TVR Sagaris n00b

[turb0mik3]

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...

[turb0mik3]

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]

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!