Considering a first TVR - S4C
Discussion
Hi folks, TVR novice here starting to idly wonder about buying a marque that I've always admired but really know little about actually living with. This would be a second / fun car.
I see there's a really nice looking (to my eyes) S4C up for sale here.
I'm not practical at all, and while I'd love to learn, I accept that I may end up having to pay for an expert to do the job more often than not when it comes to maintenance and required work. I'm about equidistant between Amore Autos and Str8 Six so I'm assuming I'd be able to get most jobs looked at if I don't think I can have a go myself.
Interested in your collected wisdom - what do I need to be considering here, things I should be on the look out for? Are there known issues that I should be budgeting for?
I see there's a really nice looking (to my eyes) S4C up for sale here.
I'm not practical at all, and while I'd love to learn, I accept that I may end up having to pay for an expert to do the job more often than not when it comes to maintenance and required work. I'm about equidistant between Amore Autos and Str8 Six so I'm assuming I'd be able to get most jobs looked at if I don't think I can have a go myself.
Interested in your collected wisdom - what do I need to be considering here, things I should be on the look out for? Are there known issues that I should be budgeting for?
Spanish S2 said:
Chassis condition is the most important thing to check for on these cars especially the outriggers, they can rust
through, engine and gearbox are fairly bullet-proof if its been regularly serviced. Then there is the cosmetics,
bodywork, interior etc Hope this helps you.
Well thanks to you, Google and an FB video, today I learned what outriggers are. through, engine and gearbox are fairly bullet-proof if its been regularly serviced. Then there is the cosmetics,
bodywork, interior etc Hope this helps you.
That level of ignorance on my part is why I'm assuming I'm best off buying from a reputable TVR specialist rather than one of the numerous privately listed ones on Car and Classic etc - I wouldn't pretend to begin to know what I'm looking for!
Or am I being overly wary?
No you are not overly wary
If the car has not had the outriggers replaced in the last 10 years or so, then they will 'probably' need doing in the next 5 to 10 years - budget £3 to 4k as you will want other work doing. Unless you are VERY lucky.
As with any other 30 year old car, there will be issues from time to time.
These are good cars and give great smiles per pound.
We are a friendly bunch on here and fb. Plenty of meets and run outs.
Where are you located?
If the car has not had the outriggers replaced in the last 10 years or so, then they will 'probably' need doing in the next 5 to 10 years - budget £3 to 4k as you will want other work doing. Unless you are VERY lucky.
As with any other 30 year old car, there will be issues from time to time.
These are good cars and give great smiles per pound.
We are a friendly bunch on here and fb. Plenty of meets and run outs.
Where are you located?
I'm in Didcot, South Oxfordshire.
GF and I love the idea of something old and fun to cruise around in - country pub visits etc. So I'm just trying to get my head around whether something like this with a bit of class and character can work for us.
I've previously had 2x MX-5 NDs, so enjoy a bit of top down motoring where possible.
GF and I love the idea of something old and fun to cruise around in - country pub visits etc. So I'm just trying to get my head around whether something like this with a bit of class and character can work for us.
I've previously had 2x MX-5 NDs, so enjoy a bit of top down motoring where possible.
elvismiggell said:
Well thanks to you, Google and an FB video, today I learned what outriggers are.
That level of ignorance on my part is why I'm assuming I'm best off buying from a reputable TVR specialist rather than one of the numerous privately listed ones on Car and Classic etc - I wouldn't pretend to begin to know what I'm looking for!
Or am I being overly wary?
I recently purchased my first TVR (it's my new commuter car now that I'm working from home so much) and like you I was wary of my ignorance so I bought through a reputable dealer and when they gave me the list of work they'd done before I drove it away I was very pleased I had. I'm sure I could have bought an equivalent car cheaper but there's a difference between cost and value!That level of ignorance on my part is why I'm assuming I'm best off buying from a reputable TVR specialist rather than one of the numerous privately listed ones on Car and Classic etc - I wouldn't pretend to begin to know what I'm looking for!
Or am I being overly wary?
Anyway - go buy a TVR, as soon as you can!
I'm two months into ownership and I'm using it for everything - filled the boot with compost, took it to vote, it does the supermarket shopping.
Oldwolf said:
I recently purchased my first TVR (it's my new commuter car now that I'm working from home so much) and like you I was wary of my ignorance so I bought through a reputable dealer and when they gave me the list of work they'd done before I drove it away I was very pleased I had. I'm sure I could have bought an equivalent car cheaper but there's a difference between cost and value!
Anyway - go buy a TVR, as soon as you can!
I'm two months into ownership and I'm using it for everything - filled the boot with compost, took it to vote, it does the supermarket shopping.
Amazing! Anyway - go buy a TVR, as soon as you can!
I'm two months into ownership and I'm using it for everything - filled the boot with compost, took it to vote, it does the supermarket shopping.
I sold my last MX-5 and bought a Jaguar XF Sportbrake as the 'sensible car for carting my GF and her daughter around'. (A decision I'm very happy with.)
But now it's time to look for a fun second car!
elvismiggell said:
Amazing!
I sold my last MX-5 and bought a Jaguar XF Sportbrake as the 'sensible car for carting my GF and her daughter around'. (A decision I'm very happy with.)
But now it's time to look for a fun second car!
I too have a Jag XF Sportbrake and a TVR S1 - (modified I sold my last MX-5 and bought a Jaguar XF Sportbrake as the 'sensible car for carting my GF and her daughter around'. (A decision I'm very happy with.)
But now it's time to look for a fun second car!
) a great combination.Portmanteau said:
Bought my S3 from Mark at Amore and can recommend them - honest and straight up and good to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble.
That S4C looks like a minter to me - go for it!
The pictures of the underside look pretty decent to the absolutely untrained eye. Does the chassis being red indicate that it's had work done on it already? (I assume work done = a good thing typically.)That S4C looks like a minter to me - go for it!
It would likely have been red originally (powder coat) but suspect it must have had work since then due to age. Some of the bolts are red which suggests its been painted at some point.
Mine was red originally for example but has been covered in black waxoyl :-(
But it does look clean though. They emailed me walk round and underside videos when I bought mine which enabled me to make the decision.
Not a fan of the steering wheel though, but that's a personal opinion...
Mine was red originally for example but has been covered in black waxoyl :-(
But it does look clean though. They emailed me walk round and underside videos when I bought mine which enabled me to make the decision.
Not a fan of the steering wheel though, but that's a personal opinion...
Alf the cat said:
It would likely have been red originally (powder coat) but suspect it must have had work since then due to age. Some of the bolts are red which suggests its been painted at some point.
Mine was red originally for example but has been covered in black waxoyl :-(
But it does look clean though. They emailed me walk round and underside videos when I bought mine which enabled me to make the decision.
Not a fan of the steering wheel though, but that's a personal opinion...
Just had a good chat with Mark on the phone and he's invited me to come down and have a look around what they have to get a good feel for which models 'fit' me and to learn some of the things to look out for. Pretty much exactly what I need to do I think.Mine was red originally for example but has been covered in black waxoyl :-(
But it does look clean though. They emailed me walk round and underside videos when I bought mine which enabled me to make the decision.
Not a fan of the steering wheel though, but that's a personal opinion...
Top service I'd say.
The S Series is a great way into TVR ownership. Be aware they have no safety aids, ABS, roll over or side impact crash protection (other types of TVR have more protection, but it's not really what they're about).
If you're happy with this, the S Series sounds great, simple to maintain, enough power for fun, enough torque for easy cruising, but without the extra torque of the larger engine models (which can get some people into trouble). Ok mpg, & cheap road tax.
Check them for size though, taller drivers (over 6ft 1") may have difficulties getting in/out. You have longer doors on this S4, compared to a S1-2, but you may still find the inside is cramped/snug.
See how heavy the clutch is for you.
Boot isn't massive, but is big enough for most things. The roof ( & spare tyre, if it has one) gets stored in there, which restricts space slightly. You can also use the parcel shelf for storage.
Please read the 'S Series Buying Guide. There are also couple of manuals to help with maintenance (not sure how easy they are to get hold of now).
All the best in your search for your 'second/fun' car.
If you're happy with this, the S Series sounds great, simple to maintain, enough power for fun, enough torque for easy cruising, but without the extra torque of the larger engine models (which can get some people into trouble). Ok mpg, & cheap road tax.
Check them for size though, taller drivers (over 6ft 1") may have difficulties getting in/out. You have longer doors on this S4, compared to a S1-2, but you may still find the inside is cramped/snug.
See how heavy the clutch is for you.
Boot isn't massive, but is big enough for most things. The roof ( & spare tyre, if it has one) gets stored in there, which restricts space slightly. You can also use the parcel shelf for storage.
Please read the 'S Series Buying Guide. There are also couple of manuals to help with maintenance (not sure how easy they are to get hold of now).
All the best in your search for your 'second/fun' car.
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
The S Series is a great way into TVR ownership. Be aware they have no safety aids, ABS, roll over or side impact crash protection (other types of TVR have more protection, but it's not really what they're about).
If you're happy with this, the S Series sounds great, simple to maintain, enough power for fun, enough torque for easy cruising, but without the extra torque of the larger engine models (which can get some people into trouble). Ok mpg, & cheap road tax.
Check them for size though, taller drivers (over 6ft 1") may have difficulties getting in/out. You have longer doors on this S4, compared to a S1-2, but you may still find the inside is cramped/snug.
See how heavy the clutch is for you.
Boot isn't massive, but is big enough for most things. The roof ( & spare tyre, if it has one) gets stored in there, which restricts space slightly. You can also use the parcel shelf for storage.
Please read the 'S Series Buying Guide. There are also couple of manuals to help with maintenance (not sure how easy they are to get hold of now).
All the best in your search for your 'second/fun' car.
Thanks for the advice!If you're happy with this, the S Series sounds great, simple to maintain, enough power for fun, enough torque for easy cruising, but without the extra torque of the larger engine models (which can get some people into trouble). Ok mpg, & cheap road tax.
Check them for size though, taller drivers (over 6ft 1") may have difficulties getting in/out. You have longer doors on this S4, compared to a S1-2, but you may still find the inside is cramped/snug.
See how heavy the clutch is for you.
Boot isn't massive, but is big enough for most things. The roof ( & spare tyre, if it has one) gets stored in there, which restricts space slightly. You can also use the parcel shelf for storage.
Please read the 'S Series Buying Guide. There are also couple of manuals to help with maintenance (not sure how easy they are to get hold of now).
All the best in your search for your 'second/fun' car.
I'm aware of the lack of modern safety elements, but I think I'm ok with that.
At 5'8", access isn't an issue for me in most cars, as long as I can get the steering wheel close enough for my short arms to be comfortable!
I'll check out the buying guide.
Car looks great , definitely get a look from underneath, I too have an S4 , price seems about right , more than an excellent S3 and less than the V8 ,
Check the doors also for any movement, and expect to find some hairline cracks in the paint , shame the front indicators on the S4 for sale are probably not original , but a minor issue , looks like previous owner also got zealous with the red paint !
Check the doors also for any movement, and expect to find some hairline cracks in the paint , shame the front indicators on the S4 for sale are probably not original , but a minor issue , looks like previous owner also got zealous with the red paint !
Edited by Craig Brown Photographer on Monday 17th May 09:52
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