Sell me the T350

[Wozy68]

For years and years I quiety kept an eye on the T350 in the classifieds . I've been 200 miles to look at one and then at the 11th hour backed off. I've test driven a beautiful black one at a dealer but it had an annoying rattle from the dash which they seemed indifferent to put right, so walked away.

I'm really an aircooled Porsche man, but the prices are going mental. so now I'm in the position to sell my 993 and look at something different (and without having to borrow for it, that would be a nono at the moment)... its not my kind of fun to think that a car is becoming valuable so then you shouldnt add miles to it, it takes the fun away.

Hence looking through the classifieds. I want something that isnt 'run of the mill' and low and behold, I'm back after 4 years looking again and again at the T350.

Never owing a TVR, I do wonder about reliability. I drive a couple of thousand miles a time on a couple of trips to Spain and back a year, yet I worry that the 350 might cause trouble. This I freely admit I have only heard in pub talk. So what I'm after is the pros and cons of owning one, and what I should look out for that should have been done to it, or a bargaining tool if it hasn't been done, what extras it should have and is there a good and a bad year to buy etc etc

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for German levels of engineering, I like the thought the TVR was a handbuilt car and the quikiness that brings, however I havent a bottomless bag of dosh to keep putting one right. Is the engine capable of higher mileage for example? I like driving my weekend toy around 6K miles a year.

Lastly, what do owners think of the Targa? I've heard they can be noisy at speeds above 70 and it can be irrating, is this really the case.

Thanks in advance

Edited by Wozy68 on Wednesday 17th September 15:09

[Wozy68]

Thanks guys its very much appreciated. I like the idea of having to warm through the engine before driving off, all part of the experience to me.
Interesting ref post 2004 model as well. I guess if it was built earlier, but engine rebuilt post 2004 the engine should be better!!

[Wozy68]

I see what your saying. Considering I've owned quite a few cars over the years I am surprised I've not really looked at TVR other than the 350.
It is a very pretty car to my eyes and of course fast. I think it was the attraction of being more 'grown up' for a better word than the more lairy earlier cars that rock my boat. Not dishing the earlier cars mind.

[Wozy68]

SAGTAFF said:

Rib said:

Tbh, I think with tvrs you either get it or don't. Usually just the look and noise of them is enough to convince most owners, if not then a quick drive soon convinces them. If you've drove a nice one but a little rattle has put you off I'm not 100% sure a hand built tvr is for you, especially if your coming from the Germany half.

I agree with this 100% and if you need someone else to try and convince you then its probably best staying away!

To be honest I loved it. The rattle sounded like the front end was not bolted on correctly. Annoying yes but it was more the lack of interest from the (tvr) dealer that bothered me most considering it was a 30k possible sale.

[Wozy68]

I must admit that I was talking aircooled 911 like, which basically it seems is the same. Ie no more thN 3k revs until oil is up to temp which is usually around 6 miles until warm in summer