Thinking of buying TVR S ???
Discussion
Hi
seriously thinking of purchasing an S type, looked at one on Sunday but did not get to drive. I currently own a Mk1 MX5 1.8, can any one tell me how a S type compares to an MX5 for driving etc. what is the steering like on the S ?
appreciate your replies..... Also is there much difference between S1 & S2-3?
seriously thinking of purchasing an S type, looked at one on Sunday but did not get to drive. I currently own a Mk1 MX5 1.8, can any one tell me how a S type compares to an MX5 for driving etc. what is the steering like on the S ?
appreciate your replies..... Also is there much difference between S1 & S2-3?
martym said:
Hi
seriously thinking of purchasing an S type, looked at one on Sunday but did not get to drive. I currently own a Mk1 MX5 1.8, can any one tell me how a S type compares to an MX5 for driving etc. what is the steering like on the S ?
appreciate your replies..... Also is there much difference between S1 & S2-3?
You may have looked at one but did you listen to it?seriously thinking of purchasing an S type, looked at one on Sunday but did not get to drive. I currently own a Mk1 MX5 1.8, can any one tell me how a S type compares to an MX5 for driving etc. what is the steering like on the S ?
appreciate your replies..... Also is there much difference between S1 & S2-3?
That noise is addictive!
look at http://www.tvrsseries.com for some great info, look at useful links at the top of this forum there's loads more links to look at in there.
The chassis is the first, second and third thing you need to look at.
The mechanicals are for the most part mainstream, 2.8i/2.9i ford sierra except the V8S which is 3.9 Rangerover engine and Rover SD1 gearbox (which despite being an old design has massive support).
There's lots of choice out there at the moment - nothing is shifting so its silly offer time!
The other great thing is this forum
Chris
S1's are very cheap at the moment Martyn - don't pay over the odds.
I'd meet up with the guys above and maybe even have a look at the car with them in tow - a chassis problem could cost you more than the car is worth unless you're handy with a welder.
S1 is 2.8 litre, S2 and above have the later 2.9 litre engine.
(Absolutely nothing wrong with an S1)
Chris
I'd meet up with the guys above and maybe even have a look at the car with them in tow - a chassis problem could cost you more than the car is worth unless you're handy with a welder.
S1 is 2.8 litre, S2 and above have the later 2.9 litre engine.
(Absolutely nothing wrong with an S1)
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Wednesday 15th October 20:30
t and shiny shovel comes to mind!! Noise and fury and BIG grins. Need treating with a little respect but very fulfilling!!!Hi Martyn - try several cars and see which feels the best. As mentioned chassis/chassis ... The later cars used to be the better built ones; the S3&4s having longer doors which may be useful to you (or not). Condition is all important but many jobs are easy and cheap to do so see what needs sorting and look on here or ask for info/thoughts. Don't be afraid of it having done plenty of miles as they are often better when used and if it has been properly looked after it isn't a problem. As suggested above go and see some people who have one and they will be happy to show you about. This forum is very helpful with a good bunch of people who regularly post.
BUT be warned - the S can be addictive!! It is very enjoyable to drive and if bought sensibly should not cost a fortune to run...
Jim
PS - you know it makes sense! Because you're worth it - and all the other slogans
BUT be warned - the S can be addictive!! It is very enjoyable to drive and if bought sensibly should not cost a fortune to run...
Jim
PS - you know it makes sense! Because you're worth it - and all the other slogans
My other half had a Mk1 1.8 (not the S) and the steering on that (no PAS unlike the 1.8S) was as heavy as the TVR S. She now has a Mk2.5 1.8S with PAS and 45 section tyres and that has steering that is far sharper than the TVR S.
I'd expect that you'll find the suspension a bit (or possibly a lot) harsher and rougher than the MX5.
IMHO the Mk1 MX5 is the best one they made and if I something happened to my S then I'd seriously look at a Mk1 MX5 and fit a 2.5 V6 in it - or possibly something larger.
Do have a good look around and try to get a ride/drive in some before you commit yourself. The MX5 is a very competent car but is missing the V6 engine note and needs some extra oomph.
Jed
I'd expect that you'll find the suspension a bit (or possibly a lot) harsher and rougher than the MX5.
IMHO the Mk1 MX5 is the best one they made and if I something happened to my S then I'd seriously look at a Mk1 MX5 and fit a 2.5 V6 in it - or possibly something larger.
Do have a good look around and try to get a ride/drive in some before you commit yourself. The MX5 is a very competent car but is missing the V6 engine note and needs some extra oomph.
Jed
....I'd say just do it..
£4000 is a bit on the thick end for an S1, but it really depends on condition. The worst possible job on these cars is a dodgy chassis, as it will mean removing the body to fix it. Check every single part of the underbody metalwork if possible. Mechanicals are pretty straightforward, exhausts are vulnerable and a shade expensive, and make sure it doesn't overheat.
Apart from that, check the obvious visual and handling stuff, and if it's a good one, get it. They are great fun, will be far more involving than a MX5 ( unless my Mrs's one is crap)and as well as being a car, will be a talking point and a social event all rolled into one...the meetings can be very addictive..
Cheers
Ant
£4000 is a bit on the thick end for an S1, but it really depends on condition. The worst possible job on these cars is a dodgy chassis, as it will mean removing the body to fix it. Check every single part of the underbody metalwork if possible. Mechanicals are pretty straightforward, exhausts are vulnerable and a shade expensive, and make sure it doesn't overheat.
Apart from that, check the obvious visual and handling stuff, and if it's a good one, get it. They are great fun, will be far more involving than a MX5 ( unless my Mrs's one is crap)and as well as being a car, will be a talking point and a social event all rolled into one...the meetings can be very addictive..
Cheers
Ant
Jed-S said:
My other half had a Mk1 1.8 (not the S) and the steering on that (no PAS unlike the 1.8S) was as heavy as the TVR S. She now has a Mk2.5 1.8S with PAS and 45 section tyres and that has steering that is far sharper than the TVR S.
I'd expect that you'll find the suspension a bit (or possibly a lot) harsher and rougher than the MX5.
IMHO the Mk1 MX5 is the best one they made and if I something happened to my S then I'd seriously look at a Mk1 MX5 and fit a 2.5 V6 in it - or possibly something larger.
Do have a good look around and try to get a ride/drive in some before you commit yourself. The MX5 is a very competent car but is missing the V6 engine note and needs some extra oomph.
cheers for that... have owned 3 mk1 MX5`s they are a good motor, just fancy some thing else now, TVR will be a pure toy.
Jed
I'd expect that you'll find the suspension a bit (or possibly a lot) harsher and rougher than the MX5.
IMHO the Mk1 MX5 is the best one they made and if I something happened to my S then I'd seriously look at a Mk1 MX5 and fit a 2.5 V6 in it - or possibly something larger.
Do have a good look around and try to get a ride/drive in some before you commit yourself. The MX5 is a very competent car but is missing the V6 engine note and needs some extra oomph.
cheers for that... have owned 3 mk1 MX5`s they are a good motor, just fancy some thing else now, TVR will be a pure toy.
Jed
[quote=Tant]....I'd say just do it..
£4000 is a bit on the thick end for an S1, but it really depends on condition. The worst possible job on these cars is a dodgy chassis, as it will mean removing the body to fix it. Check every single part of the underbody metalwork if possible. Mechanicals are pretty straightforward, exhausts are vulnerable and a shade expensive, and make sure it doesn't overheat.
Apart from that, check the obvious visual and handling stuff, and if it's a good one, get it. They are great fun, will be far more involving than a MX5 ( unless my Mrs's one is crap)and as well as being a car, will be a talking point and a social event all rolled into one...the meetings can be very addictive..
Cheers
Thanks, this is car I am thinking of getting. does any body know of this car on here ?
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/723643.htm
£4000 is a bit on the thick end for an S1, but it really depends on condition. The worst possible job on these cars is a dodgy chassis, as it will mean removing the body to fix it. Check every single part of the underbody metalwork if possible. Mechanicals are pretty straightforward, exhausts are vulnerable and a shade expensive, and make sure it doesn't overheat.
Apart from that, check the obvious visual and handling stuff, and if it's a good one, get it. They are great fun, will be far more involving than a MX5 ( unless my Mrs's one is crap)and as well as being a car, will be a talking point and a social event all rolled into one...the meetings can be very addictive..
Cheers
Thanks, this is car I am thinking of getting. does any body know of this car on here ?
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/723643.htm
martym said:
cheers for that... have owned 3 mk1 MX5`s they are a good motor, just fancy some thing else now, TVR will be a pure toy.
The S is certainly different from the MX5 and provided you don't expect the practicality of the MX5 (that's not a word usually associated with the MX5) then it could be the motor for you. It'll certainly be faster and not much less economical either and it turns heads.martym said:
Thanks, this is car I am thinking of getting. does any body know of this car on here ?
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/723643.htm
Just because its at a dealer doesn't mean you can't have a go at chipping down the price!http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/723643.htm
Still a bit pricey for an S1 but if its really exceptional then maybe, but no dealer in the current climate expects to get the asking price. You know what I'm saying here.
They will be stuck with that car (and many others) over winter now so there's no harm in a rudely low offer...
By the way if you like your creature comforts the S1 doesn't have electric windows.
S1's do seem to hang about in the classifieds if you decide to sell later, just worth bearing in mind, there's nothing wrong with them but I think some buyers may look for later spec cars.
Bear in mind that a V8S with 'Patina' recently sold for £4750, and the V8S generally is at a fair premium over the V6.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/699202.htm
Chris
- Edited to add from the pictures it does look a very nice example - though a proper inspection will soon tell you otherwise if it has problems. Chassis, Chassis, Chassis & Trailing arms are a must to be checked!
Edited by Barkychoc on Thursday 16th October 17:48
I'd seriously look at this one if you want a bargain S.
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/735855.htm
He's done all the hard work including suspension (that's 500+ notes normally) and it has a 2.9 engine which pushes out more torque. Only downside is that it is a long way from you.
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/735855.htm
He's done all the hard work including suspension (that's 500+ notes normally) and it has a 2.9 engine which pushes out more torque. Only downside is that it is a long way from you.
Do it......... it will prove the best decision you ever made, the S appeal is like no other. I have owned lots of more expensive cars but never more than 1 year, I had my V8S for 5 years. I just never got bored of the smile it gave me every time I drove it. Even now I have bought a car that is much much better in so mane ways BUT it doesnt have the character of the S, I still miss the V8S, especially the noise 
You will not regret buying an S
Mike
You will not regret buying an S
Mike
Jed-S said:
I'd seriously look at this one if you want a bargain S.
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/735855.htm
He's done all the hard work including suspension (that's 500+ notes normally) and it has a 2.9 engine which pushes out more torque. Only downside is that it is a long way from you.
Is it me or is that an S 4x4?http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/735855.htm
He's done all the hard work including suspension (that's 500+ notes normally) and it has a 2.9 engine which pushes out more torque. Only downside is that it is a long way from you.
The suspension looks very high - or is it me?
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