Thinking about an s series
Discussion
Hi guys
This probably gets asked a lot but just looking for general advice
I currently have a mk1 mx5 and its a fun little thing but just lacks a bit of noise and general drama. I use the mx for commuting around London and general car duties as well as the occasional road trip etc. I'm also into biketrackdays and have a lwb van to support that habit so the car doesn't need any practicality as the van provides all of that..
How viable is an s as a daily driver? I'd be doing 30 miles a day all summer and potentially more in the winter? It does have to be a 12 month a year car as I already have the van and 1 road bike and a track bike so I can't run a spotter car through the winter as well..
Mpg seems about the same as the mx5 at around 25-28. I'm assuming insurance won't be too savage as I'm 32 with good history and only 3 points.
My other options are a turbo or s/c mk1 mx5 or an s2000. I just want a bit of 2 seater fun for £5k with a little noise and drama.
Thanks
Matt
This probably gets asked a lot but just looking for general advice
I currently have a mk1 mx5 and its a fun little thing but just lacks a bit of noise and general drama. I use the mx for commuting around London and general car duties as well as the occasional road trip etc. I'm also into biketrackdays and have a lwb van to support that habit so the car doesn't need any practicality as the van provides all of that..
How viable is an s as a daily driver? I'd be doing 30 miles a day all summer and potentially more in the winter? It does have to be a 12 month a year car as I already have the van and 1 road bike and a track bike so I can't run a spotter car through the winter as well..
Mpg seems about the same as the mx5 at around 25-28. I'm assuming insurance won't be too savage as I'm 32 with good history and only 3 points.
My other options are a turbo or s/c mk1 mx5 or an s2000. I just want a bit of 2 seater fun for £5k with a little noise and drama.
Thanks
Matt
phillpot said:
Just do it ! (to coin a phrase)
What's the worst that can happen? doesn't work out sell it
I do agree almost completely... Is there anyone on here that's from London/near London with an s that wouldn't mind me coming over and having a look and generally being shown what to look for etc? I know what I'm like so to be able to have a look at one I'm in no danger of buying would be good...What's the worst that can happen? doesn't work out sell it
Matbmx1 said:
I do agree almost completely... Is there anyone on here that's from London/near London with an s that wouldn't mind me coming over and having a look and generally being shown what to look for etc? I know what I'm like so to be able to have a look at one I'm in no danger of buying would be good...
Why don't you come along to the TVR day at Brooklands on May 12th, there's bound to be plenty of cars to look at and buying advice!Its gotta be the first choice for all your requirements, drama, noise and fun. Without emptying your wallet. Unless you start upgrading with new shiney bits, and you buy wisely.
I bought my S from a guy in London, who mentioned one thing you need to think about, ground clearance, he put tall sidewall tyres on to help clear the sleeping policemen around his area.
But hey, once you try one, the grin factor will win you over.
I bought my S from a guy in London, who mentioned one thing you need to think about, ground clearance, he put tall sidewall tyres on to help clear the sleeping policemen around his area.
But hey, once you try one, the grin factor will win you over.
Matbmx1 said:
I do agree almost completely... Is there anyone on here that's from London/near London with an s that wouldn't mind me coming over and having a look and generally being shown what to look for etc? I know what I'm like so to be able to have a look at one I'm in no danger of buying would be good...
Hi im from Bristol but if your down my way any time drop me a pm and ill take u out for a spin in my S3c, u do need to be a bit hands on with them
but they are easy enough to work on and the guys on here will help u out
with any problems u may have cheers nige.
Matbmx1 said:
phillpot said:
Just do it ! (to coin a phrase)
What's the worst that can happen? doesn't work out sell it
I do agree almost completely... Is there anyone on here that's from London/near London with an s that wouldn't mind me coming over and having a look and generally being shown what to look for etc? I know what I'm like so to be able to have a look at one I'm in no danger of buying would be good...What's the worst that can happen? doesn't work out sell it
I'm not selling , so you'd be safe
techbotics said:
The S is a great little car but some parts are very rare.. Ie indicators rear lights in smoked, steering racks and radiators.
Indicators... substitutes available if originality not criticalSmoked rear lights.....plenty "standard" lights still around
Steering rack... TVR unique (mix of Chevette and Ford), can be repaired by specialists
Radiator.... Didn't think there was a problem geting these re-cored ? or alluminium are available
And I'll add throttle cable.... replacement inners (the only bit that normally fails) can be made.
Any car of that age will probably have some spares availability issues (except perhaps MGB, TR6 etc.) but nothing that can't be overcome.
Go for it
I love my S Series, but I don't use it as a daily driver. When I bought it, I had an MX5 (1997) and an A6 2.7T. The Audi was extremely quick and comfy, perfect for commuting, but I found it impossible to walk past the MX5 to get to the Audi. On the other hand, the TVR is not so hard to walk past because I worry about it filling up with water if it rains, or punishing the car and myself as I drive through some fairly rough city streets. I think (flame suit on) that the MX5 is an amazing little car and is very hard to beat in terms of fun, reliability and running costs. I am lucky that I can save the S for weekends, otherwise I don't think I would enjoy it as much.
These days I walk past it and jump into a Prius every day. Now you know I am a bit odd. I call it carbon neutral ;-)
David
These days I walk past it and jump into a Prius every day. Now you know I am a bit odd. I call it carbon neutral ;-)
David
Hi matt
I've got an S3 and use it as my only car. Have done for a year and leave it parked on the street. Surprisingly easy. It's a fantastic little car, very reliable and nothing really gets close in terms of driving pleasure and fun for the money. It's a real head turner and it makes every commute to work a special occasion.
I live in lewes, just outside brighton. About 35 mins from south London. You're more than welcome to come and have a look and I can tell you more about what it's like to live with on a day to day basis.
Cheers
Will
Incidentally, I'm 35, no points (yet!), car is parked on street overnight and I've claimed 7k miles pa. - my insurance is about £600 pa with a mainstream insurer.
I've got an S3 and use it as my only car. Have done for a year and leave it parked on the street. Surprisingly easy. It's a fantastic little car, very reliable and nothing really gets close in terms of driving pleasure and fun for the money. It's a real head turner and it makes every commute to work a special occasion.
I live in lewes, just outside brighton. About 35 mins from south London. You're more than welcome to come and have a look and I can tell you more about what it's like to live with on a day to day basis.
Cheers
Will
Incidentally, I'm 35, no points (yet!), car is parked on street overnight and I've claimed 7k miles pa. - my insurance is about £600 pa with a mainstream insurer.
Edited by teamlines on Saturday 20th April 08:02
Hi, as a fellow 'two wheel enthusiast' 
with an S3 I can recommend it, although I do have a daily drive as well. I am lucky in that both the S and the bike are toys but the S gets used far more in the winter months i.e. when too cold for the bike than in the summer, because frankly on a warm summers day unless my daughter wants to go out in the S it is a no brainer, bike wins almost every time so don't be worried about using it 12 months a year, in fact I think they are better for continuous running than being laid up, just my view, get it done
with an S3 I can recommend it, although I do have a daily drive as well. I am lucky in that both the S and the bike are toys but the S gets used far more in the winter months i.e. when too cold for the bike than in the summer, because frankly on a warm summers day unless my daughter wants to go out in the S it is a no brainer, bike wins almost every time so don't be worried about using it 12 months a year, in fact I think they are better for continuous running than being laid up, just my view, get it done Stone Cold said:
don't be worried about using it 12 months a year, in fact I think they are better for continuous running than being laid up, just my view, get it done
Completely agree. I'm sure using mine regularly keeps it happy. Other than a flat battery I've had no issues at all and it's very easy to maintain. Obviously you've got to be sensible - check oil regularly, ensure chassis is properly treated etc. I've installed a decent alarm in mine too. Common sense really. They're very hardy cars.Good luck!
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