TVR Sagaris n00b

Author
Discussion

turb0mik3

Original Poster:

3 posts

113 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
Hello Gentlemen,

This is my first post on the website so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I live in the US, more specifically California and I have always been a big fan of the Sagaris. I actually bought a 1:18 model from Europe and had it sent over the pond. I have been contemplating the purchase of a Sagaris for the past few years and I will be able to financially pull this off mid-next year, so I thought I would get the discussion going early.

Before anyone chimes in that this is BS, I can assure you it is not. I am an AVID petrol head and have owned my share of sweet cars: S60 T5, E46 M3, 190e 2.3 16V (5spd), E90 335i track car (current), and E55 Estate (current). I have been doing research on import/export tax, documentation and so forth. Hopefully I can get one for my birthday next May.

ANYWHO, long story short, I need advice from all of you gents who actually deal with these cars on a day to day basis. I know they are not the easiest to maintain, nor of the most prestigious build quality, but coming from a guy who loves to track and race his BMW, this seems like an engineering masterpiece. I love the look of the car and all the race inspired features (or lack thereof). This car will be predominantly for track and showcasing. I highly doubt I could get a CA plate for street purposes, but maybe I could get lucky.

Here are some of the questions I have:
1) How do you tell a good Sagaris from a bad one
2) I am 6'3" with a decently tall torso. I looked at the actual dimensions and it only seems 1" longer than a SLK and 3"s taller. Has anyone had trouble fitting in one? How would I fair?
3) Are prices somewhat negotiable? I realize that a 55k over there is about $88k USD. I would probably write a check but was wondering how various financing options would work. I'm assuming I would have to be a UK citizen to qualify and maybe they don't extend car loans to a car from 2005/6
4) How is the upkeep on a car of this scarcity? I have read they need to be well maintained and frequently. This car will not be driven more than 4 times a month, so should I be super concerned? My shop (HG Motorsports) is extremely reputable so would a Sagaris be somewhat simple in technical terms?
5) I am curious as to people's description of the car. I have heard Clarkson's review but would like to hear some personal reflection from some owners. I have driven the cars above, in addition to Porsche's, Ferraris, and others at the track. Any insight would be great.

I am sure I will come up with more questions, but I just wanted to give it a whirl. The two Sagaris' for sale that really caught my eye are linked below. If you have any insider information please let me know!

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
^^^why does this say it only has 324hp, I thought they were all around 380bhp?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Thanks. Also, I included a picture of my BMW if anyone was interested. Cheers!

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/15268223351_2e...


DamianS3

1,803 posts

181 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
Given it's not 25 years old wouldn't you struggle to import to the U.S. esp CA.

There are a few TVRs in the states but not many new ones.

Seems a high entry point for someone who's not had a TVR before they are not for everyone.

Good luck

Damian

billynobrakes

2,675 posts

264 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
Why not contact the USA tvr car club

chris watton

22,477 posts

259 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
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If I were to import a S6 TVR to the US (if that's even possible due to their legislations...), I would definitely think about having the Powers performance engine upgrade beforehand - for greater peace of mind.

NCE 61

2,385 posts

280 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
Have a look at the TVR in USA forum http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Someone I know has a Griffith 500 out there, but I believe it came via Canada.

fullpull

260 posts

166 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
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turb0mik3

Original Poster:

3 posts

113 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
DamianS3 said:
Given it's not 25 years old wouldn't you struggle to import to the U.S. esp CA.

There are a few TVRs in the states but not many new ones.

Seems a high entry point for someone who's not had a TVR before they are not for everyone.

Good luck

Damian
My point would be NOT to register the car in CA. I would have this as a track car and show car (not driven on the streets). I am still researching the logistics but appreciate the feedback.

turb0mik3

Original Poster:

3 posts

113 months

Saturday 25th October 2014
quotequote all
NCE 61 said:
Have a look at the TVR in USA forum http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Someone I know has a Griffith 500 out there, but I believe it came via Canada.
Great read. I guess the only possible way to import a 2006 is for the "show" aspect. I have a lot more researching to do!

Targarama

14,635 posts

282 months

Sunday 26th October 2014
quotequote all
If you have the funds to buy one then I suggest spending a few Dollars on a trip to the UK for a test drive before buying, then you can have your own view, not one from magazines/Clarkson etc.

Don't worry, in terms of interior space, Peter Wheeler was 6ft 6 or so high. Unless you're a fatty you'll have plenty of room. No issues with legroom/knee bashing the dash/steering column.

Druid

1,312 posts

180 months

Sunday 26th October 2014
quotequote all
DamianS3 said:
Seems a high entry point for someone who's not had a TVR before they are not for everyone.
I would say it's the perfect 'entry point' for someone who hasn't had a TVR before.

Don1

15,936 posts

207 months

Monday 27th October 2014
quotequote all
1) How do you tell a good Sagaris from a bad one.

I haven't seen a bad one. The one in Holland splits opinion here, but knowing the bloke who did the repairs, I'd be happy with it. Shame the dealer seems to think that you can add £10,000 by it just sitting there...

2) I am 6'3" with a decently tall torso. I looked at the actual dimensions and it only seems 1" longer than a SLK and 3"s taller. Has anyone had trouble fitting in one? How would I fair?

I am the same height, with only 33" inside leg - thus a tall torso. Take the seat cusion out and you're fine. It's a modification to do on mine to make the seat lower.

3) Are prices somewhat negotiable? I realize that a 55k over there is about $88k USD. I would probably write a check but was wondering how various financing options would work. I'm assuming I would have to be a UK citizen to qualify and maybe they don't extend car loans to a car from 2005/6

I doubt it. £55k is £55k, no matter what you are doing with it.

4) How is the upkeep on a car of this scarcity? I have read they need to be well maintained and frequently. This car will not be driven more than 4 times a month, so should I be super concerned? My shop (HG Motorsports) is extremely reputable so would a Sagaris be somewhat simple in technical terms?

It's not rocket science, and the parts are fairly easily available. Modifying - some places allow you to buy kits (I can heartily recommend the Racing Green FFF).

5) I am curious as to people's description of the car. I have heard Clarkson's review but would like to hear some personal reflection from some owners. I have driven the cars above, in addition to Porsche's, Ferraris, and others at the track. Any insight would be great.

My garage linky

Should I sell thread

On track....(Mark did let me by).


To give you an idea on scale...


Finally - if you can get it in to the country - do it. biggrin

phoenixz

439 posts

165 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
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I'll have to find the link, but there was a similar case concerning a Land Rover (that was only to be used on hillclimbs and other events) being imported to America. Despite it not being used on public roads it was still seized and crushed by customs.

It might be an idea to research this as a case of what not to do when importing the Sag.

However, Simon Cowell and others have managed to import their Caterhams and other track toys so you could use that as a basis of what to do

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 29th October 2014
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Don1 said:
1) How do you tell a good Sagaris from a bad one.

I haven't seen a bad one.
In the process of buying our last car, I looked at several that would have been greatly improved from a body off restoration as they've not been looked after well. That was over three years ago.

They are bad cars in the making IMO

Don1

15,936 posts

207 months

Wednesday 29th October 2014
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A good point, well made.

jasonpaul

164 posts

161 months

Tuesday 24th February 2015
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Add me please in C63