In defence of the T350

[Simon@63]

Driving home from the ever helpful people at Racing-Green (Dead-Speedo syndrome); I pondered all the complaints (which I don't disbelieve for 1 moment)and the resultant poor publicity that TVR had received on this board in recent days.

Two thoughts struck me:
Firstly, I am unbelievably lucky. I have an awesome car that has got a 'feel-good' factor that I don't imagine any other car could replicate (at least not for me. I love the fact it is Made in England, the engine, the noise, the looks, the interior, the brakes, the steering etc.; if had the money for a 360 or a 996 I'd disqualify them for being either too showy or too cliched).

It might also be true that I am lucky enough to have 1 of the good ones, either that or the previous owner had the (/any? ) niggles sorted during his 1,000 miles of ownership.

But brushing aside the instrument gremlins (I have only ever owned this TVR and I have driven it for just 1 month- so I don't consider myself a TVR apologist) it has to be driven to be believed, it is just brilliant and if I bumped into any of you in a pub tonight I'd bore you to tears with my praise for it.

Which leads to my second thought.

Having had a couple of pints of Dutch Courage I'd tell you how much I'd like the chance to meet Mr. Wheeler and tell him how much I admire 'my' car and how angry I am with him for letting down others, and how it is all so $%^£*& obvious that it doesn't have to be this way.


I wonder if he will write...

[d_drinks]

Simon@63 said:

Having had a couple of pints of Dutch Courage I'd tell you how much I'd like the chance to meet Mr. Wheeler and tell him how much I admire 'my' car and how angry I am with him for letting down others, and how it is all so $%^£*& obvious that it doesn't have to be this way. I wonder if he will write...

Why don't you just come along to one of the rounds of the TVR Tuscan challenge? PW is always there - between races is normally found in the TVR hopitality marquee (was going to say tent but thought better of it!!) He's always happy to chat, well that's what i've found.. go on go see him i'm sure he'll be glad to hear your positive views ..

[flasher]

I do't feel there is too much need to defend the T350. It is by the far the most complete all round TVR built yet. Mine is absolutley fantastic. There were loads of issues with various things when I first got it and they have all been sorted now, barring some paint defects which are being addressed in September.

My point all along is that every single one of my niggles was been avoidable if there was a stricter quality control procedure at the factory. I'm sure someone is listening out there and it will be looked into.

Without a doubt the T350 is the best value high performance car in it's field and TVR should have a huge pat on the back for building such a brilliant car. A higher degree of checking things at the end of the production line would result in less trips to the dealer to sort out niggles. But, people should bear in mind that many of these things should be picked up by the dealers at the PDI check.

I'm chuffed to bits with my car, and I wouldn't swap it for anything else. It's just a fine balance of praise where it's due and constructive critiscism where improvements can made, rather than ranting and raving.....and then maybe TVR wil take us seriously.

[mrs fish]

So you've made you decision then

[d_drinks]

flasher said:

My point all along is that every single one of my niggles was been avoidable if there was a stricter quality control procedure at the factory. I'm sure someone is listening out there and it will be looked into.........

Flash really no offence intended here but can you please leave the subject of issues with the car alone for at least a while?

Though I do not have a T350C neither do I own my own TVR I have (yes still have it) a car that has been a bit of a nightmare in terms of having to spend a large amount of time at the dealers. The dealer has blatantly lied to me, damaged my car, broken bits off and bodged repairs, all while keeping the car for weeks at a time. The dealer, and the area ,manger were not interested in my complaints, the customer service division could only make a note of ‘my concerns’ but could not offer anything tangible. I ended up writing to their head off for the UK and in Germany. All this from the 3 pointed star, a much larger organisation that TVR and with much more in terms of customer relationship administration in place. I say all this to say I can sympathise with your views when things go wrong that could have been easily sorted and in doing so would have caused everyone involved a lot less hassle.

Like you I didn’t (don’t) want to get rid of the car as it’s exactly what I’m after at the moment. And you do offer the 'other side of the coin' view as well

You keep raising the problems that you’ve had and that they are mostly sorted but, TVR could do better etc. All these comments seem to do is generate inflamed responses (not blaming you for those) and start a general slagging of TVR. The subject really has been done to death on every front, so please can you let it lie for a while?…….

[flasher]

Sorry mate, I was just trying to point out that my car has been 100% reliable and is superb, all the small issues have been relatively minor, I don't see that as being negative at all.

I am opposed to people just posting stuff on here with rose tinted glasses, but I am just as opposed to people coming on here being totally negative also. I have tried to make my crtiscism constructive at all times. But I'm not having you gagging me, especially as this is the T350 forum and therefore peoples views, both positive and negative should be aired without the usual over defensiveness of TVR owners...

I owned three Mercs in the past and all of them were superb. I have had five TVR's and only one of them has had any issues whatsoever, and that was my brand new one, thats why I feel the subject of quality control should be raised with TVR. I thought that was what this forum was for?

I don't understand why you have a problem with me being honest about my car, I did say at the top of this thread that I love it and I'm happy with it, what more do you want?

[d_drinks]

flasher said:

I am opposed to people just posting stuff on here with rose tinted glasses, but I am just as opposed to people coming on here being totally negative also. I have tried to make my crtiscism constructive at all times.

I agree with you that why I wrote in my first post 'And you do offer the 'other side of the coin' view as well ' i.e. you do offer a balanced view.

flasher said:

But I'm not having you gagging me, especially as this is the T350 forum and therefore peoples views, both positive and negative should be aired without the usual over defensiveness of TVR owners...

I'm not trying to gag you or anything of the sort. I was trying to say that despite your intentions of posting comments about the negative side they tend to get hijacked or end as lets slag off TVR threads.

I was only suggesting that you leave the negative side along for a while to let some of the more recent 'my T350C is a bag o shite' type threads die/

flasher said:

I don't understand why you have a problem with me being honest about my car, I did say at the top of this thread that I love it and I'm happy with it, what more do you want?

I don't have a problem with you or your views I hadn;t intended to imply either. Yes post your views but as already said it's the fact that on 3 seperate threads you've posted the minor problems you've had. They have been aired and are being sorted (I think i'm right in saying that?). In order to move along I was suggesting you left those particluar issues aside - if you get more (fingers crossed you don't)then yeah this forum is at least in part for posting them.

Hope that this reads in the way I wrote it
:cheers:
Darren

[mrs fish]

mungo said:

No offense D Drinks but there is no point walking around with blinkers on. I think for potential buyers of these cars it's great to get an overall, unbiased view point from someone lucky enough to have one of said machines in their posession to help them make a major purchasing decision - For most people out there, their car is the second most expensive thing they will ever buy

I agree with what you are saying, but D Drinks was just pointing out that lately it has been biased by only bad points of the car being talked about. We are now going to have a few threads by people who are happy with their cars. Lets not start by turning this one around so soon... please

[d_drinks]

mungo said:

No offense D Drinks but there is no point walking around with blinkers on. I think for potential buyers of these cars it's great to get an overall, unbiased view point from someone lucky enough to have one of said machines in their posession to help them make a major purchasing decision - For most people out there, their car is the second most expensive thing they will ever buy Part of the uniquenesss of PH is - Where else will you get the chance to read online and chat to owners of such cars? Such a variety of marques as well! These kind of posts are invaluable tools for sports car buyers and enthusiasts >> Edited by mungo on Wednesday 30th July 12:14

None taken I am not trying to say that a blinkered or rose tinted view should be offered, definitely not. If you have a problem post it discuss it (but not to the general name calling and slagging that has blighted this site recently) and exchange views. I agree that one of the many USP’s of this site is the fact you can exchange views positive and negative. A major down point is the recent primary school behaviour that has seen several threads closed.

The only point I’m trying (and so far failing to articulate) to make is you have a problem raise it once, discuss it and get over it please don’t post it every chance you get esp when all that seems to happen is the original thread gets lost and it degenerates into a virtual war.

Hope this explains things a bit better?…

[mrs fish]

I'm sorry d_drinks but you really aren't managing to get our point across.

[flasher]

I can see your point mate. Like I say mine is superb and it just takes the shine off a wee bit when the gear gaiter needs re-gluing and stuff like that!!

On the plus side I had some sport with a 911 Turbo at the weekend and even I was stunned that when he floored it he couldn't pull out an inch on me and had to move over!! At least he had the courtesy to give me a big grin as I went past!!

I had been toying with idea of selling mine after it's paintwork had been re-done because I have just bought a new house, but I am going to do everything I can to keep it.....it's superb!

>> Edited by flasher on Wednesday 30th July 12:54

[d_drinks]

flasher said:

On the plus side I had some sport with a 911 Turbo at the weekend and even I was stunned that when he floored it he couldn't pull out an inch on me and had to move over!! At least he had the courtesy to give me a big grin as I went past!! I had been toying with idea of selling mine after it's paintwork had been re-done because I have just bought a new house, but I am going to do everything I can to keep it.....it's superb! >> Edited by flasher on Wednesday 30th July 12:54

Good to hear that the car is staying and that you are out having fun the old girl esp with those porker drivers Really must do something about not having a TVR for road use


Darren

[Alf Essex]

Guys,

Well I've been interested in this forum as the continued slagging off of TVR has the potential of de valuing my car and everyone elses far quicker than I'd wish...shame we can't have a TVR Problems forum...so it takes away all the negative comments from the good (which there are many IMHO). So is this the solution?

I like the T350 but am afraid I wouldn't part with my new Tuscan S for anything...as clearly its the best TVR!....erokillgetmyhat

Lets focus on the good stuff here I know TVR are not perfect but if you go into TVR ownership expecting perfection when they clearly do not have the full resources of HUGE manufactures and unlimited budget then...well chose something else I guess! I'm proud that I have a car that is wholly British and fine I know they have problems and I totally agree that TVR need to improve their customer relationships but there are loads of us enjoying problem free driving so lets shout about the good things for once!!

thisisjustmyopnionsopleasedontshootmedown

Alan.

[frostie]

Whilst I can understand where d_drinks is coming the reason why this thread is starting to degenerate is because people are already questioning Flasher's, honest and accurate post. If no comment had been made then we wouldn't be here. As Mungo has stated, as a potential buyer Flasher's post would be the one that I would be most interested in since its balanced.

Just let people post their views/experiences and don't continually question them.

Frostie

[d_drinks]

frostie said:

Whilst I can understand where d_drinks is coming the reason why this thread is starting to degenerate is because people are already questioning Flasher's, honest and accurate post. Just let people post their views/experiences and don't continually question them. Frostie

Did you read my post? I never questioned any of the comments made by Flasher he ownes the car he should and does know what has happend to it and the experiences he has had in getting them put right.

I'm not saying, implying, suggesting, offering a view that or insinuating in any way that Flasher has been anything other than truthful. Has that made it clear to you Frostie that I have no problems with Flasher??

I have tried several times to explain why I suggested that the repetition of the same negative issues be suspended but don't seem to have done so in a manner that you can understand - you don't speak gibberish then - I leave well alone next time and allow you all to slag TVR off till it is no more and the cars are worthless

edit to add Frostie I am not lambasting you for your views or comments I do hope that comes across, apologies in advance if i appear to have ejected all the toys from the perambulator

>> Edited by d_drinks on Wednesday 30th July 13:24

[T350 Guy]

It appears to me that if anyone posts some 'pro-TVR' info on here certain others have an automatic 'can't be true', 'don't believe it' thing going on. If people could substantiate their ramblings and complaints with some proper statistics it would be a lot more helpful. Such as:

How many of the TVRs ever built are still running? What proportion of new cars need to undergo warranty work each year and why?
Apart from the speed 6 engine how many faults mentioned are unique to TVR? (I've had poor fit, things dropping off and bad paint on much better developed cars like Audi etc.)
How many owners out there are silent and are actually very happy with their car?

Lets keep things in proportion. Maybe it's just a certain group of vocal 'enthusiasts' who are skewing the true picture a bit. It is getting to a point where normal happy owners will no longer post on here because they know as soon as they do some fruitloop will reply saying "b*****ks it's a TVR, of course you cant be happy"
Maybe those who do this should scuttle off and buy a Skoda Fabia Diesel instead, you know, try gain some respect in the eyes of other car owners............ (ok before anyone says anything, Skoda are actually good value cars now, I know......)

I am a very happy T350 owner (Chimaera 500 before that) with no particular issues to moan about at all. Do I think I am lucky? No I don't. TVR are a small car company and have made some significant progress in the last 10 years. Given the state of the car industry in the UK I think they deserve some positive recognition, not the self obsessed "my car is not perfect" whining.

Apologies to those who have had serious engine problems, just a lot of the moans on here seem unnecessary.

[flasher]

I don't think anyone is in the wrong here, just a bit of a misunderstanding...

I haven't helped much inrecent arguments on this forum and I am going to try to be better behaved in future!!

The bottom line is that all of my five TVR's have been an absolute pleasure to own. The T350 was my first brand new "out of the box" one though as I had swapped my ordered Tamora for the TMS demo car. To put things completely straight none of my TVR's (except the wedge) has ever left me stranded. And the T350 feels bomb proof engine wise (fingers crossed) aside from a few cosmetic niggles and the poor functionality of the fuel filler, my only problem with the T350 has been the paintwork. This may well be a problem with the paint itself rather than TVR. Whatever the case they have bent over backwards to sort it for me, so I'm not moaning and have always tried to be constructive, I will continue to do so.

My honest opinion is that the TVR T350C and T are a fabulous achievement for a small British Manufacturer. Lets hope they keep on building cars like this, as I would much rather continue to be individual and buy British than end up in some common, German, VW derived, sanitised sportscar.....



>> Edited by flasher on Wednesday 30th July 13:40

[frostie]

d_drinks said:

frostie said: Whilst I can understand where d_drinks is coming the reason why this thread is starting to degenerate is because people are already questioning Flasher's, honest and accurate post. Just let people post their views/experiences and don't continually question them. Frostie Did you read my post? I never questioned any of the comments made by Flasher he ownes the car he should and does know what has happend to it and the experiences he has had in getting them put right. I'm not saying, implying, suggesting, offering a view that or insinuating in any way that Flasher has been anything other than truthful. Has that made it clear to you Frostie that I have no problems with Flasher?? I have tried several times to explain why I suggested that the repetition of the same negative issues be suspended but don't seem to have done so in a manner that you can understand - you don't speak gibberish then - I leave well alone next time and allow you all to slag TVR off till it is no more and the cars are worthless edit to add Frostie I am not lambasting you for your views or comments I do hope that comes across, apologies in advance if i appear to have ejected all the toys from the perambulator >> Edited by d_drinks on Wednesday 30th July 13:24

I know you are not lambasting my comments so don't worry I do understand fully where you are coming from BTW. My comment was badly written and I apologise if it came across wrong.

[valhalla]

Now for a word in defence of the T350C
I was one of the first to post a reply to andy (DD)regarding "our" probs with our T350c's and believe me i was on his side and still am .
But now that the air has cooled down a bit ,i have a list of good bit's to tell you all....
1, It has looks like nothing else on this planet (accept the 'E' type Jag)....(my era)
2, It gets "looks" from joe public like no other car on the planet(even more than the'E'type Jag).
3, It goes faster than(most)car's...ie RS Cosworth Mk1's(last night)Boy was he sick!!..Jag XK8(same night and even sicker!!)Nuff said on that one eh?
4, It stickes to the road like a limpet( i think that it must be the low front that helps (only joking those of you, like me who have scratched the underside driving over a Zebra crossing).
5, Believe it or not all you V8 owners..you ought to be in one when it's going at (nearly) full tilt!!! the scream /wail from the straight 6 is one of the most frightening/exciting car engine sounds that i have ever heard (and i have driven quite a few fast cars.) Don't get me wrong, i have had a TVR with a V8,which also had such a wonderful engine sound.
6,The most important factor of all.......My wife Diane loves the car as much as i do (she don't clean it as much as i do though!!!).
7,And finally.............Oh sod it i'm going out for a blat right now

Dave........Hi Alf where have you been?? ,and are you coming to Rockingham on Sunday???

[mrs fish]

Fish speaking:

I can confirm -

a)It goes like stink
b)It sticks to the road and handles brilliantly
c)It looks great
d)It sounds better
e)It costs a lot to run
f)It stops like it hits a brick wall.

I've now done over 7000 trouble free miles barring the odd niggle all sorted. Over 2000 were in Europe with a solid eight hour drive through Northern Italy in a min of 32c to 37c heat I only had to stop for 20mins to cool when halfway up a 12,000foot pass after about seven solid hours driving.

All in all fantastic car...

James