First Car...

[s-p]

First post, so please be gentle!

Having finally started the process of learning to drive at the tender age of 23 (yes I know, rather late in the day), I'm on the look out for potential cars which I could purchase once that magic day comes. I've looked at a relatively broad spectrum of car and have finally settled on getting a 2 seater of some variety. With the lack of commitments at this point in my life, it seems a perfect opportunity to take advantage of having no requirement for rear seats.

Initially I was thinking modern (MX5, MR2, Z4, 350Z), but then stumbled across a couple of TVR cars which took my fancy. At first I dismissed them simply due to the insurance premiums. The quotes from mainstream brokers looked rather daunting, but that's to be expected given my age and lack of experience. Whilst in theory I could afford the 2k+ on insurance, there's no way I'm able to justify that amount of money. But it did get me thinking... what about a slightly older generation TVR (S series, Wedge)? Is a classic car insurer like Hagerty going to be willing to insurance someone in my situation (anyone with previous experience?). The car would have very limited mileage done on it (2-3k pa at max) as I'll have access to a 1.6 Focus.

So why a TVR? Well to start with, it's in no way due to the power available in these machines. I thought I'd try and get that message across first! My desire is simply for open top driving in a car that looks stunningly beautiful (in my eyes), whilst being relatively unique. The ability to maintain the car unlike most modern cars is also considered a major benefit. Whilst it will probably engage far more of my time/energy than an Z4, I'll appreciate, respect and learn far more looking after one of these than I ever would with today's bland cars.

I've got a budget of approximately 10k (excluding insurance premiums) which I hope would be enough for 2-3 years of driving an S2/S3. I appreciate maintanence costs aren't as low as a mainstream production cars, so have enough put aside in the event of a complete re-build being need.

So based upon that, is there any major reason why I shouldn't consider entering the market for an S3? Or are there far more accommodating alternatives available that would suit a first time driver? I've got a fair bit of reading up to do first, but thought I'd put it across to hear the views of current/past TVR owners who are probably in a far better position to advise.

Cheers for listening.

[ChrisGadd]

Go for it given your budget you should be able to pick up a well looked after car that will just need general maintenance.
These cars have far more character than those Euro boxes and will get heads turning.
You should be able to get reasonable insurance given your limited milage and a lot of insurance companies class these cars as classic and as such reduces the premium.
I know you have said that performance isn't the main reason for looking at the S series but once you get the feel for driving these cars you won't be able to drive steady and the sound will bring a huge smile on your face.
Test drive a few and I'm sure you'll be smitten

[ketvrin]

Ditto above... with that kind of budget you can afford to be choosey... maybe even employ the services of someone to seek out a good one for you... Rob Ingleby does this but I have no experience of his services...

good luck with your search and I am sure you will be pleased with your eventual buy

K

[Barkychoc]

Give hagerty insurance a call to see if they will cover you.
There are others but generally they are very favourable on rates.

http://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/

also look at http://www.tvrsseries.com

The chassis is the thing to watch for - there's plenty of info in the buyers guide on the above website.

Tom's car here --> http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/563540.htm
looked very nice at S Club Heaven - it caught my eye Tom!

Chris

[s-p]

Thanks guys, really appreciate the prompt and positive responses!

Will give Hagerty a call over the next few days to see what sort of deal they could do. Any idea if they're available on the phone for sales enquiries over the weekend?

Kev - I've seen Rob Ingleby's name banded about a few times so will see what sort of service he provides. Given my lack of experience all things car related, it might be advisable to seek that sort of advice. At least for my first purchase.

Chris - Had a look at that TVR last night and thought it looked particularly nice (especially the colour - is that wrong!). Just a pity it's the otherside of the country to me. But then again, I guess I'm going to have to do a fair bit of travelling to find the right one.

Thanks again

[Dave_M]

Hagerty are highly likely to insure you at a good price.

I was thinking of buying a 280 wedge a couple of months ago and adding my son to the insurance. When he turns 20 they will cover him and the amount was really, really low (mind you he wrote his GTi off yesterday, 7 hours in hospital but all involved seem reasonably OK ).

[Dave_M]

Oh, also you may want to contact your local TVR CC RO and see if there is anyone who knows of any local cars.

Your budget would also get you a V8S (insurance for me is only £30 more pa).

Good luck

[s-p]

Dave_M said:

Hagerty are highly likely to insure you at a good price.

I was thinking of buying a 280 wedge a couple of months ago and adding my son to the insurance. When he turns 20 they will cover him and the amount was really, really low (mind you he wrote his GTi off yesterday, 7 hours in hospital but all involved seem reasonably OK ).

Sounds nasty! Glad to hear it's all ok though. Just hopeful that Hagerty will be as sympathetic to my situation as they seem to have been with yourself when enquiring to get your son covered.

Although the idea of a V8S sounds nice, it's probably best I limit myself to the V6. At least for the first few months of ownership