S Series - Lack of service

S Series - Lack of service

Author
Discussion

bena80

Original Poster:

45 posts

278 months

Monday 25th February 2002
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I have looked at several S2/S3's that have all gone 3 years or longer without a service. In all cases the milage in the three years is around 6K. Is it worth buying one of these cars or is it better to go for a higher mileage with a more complete history.

Paceracing

729 posts

273 months

Monday 25th February 2002
quotequote all
It depends largely upon what you want. My S2 has only seen the inside of a TVR dealer workshop once in 6 years and that was for a wheel camber check! If the car is looked after by the owner who is mechanically minded and has been maintained by him then you may be OK. It is somewhat of a lottery though. A good guide is the appearance of the car. If the chassis is clean or better still waxoyled, oil looks clean, no knocks or clunks when driving and all the other things you would normally associate with a well maintained car then you should be OK. I purchased mine 6 years ago with no TVR service history but you could tell it had been looked after, I was lucky, (and I saved a few quid because of this!).
When viewing a car, try to take along someone who knows S2's or S3's.
And finally... even a car with service history aint fool proof!
Best of luck and hope this helps!

Jas.

JSG

2,238 posts

290 months

Monday 25th February 2002
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Andy,

There was a similar thread in the past few weeks on the Chimaera forum - the general feeling was 'walk away' and get one with history.

However the S series is that much older and many may well be owner maintained. I am now on my second S series and both had full histories when I bought them, personally I would not buy without a history. Most people would be just as happy (me included) with a specialist rather than a main dealer history though.

Questions re the ones you have looked at -

How many miles in total had they done, 3k a year is not uncommon and most owners would service annually or at 6k miles whichever is sooner.

Did the owners have any proof of service, ie receipts for oil, filters, parts etc.

Did the oil look clean, brake pads ok etc.

Even though the V6 Ss are relatively simple if one has not been looked after it could cost you a packet.

I would also recommend getting a specialist to give the car a once over before you buy - it could be the best £50 you ever spend.

Cheers,
JSG.

keithyboy

1,940 posts

277 months

Tuesday 26th February 2002
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imho - if you haven't already done so - first buy Steve Heath's "S" bible. If you've no mechanical knowledge then get it checked over by someone who has (e.g. AA & others that offer such a service - money welll spent). Don't write off a car with little or no service history - the overall condition is more important with cars of this age. I fully endorse the earlier comments about ownwer maintained cars, remember - a fTVRsh or fsh is no guarantee that your not buying a lemon!

M@H

11,298 posts

279 months

Tuesday 26th February 2002
quotequote all
HI,

You might want to have a read of my "SERVICING - FORD V.S. TVR V.S. DIY" thread as it covers some general feelings on the whole servicing issue.. might be some useful thoughts in there for you..

Cheers
Matt.