Buying my 1st TVR - need some help
Discussion
If you are buying one from TVR Centre then it'll probably be a good one. Make sure it has some kind of extended warranty with it, just in case. Also (not trying to patronise) make sure that you follow the warming up procedure - vital for the life of the engine. These cars are not BMW M3's, but then thats probably why you want one anyway.
The only other thing really is to try and use the car as much as possible, from my own experience, the more they are used the less hassle you have.
A T350 is a great way into TVR ownership and you are sure to have great fun with it. Good luck
The only other thing really is to try and use the car as much as possible, from my own experience, the more they are used the less hassle you have.
A T350 is a great way into TVR ownership and you are sure to have great fun with it. Good luck
If possible drive a few. Anything that may have been an issue should have been sorted through warranty. I have put a few things below - most are little things that would niggle you if you or the dealer missed it.
Make sure it has a/c and it works - older ones used to freeze the glove box but some cold air made it in the cabin!
I wouldn't get one of the first as they don't have the indent in the body to open the tailgate. (Think the one at Barnet is like this.)
Also the later ones have the better finished boot with the piece running across between the seats (forgot what it is called!) to stop bags etc flying forward.
Again in earlier ones, the drivers seat can rub the roll cage when furthest away from the steering wheel and take the covering off.
Most of it with the T350 is how it has been used, how the interior has lasted as passengers can "hang on" the dash etc and it can loosen - seen a Tamora recently with the passenger side hanging off -little niggles like the glove box not shutting due to the plastic catch being broken - many have magnetic ones.
The other main thing is do you want a 350T or 350C? Very few of the roof panels fitted 100% on the 350T - they are a little tricky to fit. The first ones where made to each individual car rather than from a mould. Seals where changed but again you need remove and refit them and then drive it to see if you get a load of wind noise. If fitted incorrectly they have been known to fly off.
Hope this is of help - you will enjoy it which ever one you get!
Make sure it has a/c and it works - older ones used to freeze the glove box but some cold air made it in the cabin!
I wouldn't get one of the first as they don't have the indent in the body to open the tailgate. (Think the one at Barnet is like this.)
Also the later ones have the better finished boot with the piece running across between the seats (forgot what it is called!) to stop bags etc flying forward.
Again in earlier ones, the drivers seat can rub the roll cage when furthest away from the steering wheel and take the covering off.
Most of it with the T350 is how it has been used, how the interior has lasted as passengers can "hang on" the dash etc and it can loosen - seen a Tamora recently with the passenger side hanging off -little niggles like the glove box not shutting due to the plastic catch being broken - many have magnetic ones.
The other main thing is do you want a 350T or 350C? Very few of the roof panels fitted 100% on the 350T - they are a little tricky to fit. The first ones where made to each individual car rather than from a mould. Seals where changed but again you need remove and refit them and then drive it to see if you get a load of wind noise. If fitted incorrectly they have been known to fly off.
Hope this is of help - you will enjoy it which ever one you get!
RayVonn said:
If you are buying one from TVR Centre...
Are TVR Centre still up and running? Thought they had gone into liquidation/administration...
Also, with TVR selling and then going into admin themselves, isn't buying one at this point a bit risky?
Surely wait until the situation stabilises and see what's what. I'm not trying to be a killjoy here but I would personally wait a bit.
No reason to wait! 
Just do it - you'll never look back! You want to get out in it and get the feel of it in readiness for the Spring and Summer! 
As far as I am aware, TVR Barnet will be there for some time to come yet. But better still, when you are up there, ask them what the situation is with them. Always good to get it directly from the horse's mouth I reckon.
I bought my first TVR (from Barnet as it happens!) with a view to just owning and enjoying one even if it could only be for a year or so. That was 10 years ago. I still have them!
Just do it!
Just do it - you'll never look back! You want to get out in it and get the feel of it in readiness for the Spring and Summer! As far as I am aware, TVR Barnet will be there for some time to come yet. But better still, when you are up there, ask them what the situation is with them. Always good to get it directly from the horse's mouth I reckon.
I bought my first TVR (from Barnet as it happens!) with a view to just owning and enjoying one even if it could only be for a year or so. That was 10 years ago. I still have them!
Just do it!
I suggest you talk to Giles Cooper on this aspect.Mark, Martin and Giles will look after you-very good people in my experience.Just have a quiet word and make your own mind up - you will get lots of advice on hear which is well intentioned but what could be better than hearing it straight from the horses mouth?
I have had a Tuscan and a now a T350 from Barnet and have had excellent support even in the current difficulties
I have had a Tuscan and a now a T350 from Barnet and have had excellent support even in the current difficulties
If you want one buy one...it really is as simple as that. Do the normal secondhand car checks and have the car inspected if your not to sure. Even with TVR going belly up I would not worry about servicing etc as there are some great indies out there. As for car prices going up or down, so bloody what! You only live once and once you have a TVR you know how to live. Oh and when you buy it drive it no matter the weather.
Tip of the week: Glycerine all those rubber seals around the doors etc to keep them soft and crack free.
Tip of the week: Glycerine all those rubber seals around the doors etc to keep them soft and crack free.
sidewayz said:
I suggest you talk to Giles Cooper on this aspect.Mark, Martin and Giles will look after you-very good people in my experience.
Yes, I should have mentioned I got my Noble from them - they did a service and MOT for me before picking it up when they could have easily got away with not doing it. Also replaced my broken alternator (which included a motorway pick) up with no quibbles.
With my sensible cap off, I would say do it as well. As mentioned above, the grin will be worth it, especially when the warmer weather comes along.
markd51 said:
always wanted one and now decided to take the jump! thinking of a T350 from TVR Centre in Barnet. any advice ? what problems to look for, questions to ask, pitfalls. any help welcome, thanks
Good time to buy, bad time to sell.
Best advice is to buy from a dealer (extended warranties will be offered in the deal) shop around first before you settle on one, it is worth making a trip for the right one. Probably, better for you to buy a Coupe rather than a Targa also.
Check the service history stacks up and it has been serviced every 6k/12 months, check the last time the tappets were done, find out what repairs the car has had i.e. Clutch, Engine etc. Who did them?
Most importantly, try for a relatively reasonable exterior and interior colour, easier to shift on if you decide to move on if it is not for you!
All the best.
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