Everyday proposition

[Loudman]

Howdy,

Apologies if this has been covered a million times, I couldn't find it. I've got a '92 Chim, which I love but its 125k+ miles and a bit sloppy, looking for next motor (upgrade!). Its given me a few 'usual TVR issues' but generally is great as an everyday motor, but I'd like something at least 'as reliable'. I can spend about £20k and am considering the ubiquitous 911 conv (964 or 933) but love TVRs and am also interested in Tuscan Conv or T350T - but are these reliable/sensible as everyday motors as I've heard that the S6 is a bit more 'high strung' than my V8?

Cheers all.

[nikman]

No doubt you've seen this... http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...

[Loudman]

Yes, although that thread was a general one about which is the best car for a none-everyday-use (i.e. for the driving experience), I'm specifically concerned about having a 'highly strung' car for trekking to work in everyday, popping down to the shops etc in wind, rain, snow. You can do that in the V8 Chim, and I'm sure that I could in a 911. Can you do it in a Tuscan?

[900T-R]

Loudman said:

You can do that in the V8 Chim, and I'm sure that I could in a 911. Can you do it in a Tuscan?

Hmmmm. For me the Tuscan as per standard would be a bit too nervous and edgy an experiene - both in terms of driving and the notion that the S6 may have to come out for a rebuild sooner or later with no telling beforehand, when this is. Somehow I found the '03 demonstrator I drove for a couple of days feel less 'together' than most Chims, too - lots of wind noise when closed, the rear window that comes out didn't fit too well. Very, very sexy motor, though, and it does have a big advantage over the Chim in its added rollover and side impact protection - but as a daily drive I think a properly sorted Chim would be sweeter and somehow more appropriate.

Personally, if I wanted something newer as a daily drive I'd save up for a Sagaris - best overall sorted TVR bar none, and (to my ears at least) the first S6-equipped Tiv to sound as fantastic as the RV8s on anything else than full bore too.

[Columbo]

I can put you in contact with the ex- head of engineering at Marcos, He is able to put any engine in anything. He would tell you that one of the best suited would be the LS2 same as fitted to the TSO Marcos, it produces 470BHP With 460Lbft Torque.
It would pull a house down!
I could also do some one off carbon work to go with the engine, bonnet with a bulge?, boot, dash etc...

[jonjo]

Loudman

I would hold onto what you have - as it's a very, very scarce thing - a 1992 Chimaera. Why it's nearly as scarce as a Porsche 933.

jonjo

[Loudman]

Ok ok, I meant 993, had too much xmas booze (and not driving anywhere before anyone asks).

[Jim27]

Don't be ghey.

911 indeed. You've shamed youyrself!

Get the TVR. You'll pick up a really well-cared for example for well within your £20k budget, and so long as you're prepared for the additional costs of running one as an 'every-dayer' you'll be fine

A Cerbera, albeit a bit older, is a good idea. Two small seats in the back make it a smidge more practical, big boot, plus hard top means less chance of leaky roof problems, and makes it more secure. You'll pick up a great example with buckets of change to spare from £20k giving you oodles to lash out on TLC as WILL be needed when using any TVR on a daily basis.

When the missus starts grumbling about the fuel cost just pop your window down a smidgem, drop it a cog and soak in the noise. Not only does it sound lovely but you won't hear a word that Beloved's waffling on about

Happy to help

[Loudman]

No problem with the missus, she's a real fan of the TVR sound, in fact she's more favourable to the TVR and thinks the 911 would be a bit boring. I've discounted the Cerbera (and T350C) cos I want a convertable, I have the Chim roof off about 1 day in 5 i'd say through the year. Its not really the running costs that I've gor the issue with its more the fundamental practicality - you can't afford for your only car just not to start in the morning, or conk out on the motorway.....

[mark387mw]

Jump ship like many have done - get a Corvette!!

[Colin RedGriff]

Not driven one myself but I believe the Tamora is an under-rated car at the moment. If you want top down motoring and a more up to date TVR might be worth a look.

[V8 GRF]

Colin RedGriff said:

Not driven one myself but I believe the Tamora is an under-rated car at the moment. If you want top down motoring and a more up to date TVR might be worth a look.

Had several laps of Oulton Park in the TVRCC chairmans car on a trackday recently and I can say although I'm not a big fan of the looks of the Tamora I was mightily impressed.

From what I've seen and heard later Tuscans are useable as everyday cars you just need to keep an eye on everything and observe the 'warm-up' ritual.

Edited by V8 GRF on Thursday 27th December 13:25

[Spoonman]

Wouldn't want to use my Tamora as an everyday car because I think the thrill and novelty factor would soon wear off - unless your hobby is bungee-jumping without a rope, or something, you might become complacent.

Respect to anyone who does use an S6 as a runabout, though. The potential for unreliability would be too close to the back of my mind to depend on it for important meetings and all that stuff.

[V8 GRF]

I use my Griffith as a daily going to meetings and so on and the thrill and sense of occasion haven't worn off in just over 1 year and 13k miles. Been faultless apart from one occasion that was my fault. (Listening to the radio with the engine off while I polished it)
(PS appreciate it's not an S6 just conveying the fact I still get a thrill from rumbling out in it )

Edited by V8 GRF on Thursday 27th December 17:38

[jdharris]

I use my Chim 500 as an everyday driver and I've had the same thoughts about S6-engined cars. A mate of mine has a Tuscan 2 and he was told by the garage he bought it from that short runs to the shops would not be good for the engine. No probs as far as my Chim is concerned - I specifically asked about this and was assured it would be fine for short and long runs alike. Not sure what the reasoning was but he was told to always allow the engine to come fully up to temperature and then go for a blast rather than pootling about. This is about the only thing that would stop me buying an S6-engined car - or force my to buy a second motor to pootling to the shops.

I'd be interested to hear others opinions...