Thinking of an 'S'......................
Discussion
HELP!!
I currently drive a very clean FIAT Barchetta and have been very happy with it for the past year, that was until I went to the VW meet a month ago and fell back in love with TVR's again!
A V8 would not be practical for me as I would need a car that I can use every day so have my eye open for a decent V6. Question is can you live with an S and drive it on a daily basis without typical sports car reliability? The Barchetta has its foibles but I have learnt to live with them! How many of you use your S on a daily basis and what are the main issues that I would face living with one as a daily driver?
There really with nothing wrong with the Barchetta, its a nimble, quick little car with lots of character but its just not a TiV!
I am contemplating looking at this one (on the assumption the chap still has it);
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/590341.htm
Assuming that you talk me into it is there an advice on what to look for?
I currently drive a very clean FIAT Barchetta and have been very happy with it for the past year, that was until I went to the VW meet a month ago and fell back in love with TVR's again!
A V8 would not be practical for me as I would need a car that I can use every day so have my eye open for a decent V6. Question is can you live with an S and drive it on a daily basis without typical sports car reliability? The Barchetta has its foibles but I have learnt to live with them! How many of you use your S on a daily basis and what are the main issues that I would face living with one as a daily driver?
There really with nothing wrong with the Barchetta, its a nimble, quick little car with lots of character but its just not a TiV!
I am contemplating looking at this one (on the assumption the chap still has it);
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/590341.htm
Assuming that you talk me into it is there an advice on what to look for?
Main thing is that the chasis is sound , this one looks OK assuming the respray was not to hide the dreaded moth!
The price is low so it is likeley to be in fairly basic condition which again is fine bearing in mind its age. £5k would get a much more pristine example.
Engines are pretty bullet proof so just check for wear etc.
Any way what the hell buy it you will not regret it !
Guy
The price is low so it is likeley to be in fairly basic condition which again is fine bearing in mind its age. £5k would get a much more pristine example.
Engines are pretty bullet proof so just check for wear etc.
Any way what the hell buy it you will not regret it !
Guy
Hi, don't know what the fiat is like, but you are right it is not a tvr.
The one you are hoping to look at is a s1 with the early 2.8 engine, i would suggest you would be happier with a 2.9 version (s2 or s3) not because of more power but better torque low down( making it a better everyday car).
As far as what to look for when buying a 20 year old tvr, the list could be endless but the main point i would put across is the chassis, check the outriggers and rear wishbones for corrosion.
hope this helps.
The one you are hoping to look at is a s1 with the early 2.8 engine, i would suggest you would be happier with a 2.9 version (s2 or s3) not because of more power but better torque low down( making it a better everyday car).
As far as what to look for when buying a 20 year old tvr, the list could be endless but the main point i would put across is the chassis, check the outriggers and rear wishbones for corrosion.
hope this helps.
Look at http://www.tvrsseries.com
Did anyone mention the chassis??
I think you've spotted that S1's are cheaper than S2 onwards.
I think you have to look at any car of this age and judge it on its own merits.
Check out the rear trailing arms aswell - they dissolve and are not cheap to fix.
Can you work a spanner or would you get others to do the work?
It can make a big difference to running costs.
Also have a look at Andrews site (TVRCC S editor) http://www.tvrgit.com
Heathyboy on here said he's looking at trading his in as he hasn't got time to sell it, could be worth a look.
Chris
Did anyone mention the chassis??
I think you've spotted that S1's are cheaper than S2 onwards.
I think you have to look at any car of this age and judge it on its own merits.
Check out the rear trailing arms aswell - they dissolve and are not cheap to fix.
Can you work a spanner or would you get others to do the work?
It can make a big difference to running costs.
Also have a look at Andrews site (TVRCC S editor) http://www.tvrgit.com
Heathyboy on here said he's looking at trading his in as he hasn't got time to sell it, could be worth a look.
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Friday 18th July 12:22
Echo the above, its chassis, chassis, chassis to look for. I agree the s2 anwarsd would be a better daily driver and you might consider changing the door mirror (pleant of threads on here) as the rabbits ears are not very effective. obviously check for leaks and general wear, are the carpets dry they have been know to leak into the footwell. Original front inditator lights almost impossible to get and very expensive when available.
Dont jump at the first one have a good look around and go to you regional TVRCC meeting if you can.
Good luck are are super fun
Norman
Dont jump at the first one have a good look around and go to you regional TVRCC meeting if you can.
Good luck are are super fun
Norman
MadDad said:
How many of you use your S on a daily basis and what are the main issues that I would face living with one as a daily driver?
Daily driver for more than 18 years/200,000+ km.Broke down once (electronic ignition failed)
Issues?
Dont break the front indicator lenses - they are just a lot rare these days.
Don't panic regarding the indicators - its the original (Sherpa Van) indicators that are now officially rocking horse bob status.
There are alternatives - Nissan Terrano / Ford Maverick, Kia Pride, BMW E30.
Thats the beauty of TVR's as they are made from bits of other cars.
It means most of the bits are cheap and pretty easy to find, there's only a few parts that make life a bit more difficult, it's all part of the challenge with a 20 year old car!
For the S1 you're thinking of looking at, mechanically think ford capri / sierra / granada 2.8i V6 as thats where the mechanics originate, and they are identical.
If you go to view it take a long hard look at the rear trailing arms - thats the big metal bit that comes from behind the rear wheel and connects to the chassis.
The S1 type are no longer available so if they need replacing you have to do both sides. I think the arms are £250 to £300 a side for parts only.
From the pictures of the car you can't see them very well but one did look quite rusty - it hadn't been painted like the chassis has.
Some good horror pics on Ray S's blog, http://tvrserenity.blogspot.com
Chris
There are alternatives - Nissan Terrano / Ford Maverick, Kia Pride, BMW E30.
Thats the beauty of TVR's as they are made from bits of other cars.
It means most of the bits are cheap and pretty easy to find, there's only a few parts that make life a bit more difficult, it's all part of the challenge with a 20 year old car!
For the S1 you're thinking of looking at, mechanically think ford capri / sierra / granada 2.8i V6 as thats where the mechanics originate, and they are identical.
If you go to view it take a long hard look at the rear trailing arms - thats the big metal bit that comes from behind the rear wheel and connects to the chassis.
The S1 type are no longer available so if they need replacing you have to do both sides. I think the arms are £250 to £300 a side for parts only.
From the pictures of the car you can't see them very well but one did look quite rusty - it hadn't been painted like the chassis has.
Some good horror pics on Ray S's blog, http://tvrserenity.blogspot.com
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Friday 18th July 15:50
I feel that the force is strong in you MadDad Skywalker. Local TVR Club meetings will soon be feeling your presence.
As Yoda Barkychoc has explained "Trailing arms must you watch for buggered they often are. Chassis outriggers must you also grope. Seek enlightenment especially if through effing great holes in the chassis tubes it is shining. No mere light-sabre can those holes repair but a welder might work if you can enlist enough Imperial Stormtroopers to lift the body up a bit."
Do not be discouraged by the call of the dark side or indicators off Sherpa vans, for they are indeed replaceable.
I'm off now to find out if those chocolates contained real alcohol...
As Yoda Barkychoc has explained "Trailing arms must you watch for buggered they often are. Chassis outriggers must you also grope. Seek enlightenment especially if through effing great holes in the chassis tubes it is shining. No mere light-sabre can those holes repair but a welder might work if you can enlist enough Imperial Stormtroopers to lift the body up a bit."
Do not be discouraged by the call of the dark side or indicators off Sherpa vans, for they are indeed replaceable.
I'm off now to find out if those chocolates contained real alcohol...
From the title of your thread, stop thinking and start doing!!
As above, check the chassis - that's 1. an important bit of the car and 2. expensive to sort!
My first S was my everyday car for 50,000 miles over 4.5 years. No problems as long as you look after it to prevent things going wrong rather than fixing them once they've gone wrong.
Just take it very easy when it snows, is icy etc and you'll be fine
And I'd go for an S2 rather than S1 - better engine and I prefer the dash.
Cheers,
Longers
As above, check the chassis - that's 1. an important bit of the car and 2. expensive to sort!
My first S was my everyday car for 50,000 miles over 4.5 years. No problems as long as you look after it to prevent things going wrong rather than fixing them once they've gone wrong.
Just take it very easy when it snows, is icy etc and you'll be fine
And I'd go for an S2 rather than S1 - better engine and I prefer the dash.
Cheers,
Longers
Drive a few to get an idea, but I found the earlier cars (including some of the S1.5/2s with the 2.9 in) seemed surprisingly similar to the later examples, given the difference in price. Maybe that was just the market when I was looking, but a good S3 seemed to be significantly more expensive than a comparable S1. Don't get me wrong, the later cars are (IMHO) nicer, but I certainly wouldn't discount the earlier ones - certainly a fully restored and prepared S1 will be a better car than an average S3.
As for day to day usability, most people reckon they can get about mid 20s, although I've heard 30mpg claimed on a run. When I was looking I was told the V8s aren't actually as thirsty as you'd think, but there again, I was also told the performance difference isn't as big as you might immagine at legal speeds. The hood is a bit of a pain, compared to a straightforward pram design and (again, from what I've heard) very few are completely watertight. On the upside, they've got fixed pre-2001 road tax, they have more than enough torque to stay in a high gear on a run or crawl through traffic and the boot is pretty big for a convertible.
As long as you're not fixing bits of the chassis or doing major body work, servicing and repair costs are, well, about the same as a Ford Granada and insurance can be unbelievably cheap - I'm 25 with limited NCB and I was still paying twice as much to insure my 1.1 daily driver as I was for my S3.
As for day to day usability, most people reckon they can get about mid 20s, although I've heard 30mpg claimed on a run. When I was looking I was told the V8s aren't actually as thirsty as you'd think, but there again, I was also told the performance difference isn't as big as you might immagine at legal speeds. The hood is a bit of a pain, compared to a straightforward pram design and (again, from what I've heard) very few are completely watertight. On the upside, they've got fixed pre-2001 road tax, they have more than enough torque to stay in a high gear on a run or crawl through traffic and the boot is pretty big for a convertible.
As long as you're not fixing bits of the chassis or doing major body work, servicing and repair costs are, well, about the same as a Ford Granada and insurance can be unbelievably cheap - I'm 25 with limited NCB and I was still paying twice as much to insure my 1.1 daily driver as I was for my S3.
Thank you everyone for your advice and guidance, I think that I will probably look for an S2 or S3, in fact I am probably going to try and find one that has been restored and has the photo's to prove it.
I am not afraid of swinging a spanner so am not too worried about working on it, I have carried out all of the modifications to my car myself and am more than happy with servicing etc.
dougc - its your fault that I have started to think about a TiV after the VW meeting, the following week I did the Bracknell car show and was parked next to TVRJOCK, that made things even worse and I am almost 100% sure that I will be getting an S soon.
I will try to get along to a meet so I can speak to a few experienced people and have a look around an S! I very nearly bought a sky blue S1 about 10 years ago, in fact I had paid a deposit and was due to pick the car up when my missus told me she was pregnant! - my love affair with the S has been simmering ever since!
I don't like messing people about but I think I will take a few weeks to view a few before making a final decision to take the plunge, that said I think my mind is made up!
Thanks again for all of the advice, the piccies on the blog of the rusting trailing arms and chassis points are really helpful.
I am not afraid of swinging a spanner so am not too worried about working on it, I have carried out all of the modifications to my car myself and am more than happy with servicing etc.
dougc - its your fault that I have started to think about a TiV after the VW meeting, the following week I did the Bracknell car show and was parked next to TVRJOCK, that made things even worse and I am almost 100% sure that I will be getting an S soon.
I will try to get along to a meet so I can speak to a few experienced people and have a look around an S! I very nearly bought a sky blue S1 about 10 years ago, in fact I had paid a deposit and was due to pick the car up when my missus told me she was pregnant! - my love affair with the S has been simmering ever since!
I don't like messing people about but I think I will take a few weeks to view a few before making a final decision to take the plunge, that said I think my mind is made up!
Thanks again for all of the advice, the piccies on the blog of the rusting trailing arms and chassis points are really helpful.
Chris71 said:
Dunno exaclty where you are, but you're more than welcome to come over and take a look at mine if you want to get an idea about them. Condition does vary, so I wouldn't be afraid to look at a good number.
Hi Chris, thanks for the offer - I am in Binfield near Wokingham/Bracknell.......I like the look of the RED S2 in the classifieds (gentleman Geoff's), tempted to go and have a look but don't have a free weekend for a few weeks, also the price is a little higher than I was planning on.
MadDad said:
Chris71 said:
Dunno exaclty where you are, but you're more than welcome to come over and take a look at mine if you want to get an idea about them. Condition does vary, so I wouldn't be afraid to look at a good number.
Hi Chris, thanks for the offer - I am in Binfield near Wokingham/Bracknell.......I like the look of the RED S2 in the classifieds (gentleman Geoff's), tempted to go and have a look but don't have a free weekend for a few weeks, also the price is a little higher than I was planning on.
pies said:
MadDad said:
Chris71 said:
Dunno exaclty where you are, but you're more than welcome to come over and take a look at mine if you want to get an idea about them. Condition does vary, so I wouldn't be afraid to look at a good number.
Hi Chris, thanks for the offer - I am in Binfield near Wokingham/Bracknell.......I like the look of the RED S2 in the classifieds (gentleman Geoff's), tempted to go and have a look but don't have a free weekend for a few weeks, also the price is a little higher than I was planning on.
of ssss with only 6pies said:
MadDad said:
Chris71 said:
Dunno exaclty where you are, but you're more than welcome to come over and take a look at mine if you want to get an idea about them. Condition does vary, so I wouldn't be afraid to look at a good number.
Hi Chris, thanks for the offer - I am in Binfield near Wokingham/Bracknell.......I like the look of the RED S2 in the classifieds (gentleman Geoff's), tempted to go and have a look but don't have a free weekend for a few weeks, also the price is a little higher than I was planning on.
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