how do I get to drive one!?

[shnozz]

I think that an S is the right one for me. Awaiting bonus time to get shot of my current heap and done some research in last 5 or so months (bought the "bible", been to the S meet at Virginia Waters etc).

However, still have not driven an S and this is obviously a large factor in deciding. Am looking at buying privately as well so this does not help......

How did any of you private buyers get to drive one before you bought? Anyone have any ideas?

[pdavison]

If you're seriously looking, then I wouldn't have a problem in you taking a drive in mine.

Only proviso - if you crash it - you've bought it !

Am I right in thinking you're in Southampton? If so I'm in Camberley, about 40 minutes up the M3.

Drop me an email if you would be interested.

Cheers

Paul

[M@H]

a quick thought.. anyone doing this sort of thing make sure the person who doesn't own the car, has 3rd party cover (at least) to drive another vehicle "not belongng to him/her" on their existing car policy.. (or the owner has any driver cover)..

Otherwise.. if you hit a pedestrian/anything else, the vehicle owner could be in deep sh!t along with the other person for driving whilst un-insured..

Cheers
Matt.

[JSG]

I would suggest test driving a couple at dealers first to see if you really want one, and then checking out the private sales if that's the way you want to go.

Cheers,
JSG.

[johno]

Take mine for a spin at the next S meet if you want, within reason etc etc

Haven't got a problem with it.

Cheers

Mark

[alisonh]

I bought privately but must have looked trustworthy as I was just handed the keys of an S3 to go for a test drive (15/20 mins) with a mechanic friend who came to look over it for me. We did leave another car and keys behind with the seller however.

Mind you, doubt I'd do the same if I was selling but it was nice to experience and proves that there are some people out there willing to risk it … and I did end up buying after a quick HPI check. Prior to that I managed to borrow an S2 to play with for an afternoon which got me hooked. Dealers are probably your best bet otherwise as JSG says. Good luck.

[Paul V]

Most private sellers will let you take it for a spin, sort out your budget then have a look at a few in your price range, I test drove 3 car’s a S3c, S3 before I ended up buying my S2.

[shnozz]

thanks all for your replies so far - johno & pdavison especially for your offers.

my "proper" previous cars have been bought from dealers so had the chance to drive them first. the other heaps didnt matter so much and were worth peanuts so didn't mind driving them TP under my own policy to check they went in a straight line!

call me a sad git but feel too cheeky to take a dealers car for a spin with the sole intention of buying privately! it would be the solution i feel though as would avoid a TP only insurance cover situation and would hate to do that in someones pride and joy (and Tivs are all their owners prode and joy!)

i think i'll keep my eyes on gassing - plus keep a look out for an S at a local garage - maybe a trip to Mr Blyth's is in order. once my bonus is paid in, track one down and see if i can phone my insurers and switch comp cover on a private sellers car for an hour or something. a thought anyway

PS - if anyone is going for a blast from Soton area in their S, would be keen to accompany them as passenger to get some idea of the drive.

cheers

[HarryW]

Shnozz

Just got the V8S and work in Southampton! actually right by where you live, I think(?) from I can work out from your previous postings. However I won't be taking it to work just yet in this sh*tty weather but I will when the forecast is clear for the day. When I do I'll give you a shout on here (PH) and meet up for a lunchtime blat or something.

Harry

[shnozz]

Harry - that would be great. Have watched your progress in buying the V8 - didnt know you were from Soton! you'll know doubt know what I mean about trying to source one down here then! no whatever happens, do not get me addicted to that V8 rumble as the V6 is going to cost me plenty enough in petrol!

would be great to go for a spin. i live in waterside park - just by soton sailing club? work in town itself - by the law courts. the pics of the car look fantastic and cant wait to see it about the town.

[al l]

phil,
why not keep good eye on the local dealers and arrange a test drive if the have the stock. I tested a S3 at Fernhurst then bought an S2 private after picking their brains. Also live near harry, good luck.
al

[shnozz]

cheers for that Al - see you are only down in Stubbington too - whilst wouldn't like these to become too common, its nice to know there are a few around to wave at and convey to any meets etc.

have looked at Fernhurst for some time but never seen an S for sale there - will keep eyes peeled though....



>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 12th February 18:24

[martins2]

Looks like theres loads of people in soton, perhaps we should all get together when the sun shines?

Out of interest i followed an s2 through botley b4 christmas is it any of u guys?

[aphelion]

... and yet another S on the south coast (well, almost the coast - V8S in Winchester) A south coast S meet sounds like a great idea, roll on the good weather

[al l]

Could have been me near botley, my s2 is light blue metalic the it sounded like a tank pre exhaust repair, im sure harry the great organiser could put something together for us southern boys/girls, come on that sunshine.
al

[nala]

Yet another S3 near Soton. Dark blue J reg. May have been me in Botley before Xmas. At 61, I may be a little bit older than most of you, but I'm still only 18 inside.

[martin2000]

Great idea for a meet around soton, perhaps a run up the meon valley with a pub lunch? Easter could be good, unless you're a vicar of course. Just enough time for me to get the polish out on the daily runner.

On a different note anyone recomend any good litle local places for services etc?

Martin
Brooklands Green S2

[shnozz]

me come, me come, me come!!!

any passenger seats going free?

[GBGaffer]

Whilst not quite resident in Soton, I spend most of my time in Bursledon, and would also like to join the convoy if there is a run out. (What is the collective noun for a group of S's? )

Shnozz - did you get your drive yet?

I am without the S at the moment, as it's being 'fettled' by Peninsula, but hope to have it back by the weekend.

[HarryW]

quote:
Great idea for a meet around soton, perhaps a run up the meon valley with a pub lunch?
Martin
Brooklands Green S2

Have to see what the weather holds in store for us
Considering a blat up the Meon Valley across to the Arun valley (Pulborough?)and then back down the coast road to Goodwood to poss meet up with the W Sussex chapter of the TVRCC. They meet on the third Sunday of the month there, believe they have a tyre kicking session prior to a blat and a pub lunch, must speak to their RO first though.
If weather not p*ssing monsoon grade droplets any takers? If so I'll give the RO a ring to check details so as to plan the pre-blat blat

Harry and a Green V8S(HC)