Advice required from TVR buffs!!!

[cropsprayer]

Hi guys....im looking for some advice please.....I have a VX220 at the moment, never let me down, fun car to drive blah blah blah, only problem is im bored with it and have always loved TVR's. I really like the T350 and one has come up which I think is a good price so ive plucked up the courage and am off to look at it later......only problem is I keep getting warned "dont buy a TVR unless you want to spend your life (and savings) at the garage"!!!! Are they really still that unreliable (its an 03 reg) and can anyone tell me what to look out for when viewing it/test driving it? Also the guy says the warranty is non transferable (he up's both engine and parts for 2 years) so would it be worth me paying to extend myself?

Im just really looking for some general tips/advice for a total TVR novice, regarding the T350C. Thanks for your help :-)

[mjc]

The warranty IS transferable.....

>> Edited by mjc on Monday 16th August 14:42

[Targarama]

They are great cars and there shouldn't be much wrong on an '03 car. If you can speak to the previous owner - also watch how the dealer starts and drives the car from cold. This is allegedly crucial to the longetivity of the Speed Six engine.

There should be no nasty noises or rattles and the suspension, brakes, clutch, throttle etc. should be smooth. If something feels wrong then walk away, there are a few 03 cars for sale.

Also, try to drive a few. Then you'll notice if one is especially good or bad.

Finally, tell us about the one you're planning to test - it may have belonged to a Pistonheader or someone may have the inside scoop on it.

Enjoy!

[maddog-uk]

Quality is a myth that non owners appear to spread. Minor niggles do occurr but nothing you should concern yourself about! Certainly warming up correctly is very important. If the oil temperature is not above 70 they should not be booting it all. That means a test drive of over 20 minutes just to warm the car.

[cropsprayer]

Thanks guys I really appreciate the comments and advice. Its a private sale and the guy says he bought it from the TVR Centre as an ex demo (will find out tonight which centre but mentioned Giles Cooper in the email?!?) and has had it himself for 9 months. Good news about the warranty as it should all still be covered until 03/05 which makes me feel a bit more comfortable :-)

I'll see how it sounds tonight, although the guy said he will do the driving and if im then still interested I can come back and arrange a proper run out in it as he has had a few time wasters. Only problem he says he has had is a broken wiper motor. He also said he has just had it services (12k).

If anyone thinks they may know the centre this came from or the car I would be very interested to hear from them and I will update you all tomorrow (in case your interested!!).

[maddog-uk]

email mark tann at the TVR centre. Ask him all about it.

[Mrs Fish]

Go for it.

We had ours from new March 03, it had done 18,000 miles and the only money spent on it were for the services.

It is now residing at Chris Neils, where it will be for sale after it has had its 18,000 mile service.

[GCerbera]

cropsprayer said:

If anyone thinks they may know the centre this came from or the car I would be very interested to hear from them and I will update you all tomorrow (in case your interested!!).

www.tvr-centre.co.uk

[cropsprayer]

Thought I would update you all.......absolutely loved the car when I looked at it earlier in the week and got some helpfull advice from TheArb. Went and bought it today and just spent 2 hours driving it home from London.......ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!!!!!!! What an amazing car, I can see im gonna be spending a lot of time in it over the coming months :-)

Thanks again all for your advice, it was much appreciated. Im off back out now for another spin!!

[K.K.]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!



Now show us some piccies!

[cropsprayer]

Yup just digging out my camera charger and i'll get snapping!

[tail slide]

Welcome to the fold, cropsprayer. Having too much fun driving mine recently to spend time posting on here!

[BCA]

Welcome, ENJOY!!

Tailslide - Just realised who you are, hows the Ginetta?? Understand that it had something break (wishbone?) at one of the events I missed?!? Hope all is well, see you soon no doubt! Glad you're having fun in the T350! (Jeffs son/ see profile)

[tail slide]

BCA - Hi Ben. G33 back to full health thanks- turned right under braking at Aintree in wet, so was passenger for bumpy 100mph grass spin which woke me up. Expect to see you sprinting Smartly?!

[BCA]

tail slide said:

BCA - Hi Ben. Expect to see you sprinting Smartly?!

Perhaps yes! Possibly Cerbly even - glad to hear the Ginettas fine, 100mph+ spinning... exactly whats worrying me about sprinting Cerbly

Got a trackday in the Smart coming up in mid-sept, so will see how things go. Looking promising for a reasonable run next year though.

A bit afraid of the Cerb as I havent the faintest idea how scary it can get - only driven it in the wet in anger, where thankfully it was beautifully progressive?! (Harewood, lovely place to get acquainted with such a monster!)

See you soon no doubt, Curborough on 26th(?)Sept next I think... or perhaps the Brighton Speed Trials on 11th Sept??

[tail slide]

BCA said:

only driven it in the wet in anger, where thankfully it was beautifully progressive?!

If your happy sprinting Cerb in wet, you have potential!
C U at Curborough.