To buy or not to buy
Discussion
Hi all,
I have been a TVR fan as long as I can remember. At present my budget can only stretch to an S series.
I would welcome any advice on the benefits/disadvantages of owning an S series.
Also when purchasing what should I be looking out for.. I have seen 3 that I am interested in, ANY ADVICE ON THESE PLEASE;
www.pistonheads.com/sales/44904.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/69965.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/71945.htm
What MPG do they give?
Can anyone list me a snagging list of common problems with them.
Decisions, descisions...otherwise i will have to be pursuaded by my wife to get an Audio A3 :-(
Thank you in advance.
(a person in-need of info)
>> Edited by vroom_vroom on Monday 1st May 13:33
I have been a TVR fan as long as I can remember. At present my budget can only stretch to an S series.
I would welcome any advice on the benefits/disadvantages of owning an S series.
Also when purchasing what should I be looking out for.. I have seen 3 that I am interested in, ANY ADVICE ON THESE PLEASE;
www.pistonheads.com/sales/44904.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/69965.htm
www.pistonheads.com/sales/71945.htm
What MPG do they give?
Can anyone list me a snagging list of common problems with them.
Decisions, descisions...otherwise i will have to be pursuaded by my wife to get an Audio A3 :-(
Thank you in advance.
(a person in-need of info)
>> Edited by vroom_vroom on Monday 1st May 13:33
I was in the same position as you a year ago. Having taken the plunge with a S2 I cannot recommend it more. never had so much fun with my clothes on!
With the Ford engine it is fairly easy to maintain yourself with a little knowledge and the Steve Heath Bible, the parts are reasonable and most of them easy to get hold of.
Apart from routine servicing the only money i have spent has been improving the cosmetic appearance (gear gaiter, mats etc).
Be careful when you are looking. I looked at a few and the condition of them varied greatly.
There are plenty of people on here who will be able to advise you with any problems you may have, and there is even someone who will source or look over one that you may be interetsed in for a fee. Can't remember his name but i'm sure someone else will post it.
TAKE THE PLUNGE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
With the Ford engine it is fairly easy to maintain yourself with a little knowledge and the Steve Heath Bible, the parts are reasonable and most of them easy to get hold of.
Apart from routine servicing the only money i have spent has been improving the cosmetic appearance (gear gaiter, mats etc).
Be careful when you are looking. I looked at a few and the condition of them varied greatly.
There are plenty of people on here who will be able to advise you with any problems you may have, and there is even someone who will source or look over one that you may be interetsed in for a fee. Can't remember his name but i'm sure someone else will post it.
TAKE THE PLUNGE, YOU WON'T REGRET IT.
My first TVR was a blue S2, superb car and the only thing that could ever replace it was another TVR. I think the V6 S makes an ideal first TVR, they've got nice predictable rear wheel drive handling with excellent feedback from the road, enough power to make it interesting without being overwhelming, and they're comfortable and reliable enough to be a practical every day car. They're also mechanically very simple and cheap to maintain.
The S's are great cars. I started with an S, sold it for a Chimaera and now have another S. £ 4 £ they cannot be beaten.
Your profile doesn't say where you are, but I'd strongly suggest going to S Club Heaven in a couple of weeks to get to see plenty of cars in different colours, condition etc and to pick the brains of everyone there.
Longers
Your profile doesn't say where you are, but I'd strongly suggest going to S Club Heaven in a couple of weeks to get to see plenty of cars in different colours, condition etc and to pick the brains of everyone there.
Longers
vroom_vroom said:Middx TVRCC region meet at the Ace Cafe is this Friday (www.tvrcc-middx.co.uk). We usually have a couple of S's (and mine of course!).
Thank you all for your advise, I am in Berkshire near windsor castle.
When and where is this big event happening?
Thank you
There is nothing 'only' about a S. They might be the 'baby' TVR, but they are still a TVR
Edited to add: checked out the three listed for sale. They all look good value (far too cheap if you ask me - we need to keep our resale values up!). You need to drive a few as they are all surprisingly different. You will know 'the one' when you drive it.
>> Edited by page3 on Monday 1st May 15:43
If you haven't done so then read this guys diary - www.tvrgit.com - and then decide if you want one.
You don't indicate if you want to get your hands dirty fixing the car or not. They seem to be the sort of car that you need to keep on top of the maintenance and then they will be fine - according to others that is. I've just picked up my first S3 only 2 days ago and have a list of about 20 jobs to do already and that includes a new trailing arm.
I've had 2 Westfields and so am now used to engine upgrades, servicing them etc. I wanted something that was more practical (hood and boot) than a Westfield and yet was of simple construction. The S series to me isn't far from any kit car in terms of concepts (Ford running gear, tubular chassis, GRP bodywork etc) so was just what I wanted.
My only reservation about recomending one is that you're talking about an A3 as an alternative. Very different cars really so I'm confused as to what you want from your car and whether a S is suitable.
Remember that these were designed in the 80's so they aren't a modern car, however they are fun.
You don't indicate if you want to get your hands dirty fixing the car or not. They seem to be the sort of car that you need to keep on top of the maintenance and then they will be fine - according to others that is. I've just picked up my first S3 only 2 days ago and have a list of about 20 jobs to do already and that includes a new trailing arm.
I've had 2 Westfields and so am now used to engine upgrades, servicing them etc. I wanted something that was more practical (hood and boot) than a Westfield and yet was of simple construction. The S series to me isn't far from any kit car in terms of concepts (Ford running gear, tubular chassis, GRP bodywork etc) so was just what I wanted.
My only reservation about recomending one is that you're talking about an A3 as an alternative. Very different cars really so I'm confused as to what you want from your car and whether a S is suitable.
Remember that these were designed in the 80's so they aren't a modern car, however they are fun.
Don't be put off too much by the diary - I enjoy working on the car and will often do something again just because I wasn't happy with the results the first time.
Sometimes I do it again because I did it wrong the first time!
I think it's fair to say though, that they are easy for the home mechanic to maintain, and most of the mechanical parts are relatively easy to get, so they are cheap and certainly cheerful.
Although they are not as powerful and not as fast as the more modern TVRs, they are, in my view, easily as much fun to drive, and a lot less expensive to own.
Sometimes I do it again because I did it wrong the first time!
I think it's fair to say though, that they are easy for the home mechanic to maintain, and most of the mechanical parts are relatively easy to get, so they are cheap and certainly cheerful.
Although they are not as powerful and not as fast as the more modern TVRs, they are, in my view, easily as much fun to drive, and a lot less expensive to own.
"Don't be put off too much by the diary"
The diary didn't put me off and actually was encouragement to get a S3. What it does do though is hilight what can need doing to some cars. Find one that has been maintained by an enthusiast who likes nothing better than to fettle and you'll probably have a very nice car.
If you want a fun car that is becoming a classic then the S is a good choice - but it's so far removed from an A3 that I'm really confused as to what you want from your car. Pop along to a local TVR meet and take your lady with you. If she likes it then go for it.
The diary didn't put me off and actually was encouragement to get a S3. What it does do though is hilight what can need doing to some cars. Find one that has been maintained by an enthusiast who likes nothing better than to fettle and you'll probably have a very nice car.
If you want a fun car that is becoming a classic then the S is a good choice - but it's so far removed from an A3 that I'm really confused as to what you want from your car. Pop along to a local TVR meet and take your lady with you. If she likes it then go for it.
vroom_vroom said:
Thank you all for your advise, I am in Berkshire near windsor castle.
When and where is this big event happening?
Thank you
S Club Heaven is on the 27th and 28th May at Ettington Chase Hotel nr Stratford on Avon (so not too far from Windsor). Discounted rates on the hotel stay and there's a BBQ on the Saturday. We'll be pleased to see you and there will be loads of owners whose brains can be easily picked. There may even be a few cars for sale.
My advice when buying one is to look at loads before buying as they really are all different. There are some really good ones out there and some real **** and the price doesn't always differentiate.
I was looking for similar information as Vroom Vroom as I expect my first TVR to be an S (as I cant afford anything else!). Are the cars difficult to live with if you are a complete liability under the bonnet? Presumably insurance is cheap? Can the cars be services by local garages or is it best to go to a specialist?
I understand they are a handful to drive i.e. heavy steering and clutch etc. Is this applicable to all models or does it depend on each car?
Thanks!
I understand they are a handful to drive i.e. heavy steering and clutch etc. Is this applicable to all models or does it depend on each car?
Thanks!
profstoff said:
My advice when buying one is to look at loads before buying as they really are all different..
Dont even think about shortlisting cars until you've seen a few.
I could add 'dont buy the first one you see' but I eventually did just that; ahem.... having seen a few others after though
When I was looking to buy, I watched the cars that were floating around in the hands of the owners on here, reading posts and histories and generally building up an idea of who had the best cars.
Eventually one of the ones that I was watching came up for sale and I got in quick - mine wasn't, and isn't now, mint cosmetically but I think it's one of the better ones mechanically and that has been proven by how little maintenance I've had to do. I've had a throttle cable snap (which is a known problem on these cars) and a fuel pump relay go, the terminals providing power for the alarm had corroded and failed and the front suspension bushes had split, but that's it (if you don't count user error in mistaking my car for a duck recently).
Most of the people on Pistonheads are enthusiasts and look after their cars well - so you can do worse than look at those in the classifieds, and many ads are placed by people who contribute to this forum and you can look up the history of the car. I was able to look up the profile history for the past 3 owners of my car which was a huge plus point.
I actually bought the first car I saw which, in hindsight, was a good idea for me but if you're new to TVR then maybe go along to the S meet on the 27th / 28th, find some local owners willing to chat, drop by the TVRCC meet in your area or read the archives on here.
I think the S series is a great introduction because they are relatively cheap, they can be easy to work on (and if not there are lots of experts on here with the know-how and good independent servicing companies) and they have the classic looks but aren't so old that everything's going wrong with them.
However much short-term problems with any TVR might nag at your conscience, it seems to be the general concensus among owners that as soon as that roof goes down and the engine bellows its intent out the back... you have to ask yourself: problems? what problems?
Eventually one of the ones that I was watching came up for sale and I got in quick - mine wasn't, and isn't now, mint cosmetically but I think it's one of the better ones mechanically and that has been proven by how little maintenance I've had to do. I've had a throttle cable snap (which is a known problem on these cars) and a fuel pump relay go, the terminals providing power for the alarm had corroded and failed and the front suspension bushes had split, but that's it (if you don't count user error in mistaking my car for a duck recently).
Most of the people on Pistonheads are enthusiasts and look after their cars well - so you can do worse than look at those in the classifieds, and many ads are placed by people who contribute to this forum and you can look up the history of the car. I was able to look up the profile history for the past 3 owners of my car which was a huge plus point.
I actually bought the first car I saw which, in hindsight, was a good idea for me but if you're new to TVR then maybe go along to the S meet on the 27th / 28th, find some local owners willing to chat, drop by the TVRCC meet in your area or read the archives on here.
I think the S series is a great introduction because they are relatively cheap, they can be easy to work on (and if not there are lots of experts on here with the know-how and good independent servicing companies) and they have the classic looks but aren't so old that everything's going wrong with them.
However much short-term problems with any TVR might nag at your conscience, it seems to be the general concensus among owners that as soon as that roof goes down and the engine bellows its intent out the back... you have to ask yourself: problems? what problems?
Legend83 said:
Are the cars difficult to live with if you are a complete liability under the bonnet?
I only lift my bonnet to check oil and water, it's not that I can't, I just can't be bothered and would rather pay a garage to do it, so the answer here in my experience is no.
Legend83 said:
Probably insurance is cheap?
I pay about £300 for 10,000 miles, fully comp on a garaged car in Surrey. But I am old, so the ins co thinks I'm responsible
Shop around, the specialists don't always give the best deal. I'm with privilege, for next year RAC have given a good quote. Legend83 said:
Can the cars be services by local garages or is it best to go to a specialist?
I've had mine serviced both by a local garage and a local TVR specialist. They're not sophisticated to work on so are not beyond a local garage but you want to be able to trust whoever is working on it.
Legend83 said:
I understand they are a handful to drive i.e. heavy steering and clutch etc. Is this applicable to all models or does it depend on each car?
This varies but yes, steering and clutch are heavy, you get used to it. Mine improved a lot when I sorted the ground clearance and wheel alignment.
Hope this helps.
As mentioned earlier, come along to S Club Heaven or go to a local TVR CC meet, there's nothing quite like chatting first hand to real life owners.
There are lots of things to consider. 
In terms of cost of ownership, a V6 S is about as "sensible" as you'll get. It may not be the quickest car on the block these days, but my god the fun factor of driving it makes the rest fade into insignificance
Insurance? If it's a second car, then get it on a classic car policy - mine cost about £250-300 to insure for around 6k miles per year... and you WILL do that!
If you're worried about MPG, walk away now. You don't get a TVR for the fuel economy
but mine did return sensible figures (25mpg).
The Cologne V6 is pretty solid and parts are available quite easily. I'd always get a specialist to maintain it, unless you're handy with a spanner. Even then, there are some things I'd still get others to do (waxoyl icky stuff).
Things that go wrong? Hmm... throttle cables snap (apparently) throttle pots die (apparently) and manifolds crack (ah, bugger - had that!). Costs are fairly sensible for all parts and the S forum on here is filled with a cracking bunch of people that will help you - I still maintain it's the friendliest forum on PH
As Pies pointed out, his site has a whole host of things to look for. Buy on condition, and condition alone. Bear in mind these cars are getting on a bit now, so things WILL go wrong at some point. Preventative maintainence is a good approach. Mine never used and oil and water in between services, and if you want to see how painful ownership is cost wise - then take a look at my profile. All costs for my S3c are listed.
As with any TVR, a good one will make the world a better place and a bad one will make you hate it... and your bank manager hate you. Take your time, and find a good car. I wanted a blue one with tan leather, and bought a Burgundy one with Grey leather...
As for the specific cars in the classifieds, I don't know any of them I'm afraid. The S2 has the better (funkier) dash in my opinion, but I prefered the S3 looks myself.
Life is too short - do it, you really will not regret it.
>> Edited by Podie on Friday 5th May 17:35
In terms of cost of ownership, a V6 S is about as "sensible" as you'll get. It may not be the quickest car on the block these days, but my god the fun factor of driving it makes the rest fade into insignificance
Insurance? If it's a second car, then get it on a classic car policy - mine cost about £250-300 to insure for around 6k miles per year... and you WILL do that!
If you're worried about MPG, walk away now. You don't get a TVR for the fuel economy
but mine did return sensible figures (25mpg). The Cologne V6 is pretty solid and parts are available quite easily. I'd always get a specialist to maintain it, unless you're handy with a spanner. Even then, there are some things I'd still get others to do (waxoyl
icky stuff). Things that go wrong? Hmm... throttle cables snap (apparently) throttle pots die (apparently) and manifolds crack (ah, bugger - had that!). Costs are fairly sensible for all parts and the S forum on here is filled with a cracking bunch of people that will help you - I still maintain it's the friendliest forum on PH
As Pies pointed out, his site has a whole host of things to look for. Buy on condition, and condition alone. Bear in mind these cars are getting on a bit now, so things WILL go wrong at some point. Preventative maintainence is a good approach. Mine never used and oil and water in between services, and if you want to see how painful ownership is cost wise - then take a look at my profile. All costs for my S3c are listed.
As with any TVR, a good one will make the world a better place and a bad one will make you hate it... and your bank manager hate you. Take your time, and find a good car. I wanted a blue one with tan leather, and bought a Burgundy one with Grey leather...
As for the specific cars in the classifieds, I don't know any of them I'm afraid. The S2 has the better (funkier) dash in my opinion, but I prefered the S3 looks myself.
Life is too short - do it, you really will not regret it.
>> Edited by Podie on Friday 5th May 17:35
s2fan said:
never had so much fun with my clothes on!
Most fun I've had since I started taking other people's clothes off..
I had an S3C for 3 years, used it virtually every day and put about 30K on it in that time. It was a 10-12 year old car and ended up with about 80K on it, so you'd expect some niggles, but nothing out of the ordinary for its age. There were however a couple of jobs which needed a specialist to do and one of the ones I used took forever to do what was needed, (i.e. couple of weeks rather than the couple of days quote). Get to know your local specialist, get to know which end of a spanner is which and you'll be fine.
Only reason I replaced the S3 was that I found a V8S, (after a small incident with some tit overtaking a snowplough and bashing my p&j..)
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