Buying a 2003 T350
Author
Discussion

scottwade

Original Poster:

477 posts

245 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
All,

I have a question that I am sure you have all heard a hundred time's but here goes. I am desperate to buy a 2003 T350 but the horror stories of engine rebuilds with the S6 engine is seriously playing on my sensible side. I appreciate that this is a car for a petrol head and nothing else should matter but the principle of spending 25k or so on a motor and then paying another 5k on an engine rebuild seems just a bit much. I guess my main question is does anyone know if the T350 of this year as yet has started to show the signs of problems that the early tuscans saw. I have been reading the various threads now for a couple of months and seen many opinions re S6 engines. These do mainly seems to point to earlier models but I am a little confused I have to say. Is this simply because its to early to tell on the T350 as the majority are still low mileage. Any comments or experiences would be appreciated..thanks

sideways mostly

2,681 posts

270 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
First can I suggest that you listen to replies from people who have owned similar spec cars to your intended purchase. There will be a mix of views from owners I am sure going from some exceptionally positive and some from people who have had problems.This should give you a good perspective.
There have been a spate of Speed 6's are crap posts recently from people who have heard of friends etc,etc.

The later the car you can afford the better as with all makes and
I would encourage you to look at a good warranty for peace of mind.
I have owned an 03 Tuscan which was fine and now have an 05 T350 which has also been good to me. I average around 10-12k miles a year in london and long trips.

scottwade

Original Poster:

477 posts

245 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
Thanks sideways, your comments are constructive and the fact that you are an owner and use the car on a regular basis gives me hope. Hopefully other comments will go this positive way, optimistic I'm sure.

carsarecool

4,456 posts

268 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
Why not spend a tad more and get a 2 yr warranty on an 04 car?

Mine's still got 17 months warranty on it and it does give peace of mind.......and might be for sale at the right price

Mustang Baz

1,653 posts

263 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
Scott - Sideways is bang on point about doing your research and buying as new as you can afford, as well as the fact that you are going to get a wide array of responses from owners. I have had my Tuscan for a year now, and regrettably, have had quite a few problems - including an engine rebuild on a 3.6li 2003 < 2yrs old. See my profile and the attached -

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=197620

I do not wear rose-tinted spectacles (I am an accountant!), so have personally found my issues very frustrating - but ultimately, I still do not regret entering ownership. I did my sums, budgeted for some eventualities and still got caught out. However, I have enjoyed my experiences enormously, have used the car as much as possible (9k miles in the year, with 2 mths out with engine issues), and am actively looking forward to the summer. It makes even more sense for me now to make use of the car given that I have paid for the main issues to get sorted!

Take your time, do your research, ensure you can cover most major eventualities financially, consider the £1k TVR-approved warranty and set aside £300 for a ride drive course - and look forward to some fantastic experiences .

bogie

17,076 posts

301 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
Id get the car inspected and get the factory warranty - then dont worry about...just enjoy the car

anonymous-user

83 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
If you want to mail me (I've got a T350) I'd be happy to give you any advice, etc. Unfortunately, the tone of the board is not too good for newbies to TVRs so if you want a chat I'd be happy to discuss but not on the board.

Give it 10 mins and I'm sure Mungo will weigh in...

GOM

1,650 posts

257 months

Tuesday 18th April 2006
quotequote all
fatbutt said:
If you want to mail me (I've got a T350) I'd be happy to give you any advice, etc. Unfortunately, the tone of the board is not too good for newbies to TVRs so if you want a chat I'd be happy to discuss but not on the board.

Give it 10 mins and I'm sure Mungo will weigh in...


Same here.

gerrym

187 posts

279 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
scottwade said:
All,

I have a question that I am sure you have all heard a hundred time's but here goes. I am desperate to buy a 2003 T350 but the horror stories of engine rebuilds with the S6 engine is seriously playing on my sensible side. I appreciate that this is a car for a petrol head and nothing else should matter but the principle of spending 25k or so on a motor and then paying another 5k on an engine rebuild seems just a bit much. I guess my main question is does anyone know if the T350 of this year as yet has started to show the signs of problems that the early tuscans saw. I have been reading the various threads now for a couple of months and seen many opinions re S6 engines. These do mainly seems to point to earlier models but I am a little confused I have to say. Is this simply because its to early to tell on the T350 as the majority are still low mileage. Any comments or experiences would be appreciated..thanks



DON'T DO IT !!

Unless you got loads of dosh or a fantastic warranty deal.








>> Edited by gerrym on Wednesday 19th April 08:15

Jamassey

584 posts

269 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Mines for sale.

£25k for a 2004, no rebuilds.

Sad sad day when i have to lose this baby, as only had it for 4 months.

New house, getting married and all that being sensible stuff is ruleing the roost.

www.pistonheads.com/sales/72253.htm



L1OFF

3,771 posts

285 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Another piece of advice is to find out where and when your local TVRCC meet is held and go along, talk to people who live with these cars.
Alan

anonymous-user

83 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
gerrym said:
scottwade said:
All,

I have a question that I am sure you have all heard a hundred time's but here goes. I am desperate to buy a 2003 T350 but the horror stories of engine rebuilds with the S6 engine is seriously playing on my sensible side. I appreciate that this is a car for a petrol head and nothing else should matter but the principle of spending 25k or so on a motor and then paying another 5k on an engine rebuild seems just a bit much. I guess my main question is does anyone know if the T350 of this year as yet has started to show the signs of problems that the early tuscans saw. I have been reading the various threads now for a couple of months and seen many opinions re S6 engines. These do mainly seems to point to earlier models but I am a little confused I have to say. Is this simply because its to early to tell on the T350 as the majority are still low mileage. Any comments or experiences would be appreciated..thanks





DON'T DO IT !!

Unless you got loads of dosh or a fantastic warranty deal.








>> Edited by gerrym on Wednesday 19th April 08:15


I rest my case.

kmpowell

3,524 posts

257 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
Was offered £31k for mine today p/x at a dealer. I'd prefer not to p/x as I will get a better finance deal if I don't, so if you can match the £31k you can have mine. www.pistonheads.com/sales/70450.htm

No need to buy an expensive warranty with mine either!.

>> Edited by kmpowell on Wednesday 19th April 13:18

gerrym

187 posts

279 months

Wednesday 19th April 2006
quotequote all
fatbutt said:
gerrym said:
scottwade said:
All,

I have a question that I am sure you have all heard a hundred time's but here goes. I am desperate to buy a 2003 T350 but the horror stories of engine rebuilds with the S6 engine is seriously playing on my sensible side. I appreciate that this is a car for a petrol head and nothing else should matter but the principle of spending 25k or so on a motor and then paying another 5k on an engine rebuild seems just a bit much. I guess my main question is does anyone know if the T350 of this year as yet has started to show the signs of problems that the early tuscans saw. I have been reading the various threads now for a couple of months and seen many opinions re S6 engines. These do mainly seems to point to earlier models but I am a little confused I have to say. Is this simply because its to early to tell on the T350 as the majority are still low mileage. Any comments or experiences would be appreciated..thanks







DON'T DO IT !!

Unless you got loads of dosh or a fantastic warranty deal.










>> Edited by gerrym on Wednesday 19th April 08:15


I rest my case.




SH1T, I don't want to be associated with fatbutt. I withdraw my comment, fantastic reliable car !!