SHOULD I BUY A T350?
Discussion
I would be grateful for any advice or opinions before I make the big decision.
I've been a Elise/ZM Coupe/Boxster/TT man (in that order) but am bored and having just sold my TT am considering a T350.
I know little about TVR's other than they aren't built particularly well and break down fairly often. I do 25 miles to work down the motorway in the morning and do 15 miles in fairly heavy traffic coming home each evening -
1) is it going to be suitable?
2) is the fuel bill going to hurt?
3) will a T350 handle the regular fairly heavy use?
4) what should I check for when buying my T350 (any known pit falls eg vanos on the ZM)?
5) what should I pay for a 15 000 miler
6) should I just get another boxster!
Cheers
I've been a Elise/ZM Coupe/Boxster/TT man (in that order) but am bored and having just sold my TT am considering a T350.
I know little about TVR's other than they aren't built particularly well and break down fairly often. I do 25 miles to work down the motorway in the morning and do 15 miles in fairly heavy traffic coming home each evening -
1) is it going to be suitable?
2) is the fuel bill going to hurt?
3) will a T350 handle the regular fairly heavy use?
4) what should I check for when buying my T350 (any known pit falls eg vanos on the ZM)?
5) what should I pay for a 15 000 miler
6) should I just get another boxster!
Cheers
TVR VIRGIN said:
I would be grateful for any advice or opinions before I make the big decision.
I've been a Elise/ZM Coupe/Boxster/TT man (in that order) but am bored and having just sold my TT am considering a T350.
I know little about TVR's other than they aren't built particularly well and break down fairly often. I do 25 miles to work down the motorway in the morning and do 15 miles in fairly heavy traffic coming home each evening -
1) is it going to be suitable?
2) is the fuel bill going to hurt?
3) will a T350 handle the regular fairly heavy use?
4) what should I check for when buying my T350 (any known pit falls eg vanos on the ZM)?
5) what should I pay for a 15 000 miler
6) should I just get another boxster!
Cheers
1) Yes, though as with any sports car, and particularly a TVR you'll want a decent long run regularly (it won't be a chore!)
2) Depending on your driving style maybe late teens in traffic and mid 20's on the motorway
3) Yes, but they do need care. Regular use is thought to be better than occasional, as it keeps things moving. Speed 6 engine issues would probably be sorted on a second-hand purchase, have a search through past threads on that particular can of worms. Investigate servicing costs...
4) Here's the FAQ If you are unsure of what to look for, perhaps use an expert to source the vehicle or check over a prospective purchase. James Agger and Rob Ingleby are two names that crop up regularly for this.
5) Have a look through the classifieds to get a good idea of the going rates.
6) Your choice, but I wouldn't!
>> Edited by Julianhj on Friday 14th April 14:05
TVR virgin, the worst thing about owning a TVR after a year and a half is the doom mongering posts like the one from professor positive above.
I'd love to be capable of owning a Boxster but I know I'd get bored of it and the hairdressery image is a problem for me.
You will have niggles with a T350, things will occasionally need to be glued back on and go on the blink but you'll never, ever get bored of driving it or staring at it.
It really depends what you want from a car. Porsche do great allrounders but imo don't shine very well in any one area. For most people this is a good thing and hence the sales figures they enjoy. But Porsche is like well manufactured, well engineered pop music. It appeals to most of the people most of the time. TVR is much more hardcore. Their cars polarize opinion hence the emotional response is stronger one way or the other. If you like the sort of cars that TVR make (few car makers if any produce anything remotely like the current range of TVRs) you will really love the t350 with a passion and forgive it anything.
I had a t350 for a short while before taking delivery of my Sagaris and if I had the money I'd have one as well. It left an indelible and very good impression on me. The Sagaris continues to astound me, there really are flashes of genius in both cars.
I'd love to be capable of owning a Boxster but I know I'd get bored of it and the hairdressery image is a problem for me.
You will have niggles with a T350, things will occasionally need to be glued back on and go on the blink but you'll never, ever get bored of driving it or staring at it.
It really depends what you want from a car. Porsche do great allrounders but imo don't shine very well in any one area. For most people this is a good thing and hence the sales figures they enjoy. But Porsche is like well manufactured, well engineered pop music. It appeals to most of the people most of the time. TVR is much more hardcore. Their cars polarize opinion hence the emotional response is stronger one way or the other. If you like the sort of cars that TVR make (few car makers if any produce anything remotely like the current range of TVRs) you will really love the t350 with a passion and forgive it anything.
I had a t350 for a short while before taking delivery of my Sagaris and if I had the money I'd have one as well. It left an indelible and very good impression on me. The Sagaris continues to astound me, there really are flashes of genius in both cars.
Au contraire Mr Conner. I'd have been proud my 50k went some way to help a great british sportscar marque in it's hour of need.
Most sportscar makers are on the verge of going bust most of the time. Certainly Lamborghini, Lotus and before Fiat - Ferrari, have all changed hands countless times.
That wouldn't have stopped me buying a Countach QV at the time if I was able.
If they go bust then the Sagaris will become a collectors item and I'll get an aftermarket warranty. Bully for us!
Most sportscar makers are on the verge of going bust most of the time. Certainly Lamborghini, Lotus and before Fiat - Ferrari, have all changed hands countless times.
That wouldn't have stopped me buying a Countach QV at the time if I was able.
If they go bust then the Sagaris will become a collectors item and I'll get an aftermarket warranty. Bully for us!
Dear Benson
I am afraid 1 opinion a month is really not trying hard enough.
A man of your great sagacity and wit really needs to make a greater effort.
It would be a considerable shame if your wisdom were not made available on a more regular basis,grounded as it is in ownership of and experince with many fine automotive marques.
P.S.You merely need to list them.
>> Edited by sideways mostly on Friday 14th April 16:43
I am afraid 1 opinion a month is really not trying hard enough.
A man of your great sagacity and wit really needs to make a greater effort.
It would be a considerable shame if your wisdom were not made available on a more regular basis,grounded as it is in ownership of and experince with many fine automotive marques.
P.S.You merely need to list them.
>> Edited by sideways mostly on Friday 14th April 16:43
amcphillips said:
Mr the pits
Good luck with service and parts!
Its nice to see you can sleep at night.
Professor Conner
And why would this be a problem if TVR changed hands??? Is nobody capable of servicing the car anymore if the company is sold????
In my ownership of a sp6 engine (I have found out the hard way) that the engines only last between 16000 and 26000 miles before needing a rebuild.
Which can only be done by TVR.
amcphillips said:
And what do you think all the people who used to work for TVR would do if they lost their jobs??? Lots of TVRs out there that still need parts and servicing....hmm let me think....be a bit of a no brainer to set your own specialists up wouldn't it!
Well that's sorted then.
Do you fancy starting up a service centre.
I know of a fool who likes investing money in small businesses.
Check above.
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