Living with an "S"

[yan816]

I currently have a modified and supercharged MX5. My MX5 is my daily driver and weekend toy, I've had it for knocking on 8 years and its never let me down, but I fancy a change and have been thinking of selliing up and getting a TVR series S, I'm especially keen on the V8.

How reliable is the TVR S as a daily driver? Are there any clubs or events around the Staffordshire area, where I can take a look at a few cars and talk to there owners? Are there any particular problems I should look out for?

I really would appreciate any advice given.

[orange_dodo]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

I don't use the S as a daily drive mainly because of my limited milage policy but it can be done. I'd say its a little 'raw' to be used all the time, I've used mine in the dark and rain in winter and its not quite as nice and insulated from the outside world as my Volvo 850 was!

On the reliability front, mine has broken down properly once. Engine started spluttering then died about 2 miles later. 5 minutes later I had reconnected the earth wire that had fallen off and was driving again. If I'd actually fixed the wire properly when I first spotted it and hadn't just wrapped it round the bolt it would have never have happened. To put that in context my daily drive (a 'reliable' Korean make) broke down a month ago as the rocker shaft very noisily fell off. I got a brand new (<300miles) hire car to replace it which broke down the next day, so I used my S for the rest of the week without a problem.

I think as long as you get a good example and look after it (especially if you don't mind getting your hands a little dirty now and again) then you'll be fine. They are fairly simple cars so there isn't much to go wrong, and most things are fairly simple if they do. Also you have a great community here who are an invaluable help!

The TVRCC have a Staffordshire and Shropshire region who meet up every month. Not sure if I'm allowed to give out meet details but I'm sure a quick call to the TVRCC will get you the details.

When I was looking I had several offers to come have a look at S's and it really helped so I would definitely recommend you do it. If your ever around Southampton I'll take you for a spin!

Oh and you'll get a lot more attention in an S than an MX5

[yan816]

Thanks for the reply. I'm okay with a bit of spanner work, I managed to fit my own charger and overhall brakes ect.. I normally only drive about 10 miles to work, but like a good run out around B roads. My Mk1 MX5 is a drivers car and to be honest I dont think its that refined. I really want another 2 seater, preferably with a V8, I'm 45 so insurance shouldnt be an issue. I had a quick look at the TVR club website and it seems I can join the forums unless I pay to join the club.

[assynt road]

Hi there, the next staffs/shrops tvr club meet is at Barton Marina on august 8th. We don't generaly get many S's dropping in though, you might be better of dropping by the west mids meet at the bulls head at meridan, their next meet is this sunday 18th. Whether you,d want to run an S as your only car is really down to how much you love the car, i don't, but i would if it was the only way i could afford it!

[phillpot]

assynt road said:

you might be better of dropping by the West Mids meet at the Bulls Head at Meridan, their next meet is this Sunday 18th.

Been to this one a couple of times, only S I've seen there apart from mine was "Bobhons" and we both have V6's


As for problems to look out for, all main components are, as you no doubt know are Ford or Rover so fairly bullet proof and simple but it seems to be niggley electrical things that if any let these cars down but nothing that can't be sorted by cleaning up all earth connections to chassis and checking various connectors for corrosion or signs of overheating. You are after all looking at a 20 year old car or there abouts and wether well used or garaged most of its life electrical connections will have tarnished (imho).
Guess the other "big" concern is outriggers, not a huge problem if you can weald a spanner and weld (or know a friendly welder).

Edited by phillpot on Wednesday 14th July 22:38

[yan816]

Shame its this weekend, I would have gone and had a look. I'm away on holiday for a week from Friday so wont be able to make it.

[ketvrin]

yan816 said:

I had a quick look at the TVR club website and it seems I can join the forums unless I pay to join the club.

To be honest theres more going on on this forum than the official club forum which suprised me when I first joined... still worth the money though for the Sprint club magazine, the discount off insurance etc and the club events.

take a look at the Useful links wiki above and Pies site in particular here:
http://www.tvrsseries.com/

there are also some diaries which will give you an idea of routine and ongoing maintenance. for a comprehensive V8 rebuild look at Barkchocs recent completion...

Get a good one and you'll not regret it

good luck

K

[zombeh]

yan816 said:

How reliable is the TVR S as a daily driver?

Fairly, there's not a lot to go wrong and nothing that's too hard to fix if it does. They're not fond of salt though so you need to look after the chassis in the winter or drive something else.

[quote] Are there any particular problems I should look out for?

Rust. It's a pain in the arse to replace half the chassis. Looking at the various rebuilt threads they all seem to rust in the same places (the sill tubes immediately behind the front wheel arch, and around the trailing arm mounting points)

Electrical problems can be a pain on the v8 as there doesn't seem to be a wiring diagram and you have to sort of guess a bit. The only electrical problems I've had are the fuel pump turning itself off for no obvious reason but I'm blaming the immobiliser for that

[unicorn77]

See my post in the "Saying Hi" thread.

To which I should add that I have had extensive work done on the outriggers and also some rear suspension thingy replaced which was inordinately expensive!!

[Longers]

My 1st TVR was an S2. Got it in 1997 as my only car and had it for 5 years & 50,000 miles. It was sometimes "hard work" on the 10 miles home from work on a cold wet dark January evening crawling through town, but when it was good it was great!

If doing it again I'd be tempted to also buy a £500 shed for the winter commutes Regular fettling meant I never had a serious problems, just bits being worn out that needed replacing like steering bush, driveshaft UJ's etc etc.

Upgrade the headlights, improve the wiper blades, plenty of Rain X inside and outside of the windows, and a sense of adventure is all you need.

[The Lukas]

If I had the choice if I'm honest, I wouldn't use the S all year around. But it certainly is possible and may even be enjoyable. I would keep it for sunny days, away from salt and sacrifice a shed (not the upcoming Top Gear sort) to take the brunt of whatever day to day driving can throw. It will pay for itself. Just my opinion

[yan816]

Thanks for the replies. I need to sell mine before I start seriously looking around.