'S' Buying advice please…
Discussion
Long time listener, first time caller… Can anyone give me some advice, I'm thinking of buying my first sportscar, more importantly an S3. I'm looking for rough price guides so I can work out a budget. How much would a good condition S3 (40-80K miles), cost to run per year - servicing, parts, insurance etc. I am a complete non-mechanic, so anything that would need doing would go to a dealer. Any handy hints on trustworthy places to go for parts, labour even places to visit to initially buy my S3. I am based in Bridgend, South Wales with the nearest TVR dealer being in Newport, a 40min motorway drive. Finally, am I completely mad to even contemplate doing this being a non-mechanic??
Not mad at all. For running costs check out my S4 at www.pistonheads.com/fleet
Running an S is probably best done outside of the main dealer network as most of the parts are actually Ford and can be found more cheaply with a bit of research. I know many Welsh owners use Peninsula Automotive in Devon for example.
Running an S is probably best done outside of the main dealer network as most of the parts are actually Ford and can be found more cheaply with a bit of research. I know many Welsh owners use Peninsula Automotive in Devon for example.
quote:
How much would a good condition S3 (40-80K miles), cost to run per year - servicing, parts, insurance etc. I am a complete non-mechanic, so anything that would need doing would go to a dealer. Any handy hints on trustworthy places to go for parts, labour even places to visit to initially buy my S3. I am based in Bridgend, South Wales with the nearest TVR dealer being in Newport, ??
Have had my S for 3 1/2 years no major problems, as mentioned many parts are Ford.Many local places for common parts, or mail order for others, I havnt found Newtown helpful in the past and avoid going there. I pay £320 for insurance for 5k miles. Peninsula would be my recomendation for work service. There is a Porsche independent in Cornelly that will service the TVR, but I have never used them. Go along to the South Wales meeting next week 25th Oct at St Julians Hotel, Caerleon. Or if you want go along to Pembrey, TVR Tasmin race this weekend, a number of West and South wales region will be there.
Steve Parker....(Port Talbot)
parkersteve@ntlworld.com
When I had my S I got it serviced by Wellfield Garage in Abercynon (I was pointed there by someone with a wedge). He has a rolling road tuning facilty also. Trouble is he is always busy so you have to book a month in advance! The last time I was there an amateur rally driver had driven a 200 mile round trip with his car on trailer just for an engine diagnostic/tune. I don't think I'll be using Newtown for my Chim, they recently advised me to 'destroy' my battery box so that I could take the battery out. Webbs in Bristol do servicing also.
Edited by SwanJack on Wednesday 17th October 20:30
Edited by SwanJack on Wednesday 17th October 20:30
Cheers guys, lots of really helpful advice to get me started. Thanks for replying.
My only worries are that I can afford to buy ok (up to £8k), but not sure about a rough tally of £2k per year running costs, plus I have in addition, the running of two other 'family' cars ( my Toyota Avensis, my wife's Clio ), but am thinking maybe get rid of my Avensis (tis a nice car though) and use an S3 on a daily basis - feasible? - buy then again we've just had our first baby, and is getting rid of the Avensis and going for a 2 seater really a practical thing to do?
But hey!, thanks again, no doubt I'll be chatting again in a while. Neill Owen neill.owen@btinternet.com
Edited by Neill O on Thursday 18th October 16:38
My only worries are that I can afford to buy ok (up to £8k), but not sure about a rough tally of £2k per year running costs, plus I have in addition, the running of two other 'family' cars ( my Toyota Avensis, my wife's Clio ), but am thinking maybe get rid of my Avensis (tis a nice car though) and use an S3 on a daily basis - feasible? - buy then again we've just had our first baby, and is getting rid of the Avensis and going for a 2 seater really a practical thing to do?
But hey!, thanks again, no doubt I'll be chatting again in a while. Neill Owen neill.owen@btinternet.com
Edited by Neill O on Thursday 18th October 16:38
you may find it is worth looking at my posting a couple of months back (page 3 or 4 and entitled "Am I going to be skint for the rest of my days" - sounds as if i was in exactly the same position as you. some good points on those replies though that perhaps will help you.
must recommend steve heath's bible - although my finances have delayed the purchase of an S3 this year, i am very glad i have read that book and would be scared to buy one without doing so first
good look - although i hope i beat you to it!
Edited by shnozz on Thursday 18th October 17:36
must recommend steve heath's bible - although my finances have delayed the purchase of an S3 this year, i am very glad i have read that book and would be scared to buy one without doing so first
good look - although i hope i beat you to it!
Edited by shnozz on Thursday 18th October 17:36
Neil O,
I have had my S1.5 since Feb 2000 as my only vehicle. I admit to not having to worry about a family or partner but can recommend an S as an everday car.
I have done 30000 miles in my S in little over 18 months and although I do a lot of work on it myself due to it's age and the state it was in when I got it (all I could afford and had to have one) the later the version and the better the car you buy it will give you few problems.
They are basically Ford throughout with some bespoke parts and other borrowed from the parts bin.
I really must update my profile as I have built a spreadsheet of the istory and if I get a chance next week I'll post all my costs.
Cheers
Mark
Just about to go to Honfleur for the weekend in mine chasing 2 Cerberras and 2 Wedges.
I have had my S1.5 since Feb 2000 as my only vehicle. I admit to not having to worry about a family or partner but can recommend an S as an everday car.
I have done 30000 miles in my S in little over 18 months and although I do a lot of work on it myself due to it's age and the state it was in when I got it (all I could afford and had to have one) the later the version and the better the car you buy it will give you few problems.
They are basically Ford throughout with some bespoke parts and other borrowed from the parts bin.
I really must update my profile as I have built a spreadsheet of the istory and if I get a chance next week I'll post all my costs.
Cheers
Mark
Just about to go to Honfleur for the weekend in mine chasing 2 Cerberras and 2 Wedges.
Neil O,
Go for it, they are great cars, I picked mine up for MX5 money, you'd be hard pushed to get more performance for the same amount of cash, and also something that stands out from all these MX5s and MGFs (not that there's anything wrong with these)
I'm restoring mine a fair bit, so mine's off the road but that's only by choice, not that it's falling apart. But as Johno and others have said and proved, they can be used every day. And the parts arn't a problem.
My biggest regret is I waited so long in buying one
Dave.
Go for it, they are great cars, I picked mine up for MX5 money, you'd be hard pushed to get more performance for the same amount of cash, and also something that stands out from all these MX5s and MGFs (not that there's anything wrong with these)
I'm restoring mine a fair bit, so mine's off the road but that's only by choice, not that it's falling apart. But as Johno and others have said and proved, they can be used every day. And the parts arn't a problem.
My biggest regret is I waited so long in buying one
Dave.
Neil,
I have been commuting by S, 45 mile round trip, 12 months of the year through Scottish weather for around 5 years. My first was an S2, I now have an S3. By TVR standards these cars are very reliable, but they still have the odd problem. Radiators last about 25000 miles and a re-cored rad will cost about £250. Clutch master cylinders and lower steering column bushes about the same (I believe these are related as the leaking clutchg fluid drips onto the steeing bush), but both of these are cheap to replace. A 12000 mile main dealer service will cost £350-£500 and are only worth paying for if you want to keep FTVRSH. These cars are not complicated, access to everything is easy, and any decent garage, particularly one with Ford experience could do the job just as well as a dealer. You will also need an oil change at 6000 miles. Electrical bugs are common (fuel gauges, lights etc) and are more of an annoyance than anything else. All S3's are, or can be made watertight, but some "dry use only" cars may need seals cleaned, lubricated or replaced, and sometimes water can leak past the wiper bushes (nothing a fine smear of silicone won't cure). Windscreens, in common with all TVR models, can delaminate and develop milky edges which you can either live with or replace at £200.
The S is definitely the best all rounder in terms of solid mechanicals, fun and economy (28+mpg typical).
The S also attracts huge amounts of attention due to classic looks and rarity (who notices a Chimaera these days?)
Go for it, have some fun! Please feel free to e mail me direct on rick.eggleston@virgin.net
I have been commuting by S, 45 mile round trip, 12 months of the year through Scottish weather for around 5 years. My first was an S2, I now have an S3. By TVR standards these cars are very reliable, but they still have the odd problem. Radiators last about 25000 miles and a re-cored rad will cost about £250. Clutch master cylinders and lower steering column bushes about the same (I believe these are related as the leaking clutchg fluid drips onto the steeing bush), but both of these are cheap to replace. A 12000 mile main dealer service will cost £350-£500 and are only worth paying for if you want to keep FTVRSH. These cars are not complicated, access to everything is easy, and any decent garage, particularly one with Ford experience could do the job just as well as a dealer. You will also need an oil change at 6000 miles. Electrical bugs are common (fuel gauges, lights etc) and are more of an annoyance than anything else. All S3's are, or can be made watertight, but some "dry use only" cars may need seals cleaned, lubricated or replaced, and sometimes water can leak past the wiper bushes (nothing a fine smear of silicone won't cure). Windscreens, in common with all TVR models, can delaminate and develop milky edges which you can either live with or replace at £200.
The S is definitely the best all rounder in terms of solid mechanicals, fun and economy (28+mpg typical).
The S also attracts huge amounts of attention due to classic looks and rarity (who notices a Chimaera these days?)
Go for it, have some fun! Please feel free to e mail me direct on rick.eggleston@virgin.net
I have put together an 'Wedge buyers guide' that you may want to take a look at. Although it is aimed at Wedges, most of the stuff is still relevant to 'S' cars.
Cheers
Mike
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
Cheers
Mike
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk
Neill O,
Usual advice, buy the best you can find within your price range. I was advised that the later models are better as they had any development improvements included, however I felt that a service history, bills for repairs and refurbishment etc were also important. Don't be too put off by mileage as regular usage seems to improve them.
I used to work on my own cars but don't have the time these days so get the work done by someone else. As others have said any Ford mechanic will be able to service them, although I use a local non dealer TVR specialist who charges half the main dealer quotes and only a small amount more than the local WFH Ford chap - I feel this is the best option as they know the cars and what to look for.
Go for it - Good luck.
Usual advice, buy the best you can find within your price range. I was advised that the later models are better as they had any development improvements included, however I felt that a service history, bills for repairs and refurbishment etc were also important. Don't be too put off by mileage as regular usage seems to improve them.
I used to work on my own cars but don't have the time these days so get the work done by someone else. As others have said any Ford mechanic will be able to service them, although I use a local non dealer TVR specialist who charges half the main dealer quotes and only a small amount more than the local WFH Ford chap - I feel this is the best option as they know the cars and what to look for.
Go for it - Good luck.
Neill O,
Bought my S3 2 years ago, never had a problem with it. Use it every weekend unless chucking it down.
Running a decent S3 is easy. My little beauty has done 68,000 miles and runs like a dream. I do about 3,000 miles a year and it get's a service twice a year at David Geralds, costing £245.00 each.
My advice on buying one would be a) go to your local TVR group meeting. The Bristol group is run by Sarah Millard who is very enthusiastic about the marque and even if there are no "S" range cars at the meet, you can guarantee that a few people will have owned one. b) Look at a few. You will soon be able to spot an unloved neglected example as they can look tired very quickly.
I spent about 12 months talking to TVR members and looking at various models, you soon get to know what to look for. I ended up buying mine on the spare of the moment. Having gone to a David Gerald's open day with the West Midlands group I looked at about 6 cars and on my way out spotted mine (to be) in the car park, in the pouring rain!
When you spot a good one, you have to act quickly. Within 30 mins I bought it. It didn't leak, the wind didn't whistle with the hood up, the chassis was clean and it sat and rode well on the rode.
The last advice I would give to you is when you put a deposit down, ask the RAC/AA to do an inspection of the vehicle. They will do a report and often negotiate any work to be done with the dealer. It costs around £240 for this but it saved me at least £700.00 in repairs.
Go for it! You'll never regret it and with a little t.l.c you'll have a happy car with care free motoring.
Good luck,
Heath
Bought my S3 2 years ago, never had a problem with it. Use it every weekend unless chucking it down.
Running a decent S3 is easy. My little beauty has done 68,000 miles and runs like a dream. I do about 3,000 miles a year and it get's a service twice a year at David Geralds, costing £245.00 each.
My advice on buying one would be a) go to your local TVR group meeting. The Bristol group is run by Sarah Millard who is very enthusiastic about the marque and even if there are no "S" range cars at the meet, you can guarantee that a few people will have owned one. b) Look at a few. You will soon be able to spot an unloved neglected example as they can look tired very quickly.
I spent about 12 months talking to TVR members and looking at various models, you soon get to know what to look for. I ended up buying mine on the spare of the moment. Having gone to a David Gerald's open day with the West Midlands group I looked at about 6 cars and on my way out spotted mine (to be) in the car park, in the pouring rain!
When you spot a good one, you have to act quickly. Within 30 mins I bought it. It didn't leak, the wind didn't whistle with the hood up, the chassis was clean and it sat and rode well on the rode.
The last advice I would give to you is when you put a deposit down, ask the RAC/AA to do an inspection of the vehicle. They will do a report and often negotiate any work to be done with the dealer. It costs around £240 for this but it saved me at least £700.00 in repairs.
Go for it! You'll never regret it and with a little t.l.c you'll have a happy car with care free motoring.
Good luck,
Heath
Neill again,
Forgot to mention that since owning my car all I have done is hammerite and waxoyle the chassis, clean the engine (which didn't need it but adds sparkle!) with a standard spray on, water off cleaner.
Little things like leather cream, hood protector, greasing battery terminals and bonnet hinges, regular servicing and importantly REGULAR USE have ensured that my car stays in tiptop condition.
I am not one of these people who wish to have a concours example with plated engine parts but I do like to see a nice clean, tidy example of the mark and lots of people comment on how nice it is.
Buy plenty of cleaning products because they are a bitch to keep clean!
Forgot to mention that since owning my car all I have done is hammerite and waxoyle the chassis, clean the engine (which didn't need it but adds sparkle!) with a standard spray on, water off cleaner.
Little things like leather cream, hood protector, greasing battery terminals and bonnet hinges, regular servicing and importantly REGULAR USE have ensured that my car stays in tiptop condition.
I am not one of these people who wish to have a concours example with plated engine parts but I do like to see a nice clean, tidy example of the mark and lots of people comment on how nice it is.
Buy plenty of cleaning products because they are a bitch to keep clean!
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