S series as everyday car?....

[Dave_H]

Well the bugs hit me, I cant take it anymore, I need help from you all... I'm thinking of replacing my everyday car (Rover 220 GSi - yawn) for preferably an S3 with the fog lamps in the valence, I'd like a Griff but I dont want to sell my other car so the budget won't streach to that, but please 'S' owners don't think I'm compramising, I really do love the S series!! I've researched loads in books/road tests etc, and spent much time reading all the comments on here, and I like what I've learnt so far, but how about you guys that run an 'S' every day? My current budget does not stretch to a V8 'S' without selling the other car, so that's not an option, not that I don't find the V6 very interesting - I do. I've done 27k miles as every day driving in the Rover in the last 2 years, and I do all my own servicing (oil change every 5k etc) and as my other car is 30 years old, I'm not scared of car DIY.I've got a big garage so it would be covered overnight (I've heard stories about them being left to the elements) Anyone see any pitfulls in my plan? Any good/bad experiences? Insurance?, I'm 31, clean licence, but only a years NCB (the other car's a classic) Any replys good/bad would be most helpfull. Many thanks, Dave Haggett (WanttobeTVRowner) Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 05:16 Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 05:17

[PetrolTed]

You sounds perfectly equipped to handle the S. I'd even tempt fate and the wrath of the other TVR owners to suggest that perhaps the S is the more reliable of all the models I know, I know, the lack of power means nothing gets stressed...

[Roy C]

Dave, Yes, it's a very easy car to live with (I've had my S2 for 10 years). The 2.9 is tough & reliable, as is the gearbox, and all the Ford bits are obviously cheap. The faults are all listed in Steve Heath's book. Older S3C's can legally have the 2 cats removed (replacements are around £500 each!). Can't think why you have not done it already. Edited by Roy C on Friday 26th January 09:53

[alisonh]

Dave, I've had my S3C for over four years (used it everyday for three yrs until I got a company car). Bought it privately and have had no real problems - it's been a joy. Only temporarily stopped once on the M42 when an HT lead snapped but that's only because the wrong one had been fitted! It still looks, sounds and is a great car and a good introduction to TVRs where budgets are limited. Hope you find one soon.

[Dave_H]

Thanks for the replys so far, Roy, the ford running gear is a selling point to me, my logic is if it can haul a barge of a Granada about it can't be that stressed in a small car built with GRP/spaceframe chassis. the independant sprung rear is also a plus point - my other car's a highly tuned MGB GT, great car but the 'cart-like' live rear axle can give 'interesting' moments. but too much has been done to make me part with it. Nice pic of your car by the way. Alison, thanks, I've seen your black S3 on rattys site, very nice. I'm trying to swing finances to keep the Rover as well for those boring practical bits like taking junk to the dump etc, plus although it's only a modern it is I.M.O. a really good car, it's not your run of the mill tartan rug on back seat model. But this is the year I add an S to the garage, that's for sure!! I guess I just want to have my cake and eat it. Any more tales of woe/joy anyone?

[Dave_H]

quote:The faults are all listed in Steve Heath's book. Older S3C's can legally have the 2 cats removed (replacements are around £500 each!). Can't think why you have not done it already.

Sorry Roy, forgot to mention, the removal of the cats sounds a real sensible mod, even better if on some (later) S3Cs' it's legal. Steve Heaths book is already on order - from what I've learnt it's the bible for most older Tivs. You last quote "Can't think why you have not done it already" You have hit the nail on the head there Roy! Back to the job plan/finance/calculator.... Please keep your comments comming, good, or bad. Much thanks, Dave. Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 22:17

[Dave_H]

quote:You sounds perfectly equipped to handle the S. I'd even tempt fate and the wrath of the other TVR owners to suggest that perhaps the S is the more reliable of all the models I know, I know, the lack of power means nothing gets stressed... [/quote Cheers Dave, I've followed your S4's (nice looking car Buy the way history - via Pikeynet.com etc.. I've convinced myself this is the year I get one!! Cheers, Dave.

[paulie]

DAve H I took the plunge into TVR ownership Xmas 1999 by buying an 1991 S3 from a dealer. Same thinking as you - wife hired me a Griff 500 for my 30th August bank hol weekend 1999 ands so got the bug. Unfortunately couldn't stretch the finances to a Griff at that time (or quite convince the missus...!) I bought it as my everyday car - and used as such - did 12000 in 12 months. The first 3 months as a TVR novice were a bit worrying as there quite a few niggles as she been laid up for a while and not used regularly - very important to use them everyday or they sulk - me not being of the mechanical mind had a helpful TVR orientated garage to sort her out. Once that period was over she was great. After 12 months though I had to go up to a Griff -so changed her in with the dealer. I would wholeheartedly recommend taking the plunge - but will guarantee that the V6 leads to hopeless V8 lust. If you want the details of my sorted S3 that I see is still for sale at the dealer give me an e-mail on [e-mail] Paul

[PetrolTed]

quote: I've followed your S4's (nice looking car Buy the way history - via Pikeynet.com etc..

Someone submitted an entry to the price guide for an S4 last week. Bought from a dealer for £10K. Also an S3 went for around £7K last week. Check out the ads for Neil Atkin's S. He's dropped it to only £5K. I've seen the car and it looks like a good deal. Might be worth a closer look. Don't be put off by the low prices of some cars. There are some owners out there desperate to sell there S's!

quote: Alison, thanks, I've seen your black S3 on rattys site, very nice.

Alison's is blue

[Cotty]

I spoke to Neil the other day and he told me that he has sold his S. He said if you drop the price enough someone will buy it. My S1 is currently being advertised but I think I will need to drop the price. Paul Edited by PetrolTed on Tuesday 30th January 23:26

[Dave_H]

Cheers everyone, I didnt think Neils would hang about for long. I'm still trying to re-think finances to keep my everyday hack as in the last week I've needed a hatchbach several times, and no, the missis has an MX5 so I can't play that card! A change in finances is on the cards however, so I'm still in in the running, might just have to wait a month or so. All your feedback has been really encouraging, Thanks, Dave.

[thegamekeeper]

If you are going to use it everyday buy a S3/S3C. A granada in drag.Rind me or visit www.classictvr.com i have had a few and driven over 1 000 000 miles in tvr'S

[richb]

quote: A granada in drag.

Not one given to crass over simplification then are you gamekeeper Rich...

[LeeBee]

<If you are going to use it everyday buy a S3/S3C> So by having a different shape dash and larger doors makes them more reliable then?

[GreenV8S]

Personally I prefer the S2 interior but the larger doors of the S3 are worth having, other things being equal. S4 is even better as you get the wider track, LSD, improved chassis and rear discs. V8S is better still as you get enough power to exploit the improved handling and brakes although the semi-trailing rear is a bit of a weak point. Griff/Chimaera have rear wishbones which take the power better, and of course there's no point buying a 4.0 when a 5.0 is just that little bit more. Split the difference and buy an older Cerbera, or a new one? There's no right answer here, its just a matter of how much you can afford/are willing to pay to get an even better car. Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

quote:<If you are going to use it everyday buy a S3/S3C> So by having a different shape dash and larger doors makes them more reliable then?

[Roy C]

One advantage of the S3/4 is that the seats go back a bit further than the S1/2 (more room for tall people like Peter H). But watch out for the pedal boxes. Some S3/4s were built with the pedals closer to the seats for our vertically challenged friends.

[Dave_H]

quote:But watch out for the pedal boxes. Some S3/4s were built with the pedals closer to the seats for our vertically challenged friends.

Is this not adjustable? (I do mean via the aid of spanners)is it not just that the pedal box is located further back, or is it down to the pedal length? Edited by Dave_H on Friday 2nd February 20:19

[Roy C]

As far as I know, these cars were built to special order, with the pedal box nearer the seat. I have never seen one, but have spoken to an (average height) owner, who had bought it and regretted not knowing it had the "short" pedal box. I don't think it was designed to be adjustable without major surgery (and I don't mean on your legs - although this may be easier).

[Dave_H]

Cheers Roy, I'll make sure I find one that fits me.

[LeeBee]

Well I was working on a J reg S3 today (with early dash with 3 rotary switches instead of the later type wood effect dash, even though I had a H reg S3 here last week with the later dash but was older than this one?? )which had adjustable pedals!(clutch and brake, didn't notice the accelerator)these were the same as the Chimaera with the locking nut either side of the tube, the pedal being attached to a threaded bar.I will take some pictures in the next week and post them in the Vault.It also had the best electric windows I have ever seen on an S despite having done 73K!! Edited by LeeBee on Sunday 11th February 19:41 Edited by LeeBee on Sunday 11th February 19:42