S verus wedge for regular use...
Discussion
If you had to buy an affordable TVR with your head as well as your heart which would it be? How good are the S and the wedges on issues such as:
- Weather protection - can either of them be made 100% watertight?
- Reliability - I guess this will come down to condition, but is one design generally regarded as less problematic?
- Parts availability and ease of access to work on?
- Economy - a relatively minor point, but is the thirst of the V8 wedge going to be dramatically different to the V6 S-Series?
- Secuirty - does either tend to attract the wrong sort of attention?
- Any other problems or issues?
went cornwall in my wedge in what should have been the summer, rained the whole time, let in some water, although could sort this problem with some new seals, biggest problem was misting up of the windows which could be sorted with avent mod. but no problems other wise. really down to your choice on the shape of the car.
Chris71 said:
If you had to buy an affordable TVR with your head as well as your heart which would it be? How good are the S and the wedges on issues such as:
Cannot comment on the S as I have never had one. But, mine has been pretty reliable. - Weather protection - can either of them be made 100% watertight?
- Reliability - I guess this will come down to condition, but is one design generally regarded as less problematic?
- Parts availability and ease of access to work on?
- Economy - a relatively minor point, but is the thirst of the V8 wedge going to be dramatically different to the V6 S-Series?
- Secuirty - does either tend to attract the wrong sort of attention?
- Any other problems or issues?
So, in order for mine.
Weather, mine is water tight. Cannot comment on the others.
Its pretty reliable but need keeping on top of.
Parts are fairly easy to get. Recent front wheel bearing for £9 from the motor factors.
Economy. Hmmmm. Forget that with mine.
Security, loads of attention. Sort of lets the world know you are coming as does any big Wedge so I am very careful where I go in it.
Personally the Wedge shape does it for me along with a stonking V8. I do drive in the rain on long journeys, my office is 180 odd miles away although that is not every day or every week for that matter.
Have to agree with the above comments. I ran both my Wedges regularly to work albeit for a short hop with no problems. The key to owning a Wedge or any other TVR is to make sure it is maintained regularly - don't take anything for granted. Carry out your weekly checks and you'll be fine.
I have driven an S and found it too small but my preference is a V8 Wedge over the others as the shape and sound always does it for me. Have thought above a Griff or a Tuscan for the future but will probably stick with car I have which I have just converted to a carb and mallory set up which has transformed its running.
I think you'll prefer a V8 Wedge to an S once you have driven a good example....
I have driven an S and found it too small but my preference is a V8 Wedge over the others as the shape and sound always does it for me. Have thought above a Griff or a Tuscan for the future but will probably stick with car I have which I have just converted to a carb and mallory set up which has transformed its running.
I think you'll prefer a V8 Wedge to an S once you have driven a good example....
It makes sense that Rover V8s and Ford V6s should be tolerably reliable... I'm not too worried about diagnosing the occasional dodgy earth on a brake light or something, as long as it gets me to work when required.
Having owned a car that leaked badly in the past I'm a bit paranoid with weather protection! If it was strictly a fun car I wouldn't be worried, but I want something I can use maybe 75% of the time with a sensible car only as a backup and I got tired of keeping bin liners in my Quantum to scoop up the rain water.
In terms of exterior shape I like both cars - I do however much prefer the interior of the S from what I've seen. The V8 in the wedges on the other would bring a smile to my face every time I turned the key and a V8S would be pushing my budget a little if I was to buy in the near future. I gather the driving experience is rather more forgiving in the S. Again it's a balance - the hooligan within me would maybe prefer a wedge, but the sensible (and if I'm honest reltaively innexperienced) driver suspects the S would give a bit more margin for error at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
edit: Being a shortass (well, compared to some on here - I'm 5'10) size shouldn't be a problem and I do rather like the snug cabin of the M-Series, which is presumably close to an S.
Also, can anyone recommend an understanding insurer who might give a decent quote for a young driver on either of these?
Having owned a car that leaked badly in the past I'm a bit paranoid with weather protection! If it was strictly a fun car I wouldn't be worried, but I want something I can use maybe 75% of the time with a sensible car only as a backup and I got tired of keeping bin liners in my Quantum to scoop up the rain water.
In terms of exterior shape I like both cars - I do however much prefer the interior of the S from what I've seen. The V8 in the wedges on the other would bring a smile to my face every time I turned the key and a V8S would be pushing my budget a little if I was to buy in the near future. I gather the driving experience is rather more forgiving in the S. Again it's a balance - the hooligan within me would maybe prefer a wedge, but the sensible (and if I'm honest reltaively innexperienced) driver suspects the S would give a bit more margin for error at 7am on a wet Monday morning.
edit: Being a shortass (well, compared to some on here - I'm 5'10) size shouldn't be a problem and I do rather like the snug cabin of the M-Series, which is presumably close to an S.
Also, can anyone recommend an understanding insurer who might give a decent quote for a young driver on either of these?
Edited by Chris71 on Sunday 9th December 20:57
I had my V8 wedge for 9 years, and the first half of that it was my every day car.
My only regret was, I bought a fixed head as knowing it would be my daily driver I did not want it to be too damp in the winter. As it happened, it leaked rain badly, and I may as well have had the convertable. However, the fixed head does have a huge boot which proved invaluable on the anual trip to Le Manns etc. It never left me stranded by the side of the road, but it did refuse to start at home on 2 occasions, both of which were the ( non TVR ) immobilisor failing.
If your worried about the V8 and fuel consumption ( or staying on a wet road ) you could go for a V6 wedge.
I don't know much about the S's, except someone I know did use a V8S as his daily car for a couple of years, and I don't think he had any major issues.
Fuel consumption, depends a lot on how you drive it, but it is not going to be great.
These are all old cars now, so if you are doing a significant milage, you must be prepared to spend a fair amount of time in the garage keeping up with the inevitable job list.
I never had any trouble getting essential parts. It was the non essential items that were more tricky, but these never kept it off the road.
Go for it and enjoy...
My only regret was, I bought a fixed head as knowing it would be my daily driver I did not want it to be too damp in the winter. As it happened, it leaked rain badly, and I may as well have had the convertable. However, the fixed head does have a huge boot which proved invaluable on the anual trip to Le Manns etc. It never left me stranded by the side of the road, but it did refuse to start at home on 2 occasions, both of which were the ( non TVR ) immobilisor failing.
If your worried about the V8 and fuel consumption ( or staying on a wet road ) you could go for a V6 wedge.
I don't know much about the S's, except someone I know did use a V8S as his daily car for a couple of years, and I don't think he had any major issues.
Fuel consumption, depends a lot on how you drive it, but it is not going to be great.
These are all old cars now, so if you are doing a significant milage, you must be prepared to spend a fair amount of time in the garage keeping up with the inevitable job list.
I never had any trouble getting essential parts. It was the non essential items that were more tricky, but these never kept it off the road.
Go for it and enjoy...
I use my S every day and it is as reliable as any other car (but more fun). There can be troublesome niggles which you have to keep on top of before they become major problems. Mine is also kept outside (under a car cover). It leaks through the windscreen sealwhere the RAC cocked up fitting a new windscreen but that is easily solved and when it is it will be bone dry inside. I'm not sure I'd want to travel the length of the country in it but as an every day car it's fine.
Hi Chris71,
I used to drive my Wedge as a daily car while working in Switzerland and Germany.
It was always reliable (Ford 2,8 V6) and never let me down.
She used to "let the rain in" but only in the back.
TVR were very clever here because rather than look to cure the problem, they just put two small rubber drain pipes on the left and right side of the boot to let the water out.
It used to be quite funny as I used to stop at Service Stations on German Autobahn's put the petrol pump in the car and while car was filling up I used to unblock the drain pipes to let water out.
Used to get some puzzled and concerned looks from the Germans as it looked like the petrol was going straight out the bottom of the car.
I used to drive my Wedge as a daily car while working in Switzerland and Germany.
It was always reliable (Ford 2,8 V6) and never let me down.
She used to "let the rain in" but only in the back.
TVR were very clever here because rather than look to cure the problem, they just put two small rubber drain pipes on the left and right side of the boot to let the water out.
It used to be quite funny as I used to stop at Service Stations on German Autobahn's put the petrol pump in the car and while car was filling up I used to unblock the drain pipes to let water out.
Used to get some puzzled and concerned looks from the Germans as it looked like the petrol was going straight out the bottom of the car.
I understand that either will need careful looking after. One of the big plus points over a V8S or Chimera is that I could afford to buy a good V6 S or 350i and still have a substantial servicing and repair budget left over. I've bought dogs before, so I'm determined to take my time over this!
There doesn't really seem to be a clear winner - I guess a lot of it comes down to condition by this point even if there was a difference to start with. There seem to be S's that breakdown and leak; Wedges that breakdown and leak and conversely examples of both that don't.
I'll try and get along to the next mid Essex TVR meet to have a snoop at a few of each. Did mean to go to the event on Sunday, but I was at a gig on Saturday night that went very well and I didn't surface 'till about midday!
Has anyone here actually owned both? They do seem to be two rather opposing camps!
PS Has anyone actually dared to calculate an MPG figure? Would be interesting to get an idea - are we talking 20s or teens? ...single figures?
Is there a big difference between the 2.9 V6 and a standard 350i V8?
There doesn't really seem to be a clear winner - I guess a lot of it comes down to condition by this point even if there was a difference to start with. There seem to be S's that breakdown and leak; Wedges that breakdown and leak and conversely examples of both that don't.
I'll try and get along to the next mid Essex TVR meet to have a snoop at a few of each. Did mean to go to the event on Sunday, but I was at a gig on Saturday night that went very well and I didn't surface 'till about midday!
Has anyone here actually owned both? They do seem to be two rather opposing camps!
PS Has anyone actually dared to calculate an MPG figure? Would be interesting to get an idea - are we talking 20s or teens? ...single figures?
Is there a big difference between the 2.9 V6 and a standard 350i V8?Edited by Chris71 on Monday 10th December 10:25
Chris71 said:
I'll try and get along to the next mid Essex TVR meet to have a snoop at a few of each.
I think that's a really good idea. Try to get a ride in some to see if you could live with either of these on a daily basis. Most people I know think that I'm nuts for owning an old TVR, but I'm happy to put up with the rattles and the gluey smell and the door mirrors that I can barely see out of... 'cos they are such good fun!If you can experience these cars in the cold and wet I think you'll get a much better idea of their practicality as a daily driver. A summertime drive on a nice hot sunny day with the roof off would be a world away from a dreary winter commute in the pouring rain in the dark with rubbish headlamps and windows that keep continually misting up...
Chris71 said:
Has anyone here actually owned both? They do seem to be two rather opposing camps!
Good question! I think the styling is so different that people tend to like one or the other.Yep. I like the drama of the wedge (aesthetically and err, vocally(?)), but IMHO the S is the prettier shape if that makes sense.
As mentioned, I do much prefer the S interior on the pictures I've seen, but again I can't help the feeling that the V8 wedge would be more of 'an event'.
I find it quite easy to decide on cars that are similar, ironically it's those that differ dramatically that are hard to choose between. I probably shouldn't admit this, but the other car I'm seriously considering is an Alfa GTV V6. I know it's a world away in terms of the driving experience, but it's a case of trading the less exciting dynamics against increased practicality, security etc. In contrast, comparing the FWD GTV against the Fiat Coupe and Lotus Elan (M100) was a no brainer - they'd all be less involving than the TVRs, so there was little point nitpicking about the driving dynamics and for me the Alfa has the most appeal. Dunno if that makes sense, but I've been able to eliminate very similar cars quite easily, it's those which have equal strengths, but in very different areas which are hard to choose between. And the same applies to the classically styled (arguably more refined?) S versus the brutish appeal of the wedge.
To be fair, it's not a bad dilema to be faced with.
I aim to get an idea of the character of the cars from seeing a few car, but enthusiastic driving is something best left to when I have my own example I think... are the wedges as scary as they're made out? I appreciate that a lot of torque in a relatively short wheelbase RWD chassis will make things interesting if provoked, but are they genuinely tricky on the limit or is it just people with more enthusiasm than experience? Do you have reasonable steering feedback to warn of impending doom for example? Do they rotate very quickly when they do let go?
As mentioned, I do much prefer the S interior on the pictures I've seen, but again I can't help the feeling that the V8 wedge would be more of 'an event'.
I find it quite easy to decide on cars that are similar, ironically it's those that differ dramatically that are hard to choose between. I probably shouldn't admit this, but the other car I'm seriously considering is an Alfa GTV V6. I know it's a world away in terms of the driving experience, but it's a case of trading the less exciting dynamics against increased practicality, security etc. In contrast, comparing the FWD GTV against the Fiat Coupe and Lotus Elan (M100) was a no brainer - they'd all be less involving than the TVRs, so there was little point nitpicking about the driving dynamics and for me the Alfa has the most appeal. Dunno if that makes sense, but I've been able to eliminate very similar cars quite easily, it's those which have equal strengths, but in very different areas which are hard to choose between. And the same applies to the classically styled (arguably more refined?) S versus the brutish appeal of the wedge.
To be fair, it's not a bad dilema to be faced with.
I aim to get an idea of the character of the cars from seeing a few car, but enthusiastic driving is something best left to when I have my own example I think... are the wedges as scary as they're made out? I appreciate that a lot of torque in a relatively short wheelbase RWD chassis will make things interesting if provoked, but are they genuinely tricky on the limit or is it just people with more enthusiasm than experience? Do you have reasonable steering feedback to warn of impending doom for example? Do they rotate very quickly when they do let go?
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 10th December 11:33
I used to get 31mph out of my V6 2,8 Wedge followed by around 28 out of my V8 Chimaera 400. (motorway at around 80mph)
I would expect the V8 S2 to be similar.
Both were used daily in Germany and Switzerland.
My Tuscan seems to be giving me around 28 (motorway)
I found both the Wedge and the Chimaera very reliable over the years. The costs were mainly general, brakes etc.
I am well in to 5 figures on the Tuscan maintenance this year and I only bought her 1 YEAR AGO.
But I still love her. Fanbludytastic.
I would expect the V8 S2 to be similar.
Both were used daily in Germany and Switzerland.
My Tuscan seems to be giving me around 28 (motorway)
I found both the Wedge and the Chimaera very reliable over the years. The costs were mainly general, brakes etc.
I am well in to 5 figures on the Tuscan maintenance this year and I only bought her 1 YEAR AGO.
But I still love her. Fanbludytastic.
so called said:
I used to get 31mpg out of my V6 2,8 Wedge followed by around 28 out of my V8 Chimaera 400. (motorway at around 80mph)
I would expect the V8 S2 to be similar.
Surprisingly close then - I presume they would be similar for a standard wedge? I would expect the V8 S2 to be similar.
To put it in contrast, my 5 year old MG saloon used to do about 27mpg mainly commuting round the M25 - so getting fractionally better fuel economy out of a 4 litre V8 doesn't sound like a bad deal at all.
edit: Speaking of insurance, I just called Aon - they won't insure me until I'm 30. Then I called Hagerty... for a 24 year old male driver in North London they wanted a scarcely believable £189 for a 350i. True, it was on a limited mileage policy (5000 miles) and didn't cover commuting, but that's less than it would cost a bloke my age to insure a moped.
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 10th December 14:26
If fuel costs are a concern - then you'd bet better off getting something that would cost more and be less fun to drive but work out cheaper on the fuel bills etc. I have just moved work location and all I could think about was that it would be great to drive to work and home again in the Wedge...
TVR's are about emotive driving experiences over and above the reasonable approach to everyday driving..go for a sorted V8 Wedge and I'll guarantee you'll be grinning to work and back. Go for an S and you be hankering after V8 power within weeks.....
TVR's are about emotive driving experiences over and above the reasonable approach to everyday driving..go for a sorted V8 Wedge and I'll guarantee you'll be grinning to work and back. Go for an S and you be hankering after V8 power within weeks.....
Well, I must admit the V8 is the big draw for me. When it comes to appearance (inside and out) I think I marginally prefer the S. The rather elegant S' has looks and the wedges have presence if that makes sense! I've narrowed it down to the two of them, but they both appeal albeit on slightly different levels.
Fuel economy isn't a huge concern - like I said at the outset I'm not expecting a saloon, it would just be if one returned twice the MPG of the other or something it might be a consideration whilst driving it to work. I have a second car already and the major frustration I have with it (due to it being completely - and I mean completely - open) is that I can't get the buzz I get from driving it more often. This would start to be an issue if it costs silly ammounts of money to fuel it, but 20 odd MPG would be fine. The thing is, I'm sure a modified 420 can get down to single figures and that I would find hard to justify!
Fuel economy isn't a huge concern - like I said at the outset I'm not expecting a saloon, it would just be if one returned twice the MPG of the other or something it might be a consideration whilst driving it to work. I have a second car already and the major frustration I have with it (due to it being completely - and I mean completely - open) is that I can't get the buzz I get from driving it more often. This would start to be an issue if it costs silly ammounts of money to fuel it, but 20 odd MPG would be fine. The thing is, I'm sure a modified 420 can get down to single figures and that I would find hard to justify!
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 10th December 17:15
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff