Looking for the right Sagaris
Discussion
Hi all - first time here so please excuse any ignorance...
I've lusted after the Sagaris for years and am not surprised by the huge interest they attract. I'm told really good ones are now £70k+ and that this number is still going up.
My question is how to find the 'right' car, versus settling for something that seems 'pretty good', because I just don't know enough about TVRs. I'm aware many have had modifications to engine, exhaust and different wheels etc. but it seems to me that, as prices have risen so high, a buyer would want something as original as possible to 'protect' its value.
I know I can talk to the main players for advice, but just wondered if anyone here has a feeling for how often truly excellent unmodified examples come up for sale? I've seen some cars advertised for months but a couple of interesting ones were gone in a week.
Sorry, I realise I'm being a bit vague here. Just wondering out loud I suppose...
I've lusted after the Sagaris for years and am not surprised by the huge interest they attract. I'm told really good ones are now £70k+ and that this number is still going up.
My question is how to find the 'right' car, versus settling for something that seems 'pretty good', because I just don't know enough about TVRs. I'm aware many have had modifications to engine, exhaust and different wheels etc. but it seems to me that, as prices have risen so high, a buyer would want something as original as possible to 'protect' its value.
I know I can talk to the main players for advice, but just wondered if anyone here has a feeling for how often truly excellent unmodified examples come up for sale? I've seen some cars advertised for months but a couple of interesting ones were gone in a week.
Sorry, I realise I'm being a bit vague here. Just wondering out loud I suppose...
Yes, they are very special cars.
I bought one new in 2005 and never wanted anything else subsequently. However, due to an unfortunate incident in 2013, I was then in the same position as you looking for a top original example.
I travelled all over the country looking for a car that was as good or better than my original one. As you say, some are significantly modified which ruled them out for me, some were ok and some were not very good at all. This had very little to do with price too, the most expensive ones were not always the best ones.
In the end I let people know what I was looking for and finally a lovely one owner car came up. I moved fast and secured it. I suspect many other top examples change hands without being advertised.
So my advice is to post as you have done on here and possibly facebook, but also let the top dealers have your details. Would also suggest you go to look at those advertised. You will soon see what good and not so good cars look like, which will help you make up your mind when good ones come up. Be both patient and prepared to move fast though!
I bought one new in 2005 and never wanted anything else subsequently. However, due to an unfortunate incident in 2013, I was then in the same position as you looking for a top original example.
I travelled all over the country looking for a car that was as good or better than my original one. As you say, some are significantly modified which ruled them out for me, some were ok and some were not very good at all. This had very little to do with price too, the most expensive ones were not always the best ones.
In the end I let people know what I was looking for and finally a lovely one owner car came up. I moved fast and secured it. I suspect many other top examples change hands without being advertised.
So my advice is to post as you have done on here and possibly facebook, but also let the top dealers have your details. Would also suggest you go to look at those advertised. You will soon see what good and not so good cars look like, which will help you make up your mind when good ones come up. Be both patient and prepared to move fast though!
Get over to Str8six and speak to Jason and Chas. Brilliant to deal with. It might take a while for the right car to come up but it's worth the wait. I first tried to buy one in Dec 14 and it took 20 months till I found another one that was as good.
Sag's are very special. I've had a few cars in my time but the Sag is the first time I've ever felt that this might be a keeper.
Try and see the cars for sale and you will soon discover the differences between the good, bad and the ugly. Go to car meets, talk to owners and perhaps you will get lucky. With prices where they are now, I suspect quite a few people might be tempted to sell.
Good luck with the search. A massive part of the fun.
Sag's are very special. I've had a few cars in my time but the Sag is the first time I've ever felt that this might be a keeper.
Try and see the cars for sale and you will soon discover the differences between the good, bad and the ugly. Go to car meets, talk to owners and perhaps you will get lucky. With prices where they are now, I suspect quite a few people might be tempted to sell.
Good luck with the search. A massive part of the fun.
TorquetiveOne said:
I saw a beautiful one at TVR101 the other day which someone told me was for sale with only 9000 miles on it from new - doesn't appear to be advertised though? Might be worth a call?
+1 for this if it's still available. I've already mentioned it to someone else looking and no doubt others have too. It looked great condition and Woody spoke highly of it (and mentioned it was unmodified too). As I understand it's not been advertised as the owner was considering whether to sell. Give Woody a call... If you like the colour I doubt you'd be wasting your time.[edit] I think it's the one in this FB post: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=...
Edited by Alan_D350 on Sunday 15th May 12:04
Str8six spend a fortune prepping their cars.
For example, Racing Green were selling a black Sag. For almost a year. Maybe more. Totally unloved, dirty inside and out, bits taken off. Went to see it. Very disappointing.
In the end it went to Str8six who spent a good chunk of money getting it up to their standard and it sold very quickly.
Some people just do things better than others but you do pay for it!
For example, Racing Green were selling a black Sag. For almost a year. Maybe more. Totally unloved, dirty inside and out, bits taken off. Went to see it. Very disappointing.
In the end it went to Str8six who spent a good chunk of money getting it up to their standard and it sold very quickly.
Some people just do things better than others but you do pay for it!
rightfoot said:
Hi all - first time here so please excuse any ignorance...
I've lusted after the Sagaris for years and am not surprised by the huge interest they attract. I'm told really good ones are now £70k+ and that this number is still going up.
My question is how to find the 'right' car, versus settling for something that seems 'pretty good', because I just don't know enough about TVRs. I'm aware many have had modifications to engine, exhaust and different wheels etc. but it seems to me that, as prices have risen so high, a buyer would want something as original as possible to 'protect' its value.
I know I can talk to the main players for advice, but just wondered if anyone here has a feeling for how often truly excellent unmodified examples come up for sale? I've seen some cars advertised for months but a couple of interesting ones were gone in a week.
Sorry, I realise I'm being a bit vague here. Just wondering out loud I suppose...
I would endorse everything that has been said so far on this thread. Reference your third para, Sagaris owners do fall into two broad groups...those that mod their cars and those that keep them as original as possible. Everyone gets on with each other in my experience, but for me I would absolutely never ever mod these cars, to the extent that my car has a low compression speed six engine fitted by the factory (maybe because they did/were thinking of putting a supercharger on it)...if the engine ever needs rebuilding it will be rebuilt as is..as a low compression unit (no 4.3 or 4.5 for me!). For those that know me, they understand that I'm not 'interested' in future value per-se but, a modified car will always ultimately be less 'valuable' than a standard car. To be honest, when I see some of the time, attention and cost people put into their glorious modified Sagaris', it makes me feel a bit embarrassed/inadequate by my 'ratty' Sagaris, but that's the point for me. In '20' years time when anyone drives 'my' car, they will experience it as it was built. Ohh and I am taking it to Goodwood on the 23rd, to give it a bit of an 'airing' too..so it's no garage 'queen'!!!I've lusted after the Sagaris for years and am not surprised by the huge interest they attract. I'm told really good ones are now £70k+ and that this number is still going up.
My question is how to find the 'right' car, versus settling for something that seems 'pretty good', because I just don't know enough about TVRs. I'm aware many have had modifications to engine, exhaust and different wheels etc. but it seems to me that, as prices have risen so high, a buyer would want something as original as possible to 'protect' its value.
I know I can talk to the main players for advice, but just wondered if anyone here has a feeling for how often truly excellent unmodified examples come up for sale? I've seen some cars advertised for months but a couple of interesting ones were gone in a week.
Sorry, I realise I'm being a bit vague here. Just wondering out loud I suppose...
Trust I have not p**sed off my very good friends who have modified their Sagaris', it's just a different perspective!
PGNSagaris said:
Phew.
Yours is the best colour I've seen on a TVR.
Thank you. Yours is the best colour I've seen on a TVR.
For the modifying - people can do what they like. Sod the retail. Call me selfish, but I'm not keeping the car for the next keeper. Am I breaking a piece of heritage - maybe, but my car isn't a special or 'name' car like Mr Blue or Candy. The real value for me is having my amazing car how I like it and driving the thing.
Alan_D350 said:
+1 for this if it's still available. I've already mentioned it to someone else looking and no doubt others have too. It looked great condition and Woody spoke highly of it (and mentioned it was unmodified too). As I understand it's not been advertised as the owner was considering whether to sell. Give Woody a call... If you like the colour I doubt you'd be wasting your time.
[edit] I think it's the one in this FB post: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=...
Yes, that's the one. Great looking car and a nice plate. I was told it was a bit special - not sure why in particular.[edit] I think it's the one in this FB post: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=...
Edited by Alan_D350 on Sunday 15th May 12:04
Some great advice and would highly recommend Jason and Chaz at Stra8six.
In terms of originality I think it's a personal choice. The original cars are going be preferred as the next generations of casdodians will probably be guided by brokers who place a premium on originality for all car makes. However, TVR's were never manufactured to high technical standards or production values. Just ask the dealers who had to rectify issues under warranty. My Sag has Nitron suspension and an improved diff set up. So not entirely standard but more best of breed components and better to live with as a result.
I look at some of the modifications people like Alex have added and the make good sense if your using the car regularly. I'm thinking one piece bonnet with gas struts and parking sensors etc. The engine upgrades are personal choice and I've not driven the 4.3 and 4.5 but have read some interesting posts re the change in character (i.e. More torque lower down the rev range) I don't personally have the time, free funds or inclination to make changes but love reading about the vision and creativity others demonstrate. I love my Sagaris as it is and plan to hold on to it for as long as I can.
When I bought mine in 2014 base condition was important. However I wanted Orange (Aranchio Pearl) which limited my search significantly. I had missed out on a good car 18 months earlier. When I found the next car which was bought privately I asked Stra8six to check it over. Chas presented me with a long and expensive list to get it back to A1 including Nitron suspension upgrade. I used this to negotiate the price a little then went ahead and bought the car and bit the bullet re getting all the work done. As a result picked up a car that drove brilliantly and looked amazing.
They are a unique car with a design that just doesn't appear to date. I still enjoy the Chimaera which I've now had for 17 years but the Sagaris is something very special and wish you the best of luck finding one that's right for you.
In terms of originality I think it's a personal choice. The original cars are going be preferred as the next generations of casdodians will probably be guided by brokers who place a premium on originality for all car makes. However, TVR's were never manufactured to high technical standards or production values. Just ask the dealers who had to rectify issues under warranty. My Sag has Nitron suspension and an improved diff set up. So not entirely standard but more best of breed components and better to live with as a result.
I look at some of the modifications people like Alex have added and the make good sense if your using the car regularly. I'm thinking one piece bonnet with gas struts and parking sensors etc. The engine upgrades are personal choice and I've not driven the 4.3 and 4.5 but have read some interesting posts re the change in character (i.e. More torque lower down the rev range) I don't personally have the time, free funds or inclination to make changes but love reading about the vision and creativity others demonstrate. I love my Sagaris as it is and plan to hold on to it for as long as I can.
When I bought mine in 2014 base condition was important. However I wanted Orange (Aranchio Pearl) which limited my search significantly. I had missed out on a good car 18 months earlier. When I found the next car which was bought privately I asked Stra8six to check it over. Chas presented me with a long and expensive list to get it back to A1 including Nitron suspension upgrade. I used this to negotiate the price a little then went ahead and bought the car and bit the bullet re getting all the work done. As a result picked up a car that drove brilliantly and looked amazing.
They are a unique car with a design that just doesn't appear to date. I still enjoy the Chimaera which I've now had for 17 years but the Sagaris is something very special and wish you the best of luck finding one that's right for you.
Edited by M4RTIN J on Monday 16th May 17:51
Edited by M4RTIN J on Monday 16th May 17:52
Edited by M4RTIN J on Monday 16th May 18:02
My thanks to everyone who's posted advice - genuinely much appreciated. Lots of good stuff and I realise that the whole original vs. modified/upgraded debate can only be decided by personal preference. My own preference would be to find an original car that is in such good condition that it doesn't require an engine rebuild/ suspension upgrade. I don't intend to put many miles on it - highdays and holidays only - so hopefully a really good example will handle this easily. I don't doubt that some of the popular mods are pretty good, better even, but I'm pretty sure that ultimately I'd prefer something authentic.
I have to believe that 'original' is a safer investment too - now that prices are so high I feel I can't ignore that.
Thank you all again.
I have to believe that 'original' is a safer investment too - now that prices are so high I feel I can't ignore that.
Thank you all again.
Just a word in support of another reliable dealer. I purchased my T350 from Fernhurst TVR and get it serviced there. They are one of the oldest TVR dealers and all of the cars I have seen in the showroom look fantastic. Definitely not the cheapest but they generally offer a two year warranty and from my experience with a small fault with my car that could easily have been argued to be outside of warranty protection, they fixed it with no quibble.
They almost always have one or two Sags on their books so worth talking to.
They almost always have one or two Sags on their books so worth talking to.
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