Buying a V6 S series - what to look for?

[chris71]

Hi,

I'm going to start looking round for an S in the near future, can anyone suggest some specific things to look out for?

Chris.

[petclub]

Hi Chris, I think most people will suggest making sure the chasis is sound as being the most important thing about the S. Dave

[silverback mike]

Hi Chris,
Firstly, a great choice, they are marvellous.

Points to look out for...

1. Chassis - - have a good poke around underneath especially the outrigger ends, these are the tubular bits that run from front to back.

2. Engine - pretty good, some leak a bit of oil, but it's a strong ford unit, and in the S3's it's the 2.9 so has a bit more torque

3. Other oily bits - pretty easy to fix and obtain.

4. Hood, back window stitching, and general condition, a bonus if it doesn't leak

They are cracking cars, everything is relatively easy to get to, the electrics can be a pain in the arse, but then again, they are getting on a bit now. I had no major problems with my S3C, come to think of it, none of my tvr's have been that traumatic, just drive it and enjoy it. TVR's are better when driven all year.

[aquaregia]

HI Chris the chassis as has been said is the key get a good look under the car, if there is evidence that the owner has taken the time to hammerite and wax oil then that is a good sign. Behind the front wheels is an area to have a good look at. Check the seat belt mounts behind the rear wheel arches they get a lot of muck thrown on them. Also as I found with my old S3c check the cooling. Often the cap on the swirl tank does not fit correctly and you get coolant being chucked out. Another issue on cooling is to make sure the fan kicks in. Have the owner let the car run at idle and check it does that. I think the fan should come on just above 90 degrees ish? I had a overide switch fitted to mine so I could switch the fan on in traffic, I have fitted one to my V8s now. But if the owner has done this still check the fan cuts in. The radiators can go to so look around to see of signs of leakage. Exahaust and manifolds can be an issue, the exhaust on the S towards the front can get a bashing, have a look underneath and you may see dents in the pipes. The issue here is it can stress the manifolds and cause cracks. Look over the manifolds see if there are any leaks or cracks. New manifolds are readily available but the studs can be a problem if they shear its normally a head off job. I replaced my whole system with a stainless one. If you can find a car thats had this done its a huge bonus. Springs may have sagged so the cars can be lower then normal. Oh and crazing in the fibre glass is costly to have put right. Look over the stress points on the bonnet, around the air scoop and on the S3c on the side vents. Small cracks are ok anything worse could be a problem. Doors can sag with age have a good look.

Many owners have now uprated their cars with stainless sports exhausts and manifolds, new springs and shocks. Theses are the best buys as you will at some point have to replace these. I have just fitted new shocks, springs manifold and exhaust to my V8s.

Get out and drive a few and if you can strectch your budget go for the V8s, its wonderful.

[aquaregia]

Chris read the gamekeepers quote on info on classifieds topic useful.

[profstoff]

There's a very good buyers guide here and another here.
As has been said before check the chassis, particularly the outriggers. Also, drive as many as you can, they are all different.
Good luck and enjoy the hunting.

[doddze]

There is a very good S up for sale in Essex. Contact yellow Peril in the Sagaris forum for details. I know the chap who owns it and it is immaculate.... even by my standards.. I don't know how much it up for sale for.