T350t, Tamora, Tuscan, M3 convertible (E46), or Elise 111R
Discussion
Hi all,
I was hoping you could perhaps help my itchy feet….. 3 years ago I went looking for my first rear wheel drive performance convertible: I had to have something without a roof, and was practical day to day. I ended up selecting an S2000 for its handling, bonkers engine, reliability and slow depreciation, and it’s been a hoot.
Things have changed a bit since then. I don’t need a day to day car, I have a few more quid in my pocket, and I’m after more grunt and more noise. I was hoping you guys might help narrow things down a bit, at least with TVRs.
I must have something with the wind in your hair feeling.
In TVR world I’m concerned that reliability on a long trip (e.g. down France) might be a constant worry, whereas in S2000 world its not.
I prefer the looks of the T350t over the Tamora, but do the removable roof panels feel more of a big sunroof than a convertible?
Is a Tuscan really worth considering?
How much do they really cost to run in servicing, breakdowns and repairs – would a £100/month, budget cover it?
I’m hoping that you’ll come back with some good news around the T350t, and TVRs in general, as I don’t want to compromise by getting a 111R or and M3. Unless anyone has any other suggestions.
Cheers,
I was hoping you could perhaps help my itchy feet….. 3 years ago I went looking for my first rear wheel drive performance convertible: I had to have something without a roof, and was practical day to day. I ended up selecting an S2000 for its handling, bonkers engine, reliability and slow depreciation, and it’s been a hoot.
Things have changed a bit since then. I don’t need a day to day car, I have a few more quid in my pocket, and I’m after more grunt and more noise. I was hoping you guys might help narrow things down a bit, at least with TVRs.
I must have something with the wind in your hair feeling.
In TVR world I’m concerned that reliability on a long trip (e.g. down France) might be a constant worry, whereas in S2000 world its not.
I prefer the looks of the T350t over the Tamora, but do the removable roof panels feel more of a big sunroof than a convertible?
Is a Tuscan really worth considering?
How much do they really cost to run in servicing, breakdowns and repairs – would a £100/month, budget cover it?
I’m hoping that you’ll come back with some good news around the T350t, and TVRs in general, as I don’t want to compromise by getting a 111R or and M3. Unless anyone has any other suggestions.
Cheers,
If you're looking at tams and t350's they you've got a fairly healthy budget I guess? might help if you gave us an indication as to how much mullah you've got to blow! 
Do look at and drive a tuscan, doesnt sound like you'll get a tuscan II in your budget but you will get a VERY nice Tuscan, probably with a sound engine and sorted suspension too.
I think most people budget around £3000 p/a for running a s6 engined car based on 6000 miles a year max, including insurance and tyres and fixing bits and bobs.
I blew that budget spactacularly this year because I decided to get nitrons fitted and did my 12k service 3 months early, but I should have just crept in under the 3k mark otherwise.
Havent been in a t350 targa so cant comment on how it feels, I can say for a fact that a Tuscan with the roof and rear window out is every bit as good as a rag-top for "wind in the hair" fun.
Provided you get a properly sorted car I'm sure you'll be fine doing long trips around europe, lots of people here do it, and Im planning to later this year. I've had issues but I wont be panicing, just get AA cover for the time you're over there, worst comes to the worst they send your TVR home for you and you'll get a hire car for the remainder of your hols..
Cheers
Dave
Do look at and drive a tuscan, doesnt sound like you'll get a tuscan II in your budget but you will get a VERY nice Tuscan, probably with a sound engine and sorted suspension too.
I think most people budget around £3000 p/a for running a s6 engined car based on 6000 miles a year max, including insurance and tyres and fixing bits and bobs.
I blew that budget spactacularly this year because I decided to get nitrons fitted and did my 12k service 3 months early, but I should have just crept in under the 3k mark otherwise.
Havent been in a t350 targa so cant comment on how it feels, I can say for a fact that a Tuscan with the roof and rear window out is every bit as good as a rag-top for "wind in the hair" fun.
Provided you get a properly sorted car I'm sure you'll be fine doing long trips around europe, lots of people here do it, and Im planning to later this year. I've had issues but I wont be panicing, just get AA cover for the time you're over there, worst comes to the worst they send your TVR home for you and you'll get a hire car for the remainder of your hols..
Cheers
Dave
Thanks for the replies.
Budget is ball park £20k. I can go marginally higher at a push. Is there any sense in buying a £13-16k car and just expecting to have to rebuild it? £3k per year running costs is doable – budgeting £1400 on insurance, £1600 on bills. Mileage of 6,000 a year probably sounds about right – it’s just a weekend toy and probably a couple of really short “can you pick me up from the station, it’s raining” trips. Not that I’ve driven a single TVR yet, but the impression I have of the Tuscan is
It looks amazing
It sounds amazing
It goes like the stink
It seems to have more issues than the T350/Tamora
It’s massive
It’s less forgiving for the inexperienced driver (i.e. me)
Putting the roof up/down is not a 30 second job, and therefore won’t get used as much
I don’t think I’d go for a Chimaera, but I’d certainly consider one if there were reason to over the speed 6 options.
Budget is ball park £20k. I can go marginally higher at a push. Is there any sense in buying a £13-16k car and just expecting to have to rebuild it? £3k per year running costs is doable – budgeting £1400 on insurance, £1600 on bills. Mileage of 6,000 a year probably sounds about right – it’s just a weekend toy and probably a couple of really short “can you pick me up from the station, it’s raining” trips. Not that I’ve driven a single TVR yet, but the impression I have of the Tuscan is
It looks amazing
It sounds amazing
It goes like the stink
It seems to have more issues than the T350/Tamora
It’s massive
It’s less forgiving for the inexperienced driver (i.e. me)
Putting the roof up/down is not a 30 second job, and therefore won’t get used as much
I don’t think I’d go for a Chimaera, but I’d certainly consider one if there were reason to over the speed 6 options.
madbadger said:
I'd say go for a Tamora. 
Friend of mine also traded up from an S2000 after we went out for a drive in the Peaks.
If you prefer the T350T then go for that! It's a cracking car and almost as convertible.
Tamora! Tamora! Tamora! Tamora! Friend of mine also traded up from an S2000 after we went out for a drive in the Peaks.If you prefer the T350T then go for that! It's a cracking car and almost as convertible.
but don't tell anybody else i might want to buy one for the wife
Tamora!!! For long journeys you will very quickly get tired of how rigid the 350 body is, and how stiff the supension is, particularly if it has nitrons or similar. I would personally recomend a Tam on 16s rather then the later 18s, they handle better, are less skittish and take the bumps better. That said it is all personal preference,I thought long and hard about chopping in the Tam for a T350t, particularly today after the drivers side windscreen wiper fell off mid rainstorm. Drive them all find one that works for you.
<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
Aowhs102 said:
Tamora!!! For long journeys you will very quickly get tired of how rigid the 350 body is, and how stiff the supension is, particularly if it has nitrons or similar. I would personally recomend a Tam on 16s rather then the later 18s, they handle better, are less skittish and take the bumps better. That said it is all personal preference,I thought long and hard about chopping in the Tam for a T350t, particularly today after the drivers side windscreen wiper fell off mid rainstorm. Drive them all find one that works for you.
<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
T350 is no stiffer than a Tamora. Only difference is the 16" vs 18" wheels.<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
Targarama said:
Aowhs102 said:
Tamora!!! For long journeys you will very quickly get tired of how rigid the 350 body is, and how stiff the supension is, particularly if it has nitrons or similar. I would personally recomend a Tam on 16s rather then the later 18s, they handle better, are less skittish and take the bumps better. That said it is all personal preference,I thought long and hard about chopping in the Tam for a T350t, particularly today after the drivers side windscreen wiper fell off mid rainstorm. Drive them all find one that works for you.
<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
T350 is no stiffer than a Tamora. Only difference is the 16" vs 18" wheels.<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
PS with the panels out its not quite a convertible...but almost and so much more than a sunroof.If i won the lottery i would still have this car....plus a few others mind!!
Edited by Paxo1 on Sunday 18th May 10:06
This was exactly my list..I also had an exige on it though.
I came from VX220 (great car) so wanted a change and the 111R was just not different enough.
M3 - went to look at one but it just had no soul - too many dull people drive them with no idea what is is or what is is capable of.
Exige - I drove one the other day and was not as fast as I was expecting - you can take the roof off. Will proabably be my next car.
T350 - look great but you do not get the entire convertable feeling.
Tamora - love or hate looks - I wanted one with recent engine and there were none in my budget.
In the end I found a bargin Tuscan with recent engine and clutch so (fingers crossed no huge expenditure over next 12 months) - it does need a little TLC but the price I paid accounted for that.
If I had £20k total (inc running costs) I would spend £16/17k on a mint Tucsan and keep the rest for mods and reserve fund.
Also take a look at insurance - I budgeted £1200 (mrs had a crash on my ins) ended up paying £400!!
I came from VX220 (great car) so wanted a change and the 111R was just not different enough.
M3 - went to look at one but it just had no soul - too many dull people drive them with no idea what is is or what is is capable of.
Exige - I drove one the other day and was not as fast as I was expecting - you can take the roof off. Will proabably be my next car.
T350 - look great but you do not get the entire convertable feeling.
Tamora - love or hate looks - I wanted one with recent engine and there were none in my budget.
In the end I found a bargin Tuscan with recent engine and clutch so (fingers crossed no huge expenditure over next 12 months) - it does need a little TLC but the price I paid accounted for that.
If I had £20k total (inc running costs) I would spend £16/17k on a mint Tucsan and keep the rest for mods and reserve fund.
Also take a look at insurance - I budgeted £1200 (mrs had a crash on my ins) ended up paying £400!!
I had an S2000 and now have a tuscan 2 and an Elise. So, as you may have gathered, I like convertibles too.
The tuscan is no question the quickest and is great to drive. The earlier tuscans are a wild and edgy ride. Like nothing else once you're used to it but not exactly relaxing to drive. Performance wise I'm told a 2003 tuscan S is as quick as they ever got. The later Tuscan 2 is a calmer thing to steer and possibly even quicker down a windy british road as a result. If you ever drive a tuscan with the roof off and the rear window out you'll wonder why they ever bothered with the full convertible version. From behind the wheel you'd have a job to tell the difference. The standard Tuscan's a proper convertible, don't be fooled by the 'targa' thing. I drove a mk1 tuscan S and knew there and then I had to have a tvr. A sorted speed six is a monstrous, snorting beast of a thing that you can't fail to be impressed by, especially when you get the revs up. However you'll never know for sure if yours is a sorted car and it may take a few quid to get things spot on so haggle accordingly. A wrong'un will be a pain in the arse but a good dealer can get the car sorted. Basically the more recent the rebuild the better.
I wouldn't write off the Elise just yet though, for me it's a good step up from the S2000 in both straight line speed and round corners, and the Honda wasn't exactly shabby at either (on dry roads at least). I think of the elise as the perfect S2000. Imagine Honda did a special edition, handling by Lotus and 500 kilos lighter and you wouldn't be far off. It's a real delight to drive (best steering of any car ever) and even though not as full-on as the TVR, still quick enough for 90% of the time. And if you think it can't compete with the noise of the Speed Six, go out in a 111r or Exige with the stage 2 exhaust and you won't be able to wipe the grin off your face. The one area where Tuscan has it licked though is the roof design. The TVRs hardtop stows in the boot with plenty of luggage room to spare. It's a really smart bit of design and comes off much quicker than the £1000 lotus hardtop option, which has to be left behind if you want some wind in your hair thrills.
Right now I'd have a job to know which one I'd sell. The TVR is a much better car than most people think and it's very much the full-fat experience but the toyota engine does offer a level of peace of mind for those cross continent jaunts the trev can't match. To be fair I went on 3 european trips (Monza and back, a trip round the champagne region and to the 'ring and back) in my Sagaris with no problems at all, so it can be done but even if you've bought a minter, have it properly checked before you go.
And the last thing, Tuscans aren't massive! They're low and narrow and not even that long.
The tuscan is no question the quickest and is great to drive. The earlier tuscans are a wild and edgy ride. Like nothing else once you're used to it but not exactly relaxing to drive. Performance wise I'm told a 2003 tuscan S is as quick as they ever got. The later Tuscan 2 is a calmer thing to steer and possibly even quicker down a windy british road as a result. If you ever drive a tuscan with the roof off and the rear window out you'll wonder why they ever bothered with the full convertible version. From behind the wheel you'd have a job to tell the difference. The standard Tuscan's a proper convertible, don't be fooled by the 'targa' thing. I drove a mk1 tuscan S and knew there and then I had to have a tvr. A sorted speed six is a monstrous, snorting beast of a thing that you can't fail to be impressed by, especially when you get the revs up. However you'll never know for sure if yours is a sorted car and it may take a few quid to get things spot on so haggle accordingly. A wrong'un will be a pain in the arse but a good dealer can get the car sorted. Basically the more recent the rebuild the better.
I wouldn't write off the Elise just yet though, for me it's a good step up from the S2000 in both straight line speed and round corners, and the Honda wasn't exactly shabby at either (on dry roads at least). I think of the elise as the perfect S2000. Imagine Honda did a special edition, handling by Lotus and 500 kilos lighter and you wouldn't be far off. It's a real delight to drive (best steering of any car ever) and even though not as full-on as the TVR, still quick enough for 90% of the time. And if you think it can't compete with the noise of the Speed Six, go out in a 111r or Exige with the stage 2 exhaust and you won't be able to wipe the grin off your face. The one area where Tuscan has it licked though is the roof design. The TVRs hardtop stows in the boot with plenty of luggage room to spare. It's a really smart bit of design and comes off much quicker than the £1000 lotus hardtop option, which has to be left behind if you want some wind in your hair thrills.
Right now I'd have a job to know which one I'd sell. The TVR is a much better car than most people think and it's very much the full-fat experience but the toyota engine does offer a level of peace of mind for those cross continent jaunts the trev can't match. To be fair I went on 3 european trips (Monza and back, a trip round the champagne region and to the 'ring and back) in my Sagaris with no problems at all, so it can be done but even if you've bought a minter, have it properly checked before you go.
And the last thing, Tuscans aren't massive! They're low and narrow and not even that long.
Edited by The Pits on Monday 19th May 16:04
Thanks for the really useful replies. I think the point about the M3 is right - great car, but most people just have no idea and therefore it ends up being an expensive rep-mobile. The Elise is an option, but a decent 111r is similar money to a sorted TVR, and even though a 111r is quicker than the S2000 it’s still not the full fat burble that I’ve wanted since I was 6.
Aowhs102 said:
Tamora!!! I would personally recomend a Tam on 16s rather then the later 18s, they handle better, are less skittish and take the bumps better.
<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
I know of a great example for sale at the moment...... on 16s too, and with Gaz Golds already fitted.<cough> Get a Tamora <cough>
LINK: Magic Tamora
Neil
davido140 said:
da_murphster said:
Also take a look at insurance - I budgeted £1200 (mrs had a crash on my ins) ended up paying £400!!
Good point, TVRs are in my experience remarkably cheap to insure, especially when you compare them to elise(s?), M3's etcGassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff