Considering a Wedge - Please read and advise me!!!
Discussion
There's a fella selling a 1990 TVR 400SE for about £8K in blue metallic 81k, driven daily.
I'm currently driving a BMW 323iSE R Reg 1997 saloon. It's got 170bhp. It's a smooth BMW striaght six with 2494cc. A nice quiet drive and quicker than the avergae road car. There are only two marques that do it for me; BMW and TVR. TVR is a dream car for me. My view is stuff fuel economy and forests of trees, give me a V8 any day!!
But the 400se is a world of difference for a guy spoilt by BMW reliability! I'm no car mechanic either! So, if I got the 400se or something similar, would it be the best car decision of my life, the worst, or somewhere in between??
And I really would appreciate as much advice from you guys - it's really appreciated - I don't want to make a mistake here, cos there's nothing wrong with the beamer, it's sound in all ways. I'm relying on you guys now. Let me know what YOU think!!
Cheers,
Rich
I'm currently driving a BMW 323iSE R Reg 1997 saloon. It's got 170bhp. It's a smooth BMW striaght six with 2494cc. A nice quiet drive and quicker than the avergae road car. There are only two marques that do it for me; BMW and TVR. TVR is a dream car for me. My view is stuff fuel economy and forests of trees, give me a V8 any day!!
But the 400se is a world of difference for a guy spoilt by BMW reliability! I'm no car mechanic either! So, if I got the 400se or something similar, would it be the best car decision of my life, the worst, or somewhere in between??
And I really would appreciate as much advice from you guys - it's really appreciated - I don't want to make a mistake here, cos there's nothing wrong with the beamer, it's sound in all ways. I'm relying on you guys now. Let me know what YOU think!!
Cheers,
Rich
Sounds to me like you are too far gone to save! The BMW has obviously spoilt you.When it comes to comfort and reliability the TVR will always come second but the fun factor is second to none!
It will frighten you to death in bad weather but is in its element when the sun shines.With 81k on the clock depending on work done already it is due some mechanical faults and unless you can do one or too jobs yourself they aint cheap !
I personally don't use mine all year round its a second car to me but there a quiet a few owners who do, they would be able to advise you better if it's going to be your everyday transport.
Tough descision but i'm sure you will make the right choice
It will frighten you to death in bad weather but is in its element when the sun shines.With 81k on the clock depending on work done already it is due some mechanical faults and unless you can do one or too jobs yourself they aint cheap !
I personally don't use mine all year round its a second car to me but there a quiet a few owners who do, they would be able to advise you better if it's going to be your everyday transport.
Tough descision but i'm sure you will make the right choice
Hi Rich. OK where to start ! 1) Do searches on the Wedge forums. Most of your questions will have been covered ( probably ) 2) Order Steve Heaths Wedge Bible in the morning ‘cause its obligatory. 3) Don’t rush into anything 4) Research, research, research. Is it going to be your main car ? No way would I use mine as everyday transport. They are not much fun in the wet. They leak. They steam up. In the winter they are cold ‘cause the heaters are crap. They are all getting to the age where they need to be ‘cherished and cared for’. I bought the first one I saw, rose coloured specs and all that. I was lucky ! However I’ve spent about 3k in the last year on suspension maintenance, new exhaust, tyres etc. My advice then is just be really careful. You don’t need to be a mechanical wizard ( I’m not ! ) but not afraid of getting your hands grubby. If you just drive it and neglect the maintenance it WILL let you down. Last summer mine broke down 3 times. Mostly starter and immobiliser probs. Annoying yes. Would I sell her. No way. That sound !! The 400 is also fairly nippy. Last line. Keep the Beemer. Use the 400 for blasts on dry days.
Thanks guys; I think you've answered the quesion for me already - owning a TVR is an ambition of mine, and it's one that I will fulfill at some point: maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but some day...
Even the RWD 2.5 litre beamer is twitchy in the wet, I bet I'd miss the Traction Control too(!) I'll be back in the future guys, but thanks for your time,
Rich
Even the RWD 2.5 litre beamer is twitchy in the wet, I bet I'd miss the Traction Control too(!) I'll be back in the future guys, but thanks for your time,
Rich
Hey Rich wait a minute dont give up you know you want it. Why wait? How old are you? Get the damm thing now.
Try it you can go back to a Beamer any day but you wont get a Wedge so easily in a couple of years.
I drive mine everyday and love it to bits. Ok it scold in the winter but as for reliability its not that bad. no worse than a lot of my mates Mondeos,Alfas,Minis etc.ALL cars are off the road once or twice a year arent they? All you need is access to another. How much is a BMW service,tyres etc. Most wedge owners use theres as a second car because they can afford to,not because they have to! GO FOR IT or regret it.
Try it you can go back to a Beamer any day but you wont get a Wedge so easily in a couple of years.
I drive mine everyday and love it to bits. Ok it scold in the winter but as for reliability its not that bad. no worse than a lot of my mates Mondeos,Alfas,Minis etc.ALL cars are off the road once or twice a year arent they? All you need is access to another. How much is a BMW service,tyres etc. Most wedge owners use theres as a second car because they can afford to,not because they have to! GO FOR IT or regret it.
Ditch the BMW, you know you want to !!
Mathematically your connundrum can be explained as
BMW + TC x 1000s = UB
TVR + V8 - TC x 100s = HsG
Using the formula
3 series + Traction control x too many of them = ubiquitous and boring
Wedge + Huge power minus traction control x not very many of them = Huge Stupid Grin
I hope this helps you in your decision. The only thing that is equal on these cars is probably maintenance costs.
Also I hope you don't think I'm a boring maths Tw@t
Nige'
Mathematically your connundrum can be explained as
BMW + TC x 1000s = UB
TVR + V8 - TC x 100s = HsG
Using the formula
3 series + Traction control x too many of them = ubiquitous and boring
Wedge + Huge power minus traction control x not very many of them = Huge Stupid Grin
I hope this helps you in your decision. The only thing that is equal on these cars is probably maintenance costs.
Also I hope you don't think I'm a boring maths Tw@t
Nige'
I can only afford one car; reliability has to be an issue. I haven't given up, I'm just delaying until a time when I can afford a second car; that'll come around soon enough (hopefully!)
But you have all given some things to think about and I will give them some consideration.
Finally, the maths is very helpful; it puts real life situations into perspective!! Cheers!
But you have all given some things to think about and I will give them some consideration.
Finally, the maths is very helpful; it puts real life situations into perspective!! Cheers!
Hi,
BMW reliability is a falicy (hope I've spelt that correctly)3 series is okay'ish, but 80'/90's 7 series wooe, road side stop mobile. TVR Wedges - well they have there shortcomings - Lucas Wiring...... however the bits are cheap, relatively easy to come by and inexpensive to fit. The grin factor is awsome. There are some good bargains to be had if you shop around. I've just sold a 37k mile 400SE for £8k generally sound though it apears to have had a few minor glitches. The new owner seems chuffed. Some 350 owners are still asking noddy numbers for there cars but shop around and you'll get one for £3k (sensible money for an early series 2 - {series 1 pay less}(see autotrader this week!) then you may be able to run the "reliable!!" beamer and the Wedge.
Cheers,
GB
BMW reliability is a falicy (hope I've spelt that correctly)3 series is okay'ish, but 80'/90's 7 series wooe, road side stop mobile. TVR Wedges - well they have there shortcomings - Lucas Wiring...... however the bits are cheap, relatively easy to come by and inexpensive to fit. The grin factor is awsome. There are some good bargains to be had if you shop around. I've just sold a 37k mile 400SE for £8k generally sound though it apears to have had a few minor glitches. The new owner seems chuffed. Some 350 owners are still asking noddy numbers for there cars but shop around and you'll get one for £3k (sensible money for an early series 2 - {series 1 pay less}(see autotrader this week!) then you may be able to run the "reliable!!" beamer and the Wedge.
Cheers,
GB
I sold an almost brand new 306 DTurbo for my 400SE. it isd soethign i have not looked back upon. Dont buy the first one you see. have a look at a few and make a decision. its a buyers market at present. When you fire up the V8 its hypnotic ..... good luck. Incidently, My cousin has a 3 series 325 and there is no comparrison.. the wedge blows it out of the water. With the bigger wedges, you can go M3 hunting
Wedge unreliability is not a "given" either. I used my 400se as an only car (130 mile round trip per day, 5 days per week) for 13 months when I first got it. (they are a bit crap in snow though!) No mega problems. OK, so the tyres and service costs were a bit higher than the scooby it replaced, but it NEVER once broke down or failed to start.
My heater works brilliant too!
They actually like regular use, and it makes them more reliable. You need to warm it before you play, and some of the finish is not as durable as a BMW - they can get a bit "stone chipped" on the nose/rear arches if you do loadsa miles.
Buy as late as possible, with a full service history if poss. Make sure that jobs like Chassis, driveshafts, clutch etc have been taken care of. Be aware that something might go bang (but that's true of any car, it just costs a bit more with a wedge) and you should be OK.
Oh, and yes, I STILL have my wedge.
Andy 400se
My heater works brilliant too!
They actually like regular use, and it makes them more reliable. You need to warm it before you play, and some of the finish is not as durable as a BMW - they can get a bit "stone chipped" on the nose/rear arches if you do loadsa miles.
Buy as late as possible, with a full service history if poss. Make sure that jobs like Chassis, driveshafts, clutch etc have been taken care of. Be aware that something might go bang (but that's true of any car, it just costs a bit more with a wedge) and you should be OK.
Oh, and yes, I STILL have my wedge.
Andy 400se
Gee guys, you're really making it difficult for me now! The Wedge is certainly not out of the question for me, although I'm not going to rush into it - that's one thing I certainly glean from you all.
In case, you are wondering, I'm 25, I'm a trainee solicitor (mega bucks are a way off yet!), and I have fairly crippling student debts. No wife, no kids (quite happy with that at this stage in my life), and I know that owning a TVR might not be an option for me 10 years down the line. I can only afford one car at the moment - a decent car and a runabout shed if just too much (insurance, servicing, maintenance, cost of the car itself). Dirty word time now; a few years down the line, I fancy picking up a griff or a cerbera; for now the non-cat wedge keeps catching my eye. The 400 series cos it's newer is a real possibility. Truth be told, I wondered be so cautious if I had a payrise!!!
Unless someone out there has a uber reliable 400se that they are looking to sell for a price in my league - say, sub £6K???
In case, you are wondering, I'm 25, I'm a trainee solicitor (mega bucks are a way off yet!), and I have fairly crippling student debts. No wife, no kids (quite happy with that at this stage in my life), and I know that owning a TVR might not be an option for me 10 years down the line. I can only afford one car at the moment - a decent car and a runabout shed if just too much (insurance, servicing, maintenance, cost of the car itself). Dirty word time now; a few years down the line, I fancy picking up a griff or a cerbera; for now the non-cat wedge keeps catching my eye. The 400 series cos it's newer is a real possibility. Truth be told, I wondered be so cautious if I had a payrise!!!
Unless someone out there has a uber reliable 400se that they are looking to sell for a price in my league - say, sub £6K???
RichBurley said: Gee guys, you're really making it difficult for me now! The Wedge is certainly not out of the question for me, although I'm not going to rush into it - that's one thing I certainly glean from you all.
In case, you are wondering, I'm 25, I'm a trainee solicitor (mega bucks are a way off yet!), and I have fairly crippling student debts. No wife, no kids (quite happy with that at this stage in my life), and I know that owning a TVR might not be an option for me 10 years down the line. I can only afford one car at the moment - a decent car and a runabout shed if just too much (insurance, servicing, maintenance, cost of the car itself). Dirty word time now; a few years down the line, I fancy picking up a griff or a cerbera; for now the non-cat wedge keeps catching my eye. The 400 series cos it's newer is a real possibility. Truth be told, I wondered be so cautious if I had a payrise!!!
Unless someone out there has a uber reliable 400se that they are looking to sell for a price in my league - say, sub £6K???
Hi Rich. Think 6k for a really nice 400 is pushing things a bit. How about a nice 350 ? You could get a nice one for 6k. Why don't you drop in to Tankersley on Saturday and have a look at some cars ?
Heaters can work. Mine is ok, but also in summer!
I drive the car open when it is:
- raining (not too much)
- even when outside temperature is around -10 Celsius without actually freezing.
- around freezing point there is no need for gloves or hat!! Does this mean that my 350i is worth more money? Don't want to sell anyway.
Good joke is that when it is considered cold outside that people on the pavement comment that it must be cold in an open top car.
My reply: it is warmer then walking....
Normally no comments, just dropping jaws.....
And me enjoying the massive burble all fresco.
Conclusion: Take the right decision, go for it.
Even 350i is awesome, and if necessary you can upgrade easily later (if you don't get married to early).
And upgrades come cheap (even very cheap?) compared to BMW. And the best sound in the world for free.
Rob
I drive the car open when it is:
- raining (not too much)
- even when outside temperature is around -10 Celsius without actually freezing.
- around freezing point there is no need for gloves or hat!! Does this mean that my 350i is worth more money? Don't want to sell anyway.
Good joke is that when it is considered cold outside that people on the pavement comment that it must be cold in an open top car.
My reply: it is warmer then walking....
Normally no comments, just dropping jaws.....
And me enjoying the massive burble all fresco.
Conclusion: Take the right decision, go for it.
Even 350i is awesome, and if necessary you can upgrade easily later (if you don't get married to early).
And upgrades come cheap (even very cheap?) compared to BMW. And the best sound in the world for free.
Rob
Rich,
I've got a BMW as my main car, its a 96 N 520ise with 90k miles on it now. In the last 3 years and 25k miles its had to have a new radiator, heater valve, complete cylinder head and a water pump. Believe me if your beemer goes wrong its expensive. If you get the TVR on a classic insurance policy and use a cheap small car for your winter runaround it will probably cost you less than running the BM. The TVR won't depreciate much too. If I were you I'd consider a 350 as well, you will get a very good one for 6k.
Gareth.
I've got a BMW as my main car, its a 96 N 520ise with 90k miles on it now. In the last 3 years and 25k miles its had to have a new radiator, heater valve, complete cylinder head and a water pump. Believe me if your beemer goes wrong its expensive. If you get the TVR on a classic insurance policy and use a cheap small car for your winter runaround it will probably cost you less than running the BM. The TVR won't depreciate much too. If I were you I'd consider a 350 as well, you will get a very good one for 6k.
Gareth.
danny hoffman said: Andy,
Did you say your heater works brilliantly? hmm you might be stretching it a bit here!
No, really it does!
I can turn it off completely and get no hot air in summer, and I get lots and lots of hot air in winter if I turn it on, even in sub zero temps.
It only has two snags: its a bit all on/all off in its response to the temperature slider and it tends to make the centre console gauges mist up if I use the hot air.
It even clears the screen ok - opening the side window a smidgen helps too here.
I hope to get to PH5 if anyone wants to have a look at it to see whats different about it!
Andy 400se
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