Living with an S
Discussion
I've got pretty close to buying an "S" a couple of times and I have itchy feet again at the moment, who knows what might happen if the right car came along at the right price 
I would be looking at the cheaper-mid price end - chassis chassis chassis, followed by mechanicals, and less worried about cosmetics as long as reasonably presentable. Not afraid to get my hands dirty but more of a tinkerer than anything else. Something that I could just drive without being too precious, but not having to spend every weekend under it!
Anyway, I have a few questions for those in the know.
It would be a second car, so not an everyday driver and would not take it out on salty roads, etc. Unfortunately I probably wouldn't be able to garage it. How much of a problem would this be? Obviously I would invest in a decent car cover and I would look into the possibility of building a carport, but would living out all year round turn the chassis into dust in 6 months?
I would be looking at the cheaper-mid price end - chassis chassis chassis, followed by mechanicals, and less worried about cosmetics as long as reasonably presentable. Not afraid to get my hands dirty but more of a tinkerer than anything else. Something that I could just drive without being too precious, but not having to spend every weekend under it!
Anyway, I have a few questions for those in the know.
It would be a second car, so not an everyday driver and would not take it out on salty roads, etc. Unfortunately I probably wouldn't be able to garage it. How much of a problem would this be? Obviously I would invest in a decent car cover and I would look into the possibility of building a carport, but would living out all year round turn the chassis into dust in 6 months?
I thought the same as you for years, but I have taken the plunge and mine lives outside all year.
It has a waterproof Leven half cover (thick plastic jobbie that covers the windows/roof part only)
I then have a Classic Additions stormproof cover that is breathable. This is water repellent, but not waterproof (water that gets though evaporates) and is tailor made for the car so doesnt move around and rub the paint (although it is a soft cover). This is not a cheap cover though!
Inside I have two of those silica moisture things, one in each footwell and these keep it bone dry inside
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Finally before winter sets in the car has wheels off, put on axle stands and the chassis is covered in ACF50, if you Google it you will find out more than I can put here, expensive but top stuff, much better than Waxoyl in my opinion
So no keeping it outside, whilst not ideal is not an issue if done properly
edit - pic added
It has a waterproof Leven half cover (thick plastic jobbie that covers the windows/roof part only)
I then have a Classic Additions stormproof cover that is breathable. This is water repellent, but not waterproof (water that gets though evaporates) and is tailor made for the car so doesnt move around and rub the paint (although it is a soft cover). This is not a cheap cover though!
Inside I have two of those silica moisture things, one in each footwell and these keep it bone dry inside
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Finally before winter sets in the car has wheels off, put on axle stands and the chassis is covered in ACF50, if you Google it you will find out more than I can put here, expensive but top stuff, much better than Waxoyl in my opinion
So no keeping it outside, whilst not ideal is not an issue if done properly
edit - pic added
Edited by Stone Cold on Tuesday 15th May 17:40
Had my S for 3 years and most of the time it has been on my drive under a cover for most of that. I have a Stormforce cover which is very good a it's job. The only other things I did was to put a cheap passive dehumidifier in the car if it's damp and I'm not going to use it for a while and I did put a 5litre container of very hot water in over night when the temperature really dropped although I dont think that's really nessecary. The dehumidifier stops any rot though just don't get the salty water on the leather seats!
As for the chassis I need to treat mine but it hasn't got any viably worse. I spray it all with ACF50 every 6 months or so which seems to keep the rust from rusting too much!
As for the chassis I need to treat mine but it hasn't got any viably worse. I spray it all with ACF50 every 6 months or so which seems to keep the rust from rusting too much!
Mine's in daily use all weathers, kept clean, polished and waxoiled but not garaged or covered. Generally no leaks and condition improving gradually with a little work. Chassis are pretty much repairable whatever, and a partial body lift (not as difficult as it might sound) can get you to most of the bits that might need attention.
Very addictive car, it just has the right blend of raw driving experience and practicality.
Rob.
Very addictive car, it just has the right blend of raw driving experience and practicality.
Rob.
Thanks guys. Would be paying for an inspection at a TVR specialist to make sure I am going in with my eyes open.
Not having driven one yet, can anybody describe the drive in terms of what I am used to (MX-5)? I am guessing nearly as chuckable but torquier with the V6. I must admit I do enjoy the way you can thrash the MX-5 and throw it about and I know an S will require more respect, but I hope it will be more nimble than a Chim, for example (not driven one of those either but going on what I have read!). I still want it to handle, but looking for a little more "sense of occasion" than I get with the 5 (and of course more noise and acceleration
)
Not having driven one yet, can anybody describe the drive in terms of what I am used to (MX-5)? I am guessing nearly as chuckable but torquier with the V6. I must admit I do enjoy the way you can thrash the MX-5 and throw it about and I know an S will require more respect, but I hope it will be more nimble than a Chim, for example (not driven one of those either but going on what I have read!). I still want it to handle, but looking for a little more "sense of occasion" than I get with the 5 (and of course more noise and acceleration
)MX-5 vs TVR S is a bit like comparing a kitchen appliance to a home made go kart with a v6 in.
You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
Top Gear TVR said:
MX-5 vs TVR S is a bit like comparing a kitchen appliance to a home made go kart with a v6 in.
You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
As a man You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
that currently has an MX-5 and an S I'd agree with almost all of the above GadgeS3C said:
Top Gear TVR said:
MX-5 vs TVR S is a bit like comparing a kitchen appliance to a home made go kart with a v6 in.
You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
As a man You will find the S to be far more brutal / uncompromising and perhaps even feel less safe by virtue of the squeaks and shakes on rough surfaces.
By return however, you will have no doubt about the road surface condition, whether its greasy, dry or otherwise and will NEVER lose interest in the noise it makes or the way it turns heads.
For me, a family man the S (or MX-5) could never make it as a daily driver - but my god, the S is the best way to clear a head full of stress on a summers day or darks summers evening with the roof off.
I suspect that few S's are driven by ladies by virtue of the driving requirements; heavy low speed steering, poor turning circle, need to monitor water levels, temperature, adjust tappets every 6 months etc.
But then again, I feel few MX-5s are driven by men. And they rarely sound anythink like this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42DF4tGf-U&fea...
that currently has an MX-5 and an S I'd agree with almost all of the above O/T but I think the MX-5's reputation is rather unfair - it's very chuckable and just demands to be driven at 10/10s, IMHO the Mk.1 in the right colour doesn't look that girly and it has a really nice twin cam growl when thrashed. I just fancy something with a nicer noise and more of a sense of occasion!
Re: supercharger - I have considered it, but you're looking at £1500-£2000 minimum and that's for a very basic setup, and I would want to spend money on suspension as well - and it's still the same car and worth no more. I'd be better off selling it and buying one that's already been supercharged. But, as I say, I have an itch that needs scratching while I can...
If you have never owned a TVR before be prepared for a bit of a culture shock. Having owned several including an S3 for many years see:
http://www.bertram-hill.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
You will after an MX5 think them rather crude. The much maligned Mazda is in my opinion a fine machine and nothing in the current market at that price approaches it for handling/ performance and build quality. I was most impressed after driving one. The TVR S is crude and typical of products from a small volume manufacturer that cannot afford the development that such as the MX5 will have experienced. Having said that they are tremendous fun provided you are prepared to put up with their foibles.
My S3 went like a rocket, over rough roads it rattled its way along, the bonnet bouncing around merrily. It also had a tendency to change ends if you were not careful. Would I buy another, maybe, but the Griffith with its fixed front end feels much more together. Dont agree that an S, certainly not a V6 could out perform a Chimera. Chimera's are very similar to a Griffith with considerably more power than a V6 S.
All TVRs look great on the outside but are cobbled together underneath like nothing on earth, as a dealer said to me you either love em or hate em! Have a ride in one before buying, or better still join the TVR club where local owners will I am sure be only too pleased to give you advice and a ride (as passenger).
A big plus for TVR ownership is that spares certainly for the S are relatively inexpensive, it does of course help if you can do the work yourself. In fairness most of the problems I experienced with mine were due to failure of the Ford components, again cheap to replace. Best of luck with your search!
http://www.bertram-hill.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
You will after an MX5 think them rather crude. The much maligned Mazda is in my opinion a fine machine and nothing in the current market at that price approaches it for handling/ performance and build quality. I was most impressed after driving one. The TVR S is crude and typical of products from a small volume manufacturer that cannot afford the development that such as the MX5 will have experienced. Having said that they are tremendous fun provided you are prepared to put up with their foibles.
My S3 went like a rocket, over rough roads it rattled its way along, the bonnet bouncing around merrily. It also had a tendency to change ends if you were not careful. Would I buy another, maybe, but the Griffith with its fixed front end feels much more together. Dont agree that an S, certainly not a V6 could out perform a Chimera. Chimera's are very similar to a Griffith with considerably more power than a V6 S.
All TVRs look great on the outside but are cobbled together underneath like nothing on earth, as a dealer said to me you either love em or hate em! Have a ride in one before buying, or better still join the TVR club where local owners will I am sure be only too pleased to give you advice and a ride (as passenger).
A big plus for TVR ownership is that spares certainly for the S are relatively inexpensive, it does of course help if you can do the work yourself. In fairness most of the problems I experienced with mine were due to failure of the Ford components, again cheap to replace. Best of luck with your search!
I've recently bought an S3 on the understanding (well the wifes understanding actually) that I sell the Fiat barchetta thats been my pride and joy for 8 years.
Very different cars but both bring a smile to your face, the TVR because of the noise
and because it feels and looks like a proper British sports car, but the barchetta is very nimble and responsive and girly or not I just love its looks.
Just been out for a
in both and can't decide which I like the best, think I'll drag my feet for a while until the real 
starts.
Very different cars but both bring a smile to your face, the TVR because of the noise
and because it feels and looks like a proper British sports car, but the barchetta is very nimble and responsive and girly or not I just love its looks.Just been out for a
in both and can't decide which I like the best, think I'll drag my feet for a while until the real starts.NCoT, Where to begin?
I bought my S1 last August and have absolutely no regrets. The sense of occassion, the sound, the visceral feeling you get, simply cannot be matched pleasure for pounds in any other car I've ever experienced, and I've had a fair few.
It's heavy at low speeds, uncompromising over potholes, full of rattles & squeaks, but when you chuck it along a sinuous B Road on a sunny day, with the roof down, it just feels so good.
It's made for tinkering, 'cos there's always something that needs doing, you never tire of fettling things just to make it special to you. A TVR is never finished, it's always a work in progress. You don't own a TVR, you keep it in trust for future generations to enjoy.
And the cameraderie & support you get from the Club & the Forum just make the purchase decision a no-brainer.
Buy a good one, with a solid chassis, & you'll never regret it.
My S1 lives outside quite happily under a Leven Hood Cover (Thanks Norman) and I use it every possible time the weather is favourable, Jan, Feb, Mar, as long as it's sunny & there's no salt on the roads, I'm out there.
Chassis is sound, regularly treated with Waxoyl, no issues about living outside, but I do believe it needs to be used regularly. A car parked up for long periods outside can degenerate quite rapidly if unused.
If you're ready to take the plunge, there's a nice one on Fleabay at the Mo, & Norman knows of another. I'd buy 'em both, but I've got nowhere to put them.........
I bought my S1 last August and have absolutely no regrets. The sense of occassion, the sound, the visceral feeling you get, simply cannot be matched pleasure for pounds in any other car I've ever experienced, and I've had a fair few.
It's heavy at low speeds, uncompromising over potholes, full of rattles & squeaks, but when you chuck it along a sinuous B Road on a sunny day, with the roof down, it just feels so good.
It's made for tinkering, 'cos there's always something that needs doing, you never tire of fettling things just to make it special to you. A TVR is never finished, it's always a work in progress. You don't own a TVR, you keep it in trust for future generations to enjoy.
And the cameraderie & support you get from the Club & the Forum just make the purchase decision a no-brainer.
Buy a good one, with a solid chassis, & you'll never regret it.
My S1 lives outside quite happily under a Leven Hood Cover (Thanks Norman) and I use it every possible time the weather is favourable, Jan, Feb, Mar, as long as it's sunny & there's no salt on the roads, I'm out there.
Chassis is sound, regularly treated with Waxoyl, no issues about living outside, but I do believe it needs to be used regularly. A car parked up for long periods outside can degenerate quite rapidly if unused.
If you're ready to take the plunge, there's a nice one on Fleabay at the Mo, & Norman knows of another. I'd buy 'em both, but I've got nowhere to put them.........
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