Advice for a dreamer.....
Discussion
Hi,
I know you have probably all been asked this a million times but as the search function is down and my employer frowns on me spending the day clicking through the 900 or pages of topics I thought I'd ask again.
Its a question to do with...wait for it....running costs! (surprise surprise, please stop cursing at me)
I have been looking to buy an ex-demo vauxhall astra VXR....but then it occurred to me to look into the whole TVR thing (drools at the thought...). I'm only 23 but I've checked the whole insurance nightmare out and been quoted an entirely reasonable (I think) £1300 for a 9000 mile a year policy.
The running costs scare me though, I'm not too concerned about the fuel bill as I only do about 7000 miles a year but as this would be my everyday car I am worried that i'd be faced for bills of many thousands of pounds. Which I can't really afford!
I was thinking of spending about 13-15k and getting a 1998ish chimaera 4.0(?) to run for the next three years or so. My daily commute is all of five-ten minutes through town, then at each weekend I generally cover a couple of hundred miles seeing friends, family and the boss (she is lovely really).
Now for the questions....
I saw that servicing is in the region of 300 - 500 a year, but is this what I am likely to actually pay or I am talking 1-2k in reality or worse? do I really need to use a TVR specialist for what is basically a rover v8?
Any major costs I should be aware of when running a car over three years from say 30k - 60k?
As I can walk to work if need be, would the tvr be reliable 95-99% of the time and would it make a suitable daily driver? (I expect niggles but don't want to start rebuilding engines etc!)
Basically would you recommend a 23 year old dreamer with spare money each month (but by no means a huge amount!) to purchase a chim 4.0 as a daily driver or should I stick with the (I'm assuming) cheaper VXR? If so am I better off buying privately or through a dealer, and is low milage better or a 50k car thats been used more often?
Basically, I love the thought of owning the tvr and don't want to give it up after a few months having discovered I can't afford it.
So, apologies again for all the questions you have no doubt answered a million times but any advice is much appreciated.
David.
I know you have probably all been asked this a million times but as the search function is down and my employer frowns on me spending the day clicking through the 900 or pages of topics I thought I'd ask again.
Its a question to do with...wait for it....running costs! (surprise surprise, please stop cursing at me)
I have been looking to buy an ex-demo vauxhall astra VXR....but then it occurred to me to look into the whole TVR thing (drools at the thought...). I'm only 23 but I've checked the whole insurance nightmare out and been quoted an entirely reasonable (I think) £1300 for a 9000 mile a year policy.
The running costs scare me though, I'm not too concerned about the fuel bill as I only do about 7000 miles a year but as this would be my everyday car I am worried that i'd be faced for bills of many thousands of pounds. Which I can't really afford!
I was thinking of spending about 13-15k and getting a 1998ish chimaera 4.0(?) to run for the next three years or so. My daily commute is all of five-ten minutes through town, then at each weekend I generally cover a couple of hundred miles seeing friends, family and the boss (she is lovely really).
Now for the questions....
I saw that servicing is in the region of 300 - 500 a year, but is this what I am likely to actually pay or I am talking 1-2k in reality or worse? do I really need to use a TVR specialist for what is basically a rover v8?
Any major costs I should be aware of when running a car over three years from say 30k - 60k?
As I can walk to work if need be, would the tvr be reliable 95-99% of the time and would it make a suitable daily driver? (I expect niggles but don't want to start rebuilding engines etc!)
Basically would you recommend a 23 year old dreamer with spare money each month (but by no means a huge amount!) to purchase a chim 4.0 as a daily driver or should I stick with the (I'm assuming) cheaper VXR? If so am I better off buying privately or through a dealer, and is low milage better or a 50k car thats been used more often?
Basically, I love the thought of owning the tvr and don't want to give it up after a few months having discovered I can't afford it.
So, apologies again for all the questions you have no doubt answered a million times but any advice is much appreciated.
David.
Although not a chim owner but have a TVR I would suggest you get out there and drive a few to get the feel for the car and the differences. Once your happy its the car for you (which you will be
) I'd get Rob Ingelby on board to source one for you. He will get you the best car on the market for your budget. he also know all the problems and will avoid the 'dogs' for you.
He's well thought of on here and a must for any 'newby TVR owner
The other guy to chat to would be James Agger and indie with years of experience.
Search on the forums and you'll find their contact numbers.
Hope this helps
) I'd get Rob Ingelby on board to source one for you. He will get you the best car on the market for your budget. he also know all the problems and will avoid the 'dogs' for you. He's well thought of on here and a must for any 'newby TVR owner
The other guy to chat to would be James Agger and indie with years of experience.
Search on the forums and you'll find their contact numbers.
Hope this helps
Iddingtons said:
I saw that servicing is in the region of 300 - 500 a year, but is this what I am likely to actually pay or I am talking 1-2k in reality or worse? do I really need to use a TVR specialist for what is basically a rover v8?
Servicing is in the region of £300-£500 per service not PA. Chims need servicing every 6k or 12mths whichever comes first. Some people are lucky and only need pay the service cost - others often have to pay for addtional items etc. A TVR specialist will also know what other areas of the car to look at - chassis set-up, pressures, electrics etc. Also when it comes to time to sell a stamped up service book by a reputable well known indie/dealer will be very helpful.
Iddingtons said:
Any major costs I should be aware of when running a car over three years from say 30k - 60k?
Gen wear and tear really - make sure the car is looked after and servcied on time and it should look after you. Tyres are around £100-£130 per corner, clutches etc can go, cams can also start to wear around these mileages.
Iddingtons said:
As I can walk to work if need be, would the tvr be reliable 95-99% of the time and would it make a suitable daily driver? (I expect niggles but don't want to start rebuilding engines etc!)
Many on here use theirs as a daily drive - in fact the more they're used the more reliable they tend to be. Battery drain is a big issue so regular use really helps here. Just make sure fluids etc are checked regularly (at least once a week)
Iddingtons said:
Basically would you recommend a 23 year old dreamer with spare money each month (but by no means a huge amount!) to purchase a chim 4.0 as a daily driver or should I stick with the (I'm assuming) cheaper VXR? If so am I better off buying privately or through a dealer, and is low milage better or a 50k car thats been used more often?
Yes!! I bought mine last year (I'm 30 now) and love it to bits!! You'll probably get a better deal privately though if your not sure what you're looking at get a local garage to inspect it for you. James Agger I would also thoroughly recommend for inspection and also sales. For 13k you should get a mint 98/99 Chim with around 20-30k on the clock.
Iddingtons said:
Basically, I love the thought of owning the tvr and don't want to give it up after a few months having discovered I can't afford it.
So, apologies again for all the questions you have no doubt answered a million times but any advice is much appreciated.
David.
Just make sure you save a grand or so per year for additional items (not normal servicing) - this may/may not be used but is good to have as back up.
Phil Dicky said:
I'd get Rob Ingelby on board to source one for you. He will get you the best car on the market for your budget.
If you're thinking of using him please PM me first!
Things not all they used to be with Mr Ingelby ??
I'm just offering my views!
This looks tailer made for you............
www.jamesagger.com/used_cars/stocklistgallery.asp?id=115
Had my 4.0 since I was about 26 and every time I think about changing there's nothing that can tempt me that I can afford
During my ownership it's been a weekend toy that sat outside all day, it's been an everyday driver, and it's now a weekend toy garage queen, and I don't think any one phase has been more expensive than another.
It does cost a fair bit to run, a lot more than an Astra is going to cost, but if you do get tempted by something else in a few years you'll not have lost as much as on the Astra so that offsets the running costs
My advice would be do it, you only live once, you may as well enjoy it.
www.jamesagger.com/used_cars/stocklistgallery.asp?id=115
Had my 4.0 since I was about 26 and every time I think about changing there's nothing that can tempt me that I can afford
During my ownership it's been a weekend toy that sat outside all day, it's been an everyday driver, and it's now a weekend toy garage queen, and I don't think any one phase has been more expensive than another.
It does cost a fair bit to run, a lot more than an Astra is going to cost, but if you do get tempted by something else in a few years you'll not have lost as much as on the Astra so that offsets the running costs
My advice would be do it, you only live once, you may as well enjoy it.
Hi David
Here's my take FWIW
If you enjoy, and are able to diagnose and repair "most" faults on a car, then go for the Chimaera. You won't regret it and you'll have far more fun than you could ever dream of driving around in a Astr*.
If however you are mechanically challenged, you're going to need very deep pockets to fund the trips to the mechanic
I've had my Griff 8 months, I love it to bits, and you'd have to kill me to get it out of my ownership, but never in all the time that I've owned cars, which has got to be 30+ years, have I spent so much time working on one.
NOTHING major has gone wrong, it's all small things, but if I'd have had to take it to a garage every time, I'd be broke by now
I'll give you a few examples
Last weekend the stepper motor was knackered. (new one from eBay) I took the car for a run and noticed a pin hole in the bottom hose, luckily I was less than a mile from home, so no damage done. But I only noticed it because I was under the bonnet trying to get the engine to idle
I bought 2 new hoses (thanks tvrcarparts.com) and fitted them. Even thats not like a normal car, as they have to be trimmed to the correct size. Not a problem , just trial and error. I couldn't just copy the old ones, as they had been fitted badly and the reason the hose split was because it was running too close to the exhaust manifold.
Both driving lights are cracked and need replacing, (replacements on the way) the drivers side head light needs re-sealing.
The radiator developed a leak a couple of months after I bought the car so needed replacing.
The battery died and needed replacing
The O/S/F spring seat somehow wound itself down and needed resetting.
The O/S/F top rear wishbone bush melted and needed replacing
The drivers side speaker grill fell off
The fuel gauge stopped working
I could go on but I think you get the point
All of the above only cost me parts and so has come to around £450. As you can see its not a lot, money wise, but if I'd have had to pay for labour, and wait to get the car booked in every time, I'd probably be less than happy and a good deal poorer.
TBH, at your age I wouldn't have even considered what would happen if the car I had went wrong, I'd have just bought it and dealt with any problems IF they arose at a later date.
So go on get the Chimaera, you only live once
Here's my take FWIW
If you enjoy, and are able to diagnose and repair "most" faults on a car, then go for the Chimaera. You won't regret it and you'll have far more fun than you could ever dream of driving around in a Astr*.
If however you are mechanically challenged, you're going to need very deep pockets to fund the trips to the mechanic
I've had my Griff 8 months, I love it to bits, and you'd have to kill me to get it out of my ownership, but never in all the time that I've owned cars, which has got to be 30+ years, have I spent so much time working on one.
NOTHING major has gone wrong, it's all small things, but if I'd have had to take it to a garage every time, I'd be broke by now
I'll give you a few examples
Last weekend the stepper motor was knackered. (new one from eBay) I took the car for a run and noticed a pin hole in the bottom hose, luckily I was less than a mile from home, so no damage done. But I only noticed it because I was under the bonnet trying to get the engine to idle
I bought 2 new hoses (thanks tvrcarparts.com) and fitted them. Even thats not like a normal car, as they have to be trimmed to the correct size. Not a problem , just trial and error. I couldn't just copy the old ones, as they had been fitted badly and the reason the hose split was because it was running too close to the exhaust manifold.
Both driving lights are cracked and need replacing, (replacements on the way) the drivers side head light needs re-sealing.
The radiator developed a leak a couple of months after I bought the car so needed replacing.
The battery died and needed replacing
The O/S/F spring seat somehow wound itself down and needed resetting.
The O/S/F top rear wishbone bush melted and needed replacing
The drivers side speaker grill fell off
The fuel gauge stopped working
I could go on but I think you get the point
All of the above only cost me parts and so has come to around £450. As you can see its not a lot, money wise, but if I'd have had to pay for labour, and wait to get the car booked in every time, I'd probably be less than happy and a good deal poorer.
TBH, at your age I wouldn't have even considered what would happen if the car I had went wrong, I'd have just bought it and dealt with any problems IF they arose at a later date.
So go on get the Chimaera, you only live once
We use our high milage (97k miles now!!) Griffith as a daily drive. Nothing much wrong with it apart from the original exhaust manifolds are beginning to crack (this makes it run a bit lumpily 
) and there is a small leak I've not yet found that lets the rain in from time to time. The car lives outside, so it's not surprising.
The major non-service expenses in the last year have been a new radiator, a new ignition amplifer and replacing a few bushes in the suspension (I just replaced all of them with poly bushes - I don't like to mess about if I don't have to) Cost was somewhere around £500 in parts.
As everyone says, keep a pot of cash for those unforseen expenses. Some years you win, some you lose. I'm about to lose this year, as I want a set of ACT exhaust manifolds.
Servicing is pretty easy and parts are quite cheap in the main. DIY service/repairs are a possibility if you're that way inclined, however when it comes to selling it a good service history from respected places (including independants) counts for a LOT. I tend to do the easy bits myself, but let Dave Batty have a look once a year or so.
Insurance isn't too bad. I'm paying half of what my Impreza STi costs.
>> Edited by dnb on Thursday 30th March 11:36
) and there is a small leak I've not yet found that lets the rain in from time to time. The car lives outside, so it's not surprising. The major non-service expenses in the last year have been a new radiator, a new ignition amplifer and replacing a few bushes in the suspension (I just replaced all of them with poly bushes - I don't like to mess about if I don't have to) Cost was somewhere around £500 in parts.
As everyone says, keep a pot of cash for those unforseen expenses. Some years you win, some you lose. I'm about to lose this year, as I want a set of ACT exhaust manifolds.
Servicing is pretty easy and parts are quite cheap in the main. DIY service/repairs are a possibility if you're that way inclined, however when it comes to selling it a good service history from respected places (including independants) counts for a LOT. I tend to do the easy bits myself, but let Dave Batty have a look once a year or so.
Insurance isn't too bad. I'm paying half of what my Impreza STi costs.
>> Edited by dnb on Thursday 30th March 11:36
Just bought a Chim 4.0 a few months ago. I'm 24.
I had a TVR 3000M Turbo at 21/22 so I have some TVR experience. It is a love hate relationship - hoping its more love..
Not sure of the running cost of the Chim yet.
Bought it privately saving on the purchase to have in my pocket to pay for any possible probs... There were a few small things to sort out but I budgeted on this in the price, had a good look round and bought the best serviced, well looked after- if you're new to TVR's maybe get some advice...
I dont use it every day but I would advise preparing for the worst in servicing costs or at least be aware that it can cost more...Also depends on what you're prepared to live with (ie niggles) or whether you're a perfectionist and need it 100% all of the time
I'm not too sure its suited to town driving though....
My insurance was about £780 with 6pts(in last 5 yrs)ltd to 5000 miles
Life is short, buy a Chim and a bicycle!
>> Edited by TimmyArt on Thursday 30th March 17:42
I had a TVR 3000M Turbo at 21/22 so I have some TVR experience. It is a love hate relationship - hoping its more love..
Not sure of the running cost of the Chim yet.
Bought it privately saving on the purchase to have in my pocket to pay for any possible probs... There were a few small things to sort out but I budgeted on this in the price, had a good look round and bought the best serviced, well looked after- if you're new to TVR's maybe get some advice...
I dont use it every day but I would advise preparing for the worst in servicing costs or at least be aware that it can cost more...Also depends on what you're prepared to live with (ie niggles) or whether you're a perfectionist and need it 100% all of the time
I'm not too sure its suited to town driving though....
My insurance was about £780 with 6pts(in last 5 yrs)ltd to 5000 miles
Life is short, buy a Chim and a bicycle!
>> Edited by TimmyArt on Thursday 30th March 17:42
I have posted extensively on this subject of young guys dreaming about TVRs and other high performance cars and there are two sides to the coin:
1. The sensible Arguemant
Yes, you may want a nice fast flash car to show off to the girlies in, and on paper the TVR fits the bill, but cars aren't exactly the best investment or use of money. If you're not moved out then possibly you may be better off moving out, after all unless your parents are happy with you bringing girls back then it can be pretty difficult. The TVR itself. They are not cheap to run, the tiniest sound can result in a large expense. The fuel is not cheap either. You can go off other prople's comments but your experience will never be the same. When I fist started with my Griff I was getting 31mpg on a run, now I get around 25 (my right foot has increased in weight). The same goes for maintainenece. If you are mechanically savvy then you can do a lot of the work yourself. Also if you have the time. When the car is essential to get you to work and it doesn't work in the morning you could be in trouble. Also being a TVR, parts are not the quickest to get hold of, so ressurecting your car is not a days job, most of the time. This has affected a friend of mine quite badly and because his car has broken down and left him stranded he is basically facing losing his job. As you are young, £1300 is a hell of a lot of insurance to pay. Espeically if you go over the 9000 mile limit. You could eaisly justify a small runaround car for that or a cheaper, more modern car for the whole lot. Also yes some people do drive TVRs in all weathers, I did 20 000 miles in my S3 in the North East for 2 years, with some discomfort but not entirely bad. I remember many days sitting in the car, with around 6 layers on and gloves just trying to get to work, but also glorious days of roof off into work. But i got caught in torrential rain this weekend past, and when coming up the bypass and a fair rate, going very carefully I was losing traction and spinning the wheels at every point (whilst trying to make ground on a 3.2 TT). Also last night I needed to take the Gf to the shops, halfway there the heavens opened. Within minutes I couldn't see out of any window or screen, not to mention the diabolical performance of the two candles in front of me. So ask yourself? Can you live with the car? Through the bad times? Should you realistically be spending the money on something a bit more important? Can you wait the 2 years until you are 25 and your insurance will drop?
Those who know me quite well on here will be screaming Hipocryte!!!
But wait.
The Pro TVR Arguement
You say you are a dreamer. Ever since I saw a picture of a Griffith when I was small I have wanted one. My sole aim when finishing Uni was get a job I liked and a car I liked. Why? I didn't want to be middle aged and settled when I got a chance to buy a nice car (no offence to all you old duffers) There are certain things that you can do when you are young that will just get frowned up on or be palin sad when you are 50. I won't embarrass anybody by saying what they are Also it is good to do things while you are young. I remember heading down to the Coast in the North East with Minimax, me in the TVR him in his Ginetta, in the summer, grabbing some food and chilling out by the cars on the beach, then heading off into town for a night out. Happy days I will remember ( well the part where I was sober) for the rest of my life, especially both of us dropping a gear and screaming pas a 350Z on the Coast Road.
I bought my first TVR when I was 21 and then my Griffith when I was 23. But to do it I had moved back home with my parents. I twas different for me as I had moved 300 miles South and my parents have a lot of space. But now I feel it is time to move on and I am facing the prospect of possibly having to sell the Griff for a number of reasons. First money. Also in the past when things went wrong with any of my cars I had plenty of time to fix them, now days I hardly get time to eat, so fixing them, espeically diagnosing what the problem is and then working out how to fix it is difficult to find time to do. This means I have to pay for it, hence more expense. Also as the car will be stored away from where I will be living, getting to it will be difficult, will I drive it enough to justify it?
But sometimes you have to grab life by the balls and do what makes you happy. There is nothing like driving in a Convoy of TVRs and Sports cars knowing that you aren't the odd one out in the Metro or such like. When it is dry the fun that can be had by dropping a cog and going when being harrassed by a beemner or Merc CLK brings a grin like nothing else.
But the prospect of having to sell the car is a big downer. I have always wanted to own an Elise, but after trying a std. Mk1 I found it really lacking in power, so much that the superb handling and precision of the car didn't make up for it.
I'm 24 now facing the downward slide towards 30 as I'm 25 in a few months but also the prospect of cheaper insurance, which will save me money, so things to be seen. Do I regret TVRs? No. Possibly I think I should have stuck with my S sometime. Would I do it again. Yes. Would I like to have traveled or own a flat? Yes Have I? No. But I can own the car anytime. It's all swings and roundabouts really. But when I was buying my Griffith someone said to me
"You should be thinking of buying a house and getting some solid foundations to live in."
I replield:
"You can live in a car, but you can't race a house."
But as with TVRs, no two person's lives are the same. What applies/applied to me may not to you. A good friend who did the same as me, has had many problems with his TVR, which has cost him a lot of money and may now cause him to lose his job.
This probably doesn't help you so I'll shut up now.
Chris
1. The sensible Arguemant
Yes, you may want a nice fast flash car to show off to the girlies in, and on paper the TVR fits the bill, but cars aren't exactly the best investment or use of money. If you're not moved out then possibly you may be better off moving out, after all unless your parents are happy with you bringing girls back then it can be pretty difficult. The TVR itself. They are not cheap to run, the tiniest sound can result in a large expense. The fuel is not cheap either. You can go off other prople's comments but your experience will never be the same. When I fist started with my Griff I was getting 31mpg on a run, now I get around 25 (my right foot has increased in weight
). The same goes for maintainenece. If you are mechanically savvy then you can do a lot of the work yourself. Also if you have the time. When the car is essential to get you to work and it doesn't work in the morning you could be in trouble. Also being a TVR, parts are not the quickest to get hold of, so ressurecting your car is not a days job, most of the time. This has affected a friend of mine quite badly and because his car has broken down and left him stranded he is basically facing losing his job. As you are young, £1300 is a hell of a lot of insurance to pay. Espeically if you go over the 9000 mile limit. You could eaisly justify a small runaround car for that or a cheaper, more modern car for the whole lot. Also yes some people do drive TVRs in all weathers, I did 20 000 miles in my S3 in the North East for 2 years, with some discomfort but not entirely bad. I remember many days sitting in the car, with around 6 layers on and gloves just trying to get to work, but also glorious days of roof off into work. But i got caught in torrential rain this weekend past, and when coming up the bypass and a fair rate, going very carefully I was losing traction and spinning the wheels at every point (whilst trying to make ground on a 3.2 TT). Also last night I needed to take the Gf to the shops, halfway there the heavens opened. Within minutes I couldn't see out of any window or screen, not to mention the diabolical performance of the two candles in front of me. So ask yourself? Can you live with the car? Through the bad times? Should you realistically be spending the money on something a bit more important? Can you wait the 2 years until you are 25 and your insurance will drop? Those who know me quite well on here will be screaming Hipocryte!!!
But wait.
The Pro TVR Arguement
You say you are a dreamer. Ever since I saw a picture of a Griffith when I was small I have wanted one. My sole aim when finishing Uni was get a job I liked and a car I liked. Why? I didn't want to be middle aged and settled when I got a chance to buy a nice car (no offence to all you old duffers
) There are certain things that you can do when you are young that will just get frowned up on or be palin sad when you are 50. I won't embarrass anybody by saying what they are Also it is good to do things while you are young. I remember heading down to the Coast in the North East with Minimax, me in the TVR him in his Ginetta, in the summer, grabbing some food and chilling out by the cars on the beach, then heading off into town for a night out. Happy days I will remember ( well the part where I was sober) for the rest of my life, especially both of us dropping a gear and screaming pas a 350Z on the Coast Road. I bought my first TVR when I was 21 and then my Griffith when I was 23. But to do it I had moved back home with my parents. I twas different for me as I had moved 300 miles South and my parents have a lot of space. But now I feel it is time to move on and I am facing the prospect of possibly having to sell the Griff for a number of reasons. First money. Also in the past when things went wrong with any of my cars I had plenty of time to fix them, now days I hardly get time to eat, so fixing them, espeically diagnosing what the problem is and then working out how to fix it is difficult to find time to do. This means I have to pay for it, hence more expense. Also as the car will be stored away from where I will be living, getting to it will be difficult, will I drive it enough to justify it?
But sometimes you have to grab life by the balls and do what makes you happy. There is nothing like driving in a Convoy of TVRs and Sports cars knowing that you aren't the odd one out in the Metro or such like. When it is dry the fun that can be had by dropping a cog and going when being harrassed by a beemner or Merc CLK brings a grin like nothing else.
But the prospect of having to sell the car is a big downer.
I have always wanted to own an Elise, but after trying a std. Mk1 I found it really lacking in power, so much that the superb handling and precision of the car didn't make up for it. I'm 24 now facing the downward slide towards 30
as I'm 25 in a few months but also the prospect of cheaper insurance, which will save me money, so things to be seen. Do I regret TVRs? No. Possibly I think I should have stuck with my S sometime. Would I do it again. Yes. Would I like to have traveled or own a flat? Yes Have I? No. But I can own the car anytime. It's all swings and roundabouts really. But when I was buying my Griffith someone said to me "You should be thinking of buying a house and getting some solid foundations to live in."
I replield:
"You can live in a car, but you can't race a house."
But as with TVRs, no two person's lives are the same. What applies/applied to me may not to you. A good friend who did the same as me, has had many problems with his TVR, which has cost him a lot of money and may now cause him to lose his job.
This probably doesn't help you so I'll shut up now.
Chris
Hi again,
Thank you for all the advice. To answer a few of your queries:
geoffvalenti, I don't mind doing some bits myself and am not a perfectionist, niggles will annoy but its the driving I'm interested in. If it runs/drives I'm happy. The bigger jobs I would leave to the garage but hoses, light replacements etc I would be happy to do myself.
Also, I already have my own house and so don't need the money for that, I have house mates to cover those bills!
I'm not after one as a flash car either, I want it as a drivers car. Something to enjoy and not pose in...and my girl friend would kill me if she thought I was trying to pull women in it!
Wildfire, I think I am fairly similiar to you in that I think that while I am young and have no real need for back seats or ultra reliability I would like to own a sports car and enjoy life. I'm currently doing a PhD in Engineering and want something to have fun in for the next three years before I enter the real world and have too many major commitments like those 'things' that wear nappies.
I just don't want a bill for £4000 landing on my lap!
The general view seems to be go for it, though maybe this is a slightly biassed place to be asking...
Please though, the more experiences I hear of people buying a tvr in a similiar situation to myself (both good and bad) the happier I will be about my decision as to what I should buy!
Thank you for all the advice. To answer a few of your queries:
geoffvalenti, I don't mind doing some bits myself and am not a perfectionist, niggles will annoy but its the driving I'm interested in. If it runs/drives I'm happy. The bigger jobs I would leave to the garage but hoses, light replacements etc I would be happy to do myself.
Also, I already have my own house and so don't need the money for that, I have house mates to cover those bills!
I'm not after one as a flash car either, I want it as a drivers car. Something to enjoy and not pose in...and my girl friend would kill me if she thought I was trying to pull women in it!
Wildfire, I think I am fairly similiar to you in that I think that while I am young and have no real need for back seats or ultra reliability I would like to own a sports car and enjoy life. I'm currently doing a PhD in Engineering and want something to have fun in for the next three years before I enter the real world and have too many major commitments like those 'things' that wear nappies.
I just don't want a bill for £4000 landing on my lap!
The general view seems to be go for it, though maybe this is a slightly biassed place to be asking...
Please though, the more experiences I hear of people buying a tvr in a similiar situation to myself (both good and bad) the happier I will be about my decision as to what I should buy!
I'm 25 and I've had my Chim 500 for a few months now. I opted to pay slightly more to a dealer for a car with a warranty, this means that I don't have to worry about random £4k bills or getting through the next MOT. I think this is a wise step if it's your first TVR. In terms of running costs I seem to get between 22 and 28 mpg which is fine as my mileage is pretty low. So after that and insurance the only costs I'm looking at are some tyres in the next few thousand miles.
In terms of reliability, the warranty / recovery which I got with the car protect against the major problems and as long as you have some technical skills you'll get through the rest. The way I see it is that the RV8 is fundamentally a proven, sound engine as long as you look after it.
Mine is outside (well partly under a car-port, depending on how my GF parks). I use a light-weight, breathable cover and it's fine).
So I'd recommend:
- Check out the buyer's guide at ChimaeraPages (shameless plug)
- Buy a car from a respected dealer with FSH and a warranty (check the chassis!)
- Buy a cover, I got mine from Hamilton Classic.
- Set aside a grand for unexpected costs at the next service (after the warranty period)
- Enjoy (but take care in the wet)
>> Edited by theaxe on Thursday 30th March 13:06
In terms of reliability, the warranty / recovery which I got with the car protect against the major problems and as long as you have some technical skills you'll get through the rest. The way I see it is that the RV8 is fundamentally a proven, sound engine as long as you look after it.
Mine is outside (well partly under a car-port, depending on how my GF parks). I use a light-weight, breathable cover and it's fine).
So I'd recommend:
- Check out the buyer's guide at ChimaeraPages (shameless plug)
- Buy a car from a respected dealer with FSH and a warranty (check the chassis!)
- Buy a cover, I got mine from Hamilton Classic.
- Set aside a grand for unexpected costs at the next service (after the warranty period)
- Enjoy (but take care in the wet)
>> Edited by theaxe on Thursday 30th March 13:06
well, actually its my parents who are in lincs. A little village near Lincoln itself.
I live in Loughborough (leics) but am in lincs so often I still think of it as home!
Thinking about it my bedroom is above where the car will be....so owning a tvr may stop me sleeping as everytime I hear a noise I'll be peaking out the curtain to check on 'her'...which may mean jail for being falsely accused of being a peeping tom and thus reduced mileage/running costs!...its been a long day.
I live in Loughborough (leics) but am in lincs so often I still think of it as home!
Thinking about it my bedroom is above where the car will be....so owning a tvr may stop me sleeping as everytime I hear a noise I'll be peaking out the curtain to check on 'her'...which may mean jail for being falsely accused of being a peeping tom and thus reduced mileage/running costs!...its been a long day.
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