reliable.

The most recent Rover V8 engined cars - Griffith and Chimaera - are probably where a gambling man would put his money. The more of a model TVR build, the better they seem to get.

T/.

[cockers]

There's plenty of extremely reliable TVRs around, as can be seen by the number of people who do use theirs every day.

Mine's a 94L Chimaera 4L, used every day, and it's been totally reliable (touch dashboard). It was partly because of this, and partly because it's just so damn cool, that I realised I was being a knob trying to sell it, so I took it off the market just after Christmas. Best decision I've made since I bought the thing in the first place.

If it's a used car you're thinking of, speak to the previous owner and the garage(s) that have serviced it and you'll get a good picture of whether it's a good 'un or not.

[Roadrunner]

Would prefer new but just wondering if previous models are actually a better bet...

[kevinday]

There might be a few Griff 500s available new, and I think the Chimaera is still in production.

[Marshy]

quote:
Griff 500, the later the better....if you need a bigger boot and don't mind the lesser exclusivity get a Chimera 500

Of course, "lesser exclusivity" is a relative term. They're still pretty rare by normal standards.

[marlboro]

When I bought my '96 4.0 Chim last July I set aside a budget to buy a cheap motor for the winter. It has not been used. The Chim is a great all round car and very 'use-able' on wet and icy roads. Far better than I thought it would be. Unfortunately I have not owned any other TVR's, so can only advise on my experience.