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TVR 3000M as a daily driver
sebastiaan - 16/11/08 at 10:20 AM

My next big motering dilemma....

After driving my alfa 156 for around 2 years I'm looking for something a bit different. In doing so, I stumbled upon a TVR 3000M. Would I be absolutely mad to run this as a daily driver? My daily commute is around 35 miles round trip. The car would need to live outside *all the time* since the Indy occupies the garage...

My guess is that it will be, erm, challenging at best but loads of fun.

Anyone clued up on these cars and their reliability? (mind you, I'm used to a 10 year old Alfa ;-))

Simon - 16/11/08 at 10:25 AM

I reckon it'll be fine It's quite old, but hopefully all fixed by now.

As for keeping it outside, get a 2 post car lift and keep the Indy "in the air" when not in use.

ATB

Simon

sebastiaan - 16/11/08 at 10:31 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Simon
As for keeping it outside, get a 2 post car lift and keep the Indy "in the air" when not in use.


Nope, not enough heigth in the garage to fit a two post lift. Width would be an issue too ;-)

speedyxjs - 16/11/08 at 10:36 AM

I know they have a terrible reputation for reliability but as above, problems may be ironed out by now

sebastiaan - 16/11/08 at 10:43 AM

quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
I know they have a terrible reputation for reliability but as above, problems may be ironed out by now


Were they unreliable because of the electrics (easy to fix) or mechanically (probably a bit harder to fix)?

philw - 16/11/08 at 11:06 AM

Originally posted by sebastiaan

quote:


Were they unreliable because of the electrics (easy to fix) or mechanically (probably a bit harder to fix)?


Electrics, all the contacts corrode, a bit like Jags do, cheap connectors, if used everyday it should be ok, uses ford running gear, i used to keep both my TVRs outside and had no issues with reliability.

mr henderson - 16/11/08 at 11:16 AM

quote:
Originally posted by sebastiaan
quote:
Originally posted by speedyxjs
I know they have a terrible reputation for reliability but as above, problems may be ironed out by now


Were they unreliable because of the electrics (easy to fix) or mechanically (probably a bit harder to fix)?


I don't know where any particular unreliabilty would have stemmed from, the electrics would probably have been a source of some, and maybe the Triumph IRS might well be a bit tricky. Nothing that couldn;t be overcome, though, and if you like the car then I suggest you get it

John

sebastiaan - 16/11/08 at 11:16 AM

OK, thanks for the info. So, apart from ome electrical gremlins, is there anything else to look out for?

A1 - 16/11/08 at 11:26 AM

my dad used one for years as a daily drive, through snow and everything, the electrics on his are okay, the engine can be a bi*ch to start on colder days, but mostly starts first time....
go for it id say, theyre beautiful cars!!

whitestu - 16/11/08 at 12:50 PM

My only memory is of one causing an accident trying to keep up with my Alfasud years ago.

I don't think they are very good at all around the corners.

As a result I think I'm biased and would keep well clear.


Stu

StevieB - 16/11/08 at 02:20 PM

I keep my elsie outside which, whilst the rep isn't as bad as TVR, Lotus aren't known for their german-like build quality.

The reliability problems with cars like the Elise and the 3000M are more associated with leavung the car standing (and therefor eseizing up and flattened battery) and the same issues you'd get if you left any other car unused for any length of time.

adithorp - 16/11/08 at 05:45 PM

You'd struggle to find many to recommend a 156 as a daily driver so how bad can a TVR be?

adrian

ps. I had a 156 v6 for 2 years. Loved it but got rid before anything major went wrong!

Meeerrrk - 16/11/08 at 06:40 PM

personally, i wouldnt. Youve got a "fun" car, use that more often if you want a bit of fun?