Should I take the plunge into TVR ownership?
Discussion
You guys will have heard this question 1000 times before but when jumping into TVR ownership, what are the pitfalls? (Even my terminology is scaring me, all this talk about falling down pits!) I have been the passenger in a couple of beautiful TVRs and now have the desire and a small budget to play with (£5K), my "master plan" would be to start with a late 80s S series, maybe an S2, or maybe an S3 if I can find one, then after a summer of fun (hopefully), look to change for a newer model next year? What do you think?
Ozzie54321 said:
You guys will have heard this question 1000 times before but when jumping into TVR ownership, what are the pitfalls? (Even my terminology is scaring me, all this talk about falling down pits!) I have been the passenger in a couple of beautiful TVRs and now have the desire and a small budget to play with (£5K), my "master plan" would be to start with a late 80s S series, maybe an S2, or maybe an S3 if I can find one, then after a summer of fun (hopefully), look to change for a newer model next year? What do you think?
I am thinking the same .. all I'm thinking is that "should I change my daily car for TVR S series ???" Damn.
Hmmmmm.....dougC makes a strong, well worded case.... who can argue with that? However I was hoping for a tad more advice! I will be able to keep the other car and treat the TVR as a dry weather only (HA, fat chance in this country!), but with a £5K budget would it wise to save up more and get something newer, or would an S2 not disapoint?
Ozzie54321 said:
Thanks K, your enthusiasm is obvious, for £5K should I expect perfect chassis, or at least outriggers to be new, what else will tell me if it's been cared for well?
For £5k on todays market I would expect you should find a sorted and solid (if not concours) S2 or 3 and a very nice S1.Read the Useful Links Wiki on this forum and look at Pies site for a buyers guide.
http://www.tvrsseries.com/
There are a couple of cars owned near you in NY which you could have a look at, just ask them. It would be useful to get to a TVR meet too and if you were Very interested, its SCH this weekend coming and there will be dozens of cars and owners of S's there for you to chat to and ask away.
Buy a good S and you will not regret it, buy a bad one and your mechanical knowledge will improve
K
Ozzie54321 said:
Hmmmmm.....dougC makes a strong, well worded case.... who can argue with that? However I was hoping for a tad more advice! I will be able to keep the other car and treat the TVR as a dry weather only (HA, fat chance in this country!), but with a £5K budget would it wise to save up more and get something newer, or would an S2 not disapoint?
Second car then no problem.Newer does not mean more reliable! - The S1,2 and 3 have a proven Ford V6 engine and dont have silly electrics to open the doors (nobody mention the boot to him). They are good solid cars with relatively simple engineering, and as reliable as any 20 year old car - in fact I think the German cars at the same age are less reliabale than than their image.
Also, as mentioned by others, dont bother "up-grading" later on, as the experience doesn't significantly increase, just the bills.
craggers said:
I am thinking the same .. all I'm thinking is that "should I change my daily car for TVR S series ???"
Damn.
An S would run as a daily car with no problem. the insurance might be a tad expensive. If you have another car you could get insurance for around £150 on a classic policy.Damn.
I'd agree that it would be a really good idea to join us at S club this weekend. If not, you are welcome to come to Doncaster and have a bit of a go in mine. not for sale (yet)! as I've only just finished the rebuild.
Plenty of advice available. This is a great forum for help, as I know (thanks to all!).
Really the only thing to worry about is the condition of the chassis, especially on an S1 like mine. The mechanics are really simple and tried and tested ford for the most part.
Have a look at the buyers guide here tvrsseries.com buyers guide, it should give you a fair few pointers in what to look for when looking round the car.
There are many threads on what to look for when purchasing a car, here is the one I started when I was in the same position as you. As everyone else has said make sure that the chassis is solid and everything else can be taken from there.
I love my car and haven't regretted the purchase at any point. It just puts a huge smile on my face, even from just looking at her.
oops, just noticed ketvrin has already mentioned the buyers guide...
There are many threads on what to look for when purchasing a car, here is the one I started when I was in the same position as you. As everyone else has said make sure that the chassis is solid and everything else can be taken from there.
I love my car and haven't regretted the purchase at any point. It just puts a huge smile on my face, even from just looking at her.
oops, just noticed ketvrin has already mentioned the buyers guide...
Edited by The Big G on Monday 20th June 18:01
I completely agree 5K should get a lovely s at that price I would want a really good chassis and low miles ( or a recent engine/ gearbox rebuild) also a good hood and interior. I will say this........ I spent 3k last year my engine and chassis are good but I know sooner or later they will both have to be done thats big money for me as I dont have time/ skill/ facilities to do that kind of work myself, also there is always something, at the moment its fuel guage, speedo,suspension,mirrors . I dont want to put you off its a dream come true for me but just know what your buying in to. good luck!
The S is a fantastic wee car - do it, you will not regret it.
I also have a Cerbera, which is very very fast and a lot more comfortable, and a lot more practical - but in terms of smiles per mile (or smiles per pound), it's nowhere near my S Series.
Do it. Just forget your qualms, forget the Jeremy Clarkson "oh they're so unreliable" gayboy stuff - just do it.
I also have a Cerbera, which is very very fast and a lot more comfortable, and a lot more practical - but in terms of smiles per mile (or smiles per pound), it's nowhere near my S Series.
Do it. Just forget your qualms, forget the Jeremy Clarkson "oh they're so unreliable" gayboy stuff - just do it.
Ozzie54321 said:
You guys will have heard this question 1000 times before but when jumping into TVR ownership, what are the pitfalls? (Even my terminology is scaring me, all this talk about falling down pits!) I have been the passenger in a couple of beautiful TVRs and now have the desire and a small budget to play with (£5K), my "master plan" would be to start with a late 80s S series, maybe an S2, or maybe an S3 if I can find one, then after a summer of fun (hopefully), look to change for a newer model next year? What do you think?
The only major pitfall i can think of is that once you have one you might find it difficult to be without one , and thats not always possible as circumstances change .5k should get you a nice example but don't limit yourself to an S2 , all S's are good cars and there is no reason after 20ish yrs to expect the chassis on an S4 to be better than an S1 just because its a few years newer . Both cars mentioned on this thread look good but in my experience being fiberglass most TVRs look good in a photo so do some research before you travel any great distance ( if it looks rough it will be really rough )
As for changing to a newer model don't expect guys on the S forum to think that's a good idea , why would they ?
speaking as someone who has changed for a newer model i would say you will not have more fun in a newer car so why not plan to keep an S for a while .If you are serious about buying an S going to S club is a must , you wont find a more friendly or helpful group of owners anywhere and you will learn so much it would be invaluable .
Dale
5k should get a very good example and they're all fun. I honestly cannot think of anything as much fun anywhere near the price. Also, you are unlikely to lose much as prices are not likely to fall further (OK, there may be short term dips).
Buy on condition as opposed to any other thing. As posted above, both of you would do well to come to S club if you can, or local meetings. The more you see, the better informed you are and the better choice you will make
However, I wouldn't (personally) go for a 5k cerb, you're very unlikely to get a half decent one and the running costs are far higher.
Buy on condition as opposed to any other thing. As posted above, both of you would do well to come to S club if you can, or local meetings. The more you see, the better informed you are and the better choice you will make
However, I wouldn't (personally) go for a 5k cerb, you're very unlikely to get a half decent one and the running costs are far higher.
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