Having second thoughts!!
Discussion
I was due to go down and pick up my 4lt red rose t350t on friday but its been delayed to tuesday. i am now having second thoghts and have been offered a very cheap m3 smg, silver, cab, hard top, heated seats, 25000 miles, harman kardon stereo, paking sensors, etc. 52 reg with exteded warrenty, £32,000. and to be honest after all the hype over the last 2-3 weeks i am not exactly bubbling with excitement. can anyone lift my spirits or give me some sound advice. please take into account this will be my only vehicle for the winter.
I'm running mine as only car thro' the winter with no worries, following in footsteps of my earlier Griff & Cerb. Only concession is spoiling it with indoor parking at airport, while snowboarding next month! 
IMO, & it's been said many times by others, if you enjoy the exhilaration of real sports car sound & feel you won't find it in an M3....
IMO, & it's been said many times by others, if you enjoy the exhilaration of real sports car sound & feel you won't find it in an M3....
Hi Colin.. the best things come to those who wait.. there's just no comparison in performance or pure fun factor.. the 4litre T350 will eat Lambo's and Ferrari's for breakfast.. and regardless what anybody thinks or says as reliable as any supercar out there.. so stop thinking and just do it...
>> Edited by nick beef on Sunday 28th November 21:11
>> Edited by nick beef on Sunday 28th November 21:12
>> Edited by nick beef on Sunday 28th November 21:11
>> Edited by nick beef on Sunday 28th November 21:12
If you've driven both only you can make the final decision. The T350 is a very special car, the M3 is more run of the mill with very special abilities.
If I was planning on many thousands of miles of motorway journeys all winter long I personally think I may plump for the M3, but it would have to be a manual version for me.
If I was planning on many thousands of miles of motorway journeys all winter long I personally think I may plump for the M3, but it would have to be a manual version for me.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=7&h=0&t=126365
I thought this felt a bit deja vu....
Sure you're not Dusty in disguise...
I thought this felt a bit deja vu....
Sure you're not Dusty in disguise...
I personally feel that, if you have to think about it, and need to um and arr between a TVR, Porcshe and Boxter, then, to be honest, you'll never be happy with the TVR.
Most of us owners are quite passionate of the marque (rightly or, most probably wrongly), and we (well me) went into TVR ownership under no illusions whatsoever,, for example, the interior is quite stunning to be in and look at, but we certainly do not kid ourselves that it is as highly polished as the German marques (although, suprisingly a lot are!) We accept that we have to treat the engine with kid gloves when started (something other marque owners, on the whole don't do, as they invariably put their belief in the 'ironclad reliability' of the more well put together car they they own!)
I bought my car expecting the worst, and budgeted accordingly, however, after 8K miles, all the money I have spent on it is servicing and upgrades, and a pair of throttle pots (£70).
When I sold my Chim, I knew I wanted a TVR, either a Tam or Tuscan, no other marques would have satisfied me, if you are trying to decide which car to get other than TVR, then, I fear it's inevitable you will ultimatelly become disappointed in the TVR, and wishing you had the reliability and comfort of a BMW or Porsche instead, of course, I could be completely wrong, as this is only my (narrow minded) view
Most of us owners are quite passionate of the marque (rightly or, most probably wrongly), and we (well me) went into TVR ownership under no illusions whatsoever,, for example, the interior is quite stunning to be in and look at, but we certainly do not kid ourselves that it is as highly polished as the German marques (although, suprisingly a lot are!) We accept that we have to treat the engine with kid gloves when started (something other marque owners, on the whole don't do, as they invariably put their belief in the 'ironclad reliability' of the more well put together car they they own!)
I bought my car expecting the worst, and budgeted accordingly, however, after 8K miles, all the money I have spent on it is servicing and upgrades, and a pair of throttle pots (£70).
When I sold my Chim, I knew I wanted a TVR, either a Tam or Tuscan, no other marques would have satisfied me, if you are trying to decide which car to get other than TVR, then, I fear it's inevitable you will ultimatelly become disappointed in the TVR, and wishing you had the reliability and comfort of a BMW or Porsche instead, of course, I could be completely wrong, as this is only my (narrow minded) view
Interesting point of view Chris..... which I am now going to disagree with a bit
I sold my Griff when I thought I was going to be leaving the country (sold everything, then stayed... it's a long story) and when I went looking for another performance car I considered an S2000, Boxster S, 911, Exige, etc. Anything but another TVR just because I thought I should experience another marque. But each time after a test drive I came away feeling they were great cars, but not as special as the Griff. When I drove a Tamora I knew that there was nothing in my budget that would give me what I wanted like another TVR.
So I was very undecided like Colin is now, but ended up buying another TVR (Tamora) and have absolutely no regrets.
Colin, This RR T350T sounds like a car you will remember owning for the rest of your life. As its your only car reliability is important so just make sure you have a good warranty, RAC cover and a clear understanding with the dealer about always getting a loan car when it goes in for work/servicing.
Hope this helps
I sold my Griff when I thought I was going to be leaving the country (sold everything, then stayed... it's a long story) and when I went looking for another performance car I considered an S2000, Boxster S, 911, Exige, etc. Anything but another TVR just because I thought I should experience another marque. But each time after a test drive I came away feeling they were great cars, but not as special as the Griff. When I drove a Tamora I knew that there was nothing in my budget that would give me what I wanted like another TVR.
So I was very undecided like Colin is now, but ended up buying another TVR (Tamora) and have absolutely no regrets.
Colin, This RR T350T sounds like a car you will remember owning for the rest of your life. As its your only car reliability is important so just make sure you have a good warranty, RAC cover and a clear understanding with the dealer about always getting a loan car when it goes in for work/servicing.
Hope this helps
I once had a long list (usual suspects), then had a short list (best of the usual suspects), then stumbled across the Tamora, never looked back. 
Currently putting miles on as if there going out of fashion and it just gets better – looking forward to a long dry summer. Now between the fun of driving it - I’m trying to figure out how and when I get a Sagaris !! 
It sounds you are already going into it with open eyes – given your on PH. As I think the others have said – only you can make the decision and it’s usually one of the head or heart. Good luck….
Currently putting miles on as if there going out of fashion and it just gets better – looking forward to a long dry summer. Now between the fun of driving it - I’m trying to figure out how and when I get a Sagaris !! It sounds you are already going into it with open eyes – given your on PH. As I think the others have said – only you can make the decision and it’s usually one of the head or heart. Good luck….I can understand fully your point of view too Ffirg I guess we all have had different experiences, I knew from the outset that no other make (given a 30K budget) would give me the bang per buck TVR gives. I started in a vanilla MGF, loved it, but changed it for a Trophy 160, and I loved the extra power (!!!) coming from the plain MGF. Once I bought the Chim, there was no going back, whatever I bought next, it had to have more power and better handling, the Tamora slotted in nicely, and I have to say, I still haven't used anywhere near the full potential of my Tam yet! It was very hard choosing the Tam over a Tuscan (still think the looks of the Tusc are to die for!), but, when I looked at the facts, the Tam/T350 were more universally praised for their all round abilities. I knew that an S2000 would (to me) feel more like a pumped up version of my Trophy 160, and I got use to that 'performance' pretty quick,, and I knew the porsche would be great, but there are faster saloons out there, plus the fact I do like to buy British (or British ish!!), and I've always liked things slightly out of the ordinary, so it's harder to be 'pidgeon holed', if that makes any sense!
I guess we all have had different experiences, I knew from the outset that no other make (given a 30K budget) would give me the bang per buck TVR gives. I started in a vanilla MGF, loved it, but changed it for a Trophy 160, and I loved the extra power (!!!) coming from the plain MGF. Once I bought the Chim, there was no going back, whatever I bought next, it had to have more power and better handling, the Tamora slotted in nicely, and I have to say, I still haven't used anywhere near the full potential of my Tam yet! It was very hard choosing the Tam over a Tuscan (still think the looks of the Tusc are to die for!), but, when I looked at the facts, the Tam/T350 were more universally praised for their all round abilities. I knew that an S2000 would (to me) feel more like a pumped up version of my Trophy 160, and I got use to that 'performance' pretty quick,, and I knew the porsche would be great, but there are faster saloons out there, plus the fact I do like to buy British (or British ish!!), and I've always liked things slightly out of the ordinary, so it's harder to be 'pidgeon holed', if that makes any sense! JasperJ said:
I once had a long list (usual suspects), then had a short list (best of the usual suspects), then stumbled across the Tamora, never looked back.
Am reallly pleased your enjoying your Tam so much Jasp, I remember your posts about whether to get one or not
Fit a sports exhaust, the overun sounds great!!!! lolJasperJ said:
Chris funny you should say that.. my next service will be done by TVR Power. It will be in the New Year and need to do a little more research - like ensure I meet up with someone on PH first...
It's even better than I first hoped for regarding daily use, if you want to hear it, you put your foot down, and when you take your foot off the pedal, the pops and crackles (and bangs!!), sound even better!
When pootling around on my daily trip to work, it's not that much louder than the standard exhaust, and I can hear the radio just fine, so much so, in fact, that I have now put my standard exhaust up for sale, as I wont be putting it back on!!
Aghhhhhhhh. i am going to take a vote. so put up your hands ladies.!!!! by the way i was joking about the boxter (although i owned one about 2 years ago and it was very good). I also forgot to add my wife loves a bit of speed and i feel that although i choose to aim for the 4lt(S) red rose i am worried about to much power(i spoke to a couple of dealers and was told that it would be ridiculously fast. How fast is that compared to other marques. sorry for all the questions but i am in my hour of neeeeed. thanks guys
tuscanraider said:
I was due to go down and pick up my 4lt red rose t350t on friday but its been delayed to tuesday. i am now having second thoghts and have been offered a very cheap m3 smg, silver, cab, hard top, heated seats, 25000 miles, harman kardon stereo, paking sensors, etc. 52 reg with exteded warrenty, £32,000. and to be honest after all the hype over the last 2-3 weeks i am not exactly bubbling with excitement. can anyone lift my spirits or give me some sound advice. please take into account this will be my only vehicle for the winter.
Hey,
Well I sold my 03 Tuscan S in Aug and bought a new M3 smg. Have to say the M3 is just great as an all rounder. Clearly the performance in a straight line and sound and wow factor will never match a TVR...I do miss the Tuscan but the smg and lux factory of a M3 make up for that a little.
I still have a deposit down for the Sagaris but am waiting until the new changes at the factory have settled down over the next 2 years before I come back.
Go with your heart, when buying sports cars I don't think 'taking the sensible option' comes into the equation
Whatever you do, TVR or M3 you will not be disappointed for various reasons for each brand. Good luck.
Alan.
here's what my looks like
http://community.webshots.com/user/alfessexuk
I think the clincher question for you should be whether the car is going to be your daily driver. If so, a TVR is not going to make you happy - it is do-able, but the comfort factor of the BMW makes it far more attractive for commuting, town traffic etc.
However, if you want a car to have fun in, and you want to learn how to DRIVE a car, then carry on with your purchase - I feel that I am a much better driver for the TVR experience, because you have no driver aids, it's just you, your car, and the road, and how you all get on together is entirely your responsibility.
Add to that the thrill of driving a raw, fast car, that really does feel fast, as oposed to the M3 which just goes fast but possibly isolates you from the driving experience.
Reliability shouldn't be an issue. You are buying a blueprinted engine, as the RR engine is balanced and fettled to a much greater extent than the stock 3.6. There will be niggles but nothing serious should go wrong. And remember, BMW's are not without their faults!
Maybe the way to go would be a second hand Tamora and a little runaround for those winter months - asuming you have a garage or some such cover?
The final issue to my mind is - we'll all
at you if you buy the M3, and cuddle up in a warm and fuzzy way if you get the T350.
>> Edited by nubbin on Monday 29th November 09:58
However, if you want a car to have fun in, and you want to learn how to DRIVE a car, then carry on with your purchase - I feel that I am a much better driver for the TVR experience, because you have no driver aids, it's just you, your car, and the road, and how you all get on together is entirely your responsibility.
Add to that the thrill of driving a raw, fast car, that really does feel fast, as oposed to the M3 which just goes fast but possibly isolates you from the driving experience.
Reliability shouldn't be an issue. You are buying a blueprinted engine, as the RR engine is balanced and fettled to a much greater extent than the stock 3.6. There will be niggles but nothing serious should go wrong. And remember, BMW's are not without their faults!
Maybe the way to go would be a second hand Tamora and a little runaround for those winter months - asuming you have a garage or some such cover?
The final issue to my mind is - we'll all
at you if you buy the M3, and cuddle up in a warm and fuzzy way if you get the T350. >> Edited by nubbin on Monday 29th November 09:58
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