V8S for 9K - golden opportunity or misery to come?
Discussion
After a summer looking for the 'right' TVR conv. (my first), a V8S was my first choice. After looking at a number of examples and seeing the price of A1 cars from dealers, I decided my budget (8K-9K) wouldn't stretch and I moved onto a V6, my preference being an S2 or 3000S (both achievable well within my budget).
Then I spot a V8S through a reputable dealer at £9K !!! What to do ? Can it really be the good deal ie seems. 78K miles, 1991.
Some good (and some dodgy history - a £1k5 insurance repair a couple of years back) and it did not enjoy tlc from the previous owner, but the dealer has resprayed bonnet, new ss ex., rear arms replaced, years MOT, service, new walnut dash and general tidy-up before selling.
I'm tempted, but .....
Then I spot a V8S through a reputable dealer at £9K !!! What to do ? Can it really be the good deal ie seems. 78K miles, 1991.
Some good (and some dodgy history - a £1k5 insurance repair a couple of years back) and it did not enjoy tlc from the previous owner, but the dealer has resprayed bonnet, new ss ex., rear arms replaced, years MOT, service, new walnut dash and general tidy-up before selling.
I'm tempted, but .....
You do need to look long and hard for a nice one. I took more than a year and in the end gave up on dealers as they mostly seemed to have tatty and expensive ones. I would worry most about the chassis, body and trim condition as once they are tatty it is difficault to correct. Engine wise it is basicly a V8 landrover so no big deal on most of the parts. At 44k I should check the clutch and that the Limited slip dif is Ok. Also The cam and followers can get a bit rattly. If you havn't driven a TVR before floor the throttle in 2nd or 3rd ( 1st will just spin the wheels) and you should be frightened otherwise it is lacking power. (don't try it in the wet)
If the chassis has paint and WaxOil, the numbers match, and the oil pressure is OK, then I should go for it. Iv'e had mine for four years now and usually only keep toy cars six months, only thinking about changing it now. Fantastic, Loud, Fast and quite rare compaired to a griff.
When I got mine I called TVR and they confirmed the spec engine No, chassis No color ect. Paid a lot more than 9k though 4 years ago.
Oh, also check the exaust manifold as they tend to split and are difficault to weld.
If the chassis has paint and WaxOil, the numbers match, and the oil pressure is OK, then I should go for it. Iv'e had mine for four years now and usually only keep toy cars six months, only thinking about changing it now. Fantastic, Loud, Fast and quite rare compaired to a griff.
When I got mine I called TVR and they confirmed the spec engine No, chassis No color ect. Paid a lot more than 9k though 4 years ago.
Oh, also check the exaust manifold as they tend to split and are difficault to weld.
We saw a blue (lighter than mica)V8S with a magnolia interior and 78K on the clock. It was a private sale in N Yorks. It was advertised for £8,000 and the vendor said he was going to sell it to a dealer for £7200 if we didn't buy it. What a bucket!!!!We drove 600 miles round trip to see that car
.
Where do I start. The bonnet hinge on the passenger side was loose so the bonnet had gently worn away the upper edge of the wing as it rested there. The exhaust was held together with "play-do" in several places. The chassis was badly rusted all over except the rear swing arms, which were new. The drivers seat had collapsed and the center console had been punctured several times; presumably with the roof panels falling on it. Even the dashboard had NO veneer left on it.You get the gist. From when we left home until when we got to Yorks that car changed from "good runner" to "good project".
We have seen a few tidy cars for £10000. You might be lucky and get a good one for £9000 privately but I doubt you could get a good V8S from a dealer for that money.
All I'm saying is don't waste a lot of time chasing "bargains" because they are invariably not. If the above description rings true, walk away because it has had a hard life whatever it looks like now.
. Where do I start. The bonnet hinge on the passenger side was loose so the bonnet had gently worn away the upper edge of the wing as it rested there. The exhaust was held together with "play-do" in several places. The chassis was badly rusted all over except the rear swing arms, which were new. The drivers seat had collapsed and the center console had been punctured several times; presumably with the roof panels falling on it. Even the dashboard had NO veneer left on it.You get the gist. From when we left home until when we got to Yorks that car changed from "good runner" to "good project".
We have seen a few tidy cars for £10000. You might be lucky and get a good one for £9000 privately but I doubt you could get a good V8S from a dealer for that money.
All I'm saying is don't waste a lot of time chasing "bargains" because they are invariably not. If the above description rings true, walk away because it has had a hard life whatever it looks like now.
y V8S cost me 9k from a dealer, but I agreed to take it as is with no comebacks .. it was up at 10950 though so there are deals to be had. It's gone over 91k miles now, but I've put 6k on it in about 4 months, drive it almost every day, engine is turbine smooth and I have no regrets about buying it, I'll only sell itm if the right griffith comes along at the right price .. buy it now if it's half decent and enjoy
>> Edited by joospeed on Thursday 18th September 14:42
It’s worth checking it out, my V6S was bought cheap, it wasn’t immaculate but was very good mechanically, also meant when I came to sell I could price it low and sell without losing any money. Providing the car has a good engine and chassis then it should be ok, well used, higher mileage TVR’s are often more reliable.
As has been said, get it inspected before you buy.
As has been said, get it inspected before you buy.
Scond Pauls view on this it is worth checking out at teh price, I assume that a warranty can be had. At that mielage I would expect some major work to have been done mainly the top end of the engine as the bottom end is bult from granite, except the clutch 
.
get it checked out by a third party in the 'know', so long as the chassis is sound I'd go for it.
Beleive me if you have driven the V6's you will not be disappointed
.
Harry
PS so long as the above is all OK then at the price I don't think you stand to lose much, if at all, if you sell on in a years time or so IMHO
. get it checked out by a third party in the 'know', so long as the chassis is sound I'd go for it.
Beleive me if you have driven the V6's you will not be disappointed
. Harry
PS so long as the above is all OK then at the price I don't think you stand to lose much, if at all, if you sell on in a years time or so IMHO
Thanks for all the good advice (esp Kevin). Dealer on holiday now for a couple of weeks, so project on hold. If it doesn't sell quick, I may get the inspection done, just to be sure I'm not missing something! Guess he'll want to clear it quick, so perhaps a bargain can still be had (wonder if he's a PH gassser)!!
Gut feeling (based on other comments)is this may have been well thrashed and/or track use which may not be as bad as it seems - they do prefer to be used, I believe and are built to take some punishment!
Anyway, rose-coloureds are off for now!
Gut feeling (based on other comments)is this may have been well thrashed and/or track use which may not be as bad as it seems - they do prefer to be used, I believe and are built to take some punishment!
Anyway, rose-coloureds are off for now!
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