Discussion
I'm after my first TVR, having wanted a wedge since the 390SE was first released and I was 14.
Now that I'm sufficiently over 30 ... I can (probably) afford to run and insure one. I've driven faster cars, I've driven undoubtedly more reliable cars. But so what?
So I'm looking for a little advice.
Are there any differences, other than engine size and performance, between a 350i / 350SE and a 390SE / 400SE of similar age?
If seen advertised a car which the seller claims is a limited edition - one of 50 - end of the line 350SE which were all factory fitted with the 4.0 engine. It's badged as a 350SE. It's a 1990 G plate.
Does this sound like a likely story?
What difference would there be between a 1990 350SE with a 4.0 engine and a 400SE?
Should a Range Rover specialist, who I believe to be pretty competent, be capable of properly servicing a V8 wedge?
Now that I'm sufficiently over 30 ... I can (probably) afford to run and insure one. I've driven faster cars, I've driven undoubtedly more reliable cars. But so what?
So I'm looking for a little advice.
Are there any differences, other than engine size and performance, between a 350i / 350SE and a 390SE / 400SE of similar age?
If seen advertised a car which the seller claims is a limited edition - one of 50 - end of the line 350SE which were all factory fitted with the 4.0 engine. It's badged as a 350SE. It's a 1990 G plate.
Does this sound like a likely story?
What difference would there be between a 1990 350SE with a 4.0 engine and a 400SE?
Should a Range Rover specialist, who I believe to be pretty competent, be capable of properly servicing a V8 wedge?
Get the chassis number and the reg and phone Mervyn Larner (TVR model registrar).
Don't know his number offhand, but the TVR Car Club will provide it. www.tvrcc.com/
Don't know his number offhand, but the TVR Car Club will provide it. www.tvrcc.com/
I was informed (by the TVR car club)that the 350SE is a 390SE in an 350i body. This was done by TVR because they had no more 3.5L engines but had a number of 350 bodies.
If the price is right, it's a cheap way of getting 390SE performance.
Nobody seems to be sure of exactly how many 350SE's were made but the figures I've heard were between 25 & 50.
The 350Se's seem to be pretty popular. I was looking at buying one a little while back, but it had gone before I could get to it (less than a week).
As for buying a a 400 instead - of course who wouldn't!
There's just the small matter of them being more exspensive.
If the price is right, it's a cheap way of getting 390SE performance.
Nobody seems to be sure of exactly how many 350SE's were made but the figures I've heard were between 25 & 50.
The 350Se's seem to be pretty popular. I was looking at buying one a little while back, but it had gone before I could get to it (less than a week).
As for buying a a 400 instead - of course who wouldn't!
There's just the small matter of them being more exspensive.
Thanks for the info.
I've found out the chassis no. and asked the question. However, the seller said, if I was after the no. to HPI it, don't bother as it's "listed on V Car" - what does that mean? I assume it's not good?
OK here's another question: The 390 and 400 have identical power & torque outputs and almost identical performance figures. There's an extra 1 mph top spedd with the 400 which I assume is due to aerodynamics as the power is the same.
So why the change in engine? Does the 400 drive any differently from the 390? What benefits are there from the extra 60 odd cc?
OK that's three questions.
John.
I've found out the chassis no. and asked the question. However, the seller said, if I was after the no. to HPI it, don't bother as it's "listed on V Car" - what does that mean? I assume it's not good?
OK here's another question: The 390 and 400 have identical power & torque outputs and almost identical performance figures. There's an extra 1 mph top spedd with the 400 which I assume is due to aerodynamics as the power is the same.
So why the change in engine? Does the 400 drive any differently from the 390? What benefits are there from the extra 60 odd cc?
OK that's three questions.
John.
Get a 400SE. Prices seem good at the mo. Have the later suspension and better brakes (bound to get shot down on that comment). I used HPI and they were spot on. Show up finance and insurance bits etc. Works off the reg. Online for a few quid but a detailed report for a few more bob.
Personally if someone does not want to depart information, or hinder your quest in finding info walk away.
My 350 was fast, the 400 is a blast!
>> Edited by JMorgan on Saturday 23 March 00:18
Personally if someone does not want to depart information, or hinder your quest in finding info walk away.
My 350 was fast, the 400 is a blast!
>> Edited by JMorgan on Saturday 23 March 00:18
Well I suppose it depends on transport links. If I could fly there, or near, from Edinburgh then that'd be easy enough. Although if the only option's Greedy BA then it'd be expensive. Or if there was a reasonably direct train. If it was 12 hours of trains with four changes ... well I wouldn't rule it out but that'd certainly weigh against it.
For one a fair way away I'd want to try to arrange for an independent inspection from a specialist before going to look at it, so that there's a good chance I'd be driving it home. Any ideas on how to locate a specialist from hundreds of miles away?
Abroad ... probably not.
John.
For one a fair way away I'd want to try to arrange for an independent inspection from a specialist before going to look at it, so that there's a good chance I'd be driving it home. Any ideas on how to locate a specialist from hundreds of miles away?
Abroad ... probably not.
John.
There's a fairly cheap 400se advertised in the PH classifieds. It's in Lancashire (near me) - not to bad to get to from your neck of the woods.
If it's an arsey place to get to by train/plane I'm sure I could help out.
The ad does imply however that it's not the best (can't expect too much for under 7K)but it might still be good enough.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Sunday 24th March 11:14
If it's an arsey place to get to by train/plane I'm sure I could help out.
The ad does imply however that it's not the best (can't expect too much for under 7K)but it might still be good enough.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Sunday 24th March 11:14
Ther's a few on here if you have not already found it plus a good buyers guide.
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/
Don't know where they are though.
www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/
Don't know where they are though.
quote:
If it's an arsey place to get to by train/plane I'm sure I could help out.
>> Edited by bobfrance on Sunday 24th March 11:14
I appreciate the offer - thanks.
That particular car's in Preston, or near, so not so bad to get to by train. It's 68k miles, has a scraped front wing, split veneer on the dash (neither of which need to be catastrophic) and no service history (which might be).
On the plus side - my wife'd probably like the colour. So do I in fact.
The other one - the 350SE - sounds dubious. It's been written off and is still in its damaged state, although the seller had originally told me it had "minor front panel damage". Also no service history. And he's asking £5800. I don't think so, somehow.
One or two on 'TVRwebpages' which might be worth investigating too.
Any thoughts on maintenance by a Range Rover specialist?
quote:
Any thoughts on maintenance by a Range Rover specialist?
Personally, I wouldn't entrust my Wedge to anyone who hadn't worked on TVR's in the past. Yes it's a Rover engine, but it's a modified lump. Not to mention the other odds n sods that are TVR specific
There are a lot of reasonably priced specialists out there.
If you get hold of a copy of Steve Heaths Wedge Bible, from the TVRCC office, or:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/shpub/home.html
it tells you everything you want to know about Wedges, including what to look for when buying one, and a breakdown of the services.
From the 'Wedge Bible' production numbers for SE/SEAC models
350SE 25
390/420SE 103
400SE 242
430SE 3
450SE 35 (37)
420SEAC 37
450SEAC 18 (28)
660SEAC 1
Figures are compiled from two different sources, and the ones in brackets are discrepancies between the two.
Go for a 400SE, later car, nicer lines.
350SE 25
390/420SE 103
400SE 242
430SE 3
450SE 35 (37)
420SEAC 37
450SEAC 18 (28)
660SEAC 1
Figures are compiled from two different sources, and the ones in brackets are discrepancies between the two.
Go for a 400SE, later car, nicer lines.
quote:
That particular car's in Preston, or near, so not so bad to get to by train. It's 68k miles, has a scraped front wing, split veneer on the dash (neither of which need to be catastrophic) and no service history (which might be).
The other one - the 350SE - sounds dubious. It's been written off and is still in its damaged state, although the seller had originally told me it had "minor front panel damage". Also no service history. And he's asking £5800. I don't think so, somehow.
My personal opinion is not to go for a TVR without service history. I did and do regret it, as I am having to spend a fortune putting everything right.
Rich.
I had sort of a service history and also a lot of work (upgrades etc) done by a garage I know to be good. Also as the car appeared in a regional roundup photo in sprint I was able to contact them and get a bit of confirmation that a previous owner had looked after it well. Big oops in the engine department though, and cost a bit. Get that checked as it can cost more to put right.
John,
First question is what is your budget?
I see £7k mentioned is that your top end at the moment?
If so my advice would be to hang on 12 months or so and get the piggy bank filled up a bit more, if you buy a lower priced car you will just end up spending more on getting her right and apart from the cost there will be the annoyance and inconvenience of having her in the workshop every two minutes,
plus it could sour you to the whole TVR experience.
In terms of finding a good car once you have more dosh.........
I would recommend spending some time at the larger TVR meetings.
i.e. "Back home" & "Mania" not only will you see a lot of really good cars all in one place at the same time but you will meet some very genuine people
who will be more than happy to talk to you about the subject.
on top of this if you like any of the cars you see, tell the owners that you are looking to buy and there's every chance that you will find what your looking for.
First question is what is your budget?
I see £7k mentioned is that your top end at the moment?
If so my advice would be to hang on 12 months or so and get the piggy bank filled up a bit more, if you buy a lower priced car you will just end up spending more on getting her right and apart from the cost there will be the annoyance and inconvenience of having her in the workshop every two minutes,
plus it could sour you to the whole TVR experience. In terms of finding a good car once you have more dosh.........
I would recommend spending some time at the larger TVR meetings.
i.e. "Back home" & "Mania" not only will you see a lot of really good cars all in one place at the same time but you will meet some very genuine people
who will be more than happy to talk to you about the subject. on top of this if you like any of the cars you see, tell the owners that you are looking to buy and there's every chance that you will find what your looking for.
i bought my 390se from a regular dealer(not a TVR dealer) having gone to buy something else! Its got all its history from new which persuaded me to take the plunge and buy it.Im pleased to say the car has never let me down in 18 months/7000 miles.I did however have to replace all front brake components(i knew they were dodgy when i bought it).Ive also spent money on suspension and many cosmetic items.Ive seen many 350i's and 400se but have never seen another 390.My 390 does seem to have a rortier exhaust note than a 350 which may appeal.I think if you shop around 8k would buy a nice car.
Sheff3 - good, sensible advice, and if I was being entirely logical and rational I'd take it.
On the other hand, if I was being entirely logical and rational I'd stick with my Nissan.
As for budget - well it's not quite a question of whatever it takes to get a good one - but the more it costs, the harder time I'll have persuading my wife that this is a good idea.
Later 350s seem to be advertised for £4k - £6k. The odd 390 seems to be at the same kind of money - a good 390 in that price range would be ideal. Plenty of 400s are advertised at £7k-£8k just now - as a later car, I could justify paying more for it. I don't think it's necessary to spend the £11k that some optimists are asking. OK these may be concours condition, but I'm not after that.
If I get a car that's a little tatty to look at but mechanically sound that'd be fine - I could tidy it up myself at leisure, and do most of the basic maintenance.
There are a fair few cars around just now - perhaps eight to ten 400s, a dozen 350s, a smattering of 390s, 450s and SEACs - in various advertising websites. OK, up and down the country, but I shouldn't have that much trouble tracking one down.
John.
On the other hand, if I was being entirely logical and rational I'd stick with my Nissan.
As for budget - well it's not quite a question of whatever it takes to get a good one - but the more it costs, the harder time I'll have persuading my wife that this is a good idea.
Later 350s seem to be advertised for £4k - £6k. The odd 390 seems to be at the same kind of money - a good 390 in that price range would be ideal. Plenty of 400s are advertised at £7k-£8k just now - as a later car, I could justify paying more for it. I don't think it's necessary to spend the £11k that some optimists are asking. OK these may be concours condition, but I'm not after that.
If I get a car that's a little tatty to look at but mechanically sound that'd be fine - I could tidy it up myself at leisure, and do most of the basic maintenance.
There are a fair few cars around just now - perhaps eight to ten 400s, a dozen 350s, a smattering of 390s, 450s and SEACs - in various advertising websites. OK, up and down the country, but I shouldn't have that much trouble tracking one down.
John.
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