Is there a reliable TVR
Discussion
Ok, so im asking miricles right. I want to get a idea about whats my best choice of TVR. I really like the cerb and have wanted one for years. Wish id gone for a cerb a few cars ago as the prices are quite similar a good few years down the line so atleast they are holding value whilst burning the hole in the other pocket. I live not far away from the old TVR factory so its a local/british/need for speed thing really. The only thing is altough im not expecting it to be 100% daily driver i need a bit of reliability as i currently use a volvo as my daily which seems bulletproof, my TT wasnt so bad but i think a TVR will cost alot more to run than those put together and the missus's ka and maybe the dog and the morgage. Yet im still not put off, hummmm.
So if anyone can help me choose the fine line of performace v reliability id be very greatfull.
Any TVR considered........
So if anyone can help me choose the fine line of performace v reliability id be very greatfull.
Any TVR considered........
Most of my research is on cerbs but ive decided to open my ears and listen to others.
There are many threads about things going wrong but you never see posts saying things running fine, as where is the point in posting that?
So using that info the answer would be none. Which is quite possibly true, but i knew that already didnt i :-)
Im mostly asking which car has the least faults as i only trully care about what faults make the car almost/completely immobile
Other questions are......
Is engine x more reliant overall than engine z? and what is x and z!!
Or who uses what as a daily driver?
But i think its nicer how i asked it in the first post
Thanks for answers so far. I liked the Chimaera but then the Cerb took over
There are many threads about things going wrong but you never see posts saying things running fine, as where is the point in posting that?
So using that info the answer would be none. Which is quite possibly true, but i knew that already didnt i :-)
Im mostly asking which car has the least faults as i only trully care about what faults make the car almost/completely immobile
Other questions are......
Is engine x more reliant overall than engine z? and what is x and z!!
Or who uses what as a daily driver?
But i think its nicer how i asked it in the first post
Thanks for answers so far. I liked the Chimaera but then the Cerb took over
Edited by philphilbay123 on Sunday 26th September 19:48
There are not many forums for TVR. Prob around 90% of TVR forum stuff is discussed here. Such a great place for info so there will be many threads of people posting problems in search of solutions. TVR's need to be looked after, and that is best done by owners whom have a fair amount of knowledge. Just taking the car for a cheap service every 12 months does not cut it. Also, prices have come down to offordable levels by youngsters. These cheapest cars are then not maintained and become worse. The rumor of poor reliabilty then perpetuates. Proper maintenance is the key to reliability.
Keep us posted on how you get on.
Keep us posted on how you get on.
philphilbay123
if you have to ask these type of questions then the next question you must ask is are you the right kind of person to own a bit of a british racing car .
to be able to handel her,look after her ,keep her running at the top ,
there not for boy racers .
fine wines
fine women
fine cars all take a lot of looking after
nothing worth having comes easy if it was they all would all have one
if you have to ask these type of questions then the next question you must ask is are you the right kind of person to own a bit of a british racing car .
to be able to handel her,look after her ,keep her running at the top ,
there not for boy racers .
fine wines
fine women
fine cars all take a lot of looking after
nothing worth having comes easy if it was they all would all have one
Chimjunkie said:
There are not many forums for TVR. Prob around 90% of TVR forum stuff is discussed here. Such a great place for info so there will be many threads of people posting problems in search of solutions. TVR's need to be looked after, and that is best done by owners whom have a fair amount of knowledge. Just taking the car for a cheap service every 12 months does not cut it. Also, prices have come down to offordable levels by youngsters. These cheapest cars are then not maintained and become worse. The rumor of poor reliabilty then perpetuates. Proper maintenance is the key to reliability.
Keep us posted on how you get on.
I read somewhere if you keep seeing constant £300 service bills move on as something big should have gone in between so it might have lots of hidden faults! made me smile a little.Keep us posted on how you get on.
redeye said:
philphilbay123
if you have to ask these type of questions then the next question you must ask is are you the right kind of person to own a bit of a british racing car .
to be able to handel her,look after her ,keep her running at the top ,
there not for boy racers .
fine wines
fine women
fine cars all take a lot of looking after
nothing worth having comes easy if it was they all would all have one
I do get where you are coming from but if its broken, in the garage or off the road more than on the road that cant be good can it.if you have to ask these type of questions then the next question you must ask is are you the right kind of person to own a bit of a british racing car .
to be able to handel her,look after her ,keep her running at the top ,
there not for boy racers .
fine wines
fine women
fine cars all take a lot of looking after
nothing worth having comes easy if it was they all would all have one
ill add to that so you will understand me more
fine wines, would you drink it if you knew it was corked
fine women, what if she used to be a man
fine cars, yes fine but you cant drive it as its always broke
Edited by philphilbay123 on Sunday 26th September 20:12
Ok so what have we learnt so far................
Not expect it to be reliable
Get a warranty if poss
Join AA
Rover based engines are more reliable overall
Dont buy a cheap one
Chimaera is without doubt the best way to access the joys of TVR ownership (quote)
Laugh at people trying to work out how to get in and out of a cerb
Check service history
If its wet think about taking the bus
Look under body work not just on top
If it hasnt had a problem fixed in the last 12 months walk away
Expect a £1000 bill per year atleast
if you want a 2+2 dont buy a cerb
various car specific faults
and many other things ive forgoten already
Not expect it to be reliable
Get a warranty if poss
Join AA
Rover based engines are more reliable overall
Dont buy a cheap one
Chimaera is without doubt the best way to access the joys of TVR ownership (quote)
Laugh at people trying to work out how to get in and out of a cerb
Check service history
If its wet think about taking the bus
Look under body work not just on top
If it hasnt had a problem fixed in the last 12 months walk away
Expect a £1000 bill per year atleast
if you want a 2+2 dont buy a cerb
various car specific faults
and many other things ive forgoten already
philphilbay123 said:
Ok, so im asking miricles right. I want to get a idea about whats my best choice of TVR. I really like the cerb and have wanted one for years. Wish id gone for a cerb a few cars ago as the prices are quite similar a good few years down the line so atleast they are holding value whilst burning the hole in the other pocket. I live not far away from the old TVR factory so its a local/british/need for speed thing really. The only thing is altough im not expecting it to be 100% daily driver i need a bit of reliability as i currently use a volvo as my daily which seems bulletproof, my TT wasnt so bad but i think a TVR will cost alot more to run than those put together and the missus's ka and maybe the dog and the morgage. Yet im still not put off, hummmm.
So if anyone can help me choose the fine line of performace v reliability id be very greatfull.
Any TVR considered........
You clearly appreciate that it is a different kind of animal from the conventional Eurobox and that more things will need work so that is half your job done.So if anyone can help me choose the fine line of performace v reliability id be very greatfull.
Any TVR considered........
I feel very much with Tivs that the less modified, the more cherished probably the more reliable.
It all does depend of budget and buying well but if you live near to the factory then my understanding is that part of it is still fully operational as a TVR garage and you could do a lot worse than buying a really cheap old wreck of a Chim and having those guys completely re-furb it to a like new condition. Again, having discussed this with a couple of the Southern garages they are of the view that this could be done for less than £25k including the sourcing of the car.
At least that way you know you basically have a brand new car where there are no hidden issues etc.
Just an idea.
The thing we all forget is:
ALL CARS BREAKDOWN, old or new, German, Japanese or Blackpool built.
I run two cars:
1) Toyota Prius (yes I know)
2) TVR Chimaera
In the last two years here is how they stack up on reliability.
BREAKDOWNS:
Toyota: 1 (neded the AA to sort it)
TVR: 1 (fixed it myself in 40 minutes)
MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE:
Toyota: 2 (water pump & steering intermediate shaft)
TVR: 1 (auxiliary drive belt tensioner, £45.00 fitted in 35 minutes)
NB: I have excluded consumables like brakes, tyres & suspension on both cars.
The TVR is much the cheaper car to run (fuel excluded) and usually I can fix it myself.
The Toyota is a mass of electronics that I wouldn't even think about trying to fix.
When the Toyota needs a new traction battery it will cost £3,800 so it will get scrapped.
The TVR is eternally repairable and will last indefinitely.
THE CAR IN FRONT IS A TVR!
PS: The Toyota is three years old and the TVR is 13 years young.
ALL CARS BREAKDOWN, old or new, German, Japanese or Blackpool built.
I run two cars:
1) Toyota Prius (yes I know)
2) TVR Chimaera
In the last two years here is how they stack up on reliability.
BREAKDOWNS:
Toyota: 1 (neded the AA to sort it)
TVR: 1 (fixed it myself in 40 minutes)
MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE:
Toyota: 2 (water pump & steering intermediate shaft)
TVR: 1 (auxiliary drive belt tensioner, £45.00 fitted in 35 minutes)
NB: I have excluded consumables like brakes, tyres & suspension on both cars.
The TVR is much the cheaper car to run (fuel excluded) and usually I can fix it myself.
The Toyota is a mass of electronics that I wouldn't even think about trying to fix.
When the Toyota needs a new traction battery it will cost £3,800 so it will get scrapped.
The TVR is eternally repairable and will last indefinitely.
THE CAR IN FRONT IS A TVR!
PS: The Toyota is three years old and the TVR is 13 years young.
there aren't many "interesting" sports cars that have this myth of reliability. TVR's have a reputation but thats usually put out by someone who has never owned one (or probably driven) or "knows a mate"....
look after it and service etc properly and it will give you more smiles/joy than anything else.
TVR's tend to owned by enthusiasts who will discuss their running costs or flitters who run then sell at first sign of a bill usually then slagging off as they go.
The "competition" cars have a lot of folk who just run them, pay the costs and sell on. They aren't enthused by the car - they just like em.
a bit of digging on relevant forums will throw up rather unpleasant items on the "reliable alternatives" above that your average punter wouldn't know about BUT everyone knows TVR's are unreliable!
all IMHO o' course
look after it and service etc properly and it will give you more smiles/joy than anything else.
TVR's tend to owned by enthusiasts who will discuss their running costs or flitters who run then sell at first sign of a bill usually then slagging off as they go.
The "competition" cars have a lot of folk who just run them, pay the costs and sell on. They aren't enthused by the car - they just like em.
a bit of digging on relevant forums will throw up rather unpleasant items on the "reliable alternatives" above that your average punter wouldn't know about BUT everyone knows TVR's are unreliable!
all IMHO o' course
Chimpaholic said:
The thing we all forget is:
ALL CARS BREAKDOWN, old or new, German, Japanese or Blackpool built.
I run two cars:
1) Toyota Prius (yes I know)
2) TVR Chimaera
In the last two years here is how they stack up on reliability.
BREAKDOWNS:
Toyota: 1 (neded the AA to sort it)
TVR: 1 (fixed it myself in 40 minutes)
MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE:
Toyota: 2 (water pump & steering intermediate shaft)
TVR: 1 (auxiliary drive belt tensioner, £45.00 fitted in 35 minutes)
NB: I have excluded consumables like brakes, tyres & suspension on both cars.
The TVR is much the cheaper car to run (fuel excluded) and usually I can fix it myself.
The Toyota is a mass of electronics that I wouldn't even think about trying to fix.
When the Toyota needs a new traction battery it will cost £3,800 so it will get scrapped.
The TVR is eternally repairable and will last indefinitely.
THE CAR IN FRONT IS A TVR!
PS: The Toyota is three years old and the TVR is 13 years young.
Need to add:ALL CARS BREAKDOWN, old or new, German, Japanese or Blackpool built.
I run two cars:
1) Toyota Prius (yes I know)
2) TVR Chimaera
In the last two years here is how they stack up on reliability.
BREAKDOWNS:
Toyota: 1 (neded the AA to sort it)
TVR: 1 (fixed it myself in 40 minutes)
MAJOR COMPONENT FAILURE:
Toyota: 2 (water pump & steering intermediate shaft)
TVR: 1 (auxiliary drive belt tensioner, £45.00 fitted in 35 minutes)
NB: I have excluded consumables like brakes, tyres & suspension on both cars.
The TVR is much the cheaper car to run (fuel excluded) and usually I can fix it myself.
The Toyota is a mass of electronics that I wouldn't even think about trying to fix.
When the Toyota needs a new traction battery it will cost £3,800 so it will get scrapped.
The TVR is eternally repairable and will last indefinitely.
THE CAR IN FRONT IS A TVR!
PS: The Toyota is three years old and the TVR is 13 years young.
TRIPS TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE:
Toyota: 1 (boring as hell)
TVR: 1 (trip of a lifetime)
Also:
Spoke to a chap the other day who just last year paid £47,000 for a new Merc.
He has driven it for a total of four months so far.
The car has been at the dealer for the other eight months being fixed.
Edited by Chimpaholic on Sunday 26th September 20:59
Interesting summary, some of which I agree with. Disagree with the bit about not buying a Cerb. Still one of the best looking cars out there with the performance and noise to match.
There is no reason why one wouldn't be reliable but remember, the early ones are now 14 yrs old so they will need looking after. The AJP8 is essentially close to a race engine so it's something that can't be run on a shoestring. Apart from the crank on some early models, there isn't a great deal that goes wrong. That's not to say that there won't be other areas where you will need to spend money.
Service history is important. Chassis condition is also important. Condition overall is more important than age and mileage. According to one specialist I've spoken to, a Cerb is the mostly costly of the Wheeler cars to run & therefore I think you'd be very lucky to only spend £1k a yr. What else offers this kind of performance, practicality and looks though for the money?
There is no reason why one wouldn't be reliable but remember, the early ones are now 14 yrs old so they will need looking after. The AJP8 is essentially close to a race engine so it's something that can't be run on a shoestring. Apart from the crank on some early models, there isn't a great deal that goes wrong. That's not to say that there won't be other areas where you will need to spend money.
Service history is important. Chassis condition is also important. Condition overall is more important than age and mileage. According to one specialist I've spoken to, a Cerb is the mostly costly of the Wheeler cars to run & therefore I think you'd be very lucky to only spend £1k a yr. What else offers this kind of performance, practicality and looks though for the money?
Smooth Smith said:
Interesting summary, some of which I agree with. Disagree with the bit about not buying a Cerb. Still one of the best looking cars out there with the performance and noise to match.
There is no reason why one wouldn't be reliable but remember, the early ones are now 14 yrs old so they will need looking after. The AJP8 is essentially close to a race engine so it's something that can't be run on a shoestring. Apart from the crank on some early models, there isn't a great deal that goes wrong. That's not to say that there won't be other areas where you will need to spend money.
Service history is important. Chassis condition is also important. Condition overall is more important than age and mileage. According to one specialist I've spoken to, a Cerb is the mostly costly of the Wheeler cars to run & therefore I think you'd be very lucky to only spend £1k a yr. What else offers this kind of performance, practicality and looks though for the money?
was that the if you want a 2+2 dont buy a cerb comment? as i meant the rear seats are so small you cant actualy fit anyone in them :-)There is no reason why one wouldn't be reliable but remember, the early ones are now 14 yrs old so they will need looking after. The AJP8 is essentially close to a race engine so it's something that can't be run on a shoestring. Apart from the crank on some early models, there isn't a great deal that goes wrong. That's not to say that there won't be other areas where you will need to spend money.
Service history is important. Chassis condition is also important. Condition overall is more important than age and mileage. According to one specialist I've spoken to, a Cerb is the mostly costly of the Wheeler cars to run & therefore I think you'd be very lucky to only spend £1k a yr. What else offers this kind of performance, practicality and looks though for the money?
i think ill still want a 4.2/4.5 cerb no matter what i pick but maybe the chim would be a nice ground tester tho thats nothing to be messing around with.
Edited by philphilbay123 on Sunday 26th September 21:20
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