Newbie wants a TVR - where to start???
Discussion
I've never posted here before, so good evening.
Long story short, I've being mulling over the idea of getting a toy in the garage as a treat to myself. High days and holy days type stuff. I was originally looking into the MX5 as a cheap and fun way of blasting around the lanes in the summer. But I've come to the conclusion that if it's going to be an accasional car, a fun car, then it may as well be really FUN! If its a treat, it needs to be a real event! I want to start it up early on a saturday morning and my kids run out to the garage because they can here the kitchen windows rattling!
So, where do I start. First off I need to know if a £6k Chimaera will be kind to me as that is as much as I can spend. Looking around it seems to be able to get me a mid-90s 4.0 car. If this is scaping the barrel then I'd honestly rather know so that I can look else where and maybe come back to this idea in a couple of years. I don't want to buy something that lives in a workshop needing regulat chah injections to get going again!
So, lots of questions: What to look for? What goes wrong? Where are some good Buyers guides? Which engine? Which year? What are the maintanance costs of keeping one in nice reliable condition? Where to buy? Where to service? Etc etc...
I'm thinking that a good start would be to meet up with club members to chat and look at some good examples and learn about TVR stuff. I'm based near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
So, over to you lot - where do I start??
Cheers,
Matt
Long story short, I've being mulling over the idea of getting a toy in the garage as a treat to myself. High days and holy days type stuff. I was originally looking into the MX5 as a cheap and fun way of blasting around the lanes in the summer. But I've come to the conclusion that if it's going to be an accasional car, a fun car, then it may as well be really FUN! If its a treat, it needs to be a real event! I want to start it up early on a saturday morning and my kids run out to the garage because they can here the kitchen windows rattling!
So, where do I start. First off I need to know if a £6k Chimaera will be kind to me as that is as much as I can spend. Looking around it seems to be able to get me a mid-90s 4.0 car. If this is scaping the barrel then I'd honestly rather know so that I can look else where and maybe come back to this idea in a couple of years. I don't want to buy something that lives in a workshop needing regulat chah injections to get going again!
So, lots of questions: What to look for? What goes wrong? Where are some good Buyers guides? Which engine? Which year? What are the maintanance costs of keeping one in nice reliable condition? Where to buy? Where to service? Etc etc...
I'm thinking that a good start would be to meet up with club members to chat and look at some good examples and learn about TVR stuff. I'm based near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
So, over to you lot - where do I start??
Cheers,
Matt
For that sort of Money I would go a TVR S3, That way you'd get a decent one for under 5k have a few bob for insurance and put a bit a side for any mods/service etc.
A great car to get into TVR's pretty cheap to run and look after. If you have one a fell you want to move to Chimp then your not gonna loose much on the S3 come reselling in a year or twos time.
As you said get down to a TVRCC meet or a PH meet where there may be some and have a look/chat with owners.
BB
ETA or a wedge
A great car to get into TVR's pretty cheap to run and look after. If you have one a fell you want to move to Chimp then your not gonna loose much on the S3 come reselling in a year or twos time.
As you said get down to a TVRCC meet or a PH meet where there may be some and have a look/chat with owners.
BB
ETA or a wedge
Edited by Ballistic Banana on Tuesday 23 September 22:49
In that price range you are looking at a selection of cars that are basically similar in construction and reliability, cost of spares, etc.
The variations will probably be greater between individual cars than individual models.
If you're on a tight budget , then a cheap Chim may end up being a moneypit.
V6...cheaper on fuel, maybe not as pleasing a soundtrack as V8.
Other than that it's down to taste.
Only buy a Wedge if you are a non-conformist with good taste and big balls.
The variations will probably be greater between individual cars than individual models.
If you're on a tight budget , then a cheap Chim may end up being a moneypit.
V6...cheaper on fuel, maybe not as pleasing a soundtrack as V8.
Other than that it's down to taste.
Only buy a Wedge if you are a non-conformist with good taste and big balls.
I bought a high mileage £6K Chim and while I maintain it was a better idea than buying a £12K garage queen that would probably have needed the same remedial work sooner or later and would probably hide some ideosyncracies that would have come out with more regular use, in all honesty the purchase price is the beginning of the outlay rather than the end. If you can buy an S that has really been sorted by the former owner for that kind of money or (preferably) a bit less, this will be a safer bet.
OTOH I've seen some serious kit being advertised by PHers in the Chimaera section for £7-8K lately where lots of money already has been spent (a 500 with a recent TVR Power Taraka engine upgrade springs to mind) where the seller was really looking for a quick transaction due to a change of circumstances.
OTOH I've seen some serious kit being advertised by PHers in the Chimaera section for £7-8K lately where lots of money already has been spent (a 500 with a recent TVR Power Taraka engine upgrade springs to mind) where the seller was really looking for a quick transaction due to a change of circumstances.
Edited by 900T-R on Wednesday 24th September 06:17
I was lucky when buying my Chim 450 off Ebay. Quite high mileage but with a full TVRSH and after a year only had minor mishaps.
The market looks bad for the seller at the moment so i would say dont worry about high mileage but look for a good service history and take a plunge on a car you like the look of. Take a mechanic with you or get the car checked over before you buy if you want peace of mind.
PS i can recommend the 450, ive had tons of fun on TVR runs, a track day, and a few drag racing meets and covered over 7000 miles in 13 months.
Buy, drive and enjoy.
The market looks bad for the seller at the moment so i would say dont worry about high mileage but look for a good service history and take a plunge on a car you like the look of. Take a mechanic with you or get the car checked over before you buy if you want peace of mind.
PS i can recommend the 450, ive had tons of fun on TVR runs, a track day, and a few drag racing meets and covered over 7000 miles in 13 months.
Buy, drive and enjoy.
I was in pretty much the same situation as you a couple of years ago.
I wanted a fun car, and had looked at the MX5's and MGF's; MX5's had no real sense of occasion, and the MGF's I looked at were all pretty ropey:- poor gear change, etc.
By chance I went to look at a Wedge, a 350i on fleabay. Once I'd heard it I knew that I had been turned to the dark side
.
I didn't buy the first one I saw (luckily) and went to view half a dozen scattered around the country.
The main thing to check on any TVR is the chassis. Then check the chassis. If in doubt check the chassis again. Oh and check the chassis before the vendor starts the engine; because when you hear that glorious V8 soundtrack your wallet will spring open, you'll offer the vendor the asking price, and probably ask them if they'd like your firstborn as well.
Other things to look out for are pretty much what you'd check on any used car. Gearchanges can be a little 'sticky' from first to second when cold, but they all do that sir. Check out the Wedge forum, or even the TVR Wedgepages; an excellent source of info that was invaluable to me before, during and after my purchase.
There are plenty of very good Wedges for sale in your price range at the moment. Check out the classifieds; Weemans is one of the best I've seen.
I wanted a fun car, and had looked at the MX5's and MGF's; MX5's had no real sense of occasion, and the MGF's I looked at were all pretty ropey:- poor gear change, etc.
By chance I went to look at a Wedge, a 350i on fleabay. Once I'd heard it I knew that I had been turned to the dark side
.I didn't buy the first one I saw (luckily) and went to view half a dozen scattered around the country.
The main thing to check on any TVR is the chassis. Then check the chassis. If in doubt check the chassis again. Oh and check the chassis before the vendor starts the engine; because when you hear that glorious V8 soundtrack your wallet will spring open, you'll offer the vendor the asking price, and probably ask them if they'd like your firstborn as well.
Other things to look out for are pretty much what you'd check on any used car. Gearchanges can be a little 'sticky' from first to second when cold, but they all do that sir. Check out the Wedge forum, or even the TVR Wedgepages; an excellent source of info that was invaluable to me before, during and after my purchase.
There are plenty of very good Wedges for sale in your price range at the moment. Check out the classifieds; Weemans is one of the best I've seen.
Try an S.
I say that because the Wedges were first on my list and the Chimera figured in there too and I ended up with an S3.
The reasons being that the Wedges are only fractionally quicker than a V6S (unless you get an SEAC or something), they're said to be less chuckable and when I actually tried an S I found it had as much sense of occasion as the Wedges. You assume being a bit (ok, a lot) more discrete and lacking a few cylinders the S would be dull in comparison. As soon as I heard the first one I went to look at start up in the garage I knew that wasn't the case. The V6s sound like someone has sneaked an extra couple of cylinders in there and, with the V8s, they actually have. Again it's personal, but I'd say it was the prettiest of the three designs.
As I understand it, the standard Chimera - although it can be made very sporting indeed - is slightly more touring biased than the extremely chuckable S. However the main reason I discounted them was cost. £6k might buy you a slightly dodgy Chimera (or if you're lucky a good one), but it'll defintely buy you a mint S3. These days it'll even buy you a V8S.
All strictly my opinion of course, but I think many people overlook the S and I very nearly did the same. Yet in the end it turned out to suit me better than the others.
Be warned, whatever you do, they're addictive. Despite my defense of the S-Series above I'd still buy a Wedge or a Chimera or just about any other TVR to go with it if the garage space and funds allowed.
I say that because the Wedges were first on my list and the Chimera figured in there too and I ended up with an S3.
The reasons being that the Wedges are only fractionally quicker than a V6S (unless you get an SEAC or something), they're said to be less chuckable and when I actually tried an S I found it had as much sense of occasion as the Wedges. You assume being a bit (ok, a lot) more discrete and lacking a few cylinders the S would be dull in comparison. As soon as I heard the first one I went to look at start up in the garage I knew that wasn't the case. The V6s sound like someone has sneaked an extra couple of cylinders in there and, with the V8s, they actually have. Again it's personal, but I'd say it was the prettiest of the three designs.
As I understand it, the standard Chimera - although it can be made very sporting indeed - is slightly more touring biased than the extremely chuckable S. However the main reason I discounted them was cost. £6k might buy you a slightly dodgy Chimera (or if you're lucky a good one), but it'll defintely buy you a mint S3. These days it'll even buy you a V8S.
All strictly my opinion of course, but I think many people overlook the S and I very nearly did the same. Yet in the end it turned out to suit me better than the others.
Be warned, whatever you do, they're addictive. Despite my defense of the S-Series above I'd still buy a Wedge or a Chimera or just about any other TVR to go with it if the garage space and funds allowed.
Its best to have a £1k or so as contingency in case so if £6k is your max with no surplus then you maybe need to look at £5k.
Wedges are a good option with V8 soundtrack and cheap to maintain, S's also fall well into the price bracket. Maybe even consider an M series, as these are becoming a very rare sight.
I think you may be asking for trouble with a £6k Chimp.
Best to get yourself along to a local meet and have a good look at a few in your price range, talk to owners and from there hopefully you'll decide on a model and you can focus in after that.
You need to keep a clear head but its very difficult when you hear them so maybe take an independant person with you (maybe a club member who knows what to look for) to keep you in line. A few beer tokens well spent.
FFG
Wedges are a good option with V8 soundtrack and cheap to maintain, S's also fall well into the price bracket. Maybe even consider an M series, as these are becoming a very rare sight.
I think you may be asking for trouble with a £6k Chimp.
Best to get yourself along to a local meet and have a good look at a few in your price range, talk to owners and from there hopefully you'll decide on a model and you can focus in after that.
You need to keep a clear head but its very difficult when you hear them so maybe take an independant person with you (maybe a club member who knows what to look for) to keep you in line. A few beer tokens well spent.
FFG
You will get a very well sorted Wedge for that money at the mo. I'm a bit biased I know but if you want 'special' and if you want things to rattle with the sound intensity then there's no other choice. I'm currently ringing around as I think the Griff will be gone this weekend.
The Griffith is awsome, but it aint worth two or even three Wedges.
The Griffith is awsome, but it aint worth two or even three Wedges.
Another vote for a Wedge here and, as Wyn says, you'll get a well sorted one for your budget. I will certainly buy another one as soon as funds allow...
V8 soundtrack, looks that cannot be ignored, pointy front and loose rear - just like a sportscar should be!
Read up on the buying guide on www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
V8 soundtrack, looks that cannot be ignored, pointy front and loose rear - just like a sportscar should be!
Read up on the buying guide on www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
Oh yes... Wedgedom be the choice.
I also am biased towards the wedge as i am sure you will be if you go for one.
I like all the TVR cars but the wedge just makes me grin and buzz everytime i get in it.
Plenty up for sale at the moment NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK.
What ever your choice of TVR miles of joy are gaurenteed for you.
Rob
I also am biased towards the wedge as i am sure you will be if you go for one.
I like all the TVR cars but the wedge just makes me grin and buzz everytime i get in it.
Plenty up for sale at the moment NUDGE NUDGE WINK WINK.
What ever your choice of TVR miles of joy are gaurenteed for you.
Rob
Hi Matt
All sound advice above.
If you would like to meet some of the local owners please feel free to come along to one of our local meets, we are a very active region & welcome people in your position...the best way to work out what to do is to talk to people who have been there & done that!
Our next meet is at The Woodman in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks on the first Sunday in October. If youre in T Wells its only up the road so why not come along for a natter.
Drop me a line via my profile with your number & I'll give you a call if you like...happy to help.
All the best.
Nick
SE London & NW Kent TVRCC
All sound advice above.
If you would like to meet some of the local owners please feel free to come along to one of our local meets, we are a very active region & welcome people in your position...the best way to work out what to do is to talk to people who have been there & done that!
Our next meet is at The Woodman in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks on the first Sunday in October. If youre in T Wells its only up the road so why not come along for a natter.
Drop me a line via my profile with your number & I'll give you a call if you like...happy to help.
All the best.
Nick
SE London & NW Kent TVRCC
Hi Matt,
amd welcome.
Nooooo not the dreaded MX5! - I nearly got ran over by one last year as I didn't hear it coming.
I rather feel that for £6K you could be letting yourself in for a financial black hole with a chim or griff.
Like FFG says one of the M series - actually a Taimar as it has the lift up tailgate which is useful but probably I'd go with ballistic on this and go for the S3... there are some eye watering beauties available and you won't be disappointed with the sound or performance and perhaps more importantly there are far less black magic boxes in the S3 than in the griffs and chims so less visits to specialists between services.
Good luck and let us know how you get on
amd welcome.
Nooooo not the dreaded MX5! - I nearly got ran over by one last year as I didn't hear it coming.
I rather feel that for £6K you could be letting yourself in for a financial black hole with a chim or griff.
Like FFG says one of the M series - actually a Taimar as it has the lift up tailgate which is useful but probably I'd go with ballistic on this and go for the S3... there are some eye watering beauties available and you won't be disappointed with the sound or performance and perhaps more importantly there are far less black magic boxes in the S3 than in the griffs and chims so less visits to specialists between services.
Good luck and let us know how you get on
Another vote for the S3 here.
It may not be a V8 but it doesn't sound like any V6 you've ever heard either! Runs out of puff sooner than a 4.0 but trust me, compared to an MX5, which has an electric engine made from a kettle, it will certainly give you the full TVR experience of look, feel, noise and sheer fun.
Now stop reading PH and go and buy one
It may not be a V8 but it doesn't sound like any V6 you've ever heard either! Runs out of puff sooner than a 4.0 but trust me, compared to an MX5, which has an electric engine made from a kettle, it will certainly give you the full TVR experience of look, feel, noise and sheer fun.
Now stop reading PH and go and buy one
I'm going to jump on the band wagon and go with buy an S.
People starting at the cheaper end of the TVR scale seem to start with either an S or a Wedge. Much of this depends on the styling you prefer.
The S series are great cars. I got my S when I was 21 and paid a shade over £7k for it. It had 70k on the clock and I ran it for 20k with no problems. I had loads of fun in it. The feedback and handling is great, especially with sorted dampers. Much more involving than the Griff/Chims. The V6's may not have the same speed as the Griffs and Chims, but they more than make up for it in fun.
I dare say I had a lot more fun in my S daily driver than I ever did in my Griff and I was definitley much more in control. You can have just as much fun at legaler speeds.
The styling is still great and always turns heads and parts wise the Ford Running gear is cheap and reliable. Mine never left me stranded and it was just standard consumeables. They also sound great. I had a Custom ACT SS exhaust on mine, there's a video somewhere.
£6k will get you a ropey Chim (unless you're lucky) and probably a whole host of big bills. Or a £4-5k will get you a good S and money to play with. You'll also find that many have SS exhausts and replacement Dampers already.
Just go for it!
People starting at the cheaper end of the TVR scale seem to start with either an S or a Wedge. Much of this depends on the styling you prefer.
The S series are great cars. I got my S when I was 21 and paid a shade over £7k for it. It had 70k on the clock and I ran it for 20k with no problems. I had loads of fun in it. The feedback and handling is great, especially with sorted dampers. Much more involving than the Griff/Chims. The V6's may not have the same speed as the Griffs and Chims, but they more than make up for it in fun.
I dare say I had a lot more fun in my S daily driver than I ever did in my Griff and I was definitley much more in control. You can have just as much fun at legaler speeds.
The styling is still great and always turns heads and parts wise the Ford Running gear is cheap and reliable. Mine never left me stranded and it was just standard consumeables. They also sound great. I had a Custom ACT SS exhaust on mine, there's a video somewhere.
£6k will get you a ropey Chim (unless you're lucky) and probably a whole host of big bills. Or a £4-5k will get you a good S and money to play with. You'll also find that many have SS exhausts and replacement Dampers already.
Just go for it!
eesbad said:
Another vote for a Wedge here and, as Wyn says, you'll get a well sorted one for your budget. I will certainly buy another one as soon as funds allow...
V8 soundtrack, looks that cannot be ignored, pointy front and loose rear - just like a sportscar should be!
Read up on the buying guide on www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
Another vote here too.V8 soundtrack, looks that cannot be ignored, pointy front and loose rear - just like a sportscar should be!
Read up on the buying guide on www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
My first TIV and is a brilliant way in
, majority of cars are pretty well sorted now and gives you plenty of .Mine might well be up for sale soon (wink wink)
Some really sound adice here. I had a look through some of the classifieds last night and think I have decided in a S. Such a good looking car and you don't see too many around any more.
I found this site so having a read through http://www.tvrsseries.com/
I am starting to understand the differences between the S1/2/3. I have to admit that the dash on the S2 looks great and they seem to be usefully cheaper as well.
Would you steer away from an S2 into an S3 for any reasons exept that it will be a newer car?
Cheers,
Matt
I found this site so having a read through http://www.tvrsseries.com/
I am starting to understand the differences between the S1/2/3. I have to admit that the dash on the S2 looks great and they seem to be usefully cheaper as well.
Would you steer away from an S2 into an S3 for any reasons exept that it will be a newer car?
Cheers,
Matt
Edited by matt uk on Thursday 25th September 15:15
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