2002 TVR GRIFFITH

Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Severe clunking on acceleration/deceleration, Vibration through chassis at idle, Difficulty engaging gears, Visible drooping of transmission tail

Fix: TVR used inadequate rubber mounts that deteriorate rapidly. Replacement requires lifting the transmission slightly (2-3 hours labor). Aftermarket polyurethane mounts last longer but transmit more NVH. Access is tight in the Griffith's chassis tunnel.

Estimated cost: $400-800

Symptoms: Temperature spikes in traffic or spirited driving, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Steam from engine bay, Head gasket weeping between block and heads

Fix: The Rover V8 runs hot by nature, and TVR's minimal cooling setup makes it worse. Typical fixes include upgraded radiator (4 hours), electric fan conversion (6 hours), and often head gasket replacement if caught late (18-24 hours for full engine-out service). Engine oil coolers also fail, mixing coolant and oil—catastrophic if not caught early.

Estimated cost: $2,000-6,500

Symptoms: Intermittent no-start conditions, Gauges reading erratically or not at all, Headlights dimming or failing, Battery drain when parked, Starter motor clicking

Fix: TVR's hand-built wiring harnesses and Lucas components create ongoing nightmares. Common culprits: corroded earth points (1 hour to chase down), failing alternator (2 hours), and dodgy starter solenoids (1.5 hours). Budget for diagnostic time—electrical issues rarely present logically. Many owners eventually rewire sections with modern components.

Estimated cost: $300-1,800

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Hesitation or cutting out under load, Hard starting when hot, Rough idle progressing to stalling, Fuel smell in cabin or boot

Fix: In-tank fuel pumps fail, often due to sediment from fiberglass tank degradation. Pump replacement requires tank drop (4-5 hours). Inline fuel filters clog frequently—should be changed every 15,000 miles (1 hour job). Old fuel lines can also crack, creating fire hazards.

Estimated cost: $600-1,400

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Uneven braking or pull to one side, Excessive heat from one wheel, Parking brake ineffective, Brake fluid leaks at calipers, Spongy pedal after bleeding

Fix: TVR used AP Racing or Girling calipers that corrode internally, especially if the car sits. Pistons seize in bores. Full rebuild of front and rear calipers involves honing, new seals, pistons if scored (3-4 hours per axle). Parts availability is hit-or-miss—sometimes you're hunting used units and rebuilding those.

Estimated cost: $800-2,200

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd-3rd, Delayed engagement from park, Burnt ATF smell, Check engine light with trans codes, Hard shifts or no upshift

Fix: The GM 4L60E automatic (rare in Griffiths, more common in Chimaeras) was never designed for the V8's torque in this lightweight chassis. Transmission oil cooler failures dump coolant into ATF, destroying clutches. Rebuild requires 12-16 hours labor, often with torque converter replacement. Many owners convert to manual.

Estimated cost: $3,000-5,500

Symptoms: Visible rust on tubular steel chassis, Sagging front or rear suspension geometry, Cracking paint on chassis near stress points, Alignment impossible to maintain

Fix: TVR used unpainted tubular steel chassis with minimal rust protection. UK/coastal cars rot from inside out. Subframes where suspension mounts can crack. Proper repair means chassis-off restoration with media blasting and powder coating (80+ hours), or welding in new sections (20+ hours). Most are band-aided with POR-15.

Estimated cost: $4,000-15,000