Discussion
Morning all, I know its a nice Sunday morning and you lot are probably out there enjoying your beasts, but I thought I would post a topic.
Which TVR? I am thinking of treating myself to a new toy after selling my off roading V8 defender, and have always wanted a TVR. I had a run out in a Griff 500 at the NEC for a childrens charity last year and have been hooked. But the question is, which one. I have up to £10k to spend. Do I go for a Griff, or a slightly cheeper Chimaera, and then the question of which engined variety.
Or do I go for a Cerb? The reason for this thinking is I have two kids, one lad 4 and a baby girl 9 months, so with the added advantage of rear seats we all could go for a run out. But, would I miss not having an open car or the V8 sound??
How are they for reliability? I know this can be down to an individual car, but what about engines etc? Its just that I have read adverts with new or rebuilt engines, cams etc, and they have low mileage? How is this?
Any pointers would be great cheers
Jonathan
Which TVR? I am thinking of treating myself to a new toy after selling my off roading V8 defender, and have always wanted a TVR. I had a run out in a Griff 500 at the NEC for a childrens charity last year and have been hooked. But the question is, which one. I have up to £10k to spend. Do I go for a Griff, or a slightly cheeper Chimaera, and then the question of which engined variety.
Or do I go for a Cerb? The reason for this thinking is I have two kids, one lad 4 and a baby girl 9 months, so with the added advantage of rear seats we all could go for a run out. But, would I miss not having an open car or the V8 sound??
How are they for reliability? I know this can be down to an individual car, but what about engines etc? Its just that I have read adverts with new or rebuilt engines, cams etc, and they have low mileage? How is this?
Any pointers would be great cheers
Jonathan
For 10K you can buy a very nice Chim or an older and slightly inferior Griff. You will have a greater selection of Chims as well, including engines.
There is a general consensus that the 4.5, available only in the Chim, is the best out of the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. I’ve driven them all and I must say that the difference, apart from outright performance, is too subtle for me.
There’s much rubbish talked about the RV8 but there is little doubt that it is a very cheap performance engine to run and own. It will still motor on with faults that would destroy other, lesser engines but that doesn’t mean it is without fault. It has weaknesses, such as cam life and porous liners, but in general it is remarkably reliable for a 1950s designed engine and when the output increase is taken into consideration – around 135bhp originally to more than twice as much – then you’ve got to say it’s a cracker.
The Chim/Griff range is very reliable. It’s no Eurobox but then . . .
I did a bit of research for an article for Sprint and out of 17 (or so) owners, all but three had had no problems/repairs outside of servicing. Of the three who experienced difficulties, one had bought one without service history, another hardly used his car and had a new battery each year and the third was sold a pup. That said, he worked on it and got it into excellent condition. But it cost.
The average was 3.5 years owned and 4,500 mile pa.
The Cerb is less reliable, for both Speed 6 and AJP8 engines, mainly the electrics. But the performance, especially in 4.5 form, is stupendous. Don’t try one if you can’t afford about £2000 for servicing/repairs each year because it is a very tempting car. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, it’s on-road presence is second to none and it drives as well as anything at twice the price and more.
Prices for the Cerb and Speed 6 engined cars are bargain level at the moment although outside your budget, and this at a time when, historically, prices harden. Don’t discount the T-cars. I drove a T350 Friday and it is a wonderful car. It makes you believe that you really can drive.
Go for what grabs you. That's the best one.
There is a general consensus that the 4.5, available only in the Chim, is the best out of the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. I’ve driven them all and I must say that the difference, apart from outright performance, is too subtle for me.
There’s much rubbish talked about the RV8 but there is little doubt that it is a very cheap performance engine to run and own. It will still motor on with faults that would destroy other, lesser engines but that doesn’t mean it is without fault. It has weaknesses, such as cam life and porous liners, but in general it is remarkably reliable for a 1950s designed engine and when the output increase is taken into consideration – around 135bhp originally to more than twice as much – then you’ve got to say it’s a cracker.
The Chim/Griff range is very reliable. It’s no Eurobox but then . . .
I did a bit of research for an article for Sprint and out of 17 (or so) owners, all but three had had no problems/repairs outside of servicing. Of the three who experienced difficulties, one had bought one without service history, another hardly used his car and had a new battery each year and the third was sold a pup. That said, he worked on it and got it into excellent condition. But it cost.
The average was 3.5 years owned and 4,500 mile pa.
The Cerb is less reliable, for both Speed 6 and AJP8 engines, mainly the electrics. But the performance, especially in 4.5 form, is stupendous. Don’t try one if you can’t afford about £2000 for servicing/repairs each year because it is a very tempting car. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, it’s on-road presence is second to none and it drives as well as anything at twice the price and more.
Prices for the Cerb and Speed 6 engined cars are bargain level at the moment although outside your budget, and this at a time when, historically, prices harden. Don’t discount the T-cars. I drove a T350 Friday and it is a wonderful car. It makes you believe that you really can drive.
Go for what grabs you. That's the best one.
Still think a Chim is the best entry level TVR... just take your time looking and find a really nice one in the colour you want ,with the interior you want... there are plenty about and don't think you'll miss out if you don't act quickly... you'll find an even better one will come along..... go on the chassis condition more than anything.
The cerbs sound awesome in both 6 and 8 format. The bigger decision is about the roof.
If you are thinking about children, test one with the kids. There isn't much room (unless the front seats are forward.
As said above, don't discount other models. The V8S would fit the bill, give more fun than most and leave you with change. Or, a V6 S, still one of the best sounding cars around and an awful lot of fun for small money.
As Derek said though, the one you fancy is the right choice.
If you are thinking about children, test one with the kids. There isn't much room (unless the front seats are forward.
As said above, don't discount other models. The V8S would fit the bill, give more fun than most and leave you with change. Or, a V6 S, still one of the best sounding cars around and an awful lot of fun for small money.
As Derek said though, the one you fancy is the right choice.
TVR_owner said:
Derek Smith said:
There is a general consensus that the 4.5, available only in the Chim, is the best out of the 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0.
Derek,The 4.5 was available in the Griff. Limited numbers, and a handfull? of BVs also.
It was suggested to me that there is some legislation pending with regards to cars without cats. Anyone know anything about this? Some suggestion of restrictions? Something about encouragement to scrap?
Depends what you want. I would say the best all round TVR for the money would be a Chimera - 450 if you can find a decent one.
The price is perhaps a little bit optimistic for a really good Griff or Cerb (although not unrealistic with earlier examples).
Wedges are a bit of a marmite thing, but you could get a very special one for that sort of budget if they appeal. It would also buy two very nice V6S or a mint V8S if you could find one - the beauty of the S is that it's so chuckable, they can be very go kart like if set up properly I've just discovered; a real driver's car.
Sorry - haven't helped much there. Basically your options are fairly open, but I'd try and buy a good example of something well within your budget and buy on condition. For a general fun road car I'd go for a Chimera at that budget I reckon.
The price is perhaps a little bit optimistic for a really good Griff or Cerb (although not unrealistic with earlier examples).
Wedges are a bit of a marmite thing, but you could get a very special one for that sort of budget if they appeal. It would also buy two very nice V6S or a mint V8S if you could find one - the beauty of the S is that it's so chuckable, they can be very go kart like if set up properly I've just discovered; a real driver's car.
Sorry - haven't helped much there. Basically your options are fairly open, but I'd try and buy a good example of something well within your budget and buy on condition. For a general fun road car I'd go for a Chimera at that budget I reckon.
If you buy a cerb for £10,000 you could be in a world of pain. A cerbera seems to be out of your budget, you would however get a good chim for that. Be warned, you may well find a cerb for that money at the very bottom end of the market but you could spend the same again puting it right. I have spent £6,000 in the last two years. Mind you it IS worth every penny.
Hi guys, thanks for all the advice and posts. Running costs are not really a big deal but would prefer not to have to spend it, if you know what I mean, just as long as the wife doesnt find out 
I know what you mean about the Cerb being at the top end of the budget, and I dont want to end up with a dog/money pit.
Wedges do appeal, especially the last ones, as do S series'. I have noticed that you can pick them up for reasonable money too, which would leave some spare, thus pleasing SWMBO (She who must be obeyed).
I will have a graze at the classifieds and see whats close to me and have a look from there. Dont mind travelling for the right car, but would prefer to make up my mind first as to which one to go for.
Kind regards
Jonathan
I know what you mean about the Cerb being at the top end of the budget, and I dont want to end up with a dog/money pit.
Wedges do appeal, especially the last ones, as do S series'. I have noticed that you can pick them up for reasonable money too, which would leave some spare, thus pleasing SWMBO (She who must be obeyed).
I will have a graze at the classifieds and see whats close to me and have a look from there. Dont mind travelling for the right car, but would prefer to make up my mind first as to which one to go for.
Kind regards
Jonathan
Jonathan
Pop along to one of your local TVRCC meets and have a chat to the members about their cars, the costs and have a poke arround the different types. I work in Durham and have the pleasure of being the RO for the North East TVRCC, owned both Griffith and Chimaera, and now have a Tuscan which is lovely...Please feel free to contact me via pspensley@hlpdurham.co.uk for a natter if you wish.
Our next meeting is this coming Sunday (8th March) at the Wheatsheaf up near Newcastle Airport and whilst there are several of us away in Scotland this weekend, i'm sure there will be a few TVR's for you to take a look at.
Also, take a trip to Hexham Horseless Carriges to have a look at the different cars. He has some very nice Chimaera's and if you have concerns over reliability, it may be worth paying the small premium to get the benifit of their warrantee. Nice guys there too and there isn't much they don't know about these cars.
If i was looking, i'd go for the Chimeara and buy the best you can afford.....
Paul
Paul Spensley
North East TVRCC RO
Pop along to one of your local TVRCC meets and have a chat to the members about their cars, the costs and have a poke arround the different types. I work in Durham and have the pleasure of being the RO for the North East TVRCC, owned both Griffith and Chimaera, and now have a Tuscan which is lovely...Please feel free to contact me via pspensley@hlpdurham.co.uk for a natter if you wish.
Our next meeting is this coming Sunday (8th March) at the Wheatsheaf up near Newcastle Airport and whilst there are several of us away in Scotland this weekend, i'm sure there will be a few TVR's for you to take a look at.
Also, take a trip to Hexham Horseless Carriges to have a look at the different cars. He has some very nice Chimaera's and if you have concerns over reliability, it may be worth paying the small premium to get the benifit of their warrantee. Nice guys there too and there isn't much they don't know about these cars.
If i was looking, i'd go for the Chimeara and buy the best you can afford.....
Paul
Paul Spensley
North East TVRCC RO
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