Buying my first S!
Discussion
Hi guys, I'm looking to get my first TVR and have decided to go for a S.
I've been surfing hard the last couple of weeks and have found many useful sites/forums.
I have read the buying guide on here and other sites but i have some questions.
Should i steer clear of cars that have done 100k+ ?
Am i better paying a little more for later cars i.e. S3's?
any help would be gratefully recieved.
Mike
I've been surfing hard the last couple of weeks and have found many useful sites/forums.
I have read the buying guide on here and other sites but i have some questions.
Should i steer clear of cars that have done 100k+ ?
Am i better paying a little more for later cars i.e. S3's?
any help would be gratefully recieved.
Mike
hi mate, welcome.
it depends what you are looking for, the s mechanically is pretty bulletproof and cheap to repair. you should be more concerned about electrics and most importantly chassis!!!! which are most definately not cheap.
be sure to get an electrically sound one as its just cost me 1500 to get mine up to spec.
one that has chassis rot just avoid like the plague but im sure you'll find most S owners treat the chassis every year so not a major problem.
as for the model it depends on personal taste.
The s3/4 are the best equipped, have a better engine etc.
I personally have an early s1 as I prefer the interior and I wanted a car I could restore myself, most s2 / s3 are pretty well maintained.
I'm sure the guys here will not completely agree with me on above but owning an S is all about individuality and personal opinions, besides which every s is as individual as the owner- its why we love 'em
it depends what you are looking for, the s mechanically is pretty bulletproof and cheap to repair. you should be more concerned about electrics and most importantly chassis!!!! which are most definately not cheap.
be sure to get an electrically sound one as its just cost me 1500 to get mine up to spec.
one that has chassis rot just avoid like the plague but im sure you'll find most S owners treat the chassis every year so not a major problem.
as for the model it depends on personal taste.
The s3/4 are the best equipped, have a better engine etc.
I personally have an early s1 as I prefer the interior and I wanted a car I could restore myself, most s2 / s3 are pretty well maintained.
I'm sure the guys here will not completely agree with me on above but owning an S is all about individuality and personal opinions, besides which every s is as individual as the owner- its why we love 'em
Hi Mike
Good choice in car I think everyone here will agree.
100+ plus is fine as long as price reflects the mileage and the car has been well
looked after.
I think you mean the S3C, not S3S.
The S3C is only different in that it has CATS and a limited slip diff.
Worth getting that if you can and taking the CATS off. This is what I did
.
And if you get a pre 94 there is no problem going though a MOT without them.
There is sooooooo much more info you need to know before buying, and being that Im a
bit lazy I suggest you search this forum and read the buyers guide for what to look for on the car.
Hope this helps and good luck finding her
Good choice in car I think everyone here will agree.
100+ plus is fine as long as price reflects the mileage and the car has been well
looked after.
I think you mean the S3C, not S3S.
The S3C is only different in that it has CATS and a limited slip diff.
Worth getting that if you can and taking the CATS off. This is what I did
. And if you get a pre 94 there is no problem going though a MOT without them.
There is sooooooo much more info you need to know before buying, and being that Im a
bit lazy I suggest you search this forum and read the buyers guide for what to look for on the car.
Hope this helps and good luck finding her
DodgyDave said:
I think you mean the S3C, not S3S.
Dave think he might have meant S3's as in the S3 range...?
Welcome to the S fold Mike you wont regret it for sure, the S is a fantastic car the only drawback being you will never want to sell it..? As for which model, condition is more relevant than model, although if you are tall, the S3/S4 have longer doors which help getting in and the S3 onwards feels better built. Whichever you choose you wont be disappointed.
Enjoy, look forward to seeing the pics of your new motor.
Mike
Cheers guys thanks for the feedback, just what i wanted to know tbh!
I have always loved the S ever since i saw my first one as a nipper! and can totally agree with their individuality as cars, one thing that has drawn me to them.
I am well aware of the need to get a sound car chassis wise having had plenty of experience with Mini's and there rot problems over the years but what should i look for electrically on the S?
At 5'11",I assume i'm not considered tall in relation to fitting in an S? as for price for a 100k+ car what would you consider a fair price?
I have always loved the S ever since i saw my first one as a nipper! and can totally agree with their individuality as cars, one thing that has drawn me to them.
I am well aware of the need to get a sound car chassis wise having had plenty of experience with Mini's and there rot problems over the years but what should i look for electrically on the S?
At 5'11",I assume i'm not considered tall in relation to fitting in an S? as for price for a 100k+ car what would you consider a fair price?
Hi Mike,
I will echo everything that has already been said. I have an S3C minus the C.
If you are reasonably tall, the longer doors are a definate bonus. Interiors are purely a personal thing, I prefer the later style dash.
Not much difference other than the S3 has the engine with a bit more torque, and lsd. Either way, S1,S2 or S3 they are a bundle of fun. I drive mine every day, rain or shine up and down the motorway.
Check the outriggers on the chassis. Mine has loads of little faults, ie passenger door dropped, small hole in rear window....etc etc. you forget it all when you are giving it some beans up the motorway entry slip roof down in the rain at 2am
I will echo everything that has already been said. I have an S3C minus the C
. If you are reasonably tall, the longer doors are a definate bonus. Interiors are purely a personal thing, I prefer the later style dash.
Not much difference other than the S3 has the engine with a bit more torque, and lsd. Either way, S1,S2 or S3 they are a bundle of fun. I drive mine every day, rain or shine up and down the motorway.
Check the outriggers on the chassis. Mine has loads of little faults, ie passenger door dropped, small hole in rear window....etc etc. you forget it all when you are giving it some beans up the motorway entry slip roof down in the rain at 2am
I wouldn't worry to be honest. The engines are fine for that sort of mileage, and if the body/chassis is ok, then buy it (as long as it's a sensible price and has been regularly serviced)
The other thing, they are simple to fix, a big hammer and a set of spanners sorts most things out
. Personally I would rather buy a car that has been continually used and looked after than one that has sat idle for a long time. I find these cars are better when regularly used....saying that I was harping on not long ago about hibernating mine as I don't want it to get wrecked....it's about time I made my mind up, but I guarantee I won't end up hibernating it, it's too much of a hoot.
The other thing, they are simple to fix, a big hammer and a set of spanners sorts most things out
. Personally I would rather buy a car that has been continually used and looked after than one that has sat idle for a long time. I find these cars are better when regularly used....saying that I was harping on not long ago about hibernating mine as I don't want it to get wrecked....it's about time I made my mind up, but I guarantee I won't end up hibernating it, it's too much of a hoot.I would say that, even at this time of year, that is a good price.
Providing there are no demons.
AS a mini man, I guess you are probably ok with a set of spanners. If so, other than chassis, most things are easily rectified.
I would suggest reviewing the rear dampers if it has AVO's up front as the rears may be lagging a little behind.
I hope you get the deal done as you won't regret it.
G
Providing there are no demons.
AS a mini man, I guess you are probably ok with a set of spanners. If so, other than chassis, most things are easily rectified.
I would suggest reviewing the rear dampers if it has AVO's up front as the rears may be lagging a little behind.
I hope you get the deal done as you won't regret it.
G
minimike said:
1990 S2 in White with a black interior & Full history from day one.
Blimey, sounds like mine. Better check the garage!
114K miles is not high mileage for a car of this age which should be judged on condition.
Check the trailing arms which are prone to rot.
More buyers guides at www.tvrsseries.com/
The Bible
www.pistonheads.com/sales/50249.htm
This one has been knocking around for a while at 5k. Worth a look?
It's a nice colour too, red seats though.
Has anybody viewed it. I'd have a look myself but why are they always the wrong end of a motorway.
This one has been knocking around for a while at 5k. Worth a look?
It's a nice colour too, red seats though.
Has anybody viewed it. I'd have a look myself but why are they always the wrong end of a motorway.
me again, im 6'5 and mines an s1, i find it ok geting in and out of doors, the height of the car is more a problem for access for tall people.
if your tall prob need a smaller steering wheel, only prob I had.
sounds a fair price, I paid 3.3k for mine and it was not the best, just lots and lots and lots of history, sound chassis and low mileage,
whichever S you buy- your gonna love it from the first turn of the key
if your tall prob need a smaller steering wheel, only prob I had.
sounds a fair price, I paid 3.3k for mine and it was not the best, just lots and lots and lots of history, sound chassis and low mileage,
whichever S you buy- your gonna love it from the first turn of the key
Hi
I have an S2 with 133k on the clock. Definately do not be put off by the mileage, mine has so much history right back from day 1 and oil changes every 3-4000 miles. She never smokes or misses a beat and i've been advised will be good for 200k at least.
The chasis is the main thing as its harder to replace than a new engine. check outriggers & trailing arms as mentioned.
When you view it, just have a look at the owner as well as the car. If he loves it to bits & is genuinely sad to see it go, then you'll know he has cared for it
good luck & welcome
I have an S2 with 133k on the clock. Definately do not be put off by the mileage, mine has so much history right back from day 1 and oil changes every 3-4000 miles. She never smokes or misses a beat and i've been advised will be good for 200k at least.
The chasis is the main thing as its harder to replace than a new engine. check outriggers & trailing arms as mentioned.
When you view it, just have a look at the owner as well as the car. If he loves it to bits & is genuinely sad to see it go, then you'll know he has cared for it
good luck & welcome
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