Popping my TVR cherry... hopefully soon
Discussion
To all TVR’s enthusiasts, connaisseurs and fanatics. I am planning on entering the TVR World anytime early next year. I now need more information on a car which creates as much pros and cons, so here goes.
1997, I was living in France, passed my license a year before and a friend and I decided to go have a look at the Paris motor show. This was my very first contact with TVR and what a car ! I think the importer at the time was a man called Guy Savoye and he did take the time to show us round this magnificient Speed 12… even though he knew very well we weren’t going to buy it. I still have the pictures.
Fast forward to 11/2006. Finances are sorted, I know roughly what the insurance will be, the garage has been cleaned and painted and after a good look at various picture and live models I have decided that the car I really want to fill it with is going to be either a Tamora or a Cerbera.
But which one ? I am not a skilled mechanics, I know my way round an engine and other bits and pieces and although I enjoy getting my hands dirty, I don’t want to spend every week end mending it, not by laziness but mainly because I want to be driving it (also I wouldn’t like the experience to turn sour because it makes me throw a lot of hard earned away). The real question is: How reliable a TVR (either of these models) really is? And is there one which is sturdier than the other?
Or is it just a case of being lucky and finding the one which doesn’t break down.
I guess, the real problem here is to find the right balance between enjoyment and frustration… And I know frustration can be a killer.
I know that a lot of people here will be biased, fair enough, we always fight for what we love. But do bear in mind that I am very close to get one and that nothing else will do ! To be honest if I am put off for some reason, I won’t even be looking anywhere else… I might even buy one anyway… just to make sure.
To summarize: I want one, I don’t know which. How often is it going to leave me stranded, if it does at all. And which should I go for?
Thanks guys. Sorry for the long post.
1997, I was living in France, passed my license a year before and a friend and I decided to go have a look at the Paris motor show. This was my very first contact with TVR and what a car ! I think the importer at the time was a man called Guy Savoye and he did take the time to show us round this magnificient Speed 12… even though he knew very well we weren’t going to buy it. I still have the pictures.
Fast forward to 11/2006. Finances are sorted, I know roughly what the insurance will be, the garage has been cleaned and painted and after a good look at various picture and live models I have decided that the car I really want to fill it with is going to be either a Tamora or a Cerbera.
But which one ? I am not a skilled mechanics, I know my way round an engine and other bits and pieces and although I enjoy getting my hands dirty, I don’t want to spend every week end mending it, not by laziness but mainly because I want to be driving it (also I wouldn’t like the experience to turn sour because it makes me throw a lot of hard earned away). The real question is: How reliable a TVR (either of these models) really is? And is there one which is sturdier than the other?
Or is it just a case of being lucky and finding the one which doesn’t break down.
I guess, the real problem here is to find the right balance between enjoyment and frustration… And I know frustration can be a killer.
I know that a lot of people here will be biased, fair enough, we always fight for what we love. But do bear in mind that I am very close to get one and that nothing else will do ! To be honest if I am put off for some reason, I won’t even be looking anywhere else… I might even buy one anyway… just to make sure.
To summarize: I want one, I don’t know which. How often is it going to leave me stranded, if it does at all. And which should I go for?
Thanks guys. Sorry for the long post.
Go with your heart on this one.
No matter which manufacturer, let alone TVR type, you get good and bad ones.
As long as you take your time to look at a few, make sure you pick a well looked after car with a good history.
Sure, you may get some problems. But you may also get a gem of a car that doesn't let you down at all.
There's no crystal ball in selecting a TVR. You sound like you have the right attitude. If your heart says Tamora, then go after one. Likewise for a Cerbera. Either way, you'll end up with a fantastic car unless you're really, really unlucky.
People get struck by lightning. That's unlucky - but you'll never predict it!
No matter which manufacturer, let alone TVR type, you get good and bad ones.
As long as you take your time to look at a few, make sure you pick a well looked after car with a good history.
Sure, you may get some problems. But you may also get a gem of a car that doesn't let you down at all.
There's no crystal ball in selecting a TVR. You sound like you have the right attitude. If your heart says Tamora, then go after one. Likewise for a Cerbera. Either way, you'll end up with a fantastic car unless you're really, really unlucky.
People get struck by lightning. That's unlucky - but you'll never predict it!
lazyitus said:
Go with your heart on this one.
No matter which manufacturer, let alone TVR type, you get good and bad ones.
As long as you take your time to look at a few, make sure you pick a well looked after car with a good history.
Sure, you may get some problems. But you may also get a gem of a car that doesn't let you down at all.
There's no crystal ball in selecting a TVR. You sound like you have the right attitude. If your heart says Tamora, then go after one. Likewise for a Cerbera. Either way, you'll end up with a fantastic car unless you're really, really unlucky.
People get struck by lightning. That's unlucky - but you'll never predict it!
No matter which manufacturer, let alone TVR type, you get good and bad ones.
As long as you take your time to look at a few, make sure you pick a well looked after car with a good history.
Sure, you may get some problems. But you may also get a gem of a car that doesn't let you down at all.
There's no crystal ball in selecting a TVR. You sound like you have the right attitude. If your heart says Tamora, then go after one. Likewise for a Cerbera. Either way, you'll end up with a fantastic car unless you're really, really unlucky.
People get struck by lightning. That's unlucky - but you'll never predict it!
I agree. JDI and start grinning
On reliability, can't comment on the Cerbera but if you look at threads relating to the Tamora most of the issues appear to have been well sorted. More positive threads than negative ones.
Hard decission to make!
Something to think about is the extra seats (if you can call them that) in the back of a Cerb, that swayed my choice a little over any other TVR. Even though I don't need them on a day to day basis there are times when they are handy, and great for scaring your mates when they are all cramped up inside!!
From my experience you don't have to be lucky, but you do need to choose carefully, history counts for everything! I had loads of history with mine and could see it had been well looked after. In 7 months ownership it's had approx 4 weeks off the road (including M.O.T / Servicing).
Something to think about is the extra seats (if you can call them that) in the back of a Cerb, that swayed my choice a little over any other TVR. Even though I don't need them on a day to day basis there are times when they are handy, and great for scaring your mates when they are all cramped up inside!!
From my experience you don't have to be lucky, but you do need to choose carefully, history counts for everything! I had loads of history with mine and could see it had been well looked after. In 7 months ownership it's had approx 4 weeks off the road (including M.O.T / Servicing).
Get a tuscan... ha! ha!
TVRs are great I'm relatively new to them but have been completely bitten by the bug. If you like this sort of car, nothing else will do. I've had a tamora and it is an excellent car but then again I've always wanted a cerbera - they certainly have more of a bad boy image. Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you want a convertible. After 18 months of Sagaris ownership I decided I did want a convertible. Hard tops are cooler to look at but nothing beats a convertible to be in.
If you are worried about reliability I'd buy a cheap well used car, ideally one with engine problems at a big discount. Then throw the money you saved getting the engine rebuilt by one of the specialists. Chances are it will work better than a recently factory rebuilt car in the long run. I can't speak from personal experience as I've done the opposite! but I do believe the specialists are very good at what they do and thoroughly understand the engines and how to make the best of them. Try the likes of TVR Power, Austec or Autocraft for starters.
TVRs are great I'm relatively new to them but have been completely bitten by the bug. If you like this sort of car, nothing else will do. I've had a tamora and it is an excellent car but then again I've always wanted a cerbera - they certainly have more of a bad boy image. Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you want a convertible. After 18 months of Sagaris ownership I decided I did want a convertible. Hard tops are cooler to look at but nothing beats a convertible to be in.
If you are worried about reliability I'd buy a cheap well used car, ideally one with engine problems at a big discount. Then throw the money you saved getting the engine rebuilt by one of the specialists. Chances are it will work better than a recently factory rebuilt car in the long run. I can't speak from personal experience as I've done the opposite! but I do believe the specialists are very good at what they do and thoroughly understand the engines and how to make the best of them. Try the likes of TVR Power, Austec or Autocraft for starters.
the pits said:
Try the likes of TVR Power, Austec or Autocraft for starters.
Speaking of which. Does anybody know how good the dealer in Coventry is (I live in Rugby) ?... which is in fact TVR Power (just checked on the TVR website)...so I guess they're good enough then.
Thanks for the advice so far.
SorrymateV8 said:
WELCOME MY SOON TO BE TVR FRIEND. I WOULD GO FOR THE 4.0 V8 CHIMAERA. BEAUTIFUL RIDE, COMFORTABLE, CLASSY AND POWERFUL ENOUGH TO HAVE A GREAT LAUGH AND RESPECT YOUR TVR VIRGINITY AS YOU BREAK YOURSELF IN TO THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF TVR MANIA!!!
ENJOY!!!
ENJOY!!!
TURN YOUR CAPS LOCK OFF! it's RUDE to shout.
So... Results before I leave work are :
- Cerb is quick, got the right image.
- Tamora seems more reliable.
As far as I can see, I can have either car within my budget (£22k top not including insurance)
... I can see an easy choice coming up in January/February... oh no... gonna have to drive them both... bummer !
- Cerb is quick, got the right image.
- Tamora seems more reliable.
As far as I can see, I can have either car within my budget (£22k top not including insurance)
... I can see an easy choice coming up in January/February... oh no... gonna have to drive them both... bummer !
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