That’s a fundamental question. Actually it concerns a TVR Tuscan but it’s suitable for every car. Bercause the second important thing to know when purchasing a car is the running costs. The matter is even more important as we’re speaking about very special car, which were produced under a totally hand-crafted way. Of course this is the main reason because you “should” buy a TVR. On the continent any other supercar, currently, is produced under an industrial way (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, BMW, Jaguar, Aston Martin…) and this increase their conformism.But a hand-crafted way of building “causes” a turn of problems and cares that any other European car (not British) could face. That’s why, when purchasing a TVR it’s important to have an idea of the annual budget to keep it ok.
TAKE CARE OF RECEIPTS
Looking at an interesting discussion we found here, the first thing, if you’re going to purchase a TVR, is
“When you go and view cars you will probably be handed a whole sheaf of receipts so you can see just what has been spent and what it cost“. This means that according to the amount of services the car had you can have an idea of the conditions of the car you’re going to purchase. But a lot of services, of course, doesn’ mean the car is a poltergeist! And if you notice that the previous owner didn’t mind how much it spended for it maybe you’re going to purchase a good car.
WHERE TO SERVICE IT?
Surely, another fundamental aspect of a TVR ownership it’s the garage: as they’re so particoular cars, they obviously need an official TVR Specialist who knows every single part of the car and all small and big problems she could suffer. Costs, almost surely, are bigger but you have a fundamental warranty about the quality of the work.
RUNNING COSTS
According to experiences of TVR Tuscan’s owners, a Tuscan needs 1.500 – 2000 £ (1.700 – 2.300 €) a year for a normal servicing. This, of course, doesn’t include the fuel, which depends on what use are you going to do. Someone, in a more optimistic way, states that you could spend 400 – 600 £ (450 – 700 €) without any problem. Running costs, of course, are up to you and your need to have always a perfect car. This means that you could desire a better handling: this could mean new tyres, new suspensions, engine upgrade and so on.
Among running costs, almost all TVR owners had to face, during their career with it, a famous (or infamous?) engine rebuild. In this situation, cost are bigger: we could mean 5 – 6,000 £ (5.700 – 6.700 €) but of course amounts are very variable. It depends on the kind of service she needs.
Would like to share with us your running experiences and costs for your TVR? Write us and tell us anything: we’ll create a special section and this will be a very useful help for other owners and all who look forward their dream to come true: purchasing a TVR! Email: info@tvrblog.com
Would love to see somthing about Griffith and Chimaera.
I would love to buy one of them, more affofordable but don't know about running costs.
Any help ?
I ran a Chimaera for 4 years, and spent about £5000 in those years in servicing and maintenance, but of that more than £3000 was discretionary spend i.e. I chose to spend it rather than being forced to. It came down to about £500 a year for all servicing and maintenance. And the car was 100% reliable over that period.
The car benefits from specialists, but doesn't need them as parts are either styandard or availble on-line.
The key to minimising spend is to buy a good one in the first place. The main thing to look at is the servicing/maintenance history, condition of the car (and the seller!), the chassis outriggers and the hood. http://www.chimaerapages.com has lots of info to help you with this.