Discussion
A friend who has drooled over TVR's for a while has been given the green light by the 'boss' to enter the world of Tiv ownership, he has asked me to help in his search for his 1st one. Budget wise and the love of the shape he has decided to look at the 'S' (actual model yet to be decided on...money will rule this one approx. 3.5k to spend)so needs to know what to look for when searching, apart from the obvious you would employ using in any car search. You know the things that only TVR ownership can bring to the surface!!! I have directed him towards the TVR S Series website but thought a post on here might also help.??
Cheers Keith
Cheers Keith
Chassis / outriggers and trailing arms (the big suspension lump that the rear wheel bolts to) are the important bits.
Chassis repairs can get scarily expensive unless you can work a spanner and a welder. Better to look for one thats had repairs done already - often referred to as a body off restoration.
2.8 / 2.9 engine bulletproof, gearboxes can be a little weak but obvious if there's wear.
Fibreglass bodywork (paint) can be expensive as its labour intensive, so if you're buying one with a tatty body it may cost more than you think to get it painted.
I presume you mean http://www.tvrsseries.com when you say S Series website?
Find a good one and just buy it, they have got to be one of the best value sportscars around at the moment.
Insure it as a classic for £150-£200 with limited mileage.
Chassis repairs can get scarily expensive unless you can work a spanner and a welder. Better to look for one thats had repairs done already - often referred to as a body off restoration.
2.8 / 2.9 engine bulletproof, gearboxes can be a little weak but obvious if there's wear.
Fibreglass bodywork (paint) can be expensive as its labour intensive, so if you're buying one with a tatty body it may cost more than you think to get it painted.
I presume you mean http://www.tvrsseries.com when you say S Series website?
Find a good one and just buy it, they have got to be one of the best value sportscars around at the moment.
Insure it as a classic for £150-£200 with limited mileage.
Absolutely agree, the best value sports car around. Fantastic performance and a driving experience that makes you grin like a wally (or is that just me!).
Very reliable too, if you just keep on top of those little jobs and dont let them build up. Regular servicing and maintenance and it will reward you with real reliability.
Very reliable too, if you just keep on top of those little jobs and dont let them build up. Regular servicing and maintenance and it will reward you with real reliability.
I agree totally with Barkychoc, and I would also advise you to have a look at the 'Useful Links' wiki at the top of the forum page. There is some great info there (some a little out of date, ie the bit about replacement indicators being £12 
you need to add another £50 odd to that now although there are cheap alternatives thankfully).
There are a number of owners sites on there too and most will cover potential problems and will have some helpful pictures as well.
They are super little cars, tremendous value, great old school fun to drive and rare.
you need to add another £50 odd to that now although there are cheap alternatives thankfully).There are a number of owners sites on there too and most will cover potential problems and will have some helpful pictures as well.
They are super little cars, tremendous value, great old school fun to drive and rare.
Even my scabby old example puts a smile on my face every time I go out. The exhaust note is just addictive (especially on cold starts) even if the neighbours whine. Attracts pointing fingers and interest everywhere I go and the TVR owners are like a little family. Mines got issues, but its a go rather than show vehicle and boy does it go I'm happy to do it up as a rolling project and bring it back to its former glory bit by bit and make sure its one that's goes for another 20 years. I'm not sure a perfect one is for me as I like to rescue things and see it gradually improve and take shape. You will not regret
Hi i agree with all but after going around Scotland mine was only 2.8 and the 2.9
seems to have a bit more low down grunt and the doors are longer on the S2,3,4s
easier to get in and out don't do the same as me and buy the first one you see
have a good look round the car before you let them start it up
good luck
seems to have a bit more low down grunt and the doors are longer on the S2,3,4s
easier to get in and out don't do the same as me and buy the first one you see
have a good look round the car before you let them start it up
good luck
Tell him to go for it, he'll never regret it BUT that £3.5K budget is a slight worry.
With any classic car the best advice has to be to buy the best you can find/afford - it pays off when it comes to maintenance costs and resale. Even though S series values are still unbelievably low there is likely to be a night and day difference between the slightly tatty S that £3.5K will probably buy and the lowish mileage well-maintained car that he should be able to source for another grand or so - it also puts him into S3 territory which may be a benefit..
Start saving.
With any classic car the best advice has to be to buy the best you can find/afford - it pays off when it comes to maintenance costs and resale. Even though S series values are still unbelievably low there is likely to be a night and day difference between the slightly tatty S that £3.5K will probably buy and the lowish mileage well-maintained car that he should be able to source for another grand or so - it also puts him into S3 territory which may be a benefit..
Start saving.
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