Discussion
Some 25 years ago I watched my Elan Sprint driving off into the sunset and became a family man with (inevitably) family cars. Perhaps the nappy-yellow Volvo 240DL Estate with crisp-encrusted brown velour seats represented the low point in my motoring life.
I'm now older, slightly less poor and have kids with their own Saxo to transport themselves. So it's TVR-time for me. I thought of a Chim but too many of the adverts seemed to state "£4,000 spent in the last year" or similar, this seemed to undermine various stated views that they are as cheap to run as a Fiesta..
OK, so an S-type will be my introduction to TVRs. I've joined the TVRCC and read the excellent Steve Heath bible from cover to cover. I want an on-the-button example so I'm presuming that a budget of £6K should put me in a decent S3(C) with another 2-3 grand necessary to experience the V8 rumble.
I'm up to speeed with the superior all-round experience of the V8 and am willing to absorb the additional purchase cost if necessary but what about running costs ? Given the fact that I'm going to hopefully)find myself a sorted example and will probably do no more than 3K weekend miles a year is there a great deal of difference in running costs (and lets ignore fuel and insurance) ?
I'm now older, slightly less poor and have kids with their own Saxo to transport themselves. So it's TVR-time for me. I thought of a Chim but too many of the adverts seemed to state "£4,000 spent in the last year" or similar, this seemed to undermine various stated views that they are as cheap to run as a Fiesta..
OK, so an S-type will be my introduction to TVRs. I've joined the TVRCC and read the excellent Steve Heath bible from cover to cover. I want an on-the-button example so I'm presuming that a budget of £6K should put me in a decent S3(C) with another 2-3 grand necessary to experience the V8 rumble.
I'm up to speeed with the superior all-round experience of the V8 and am willing to absorb the additional purchase cost if necessary but what about running costs ? Given the fact that I'm going to hopefully)find myself a sorted example and will probably do no more than 3K weekend miles a year is there a great deal of difference in running costs (and lets ignore fuel and insurance) ?
Based on my experience of moving from an S2 to a V8S I would say the typical servicing and repair costs of a V8S are roughly 50% higher than for the V6. However, this difference pales into insignificance compared to the impact of buying a car in poor condition. Putting a wrong'un right can costs thousands and take years. So whichever you decide to go for, make sure you choose a good one.
Just got my S3 this Thursday, absouletly fantastic am very suprised how well it handles the noise and the driving brilliant. Can't guide you either way on V8 or V6 but either way you'll enjoy. Being a TVR virgin myself went for the V6 on cost basis and to get used to the car. No regrets.
check out oopss http://www.tvrsseries.com/ buyers guide A and B very useful to take with you as a tick of list when looking at cars.
Have fun
check out oopss http://www.tvrsseries.com/ buyers guide A and B very useful to take with you as a tick of list when looking at cars.
Have fun
Edited by Highdown on Saturday 22 September 19:53
[quote=Highdown]Just got my S3 this Thursday, absouletly fantastic am very suprised how well it handles the noise and the driving brilliant. Can't guide you either way on V8 or V6 but either way you'll enjoy. Being a TVR virgin myself went for the V6 on cost basis and to get used to the car. No regrets.
check out http://www.tvrs3.co.uk/ buyers guide A and B very useful to take with you as a tick of list when looking at cars.
Buy on condition and nothing else,insurance is basically the same for either car on "classic" policies
check out http://www.tvrs3.co.uk/ buyers guide A and B very useful to take with you as a tick of list when looking at cars.
Buy on condition and nothing else,insurance is basically the same for either car on "classic" policies
Edited by pies on Saturday 22 September 20:45
I was seduced by the V8 - but I would have bought either at the time - the important thing for me was the chassis, I can mend most things but didn't want to go down the chassis repair route, well not yet anyway, guess it may get us all in the end.
The V8 is much louder than the V6, faster, insurance so close to the V6 that it doesn't matter, same with economy, and it is nowhere near as thirsty as you would think.
If performance is your thing the V8 is extremely quick, I thought if I bought a V6 I'd always hanker after a V8.
I could go on for hours......
Chris
The V8 is much louder than the V6, faster, insurance so close to the V6 that it doesn't matter, same with economy, and it is nowhere near as thirsty as you would think.
If performance is your thing the V8 is extremely quick, I thought if I bought a V6 I'd always hanker after a V8.
I could go on for hours......
Chris
you're not selling are you PaulAssuming I can the right price then yes... wasn't planning on advertising for a couple of weeks as hectic at work at the moment, but saw the thread so decided to get in touch.. The car is in great condition but the children are getting older and are getting into sailing, so for a while a hobby on the water seems to be in order. Work is eating up more time as well at the moment so it is getting more difficult to justify the car in the garage during the week.... Doesn't mean I won't be back though..
Well worth the little extra to run. clarenceboddiger said:
I love the V6 but if I was buying again I'd buy the V8.
Depends on your starting budget really, at the time I couldn't justify the extra for the V8s but I dont regret buying the V6.
Agree with the above! I deliberatly didn't look at any V8's when buying my last S2 cos I didn't want to be tempted into buying one then be disappointed with having to settle for a V6 and, at the time, the V8's were above my budget.Depends on your starting budget really, at the time I couldn't justify the extra for the V8s but I dont regret buying the V6.
Having said that the S2 I have now performs superbly (Petclub was just able to keep up in his V8
), has uprated brakes, suspension etc etc but I got it for a good price. If you were to buy a basic V6 and make the upgrades mine has over time it will probably be cheaper to start off with a V8.Have a go in both models and decide for yourself PROVIDED you've worked out you can afford the V8 first. Ultimately whichever S you go for you will not be disappointed
Some good comments here and I hope they help you. Longers is quite correct his S2 is very quick (and very well sorted!).
Both versions are great, I am only selling my S2 somewhat reluctantly (and am not very bothered if I don't!). My S2 is louder than my V8S (my wife can hear it from a mile away - and she is totally deaf in one ear) but both are great. Clearly, the 8 is quicker, it's also better planted and has a more solid feel. On the other hand the S2 may be even more fun.
Whatever you choose they are great and I wish you good luck.
Both versions are great, I am only selling my S2 somewhat reluctantly (and am not very bothered if I don't!). My S2 is louder than my V8S (my wife can hear it from a mile away - and she is totally deaf in one ear) but both are great. Clearly, the 8 is quicker, it's also better planted and has a more solid feel. On the other hand the S2 may be even more fun.
Whatever you choose they are great and I wish you good luck.
I would not expect a V8S to cost any more or less to run than a Chim. The V8S will loose less value IMO, but they are typically older cars in the first place.
The only costs in running a V8 over a V6 that make any difference to me are two spark plugs, 2 HT leads, and the fuel. Tyres are more expensive, but your driving style is likely to dictate how many of those you get through, and you can offset those against throttle pots
V8 all the way
Z
The only costs in running a V8 over a V6 that make any difference to me are two spark plugs, 2 HT leads, and the fuel. Tyres are more expensive, but your driving style is likely to dictate how many of those you get through, and you can offset those against throttle pots
V8 all the way
Z
Both are great cars chosen by those with the best taste, they sound great and both go mighty swiftly while putting a grin on your face.
As has been said, a good condition V6 is preferable to a bad V8, so you might be better off getting a V6 initially, you can always trade later as prices are reasonably stable so you won't lose much.
As has been said, a good condition V6 is preferable to a bad V8, so you might be better off getting a V6 initially, you can always trade later as prices are reasonably stable so you won't lose much.
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