350i or 390se

[BILTEL]

Hello all

I'm in the process of buying my first TVR and have a bit of a dilemma.

For the last couple of weeks I was happy to be looking at 350's and thought it was just a case of finding one that suited me. Then I got offered an E reg 390se, it's at the top of my budget and needs a few things sorting on it nothing drastic though and I love it.
So here's the question: Would I be better off with a really good 350 or is the 390 a far better car and worth the stretch??

[350matt]

The 390 was basically a 350 with the larger engine and slightly better brakes, if you're lucky it may also have the bigger driveshafts. The 390 is the rarer /more desirable car but unless your're handy with the spanners I'd say go for a good 350 as all these cars need money spending on them. As even when there's nothing wrong with them you'll be looking at bigger engines, better brakes, trackdays, fuel .....

Either way either car is fantastic fun and a top motor.

Matt

[BILTEL]

Thanks for the reply. I can't wait to get my hands on either.

This 390 has the OZ's and under spoiler at the rear and looks fantastic.

Was there an age of 350 that had similar specs or is it just a case of whatever an individual owner has fitted?

[TVR-critic]

I have owned both, the 390SE was far quicker and sounded nicer. Beware it is not the 390 I owned which was not straight on the chassis, it was white with red leather.

[BILTEL]

Thanks.

No this 390 is blue with grey leather.

[wedg1e]

I was looking for a 350 but found a 390 and just said "what the hell" and bought it. I'm always working on it (but it is my hobby!) and I love having one of 103 cars instead of one of 850-odd...
As far as servicing/ repairs are concerned, it's no different to a 350 (unless the engine breaks and you need new pistons or whatever - but even that isn't insurmountable. I rebuilt my engine for £800, it's now a 400SE motor in effect). Just make sure it really does have a 3.9 and not a 3.5 in it...

Go for the SE: you know you want to....

Ian

[HarryW]

Isn't the 390 lump a blue printed, fully balanced etc hand built V8. Wereas the the 350 is bogo rover lump. The 390 is an SE which IMHO is second only to the SEAC in looks and noise.
Overall condition of any TVR is the main deciding factor for me, but given that once you've had it a while power and upgradeability do come into it. The 390 is the way I would go, but hey that's me .

Harry

[richa]

I have a 390SE that will be coming up for sale fairly soon

You don't say what sort of budget you have to buy one, or what the two cars in question are advertised at, and it also depends on how much you are prepared to spend on 'running costs'.

I was in exactly the same position as you when I bought my 390 just over four years ago. It just took one demonstration by the previous owner (in the wet ) of the 390 to persude me, but I have needed to spend huge amounts of money on it to make it good (and it is bloody good now!). For less money I could have had a good 350i (and occasionally wish I had), but the extra noise, speed, and the differences in the body have made it worthwhile.

Richa.

[BILTEL]

Unfortunately the 390se in question was sold yesterday!

I'm convinced that a 390 is what I'm after now. I was originally looking for a 350 as I've only got £5k spare ( 4th car!) and was happy with that, but now that I've missed a 390se for £5.5k and there's another on Autotrader for £4k, although the coluor may be the reason for that. My mind is made up, urr I think.

If you know of any up for grabs, let me know. It's not urgent as I'm out of the country for a few weeks. Anybody giving away their pristine, low mileage, fully loaded, never raced or rallied 390se is more than welcome to unload it on me

[danny hoffman]

I would go on condition - and I think the later shape 350i is better than the first 390se. Also depends how handy you are with a spanner.

But remember there is nothing worse than a sunny day and a wedge in bits in the garage.....

[2 sheds]

The 390 is IMO the better option, unless its a "dog".
They have the extra performance and sound track, not to mention rarity.
Tim

[BILTEL]

Thanks for the replies.

Looks like I'm in for a gentle and well thought out search. Which will never happen as I've always bought the first car I've looked at EEEkk.

[icarus]

Don't under-estimate the difference between 'a good car on the road and a great car in the garage'.

Any 350/390 will be fun - if it's your first one, and unless you want to spending time and money working on it.... go for a car in good condition that requires little work. (bear in mind that this won't necessarily be the more expensive car).

You will pay a premium (but possibly not much of one) for a 390.

Remember that even tho' the 350's were built in 'large' quantities, it's all a bit relative... 1000 cars is not a lot, and the wedge shape will catch eyes wherever.

You might be surprised just how much noise a 350 makes....

[njhucker]

Given the choice between a 350 & a 390, the 390 would be the more desirable. However if your budget is £5k, and assuming you have no more to do work on it, then a 350 is probably your only choice if you want a decent car. Remember, you will spend most of your time on A & B roads. Whats more important for rapid driving on these roads is good handling. A car that handles nicely is also fun, and a well set up 350 wont be left behind on country roads.