To buy or not to buy???

[King115]

Hello all,
I'm new to this forum, although I often look at Pistonheads. I'm searching for an ideal car for my needs, and was hoping someone here might be able to give me a bit of advice.

My budget is limited, but I think I should be able to get hold of a reasonable S3, possibly even stretch to a V8S. I think I have two main concerns. Firstly, how costly it would be to run on a daily basis (it would be my only car), although I wouldn't be doing huge mileage (10,000 a year perhaps).

My other concern is that I don't have a garage. I know you can get car covers, but obviously this wouldn't completely protect it from the elements. Any thoughts?

I'm grateful for any advice.

[Harry Flashman]

Unfortunately I can't help you toomuch as my car lives in a garaged and only gets used at weekends; but one thing about the V6 S is that if you are at all mechanically competent, you can dramatically decrease running costs by doing things yourself, especially routine maintenance. Don't know about the V8 though.

I wouldn't want to run one as an everyday car though - the chassis is "lively", and they are not at all relaxing to drive in the wet. Mind you, I'm probably just being a great big girl's blouse.

[page3]

My S is my only car and lives outside.

Never really thought about running costs - it just costs what it does. I'd say around £300-£500 per service including the things that need doing - less if you do stuff yourself. I tend not to as being my only car I need it to be drivable!

[mowog]

My S3 is my only car and is kept outside.

I have run TVR's as everyday cars for 5 years and up to 18-20,000 miles/year.

This higher mileage does tend to take its toll and accelerate wear on lots of components. I have noticed as my mileage has reduced less things go wrong with the car!

At 10k p.a.you should be fine - just keep on top of any niggles before they became more significant. Also, think about the prospect of driving in the middle of winter with all the snow/ice/rain/salt.

My all round running costs are significantly less than a previous Griff - you can take on many aspects of maintenance yourself if your're up for it.

Take you time and find a good one.......

Good luck
Darren

[jons_s3]

It might be worth contacting Wildfire (you should be able to find him in the members listing). He owned my S3 before me and I think he used it as a day to day car for a while.

[King115]

Thanks for the advice

There are very few cars that catch my eye, and importantly are in my price range. I've always had a bit of a thing for Alfas, but the TVR is edging it at the moment!

Can you recommend any websites to keep my eye on?

Thanks

[Roy C]

www.tvrsseries.com/

[WorGC]

My S1.5 is in the classifieds. It was bought as a third(!) car, but became my daily drive as I couldn't bear to leave it in the garage. It'll kill me to part with it, but in 12 months I'll be back on the road.

[Pies]

This lives outside 24/7,with only a Leven cover

[King115]

Pies said:

This lives outside 24/7,with only a Leven cover

Pies, I am suitably impressed!

[oldred]

King115 said:

Pies said: This lives outside 24/7,with only a Leven cover Pies, I am suitably impressed!

Yes but it is standard car.

[Wildfire]

oldred said:

King115 said: Pies said: This lives outside 24/7,with only a Leven cover Pies, I am suitably impressed! Yes but it is standard car.

You know that Colin's car is completely standard!! Just like my Griff!


Anyhow, I kept my S3 outside in the NE for 2 years, with a Leven Cover, and ran it through all weather!! Snow, rain everything, it never gave any trouble. The whole car ran faultlessly and as I was meticulous about cleaning it was in great condition when I sold it to jonS3.