Aftermarket Warranties
Discussion
Has anyone bought a 3rd party aftermarket warranty for their car. If so is it worth it? And have you actually managed a claim.
I've always been sceptical about warranties as usually they don't actually cover anything which will break
I've just had a quote at £870 ish for the year for the Griffith. £6,000 per claim, no limit on number of claims or annual mileage.
Sounds expensive on the face of it but cheaper than the £3k + to rebuild a trashed engine I suppose it would depend upon exclusions I suppose. This was with warrranty wise for reference.
I'm currently getting no pleasure from the car as I'm always worried something is going to go "t@ts up". I've only had it 2.5 months and so far its cost me £1.5k in work(At this rate that will be around £8k in the year!) and as we all know TVR's have there fair share of interesting noises and have a reputation for not being the most reliable car on the road
Its my first V8 engined car and coming from an MX5 its very different to what I've ran for the last 2 years.
Its a weekend car and will only cover around 3,000 a year. Since getting my car back early June after my last big scare the car has done under 100 miles in frequent short drives as I now expect it to fail
It doesn't help not having a specialist within 70 miles.
I think I either need some degree of mechanical insurance or to sell up it would be silly for me to consider keeping a car I daren't drive.
It would be shame to sell it though as I genuinely loved the car before I had the problems. Now every little noise makes me think "Engine Rebuild, 3 grand" I don't usually class an engine as a consumable item
Can anyone convince me a warranty is a good failsafe device or is it time to think about something potentially less expensive and problematic?
Dave
>>> Edited by davemorton_eunos on Monday 29th July 20:53
I've always been sceptical about warranties as usually they don't actually cover anything which will break
I've just had a quote at £870 ish for the year for the Griffith. £6,000 per claim, no limit on number of claims or annual mileage.
Sounds expensive on the face of it but cheaper than the £3k + to rebuild a trashed engine I suppose it would depend upon exclusions I suppose. This was with warrranty wise for reference.
I'm currently getting no pleasure from the car as I'm always worried something is going to go "t@ts up". I've only had it 2.5 months and so far its cost me £1.5k in work(At this rate that will be around £8k in the year!) and as we all know TVR's have there fair share of interesting noises and have a reputation for not being the most reliable car on the road
Its my first V8 engined car and coming from an MX5 its very different to what I've ran for the last 2 years.
Its a weekend car and will only cover around 3,000 a year. Since getting my car back early June after my last big scare the car has done under 100 miles in frequent short drives as I now expect it to fail
It doesn't help not having a specialist within 70 miles. I think I either need some degree of mechanical insurance or to sell up it would be silly for me to consider keeping a car I daren't drive.
It would be shame to sell it though as I genuinely loved the car before I had the problems. Now every little noise makes me think "Engine Rebuild, 3 grand" I don't usually class an engine as a consumable item
Can anyone convince me a warranty is a good failsafe device or is it time to think about something potentially less expensive and problematic?
Dave
>>> Edited by davemorton_eunos on Monday 29th July 20:53
Warranties shouldn't cost more than 200-300 p.a. for a Rover V8 engined TVR - try a few other places. Maybe it's an age related thing??
Dave - I don't know your car of course, but like everyone says, the Rover V8 is pretty unburstable and the worst is USUALLY something like a camshaft (around 650 notes to replace inc.). A lot of us have had our Griffith's and Chimaeras for years without major failure. Yes, there are lots of niggly things to fix, but that's part of the fun you buy into (and why some people don't keep their TVRs very long).
Additionally, a lot of new owners come onto this list with various problems such as overheating and things not working as they should. IMO a lot of these probs are caused by the poor car sitting in someone's garage/on a forecourt for several months. You come along and buy the car and use if far more frequently, showing all the faults up. TVRs like to be used!
FWIW I had a warranty when I got my Chimaera and had a few minor things fixed under the cover provided. Since it expired after 12 months I've not bothered and to be honest I've probably spent a tiny bit more on fixing odd things than the 2-300 the warranty would have cost. But I don't mind, the hassle of claiming/taking the car to a dealer to get the job done exceeds the minor financial difference.
Now if I had a TVR engined TVR I think I'd take out the best warranty I could find! (I will be getting a Tuscan one day, when TuscanS's are around 30-35k ... so soon!).
Enough of my rambling ...
T/.
>> Edited by trefor on Monday 29th July 21:41
Dave - I don't know your car of course, but like everyone says, the Rover V8 is pretty unburstable and the worst is USUALLY something like a camshaft (around 650 notes to replace inc.). A lot of us have had our Griffith's and Chimaeras for years without major failure. Yes, there are lots of niggly things to fix, but that's part of the fun you buy into (and why some people don't keep their TVRs very long).
Additionally, a lot of new owners come onto this list with various problems such as overheating and things not working as they should. IMO a lot of these probs are caused by the poor car sitting in someone's garage/on a forecourt for several months. You come along and buy the car and use if far more frequently, showing all the faults up. TVRs like to be used!
FWIW I had a warranty when I got my Chimaera and had a few minor things fixed under the cover provided. Since it expired after 12 months I've not bothered and to be honest I've probably spent a tiny bit more on fixing odd things than the 2-300 the warranty would have cost. But I don't mind, the hassle of claiming/taking the car to a dealer to get the job done exceeds the minor financial difference.
Now if I had a TVR engined TVR I think I'd take out the best warranty I could find! (I will be getting a Tuscan one day, when TuscanS's are around 30-35k ... so soon!).
Enough of my rambling ...
T/.
>> Edited by trefor on Monday 29th July 21:41
Absolutely! Get out there and enjoy it!
My Chimaera 500 had a recurrent overheating problem when I got it which was eventually resolved with a new radiator under warranty, but after that I haven't had a problem with it. I think I've now had 8 months touble-free use out of it and use it most days.
Ok, I did have a glitch when the fans wouldn't come on, but I just opened up the connector, cleaned the contacts and sprayed it with switch cleaner and then it worked. I've also had a mis-fire which involved taking the stepper motor out (trivial job - anyone can do it), cleaning it, and putting it back in.
I guess if I hadn't had the confidence to do that then you might call that a glitch, but they were both so simple for even a mechanical doofus like me that they don't really count!
So anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the Rover V8 is a very reliable and well-understood engine. You shouldn't worry about it going bang.
Now get out there and drive that car!
My Chimaera 500 had a recurrent overheating problem when I got it which was eventually resolved with a new radiator under warranty, but after that I haven't had a problem with it. I think I've now had 8 months touble-free use out of it and use it most days.
Ok, I did have a glitch when the fans wouldn't come on, but I just opened up the connector, cleaned the contacts and sprayed it with switch cleaner and then it worked. I've also had a mis-fire which involved taking the stepper motor out (trivial job - anyone can do it), cleaning it, and putting it back in.
I guess if I hadn't had the confidence to do that then you might call that a glitch, but they were both so simple for even a mechanical doofus like me that they don't really count!
So anyway, what I'm trying to say is that the Rover V8 is a very reliable and well-understood engine. You shouldn't worry about it going bang.
Now get out there and drive that car!
As I've said before somewhere else, if they charge you X for a warranty it's because they're pretty damn sure they won't have to pay X back out, still less more than X. They're in it to make money, therefore the chances are (probably) that you will lose money.
Apart from minor bits and pieces like wipers not returning, my record with Griffiths is:
1992 4.0: Owned for 4.5 years, no problems.
1997 500: Owned for 2.5 years, recored radiator.
The major costs are insurance, fuel and servicing.
Apart from minor bits and pieces like wipers not returning, my record with Griffiths is:
1992 4.0: Owned for 4.5 years, no problems.
1997 500: Owned for 2.5 years, recored radiator.
The major costs are insurance, fuel and servicing.
Thanks.
We only ever seem to get problems posted here so its easy to lose sight of the other side of things.
I came into this with my eyes wide open. I've been surprised by insurance and specialist servicing being cheaper than expected
Specialist was saying that any work on the V8 was an engine out jobby at £1,500 just to remove and refit it
So to budget for around £3k and have a rebuild at the same time Also mentioned that a new engine would be around £7k
Clearly this isn't often the case then
I'd used to do most of the work on the Mazda myself and I'm used to fiddling. I fixed the electric window fault this last weekend and worked out the door card from hell in the process.
I guess the distance to a specialist needn't be an issue if I go for AA cover with homestart etc.
Anyone tried their cheapy "warranty" it seems worth a go for the £40 or so but I think it only applies to faults which immobilise the vehicle. Most sensible people stop when a problem arises not when they can't drive any further with the problem so it might not be too good. Have I missed the point or read this wrong?
The guy who does my "normal" cars used to modify MkI Escorts with Rover V8's and knows a lot about them and is 3 miles away I have been told though that the TVR Power unit is completely different and the only similarity is the sump plug and outer casing. Is this true or "urban ledgend"?
Where should I be trying for cheaper warranties BTW?
Also who are my other local specialists I'm based 2 miles from the Humber Bridge on the Lincolnshire side. I think Joolz who is often recomended is not too far away from me about 100 miles also one at Boroughbridge.
Anyone want to e-mail me offlist about these and or others in the area feel free. I'm new so I need all the help I can get. I believe the relationship you build with your garage is very important.
In fairness the specialist I used did a good job given the money and amount work involved and gave the car the all clear after servicing and tuning it up. They just scared me witless with talk of engine rebuilds etc.
Dave
We only ever seem to get problems posted here so its easy to lose sight of the other side of things.
I came into this with my eyes wide open. I've been surprised by insurance and specialist servicing being cheaper than expected
Specialist was saying that any work on the V8 was an engine out jobby at £1,500 just to remove and refit it
So to budget for around £3k and have a rebuild at the same time Also mentioned that a new engine would be around £7k Clearly this isn't often the case then
I'd used to do most of the work on the Mazda myself and I'm used to fiddling. I fixed the electric window fault this last weekend and worked out the door card from hell in the process.
I guess the distance to a specialist needn't be an issue if I go for AA cover with homestart etc.
Anyone tried their cheapy "warranty" it seems worth a go for the £40 or so but I think it only applies to faults which immobilise the vehicle. Most sensible people stop when a problem arises not when they can't drive any further with the problem so it might not be too good. Have I missed the point or read this wrong?
The guy who does my "normal" cars used to modify MkI Escorts with Rover V8's and knows a lot about them and is 3 miles away
I have been told though that the TVR Power unit is completely different and the only similarity is the sump plug and outer casing. Is this true or "urban ledgend"? Where should I be trying for cheaper warranties BTW?
Also who are my other local specialists I'm based 2 miles from the Humber Bridge on the Lincolnshire side. I think Joolz who is often recomended is not too far away from me about 100 miles also one at Boroughbridge.
Anyone want to e-mail me offlist about these and or others in the area feel free. I'm new so I need all the help I can get. I believe the relationship you build with your garage is very important.
In fairness the specialist I used did a good job given the money and amount work involved and gave the car the all clear after servicing and tuning it up. They just scared me witless with talk of engine rebuilds etc.
Dave
DaveMorton_Eunos
Doing short journeys isn't going to stop the problem occuring if it is going to happen. I had a 97 Chimaera with 15K miles on it for 6 months, carted away 3 times - but it didn't stop me driving it such was the enjoyment when its going. But from what I've read on PH I have just been unlucky.
trefor
On the other hand, I've had a Cerbera S6 for 9 months, 4k miles and no engine problems. And we've all read the adverse comments about the 6 engine.
Moral of the story - every car is different. Enjoy your TVR, and remember it enjoys being driven!
Doing short journeys isn't going to stop the problem occuring if it is going to happen. I had a 97 Chimaera with 15K miles on it for 6 months, carted away 3 times - but it didn't stop me driving it such was the enjoyment when its going. But from what I've read on PH I have just been unlucky.
trefor
On the other hand, I've had a Cerbera S6 for 9 months, 4k miles and no engine problems. And we've all read the adverse comments about the 6 engine.
Moral of the story - every car is different. Enjoy your TVR, and remember it enjoys being driven!
'I've had a clutch, gearbox, alternator and a few bits and pieces. Saved myself about £5k in total.'
As you had a good warranty deal, did you take advantage of it to get new parts when, had you been paying for it yourself, you'd have managed on recon/repaired bits? ie could it have been fixed for less?
As you had a good warranty deal, did you take advantage of it to get new parts when, had you been paying for it yourself, you'd have managed on recon/repaired bits? ie could it have been fixed for less?
'I guess the distance to a specialist needn't be an issue if I go for AA cover with homestart etc.'
I've certainly found the AA to be good value; it's good for those unexpected things like:
Lost keys (BMW) - they trailered it to the dealer
Flat battery (BMW) - died about 50 yards from Halfords so they swapped it for a new one.
Flat battery (TVR) - jumped it and followed me to Halfords where they fitted a new battery in the car park.
Bearing out of fuel pump (Pug) - just pushed it back in.
OK, it doesn't pay back in terms of money but certainly in convenience.
'I have been told though that the TVR Power unit is completely different and the only similarity is the sump plug and outer casing. Is this true or "urban ledgend"?'
I think that's a good start point, but if you have a particular question about a part then the PH team will enlighten you! There *are* cheaper/smarter ways to maintain a TVR than simply march into a franchised TVR dealer with a a blank cheque, but you have to double check first.
I've certainly found the AA to be good value; it's good for those unexpected things like:
Lost keys (BMW) - they trailered it to the dealer
Flat battery (BMW) - died about 50 yards from Halfords so they swapped it for a new one.
Flat battery (TVR) - jumped it and followed me to Halfords where they fitted a new battery in the car park.
Bearing out of fuel pump (Pug) - just pushed it back in.
OK, it doesn't pay back in terms of money but certainly in convenience.
'I have been told though that the TVR Power unit is completely different and the only similarity is the sump plug and outer casing. Is this true or "urban ledgend"?'
I think that's a good start point, but if you have a particular question about a part then the PH team will enlighten you! There *are* cheaper/smarter ways to maintain a TVR than simply march into a franchised TVR dealer with a a blank cheque, but you have to double check first.
'Been looking forward to getting the car out and when I got home Thunderstorm !!'
I'm not sure what's worse, thunderstorm or snow. What's worse, getting struck by lightining in a metal car or a plastic one? Metal ones act as 'Faraday cages' for protection; maybe plastic ones are higher risk? I would never take the Griff out in snow knowingly, but got caught in a flurry once - ooer!
I'm not sure what's worse, thunderstorm or snow. What's worse, getting struck by lightining in a metal car or a plastic one? Metal ones act as 'Faraday cages' for protection; maybe plastic ones are higher risk? I would never take the Griff out in snow knowingly, but got caught in a flurry once - ooer!
Wuss Get out there, whatever the weather.
Drove home today along the river that was the M5 south of Brum, and it got bad enough that *everyone* slowed to 30 or 40 'cos it simply wasn't possible to go faster. At one point there was so much water going around that an MPV managed to get its wake onto my windscreen, which was nice.
Then did it all over again a bit later on the A14. Still, warm and dry inside, and the car didn't miss a beat the entire way. No worries
Ah, er, warranties, yes. I think they're worth it, although WH placed a £500 per claim limit on mine now my car's over five years old. Which seemed harsh. Still, only £275 for the year, unlimited claims, so perhaps it's still worth it.
>> Edited by Marshy on Tuesday 30th July 22:35
Get out there, whatever the weather. Drove home today along the river that was the M5 south of Brum, and it got bad enough that *everyone* slowed to 30 or 40 'cos it simply wasn't possible to go faster. At one point there was so much water going around that an MPV managed to get its wake onto my windscreen, which was nice.
Then did it all over again a bit later on the A14. Still, warm and dry inside, and the car didn't miss a beat the entire way. No worries
Ah, er, warranties, yes. I think they're worth it, although WH placed a £500 per claim limit on mine now my car's over five years old. Which seemed harsh. Still, only £275 for the year, unlimited claims, so perhaps it's still worth it.
>> Edited by Marshy on Tuesday 30th July 22:35
Be careful on the warranty holdings £500 claim limit, it's only for the engine /gearbox, anything else has £100 limit I think, so you'll have to make 3 claims of £100 in one year to be ahead. My view was that £500 wouldn't fix the engine /gearbox anyhow so I may as well save the warranty cost, to put towards any expense. Also you have to remember the old 'wear and tear' argunment will get more use as the car gets older.
>> Edited by SMB on Wednesday 31st July 10:45
>> Edited by SMB on Wednesday 31st July 10:45
In all fairness if the worst that going to happen is a new cam then I've no worries at all.
I don't have a disposal 3k for an engine rebuild thats all.
As for me being a wuss I used to drive the Mazda top down all weathers (obviously didn't aim to go out in the rain but if it happened mid journey then ce la vie). Used to get some funny looks though.
Found the best way to deal with this was smiling at them and waving I think folk just found me clearly somewhat imbalanced as they most often waved back
I've also had that out top down in the snow too
Dave
I don't have a disposal 3k for an engine rebuild thats all.
As for me being a wuss
I used to drive the Mazda top down all weathers (obviously didn't aim to go out in the rain but if it happened mid journey then ce la vie). Used to get some funny looks though. Found the best way to deal with this was smiling at them and waving I think folk just found me clearly somewhat imbalanced as they most often waved back
I've also had that out top down in the snow too
Dave
Dave, never mind the differences between the "Zoom-Zoom-Zoom" MX5 and the TVR, the similarities are obvious, they both have four wheels
Use your TVR regularly, treat it with respect and enjoy everything else
The Rover V8 sounds very mechanical when cold...this is normal. Being of low viscosity at start-up temperatures, Mobil 1 makes the engine sound a bit rattly when cold...it soons smooths out.
My simple rules
are: -
Before using the car, check oil, water and tyres.
Don't overfill the oil.
Only use distilled water and antifreeze in the cooling system.
Keep the engine clean.
Warm-up the engine gently, keeping revs below 2,500 and don't labour it either.
Treat the gearbox with respect, don't rush changes or crash into reverse gear.
Never allow the engine to overheat.
Allow the engine to cool down a bit before turning off.
Leave the bonnet open if you are parking in a garage.
Identify and rectify any faults immediately.
The Rover V8 is simple and old fashioned. It is easily tuned and treated right, remarkably strong. TVR do use quality components when the Rover V8 is re-worked, just treat them right and they will give excellent service
Finally, think of your TVR as a low cost, relatively poorly built super car and it suddenly looks like incredible value for money...go and enjoy it
Use your TVR regularly, treat it with respect and enjoy everything else
The Rover V8 sounds very mechanical when cold...this is normal. Being of low viscosity at start-up temperatures, Mobil 1 makes the engine sound a bit rattly when cold...it soons smooths out.
My simple rules
are: - Before using the car, check oil, water and tyres.
Don't overfill the oil.
Only use distilled water and antifreeze in the cooling system.
Keep the engine clean.
Warm-up the engine gently, keeping revs below 2,500 and don't labour it either.
Treat the gearbox with respect, don't rush changes or crash into reverse gear.
Never allow the engine to overheat.
Allow the engine to cool down a bit before turning off.
Leave the bonnet open if you are parking in a garage.
Identify and rectify any faults immediately.
The Rover V8 is simple and old fashioned. It is easily tuned and treated right, remarkably strong. TVR do use quality components when the Rover V8 is re-worked, just treat them right and they will give excellent service
Finally, think of your TVR as a low cost, relatively poorly built super car and it suddenly looks like incredible value for money...go and enjoy it
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff