'S' Buying advice please…

[Neill O]

Long time listener, first time caller… Can anyone give me some advice, I'm thinking of buying my first sportscar, more importantly an S3. I'm looking for rough price guides so I can work out a budget. How much would a good condition S3 (40-80K miles), cost to run per year - servicing, parts, insurance etc. I am a complete non-mechanic, so anything that would need doing would go to a dealer. Any handy hints on trustworthy places to go for parts, labour even places to visit to initially buy my S3. I am based in Bridgend, South Wales with the nearest TVR dealer being in Newport, a 40min motorway drive. Finally, am I completely mad to even contemplate doing this being a non-mechanic??

[Neill O]

Cheers guys, lots of really helpful advice to get me started. Thanks for replying.
My only worries are that I can afford to buy ok (up to £8k), but not sure about a rough tally of £2k per year running costs, plus I have in addition, the running of two other 'family' cars ( my Toyota Avensis, my wife's Clio ), but am thinking maybe get rid of my Avensis (tis a nice car though) and use an S3 on a daily basis - feasible? - buy then again we've just had our first baby, and is getting rid of the Avensis and going for a 2 seater really a practical thing to do?
But hey!, thanks again, no doubt I'll be chatting again in a while. Neill Owen [e-mail]

Edited by Neill O on Thursday 18th October 16:38

[Neill O]

Cheers shnozz, read through your previous posting as suggested. Some great replies and advice there, will take note and find myself a copy of Steve Heath's book.
Hope your S3 delay is not for too long!

Edited by Neill O on Thursday 18th October 22:10