TVR reliability.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Back in Scotland.
TVR reliability.
I know there are a lot of existing/previous TVR owners on the forum. Which models are at the higher end of the reliability stakes? Are any of the cerbera incarnations any good? As all i can find are tales of
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 5
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Here we go again ... 
I posted about my experiences in another thread a while back and I think I summed up TVRs as being susceptible to poor quality control at the factory and the use, in some cases, of inferior parts.
However, and I can only speak from my own (Chimaera owning) experience, most niggles can be resolved permanently once they're identified. In my case, I used an independent (although he'd had TVR factory training) who seemed to know all the issues to look out for and had solutions up his sleeve. (Noel Flannery of V8 Sports & Classics; he's based in Edinburgh but travels to customers to carry out servicing etc.. PM me if you want his details as I think he'd be a useful contact, even if only to get his advice)
My Chimaera was a V8 so was mechanically fairly straightforward. It was just a Range Rover lump after all.
As far as I know, early Cerberas suffered from water ingress. Apparently this came from leaks where the steering column and various cables passed through the front bulkead. AFAIK, these could be sorted.
I can't comment on the reliability of any of the TVR built straight sixes. I know Rich (RRalston) on here has experience with his Tuscan and will be able to provide more accurate information.
I would conclude by saying that whatever the reliability of your TVR, the grin it puts on your face when it's working more than makes up for any grumbles ...
I posted about my experiences in another thread a while back and I think I summed up TVRs as being susceptible to poor quality control at the factory and the use, in some cases, of inferior parts.
However, and I can only speak from my own (Chimaera owning) experience, most niggles can be resolved permanently once they're identified. In my case, I used an independent (although he'd had TVR factory training) who seemed to know all the issues to look out for and had solutions up his sleeve. (Noel Flannery of V8 Sports & Classics; he's based in Edinburgh but travels to customers to carry out servicing etc.. PM me if you want his details as I think he'd be a useful contact, even if only to get his advice)
My Chimaera was a V8 so was mechanically fairly straightforward. It was just a Range Rover lump after all.
As far as I know, early Cerberas suffered from water ingress. Apparently this came from leaks where the steering column and various cables passed through the front bulkead. AFAIK, these could be sorted.
I can't comment on the reliability of any of the TVR built straight sixes. I know Rich (RRalston) on here has experience with his Tuscan and will be able to provide more accurate information.
I would conclude by saying that whatever the reliability of your TVR, the grin it puts on your face when it's working more than makes up for any grumbles ...
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,788
Likes: 8
From: location, location
Originally Posted by Shiskine,Mar 7 2009, 07:36 PM
Here we go again ...
I posted about my experiences in another thread a while back and I think I summed up TVRs as being susceptible to poor quality control at the factory and the use, in some cases, of inferior parts.
However, and I can only speak from my own (Chimaera owning) experience, most niggles can be resolved permanently once they're identified. In my case, I used an independent (although he'd had TVR factory training) who seemed to know all the issues to look out for and had solutions up his sleeve. (Noel Flannery of V8 Sports & Classics; he's based in Edinburgh but travels to customers to carry out servicing etc.. PM me if you want his details as I think he'd be a useful contact, even if only to get his advice)
My Chimaera was a V8 so was mechanically fairly straightforward. It was just a Range Rover lump after all.
As far as I know, early Cerberas suffered from water ingress. Apparently this came from leaks where the steering column and various cables passed through the front bulkead. AFAIK, these could be sorted.
I can't comment on the reliability of any of the TVR built straight sixes. I know Rich (RRalston) on here has experience with his Tuscan and will be able to provide more accurate information.
I would conclude by saying that whatever the reliability of your TVR, the grin it puts on your face when it's working more than makes up for any grumbles ...
I posted about my experiences in another thread a while back and I think I summed up TVRs as being susceptible to poor quality control at the factory and the use, in some cases, of inferior parts.
However, and I can only speak from my own (Chimaera owning) experience, most niggles can be resolved permanently once they're identified. In my case, I used an independent (although he'd had TVR factory training) who seemed to know all the issues to look out for and had solutions up his sleeve. (Noel Flannery of V8 Sports & Classics; he's based in Edinburgh but travels to customers to carry out servicing etc.. PM me if you want his details as I think he'd be a useful contact, even if only to get his advice)
My Chimaera was a V8 so was mechanically fairly straightforward. It was just a Range Rover lump after all.
As far as I know, early Cerberas suffered from water ingress. Apparently this came from leaks where the steering column and various cables passed through the front bulkead. AFAIK, these could be sorted.
I can't comment on the reliability of any of the TVR built straight sixes. I know Rich (RRalston) on here has experience with his Tuscan and will be able to provide more accurate information.
I would conclude by saying that whatever the reliability of your TVR, the grin it puts on your face when it's working more than makes up for any grumbles ...
When i drove a relatives Tamora (god i loved that car), he always swore to let it warm up first, he didnt really have any problems with the car despite being the first owner and covering IIRC 5k.
I do that with my s2000, but to me it seems to make sense.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 5
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Originally Posted by Ajs_s2k,Mar 7 2009, 07:45 PM
Do you agree there is any truth in letting them warm up first?
Whilst some engine failures will undoubtedly have been the result of abuse from cold or insufficient oil, there is also evidence that some of the parts used were of questionable quality.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,290
Likes: 0
From: Back in Scotland.
The cars not for me, a workmate has decided he wants one and now seems a good time to buy as prices can be brought well down for a sale. We're off to canary wharf after work today to look at a T350, but i know he'd prefer a late model cerbera. Was just trying to get some experienced owners opinions for him before heading off to see some cars, so thanks for the info. (Even if i've accidentally asked you to repeat yourself! 
)
)
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4,860
Likes: 0
From: Leeds
[QUOTE=ikobo,Mar 7 2009, 02:19 PM] I know there are a lot of existing/previous TVR owners on the forum. Which models are at the higher end of the reliability stakes? Are any of the cerbera incarnations any good? As all i can find are tales of
Trending Topics
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,181
Likes: 58
From: Hertford
Originally Posted by Shiskine,Mar 7 2009, 07:48 PM
Whilst some engine failures will undoubtedly have been the result of abuse from cold or insufficient oil, there is also evidence that some of the parts used were of questionable quality.