1st timer taking the plunge...any tips?

[worldwidewomble]

Hi Guys

Always wanted one, now in a position to buy one...scared and excited but, most of all, very aware of the fact that I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing! Seen this car locally at R&W Motor Company in Iver http://www.randwmotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/tvr-c... which looks good on paper to me (FTVRSH, engine rebuild etc.) but would be grateful for your input, particularly if anyone knows the car. After all, knowledge is power and I am fairly sure the guy selling it doesn't really know what he's got. Hoping to test drive next week.

Also, what would be a sensible budjet to keep it well maintained (st8six is my local), assuming no disasters? Planned usage would be 3,000 miles a year, garaged.

All responses gratefully received. Cheers.

Edited by worldwidewomble on Friday 28th December 15:05

[pjac67]

Don't know the car but seems sensibly priced IF chassis is OK - although an engine rebuild 6+ yrs /30k ago might mean setting aside a budget if you keep long term.... 2k pa seems to be the guide for annual upkeep/maintenance (upgrades aside) -

There is a Cerb buying guide in this months (Jan - still available in some shops) Classic Cars - Jason a Str8six is quoted in there and is more wary of 98/99 cars. I would get him to inspect the car if you can - for a couple of hundred ££ + this is money very well spent (he inspected and reported on my Griff when I bought it inc. full compression testing etc....).

I think the number plate starting with V8 4.5 should come under the trades descriptions act though LOL.

Good luck. Paul.

[andrewlloyd]

Looks good doesnt mention anything about chassis though this is a known problem area plenty if threads on here about it outriggers need to be checked and near the engine and exhaust str8 are one of the best tvr garages so id give them a bell and ask them nice colour though
.check all the electrics work as they should windows wipers steering wheel controls

[Tanguero]

Accepted wisdom is £3k per year running maintenance (unless you do the work yourself) At that annual mileage it works out at £1 per mile which probably means you should plan to drive it more. Unless of course the Speed 6 engine goes bang when all bets are off! It seems to have had a rebuild although I haven't heard of the engine builder - others may have and be able to comment.

Best buying advice is to look at and drive several - all engine variants - then buy the car with the best chassis!
Most outriggers are getting to the point that if thee chassis hasn't already been restored, it will need doing soon. Its a big job.

[pmessling]

i'm just down the road if you want me to come and have a look at it for you. I'll bring mine down, as long as its this side of the new year, cars sorned after December. But happy to talk you thought it. Drop me a pm

[PuffsBack]

If your in Herts then Bespoke Performance is probably very near you. They are ex TVR Barnet and will still have the records for when the car visited them. They kindly gave me a detailed breakdown of the work they had done to my car for the times it visited them between 2002-2008.

[PuffsBack]

PuffsBack said:

If your in Herts then Bespoke Performance is probably very near you. They are ex TVR Barnet and will still have the records for when the car visited them. They kindly gave me a detailed breakdown of the work they had done to my car for the times it visited them between 2002-2008.

As others have said - check the Chassis very throughly

[camel_landy]

Chassis... Have a read through some the the recent chassis restore threads to give you an idea of the problems/issues you need to be aware of.

If you're passing through the North Wilts area, I'm happy to put the kettle on and talk you through a lot of the issues.

M

[Gazzab]

As above plus there are only a handful of S6 engine buildes who can claim to have pretty much sorted the S6 issues. I havent heard of that one before.
Price is ok assuming it has had quie a few K lavished on it in recent year or three. Otherwise you'll be paying for the catch up on niggles and broken bits.

[RPE11Y]

Take up the offers of having a Cerbhead look at it for/with you.
I've learned a lot about TVRs through buying/changing many over the years, but I think I have generally chosen well just doing all the basic checks of the cars and their histories.
Indeed, my current Sp6 is a cracker with 48k miles and NO rebuild - it still runs immaculately and I love it to bits. It has hardly cost me a penny this year, though it is due insurance, mot and service now but you get all that with any car anyway.

[Frio3535]

I have viewed this car and it wasn't in the best condition, certainly not worth whats been asked for it anyway. The interior has a few marks which the photo's don't show. The paint is cracked under the window screen which gives it a nice gash and exposes the shell. The bonnet on the drivers side has some minor damage to it. Its kept outside and coverless, the battery was flat when I went and the chap I spoke with knew nothing about TVR's. Beautiful colour though.