Teething problems will soon go away

[trefor]

It just came to me that a lot of the problems brought up recently by new owners have been classic Rover V8/Chimaera foibles.

IMO these problems such as failed otter switches, dodgy timing, leaky radiators/manifold gaskets are classic symptoms of a car that hasn't been used much recently. Now you're blowing the cobwebs out. Perhaps the cars have sat on the dealers forecourt for a few months. Whatever the case don't despair - I think we've all had similar problems at some time. Get these minor things sorted you will have trouble free motoring.

Trefor/.

[steveab]

Thanks for the re-assurance Trefor.

Would you class a 98R Chim 450 that had done 12K, a car that hadn't been used much. Granted I've done 4K since I've had it (7 months).

Talking to my dealer, he said that gaskets are not on the major and minor service, and hence will go when they go (or if they're picked up by the keen eye).

I've appeared to have blown my water pump gasket and I'm paranoid that it's my fault since the car doesn't get much use generally but I've been on my hols for the last 2 weeks and hence have been using it daily, at least 30 miles a day. Also I have to admit that I have been enjoying it and driving it quite hard!!

Steve

[andymadmak]

I would class a 98 car with 12k as low mileage! I had my Chimp 18 months and did 30k in it, all relatively trouble free.
When I bought my 91 400se a 3 years ago I made the wise decision to have the full monty TVR warranty on it.
The thing only had 24k on it but over the next 10k everything, and I do mean everything went wrong! Hows this for a list of repaired/replaced/rebuit items:

radiator
clutch
driveshafts
propshaft
rear hubs
differential
engine ECU
airflow meter
speedo cable (x 2)
headlamp electrics
fuel guage sender
suspension bushes.

The beastie runs beautifully now, (47k) and really is no trouble. I think the problem with lots of TVRs is that they do bugger all mileage and get put away wet after being washed. Result = lots of corrosion and maximum wear on those items that really need to be fully warm to run properly but which rarely get up to temperature ( a quick blat to the shops and back won't warm the gearbox up for example) This applies to any car. I left my brand new Volvo for three weeks when I went on holiday and the bloody thing wouldn't start or run properly when I got back!
My advice is lots of regular use and then you will see reliability.
Cheers
Andy