OK let's cut through the crap here. I owned a Cerbera (yes the one that's supposed to be even more unreliable and expensive) for two years. All that went wrong was the starter motor. A Mitsubishi item it should be said. The Chimeara and Griffith are now an older generation of TVR, what isn't known about them will never be known. They have very straight forward mechanics, extremely robust chassis and if looked after well - as you would with any sports car - will last you as long as you want. There's plenty of specialists out there now as well, just because you're in Kent don't be thinking Waldonway is your only option!!
The Chimaera is a comfy motor for sure and with a frankly huge boot, for that long weekend, or fortnight away with the missus. There's also plenty available on the second hand market in all engine configurations, as ever buying the newest model you can means you get the most up to date kit, but don't be put off the older models, a well looked after early car will be better than a thrashed newer motor, and there are very few cars that sound as good as the 4.3 pre-cat V8 models. The engine choice is of course purely personal, 4, 4.3, 4.5 & 5. I drove a 4l for a week and it happily span the rears in 3rd. The 5l is obviously a beasty, a lot of people consider the 4.5l to be the best match for the chassis though. Just drive loads, they'll all feel slightly different, it can't be helped with hand built machines. Don't expect it to drive like your Z though, oh boy no!! You'll need a left leg of steel
I went for a test drive in a Griff a bit before buying my Z and about a year after selling my Cerbie, I could hardly get the clutch in at first!
Costs will be fuel and insurance, mainly fuel, but you should be able to get low 20s on a steady run. Push it and what can I say, I once saw my fuel gauge going down before my eyes. That was at an indicated 180mph though
Best place you'll find for more info about these is:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/
Absolutely everything you'll ever need to know is there. Just don't forget the golden rule of car forums, people only ever come on to moan about something going wrong!!
Don't be put of by the doomsday merchants, they're awesome cars!
Cheers,
Rob
