TVR for use abroad?
Discussion
Hey folks, looking for a little advice. I live and work in Spain and looking around for a car. This would be my only car but I'd like something a little special. My common sense tells me to go for a 330d for the daily commute (40 minute mainly motorway) but with a 22k budget, and nothing really peaking my interest, I find myself looking at UK T350's or Tuscans.
Its probably mental, there would be absolutely no spare parts or other owners here... i'd be surprised if any garage would even know what it is... but... I've always wanted one and love the design philosophy and speed.
Tell me Im mad (not forgetting the wheel's on the wrong side for Spain and would be UK plates).
If you think im not a bit touched, what would the best one to go for be? Im guessing as later model as possible which would get me into the fireball T350... or are the early tuscans worth the punt?
Its probably mental, there would be absolutely no spare parts or other owners here... i'd be surprised if any garage would even know what it is... but... I've always wanted one and love the design philosophy and speed.
Tell me Im mad (not forgetting the wheel's on the wrong side for Spain and would be UK plates).
If you think im not a bit touched, what would the best one to go for be? Im guessing as later model as possible which would get me into the fireball T350... or are the early tuscans worth the punt?
Trixman said:
just so boring compared to these BUT would I be driving it always thinking its gonna break down?
Well, look at it this way..If that's what you think when driving it, it will make the journey that much more pleasureable when you reach the destination intact. Double the pleasure.
If it does break down, you won't be surprised.
Look, all cars 'can' break down. For the money you'll save buying a TVR, you'll always have reserve funds. Hell, you may never need them.
Dave 500 said:
I had the cerb down in Alicante last week and it was fine with the heat etc etc...
The only problem you might have is the attention
How would you get it serviced would be my biggest worry.
Yep, thats what Im thinking. I'd have to ask about to see if anyone could service it correctly and see if I can get insurance (supposed to swap the plates for cars in Spain but wouldnt bother to be honest, no-one would buy it being RHD).The only problem you might have is the attention
How would you get it serviced would be my biggest worry.
obviously all cars can break down, but its who would fix it is my issue. I can take a bmw anywhere to get fixed but I'm going to be getting scratching chins and 'que marca' quotes all the time... but... god they are gorgeous eh.
Right. Sod it, mission begins. Im calling around to see who could service it and calling my insurance company to see if they'll cover it. Only live once eh.
Which would you guys recommend, T350 or Tuscan for around 20k?
Trixman said:
Right. Sod it, mission begins. Im calling around to see who could service it and calling my insurance company to see if they'll cover it. Only live once eh.
That IS the spirit.Trixman said:
Which would you guys recommend, T350 or Tuscan for around 20k?
That's personal. Which looks nicest to you. Both belting cars.lazyitus said:
That's personal. Which looks nicest to you. Both belting cars.
Id be happy with both to be honest, although the Tuscan has the convertible, not sure about the T350t as it has those little bulges on the roof. Just thought with the T350 being a newer model it would be a more updated design.I'll have a search through the archives, but any specific engine to not go for with the Tuscan?
My Tuscan stays in Germany most of the time.
I have a workshop that look after the body and mechanics like brakes etc but I drive back to the UK twice per year for a service.
I know there are several TVR service centers in Germany and I understand that there is support in the South of France so maybe you dont need to drive all the way back to the UK
Its a good excuse for a long drive.
Something to consider is breakdown cover.
I joined the German ADAC 18 months ago with full European cover for €83,-. Within a couple of weeks I had a serious engine out problem and the ADAC shipped her back to England free of charge for the necessary "specialist" repairs.
It certainly removes any worry.
Good hunting.
I have a workshop that look after the body and mechanics like brakes etc but I drive back to the UK twice per year for a service.
I know there are several TVR service centers in Germany and I understand that there is support in the South of France so maybe you dont need to drive all the way back to the UK
Its a good excuse for a long drive.
Something to consider is breakdown cover.
I joined the German ADAC 18 months ago with full European cover for €83,-. Within a couple of weeks I had a serious engine out problem and the ADAC shipped her back to England free of charge for the necessary "specialist" repairs.
It certainly removes any worry.
Good hunting.
Thanks all for the advice, had a few calls about and got insurance quote etc. Turns out you are right in saying proper services have to be done in the UK along with any major problems. If this was going to be my weekend car I would go for it, but as its going to be used everyday decided against it. Looks like I'll be waiting few more years to own one yet...
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