T350 Q's

Author
Discussion

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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Hi,

What i would like to ask is if the Coupe is quieter in the cabin at speed over the Targa? I get that the T is as rigid, but is it also as well sealed?

Moderator edit: no advertising

s3dave

208 posts

165 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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Steve Devaney said:
I'm assuming the specialists is the place to find an excellent example or do i have other options?
Really interesting question I have often pondered. Why would a specialist have a better example than a private buyer? Would I sell mine (I believe I have an excellent example) to a specialist or would I sell privately? I understand that many specialist are only acting as agents for private buyers, so in that case I assume no warranty is offered anyway.

Turning the question around and while I am not selling yet, how is the best way to sell?

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
quotequote all
I personally believe that if a private deal can be done then both parties would be 'better off'.

I have heard some horror stories with SOR so i would struggle to leave my car in the hands of others whilst i remained the owner.

Selling direct to a specialist will be hassle free, but more financial to be realised with a private sale or online auction with reserve price set. The proviso here being having to deal with Joe Public and all that goes with it 🙃

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
quotequote all
The moderator editing has confused the topic slightly but all things T350 are welcome 😁

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
quotequote all
I'm back in the market so just trying to remind myself of the pitfalls and highlights!

Zippee

13,582 posts

241 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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I ran my targa for 10 years before selling. The panels were totally quiet, I got all my wind noise from the top of the drivers window instead, that can occur on coupes as well - though its pot luck as some cars are completely quiet in this regard.
Having seen the state of some (not all) cars sold at specialists is be inclined to say that a good private deal would get you a minter but then some people's ideas of mint aren't others. Either way buy on condition not how polished the seller is.

non_linear

297 posts

90 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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I've had my targa for about 5 years. It took a little fettling to get the panels properly adjusted. There are prongs at the front that I spaced out with washers to get the right fit, which made a huge difference. It can take about 20 min to get them on but once done are totally quiet. The later style is supposed to be a lot better than the original. In reality I hardly ever drive it with them on, so it's not an issue anyway!

When it comes to dealers be especially careful about claims for "red rose" cars. If it hasn't got a build sheet with "red rose package" on it, then it isn't, whatever they say. Also be careful about claims for how rare they are, which from one dealer in particular are completely misleading.

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
quotequote all
So, Targa might not necessarily be the tricky brother some may mention.

Yes, i've seen the Red Rose statement banded about - I owned a genuine Red Rose Tuscan back in the day - and am aware of the misinformation out there.

I'll take my time and see what's about, or revisit the Tuscan option which seem better VFM?


astonman

799 posts

217 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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Having driven a T350C and a Sagaris ( when new) and then ordered a T350T from the factory,I can say that the T350T ,does immediately sound " vintage", in comparison to the former cars.
It's not actually the wind noise leaks which are largely curable, but the total lack of noise deadening foam on the inside surface of the Targa tops.
However, the car is so,so much nicer than the former cars, with the panels,or just the drivers panel off.
The Ts are however much rarer,and therefore you will pay a very significant premium to get a good late model example ( 2005/6).

non_linear

297 posts

90 months

Wednesday 9th November 2022
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Steve Devaney said:
So, Targa might not necessarily be the tricky brother some may mention.
Not at all, and in my opinion (OK, I'm biased) the removable panels transforms the driving experience.

Where are you based Steve? If you're in the Sussex area I'll take you for a spin.

monty quick

230 posts

243 months

Thursday 10th November 2022
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I have owned my 350T for 10 years and in that time spoken to quite a few ‘T’ owners. Most admit that keeping the targa tops noise free at high speed is an issue. It is possible though. Mine are silent at speeds well in excess of 100mph.
In my experience I completely disagree with the suggestion that the cabin of a well sealed ‘T’ is worse than a ‘C’ or Sag. The exhaust noise of all these cars overwhelms any other sounds.
The Targa panels do not only provide the benefit of wind in the hair motoring; they also offer a lot more headroom. However, there are not many out there and they carry a price premium so it really is a case of ‘you pay your money and make your choice!’

robsco

7,872 posts

183 months

Thursday 10th November 2022
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Targa all the way. Significantly more desirable than the coupe.

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Thursday 10th November 2022
quotequote all
non_linear said:
Not at all, and in my opinion (OK, I'm biased) the removable panels transforms the driving experience.

Where are you based Steve? If you're in the Sussex area I'll take you for a spin.
That's very kind N_L but i'm based near Bristol.

I'm keeping an open mind on which model I eventually go for and am including Tuscan in the mix.



davidjc64

25 posts

79 months

Friday 11th November 2022
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hi, speak to Ross Griffin, based in Devon, he knows alot about the T350's

Steve Devaney

Original Poster:

715 posts

209 months

Friday 11th November 2022
quotequote all
davidjc64 said:
hi, speak to Ross Griffin, based in Devon, he knows alot about the T350's
I've just Googled him. I'll give him a call early next week and see what's what 👍

Ri Orus2

147 posts

169 months

Monday 14th November 2022
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Seconded on Ross' knowledge. Was really helpful when I was up there. I believe he heads up TVR CC Devon along with another chap and is involved with Shmoo if that helps.