Discussion
Hi everyone,
I'm showing my ignorance a bit here I suppose, but I'm about to invest some hard-earned beer vouchers in a(nother) car and I was wondering about an S2 or an S3. (Have to save up for a Tuscan!) Both seem like a good starting point for a TVR virgin, and since you all know them inside out I was wondering whether anyone would mind pointing out the advantages and pitfalls of the two? Which will spend less time in bits on the garage floor?
So, any and all info gratefully accepted! Thanks guys!
I'm showing my ignorance a bit here I suppose, but I'm about to invest some hard-earned beer vouchers in a(nother) car and I was wondering about an S2 or an S3. (Have to save up for a Tuscan!) Both seem like a good starting point for a TVR virgin, and since you all know them inside out I was wondering whether anyone would mind pointing out the advantages and pitfalls of the two? Which will spend less time in bits on the garage floor?
So, any and all info gratefully accepted! Thanks guys!
Hello Sgirl. May I comment on your impeccable (sp) taste for selecting one of the finest products TVR ever produced.
Interms of S2 or S3 there are some aesthetic differences which set them apart...
1 - Front driving fog lamps
2 - 2 piece dash rather than sweeping dash in S1 and S2's (much nicer IMHO)
3 - Longer doors so P Wheeler could in and out of them
That's it as far I remember (sits back and waits to be slated). The advice I would give is that you presumably know how much money you have to spend and then you want to get as late a model as you can for that money. If however you see a good early one don't be put off because its early, look for the quality of the car. Do not be put off if the service history isn't all there as these cars are now getting older. Also do not be put off by Specialist stamos rather than main dealers in the service history either.
The younger the car the better it should be. Although I may add that there are some beautifully maintained and gorgeous S2's around and some real sheds of S3's
In terms of performance, unless it is an S3c (which had catalytic converters and produced more Torque according to the books) there is no difference.
I would suggest you bought Steve Heaths guide to the S Series (available off the club site - www.tvrcc.com ) as this will help to highlight areas of concern and get the car checked over by someone who either knows S's or specialist cars. AA and RAC inspections are alright but they do not have the specific TVR knowledge that can prove more insightful (sp)
Also get along to your local meet and have a look at some. Owners not selling will show you all around their cars and tell you much more about them and what to look for than any private/dealer wishing to take your money.
In fact it's probably about time we had another S meet at Virginia Waters and you ahould come along to that. There will be every type of S there.
Good luck with your search
Cheers
Mark
Interms of S2 or S3 there are some aesthetic differences which set them apart...
1 - Front driving fog lamps
2 - 2 piece dash rather than sweeping dash in S1 and S2's (much nicer IMHO)
3 - Longer doors so P Wheeler could in and out of them
That's it as far I remember (sits back and waits to be slated). The advice I would give is that you presumably know how much money you have to spend and then you want to get as late a model as you can for that money. If however you see a good early one don't be put off because its early, look for the quality of the car. Do not be put off if the service history isn't all there as these cars are now getting older. Also do not be put off by Specialist stamos rather than main dealers in the service history either.
The younger the car the better it should be. Although I may add that there are some beautifully maintained and gorgeous S2's around and some real sheds of S3's
In terms of performance, unless it is an S3c (which had catalytic converters and produced more Torque according to the books) there is no difference.
I would suggest you bought Steve Heaths guide to the S Series (available off the club site - www.tvrcc.com ) as this will help to highlight areas of concern and get the car checked over by someone who either knows S's or specialist cars. AA and RAC inspections are alright but they do not have the specific TVR knowledge that can prove more insightful (sp)
Also get along to your local meet and have a look at some. Owners not selling will show you all around their cars and tell you much more about them and what to look for than any private/dealer wishing to take your money.
In fact it's probably about time we had another S meet at Virginia Waters and you ahould come along to that. There will be every type of S there.
Good luck with your search
Cheers
Mark
Hi SGirl
I agree with Mark in that I saw some heaps that were supposed to be S3's and some lurvely S2's. I ended up with an S3 as it was the right spec, colour and price
- but I would look for service history and general condition when considering how much work will be needed on the car and how much it will be off the road.
If we have another Virginia Waters meet then you should try and come along (if you live anywhere near the South) - it was a good opportunity for me to compare models before I bought. I am sure owners will be only too happy to talk through any queries or take you for a blast - me included.
Phil
I agree with Mark in that I saw some heaps that were supposed to be S3's and some lurvely S2's. I ended up with an S3 as it was the right spec, colour and price
- but I would look for service history and general condition when considering how much work will be needed on the car and how much it will be off the road. If we have another Virginia Waters meet then you should try and come along (if you live anywhere near the South) - it was a good opportunity for me to compare models before I bought. I am sure owners will be only too happy to talk through any queries or take you for a blast - me included.
Phil
An unbiased opinion here, the S is probably the best looking TVR . Pound for pound it is also offers the best value and is probably one of the most reliable models available as well . If that’s not a good enough reason to buy one then I don't know what is 
.
On a more serious note there are some sheds (read wrecks) out there, saying that most are well cared for though. If you don't know your way around these cars then I would heartily recommend either buying from a independent specialist dealer or private with a second opinion from someone in the know. Personally I used the services of Rob Ingleby as not having the time to travel the length and breadth of the country was an important factor.
So long as you chose carefully then you will not be disappointed, as already has been said get yourself along to one of the meetings, be it VW or a local TVRCC meeting. There are normally S's at most meetings and all owner’s luv to talk about their cars, you just need to ask them, shutting them up is a different thing
.
Happy hunting and an advanced - welcome to the 'S' fold greeting to you.
Harry
. Pound for pound it is also offers the best value and is probably one of the most reliable models available as well . If that’s not a good enough reason to buy one then I don't know what is . On a more serious note there are some sheds (read wrecks) out there, saying that most are well cared for though. If you don't know your way around these cars then I would heartily recommend either buying from a independent specialist dealer or private with a second opinion from someone in the know. Personally I used the services of Rob Ingleby as not having the time to travel the length and breadth of the country was an important factor.
So long as you chose carefully then you will not be disappointed, as already has been said get yourself along to one of the meetings, be it VW or a local TVRCC meeting. There are normally S's at most meetings and all owner’s luv to talk about their cars, you just need to ask them, shutting them up is a different thing
. Happy hunting and an advanced - welcome to the 'S' fold greeting to you.
Harry
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the help and advice! It all makes a lot of sense, especially the idea of turning up to a get-together at Virginia Water sometime. As long as you promise not to laugh at what I drive now (no, not telling!!). I live near Uxbridge, so it's not too far away, and it'd be good to say hi and get some hints and advice on what to look out for. And Phil, I'd love to take you up on your offer of a blast in your S! 
It'd be good to be able to compare the two basic types of car without having to go to a dealer and subject myself to the hard sell before I've prepared myself properly for it.
I hadn't thought of asking an enthusiast to look over any potential purchase - good point. I usually crawl over cars myself, but of course I don't know much about S's at the moment and so chances are I wouldn't see some of the things that'd you'd look for as a matter of course. So thanks for the tip! BTW, I know dealers cost more, but they do offer warranties and things. What do you think - dealer or private best? Not sure at the moment how much I want to spend - probably no more than 15K, a bit less if I can get away with it and still buy a nice car!
Mark, thanks also for the book tip. I'll give it a go!
I owe you all a beer when we meet up!
SGirl
>> Edited by SGirl on Monday 8th July 23:38
Thanks for the help and advice! It all makes a lot of sense, especially the idea of turning up to a get-together at Virginia Water sometime. As long as you promise not to laugh at what I drive now (no, not telling!!).
I live near Uxbridge, so it's not too far away, and it'd be good to say hi and get some hints and advice on what to look out for. And Phil, I'd love to take you up on your offer of a blast in your S! It'd be good to be able to compare the two basic types of car without having to go to a dealer and subject myself to the hard sell before I've prepared myself properly for it. I hadn't thought of asking an enthusiast to look over any potential purchase - good point. I usually crawl over cars myself, but of course I don't know much about S's at the moment and so chances are I wouldn't see some of the things that'd you'd look for as a matter of course. So thanks for the tip! BTW, I know dealers cost more, but they do offer warranties and things. What do you think - dealer or private best? Not sure at the moment how much I want to spend - probably no more than 15K, a bit less if I can get away with it and still buy a nice car!
Mark, thanks also for the book tip. I'll give it a go!
I owe you all a beer when we meet up!
SGirl
>> Edited by SGirl on Monday 8th July 23:38
SGirl, £15K would probably buy any S in the country, to be honest you could almost get two sorted S2/3's for that
If you have that level of readies then I would say then go for the V8S, believe me I tried all types of S, there is a difference (but then again a very well driven S1/2/3 could still keep in touch on the twisties, but not on any long straight stretches ).
S's are quiet rare compared to most of today’s models, the V8S even rarer (sp?).
Harry
If you have that level of readies then I would say then go for the V8S, believe me I tried all types of S, there is a difference
(but then again a very well driven S1/2/3 could still keep in touch on the twisties, but not on any long straight stretches ). S's are quiet rare compared to most of today’s models, the V8S even rarer (sp?).
Harry
you're only up the road from me then Dave H - Hiya neighbour!! What I drive now is certainly quick, but it ain't sporty by any stretch of the imagination... Nope, no more clues!!
Roy C - Thanks for the tip! Didn't realise there was going to be a TVR stand at the Auto Show, I was planning on going along anyway. I'll come over and have a look!
SGirl
Roy C - Thanks for the tip! Didn't realise there was going to be a TVR stand at the Auto Show, I was planning on going along anyway. I'll come over and have a look!
SGirl
15k !!!!
You really do want an S then ! As Harry has said that will buy you a very very nice S. Practically concourse I would suggest.
If you are after a V6 rather than a V8 I would be looking for a S4c due to their limited availability. Having the same chassis as a V8S and the fact they look the best of all the V6 S series IMHO. Not many around though.
If you want the V8S then even more need to take someone who knows their way round a V8 engine.
C'mon SGirl, tell us what you drive. Their are some of us on here who have some pretty sad admissions concerning previous cars anyway and we could do with a giggle
Cheers
Mark
You really do want an S then ! As Harry has said that will buy you a very very nice S. Practically concourse I would suggest.
If you are after a V6 rather than a V8 I would be looking for a S4c due to their limited availability. Having the same chassis as a V8S and the fact they look the best of all the V6 S series IMHO. Not many around though.
If you want the V8S then even more need to take someone who knows their way round a V8 engine.
C'mon SGirl, tell us what you drive. Their are some of us on here who have some pretty sad admissions concerning previous cars anyway and we could do with a giggle
Cheers
Mark
A concourse S would be lovely!! 15K is definitely top whack though - less than 12-13 would be good. The V8S sounds fab - must have a look round and see what's available. I'll keep you posted!
To be honest a Griff did cross my mind, but for 15K I'd have to go for something higher mileage from a dealer (haven't looked at private Griff sales yet - not sure I'm going to bother), and I'd rather get a really nice car that doesn't need much doing to it initially - I'm a lazy
.
Mark, I'll tell you after I've had a few drinks what I drive, okay? They're actually quite nice cars (well I like 'em!), but TVRs they ain't. One is loads of fun on the motorway and you could park an S in it (!), the other is your archetypal hairdressers car. I do draw the line at nodding dogs on the parcel shelf, though!
Sorry to disappoint Dave, one S will have to be my lot! Now if I had an identical twin sister...
SGirl
To be honest a Griff did cross my mind, but for 15K I'd have to go for something higher mileage from a dealer (haven't looked at private Griff sales yet - not sure I'm going to bother), and I'd rather get a really nice car that doesn't need much doing to it initially - I'm a lazy
. Mark, I'll tell you after I've had a few drinks what I drive, okay?
They're actually quite nice cars (well I like 'em!), but TVRs they ain't. One is loads of fun on the motorway and you could park an S in it (!), the other is your archetypal hairdressers car. I do draw the line at nodding dogs on the parcel shelf, though! Sorry to disappoint Dave, one S will have to be my lot! Now if I had an identical twin sister...
SGirl
tell you what SGirl - you can have my S for £15k and ill be off to buy the Griff
happy to take you for a blast at next meeting in Virginia Waters - or any other meeting that I'm at for that matter - M3 meet tonight if it stops raining and I dont have to bail out the passenger footwell on route.
happy to take you for a blast at next meeting in Virginia Waters - or any other meeting that I'm at for that matter - M3 meet tonight if it stops raining and I dont have to bail out the passenger footwell on route.
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