Discussion
Given that even the newest wedge is over 13 years old, I would expect most fo have 60 - 100,000 miles
To be honest, I would rather a 100,000 mile car than a 2 - 3000 one. at least you know its been run. when cars sit around doing nothing, things stick together as teh oil drains away from vital bits. Then, people think "Ill start her up" and continue to rev the nuts off the engine when it is not fully lubricated.
My 400SE has done just over 68,000 miles now. for the first 3 yearsm I was doing 18,000 a year in her, but these days i do about 2 - 3000
To be honest, I would rather a 100,000 mile car than a 2 - 3000 one. at least you know its been run. when cars sit around doing nothing, things stick together as teh oil drains away from vital bits. Then, people think "Ill start her up" and continue to rev the nuts off the engine when it is not fully lubricated.
My 400SE has done just over 68,000 miles now. for the first 3 yearsm I was doing 18,000 a year in her, but these days i do about 2 - 3000
I think a decent service history is more important than mileage on older cars. And long periods of lay up do them no good at all - much better to have a regular runner. The 350i that I have just bought has 58000 on the clock, but the MOTs show me it's only done 2000 in the last 2 years... I am taking it easy on the motor at the mo - just whilst it gets used to running regularly, but have had a front caliper seize. Just a thing you expect from lay ups, I guess.
Prefer a wedge that has been used a lot in the last few years before I buy, and it should have as good a chassis as I could find.
Mine had 150.000km on the clock when bought (now over 170.000km), and had no problems from mileage point of view. Stuff that needed looking at/replacement is due to age, or I don't like what TVR used in the first place (like front brakes....).
So as said before, nothing to worry based on only that fact. But it isn't the only parameter (chassis and condition are more important).
Rob
Mine had 150.000km on the clock when bought (now over 170.000km), and had no problems from mileage point of view. Stuff that needed looking at/replacement is due to age, or I don't like what TVR used in the first place (like front brakes....).
So as said before, nothing to worry based on only that fact. But it isn't the only parameter (chassis and condition are more important).
Rob
Forget the mileage unless the interior is knackered from use, but do check the oil and antifreeze/coolant looks `cleanish`. These engines are pretty bullet-proof unless they overheat and/or have poor oilflow. IMO do insist on putting any potential purchase up on some ramps or over a pit if possible and inspect the chassis - its the only way to make sure the car is solid.
Chris
Chris
Yes - I agree - camshafts. I would say 50-60k though. My 140k lump lasted at least 80k on one camshaft.
Also, head gaskets might go from time to time, especially if the coolant doesn't have enough antifreeze/inhibitor.
The oil seals are usually fine - especially if you keep the breathers clear.
The only other problems might be broken valve springs - easy to fix - or very occasionally a broken piston ring, that will give a bit of blowby, leading to oil leaks.
Also, head gaskets might go from time to time, especially if the coolant doesn't have enough antifreeze/inhibitor.
The oil seals are usually fine - especially if you keep the breathers clear.
The only other problems might be broken valve springs - easy to fix - or very occasionally a broken piston ring, that will give a bit of blowby, leading to oil leaks.
Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff