T350C Valuation's?? Advice needed.
Discussion
I know this kind of topic must come up time and time again, but whats the realistic 'going rate' for a 2003 T350C?? We'd be talking about a good to excellent conditioned car, with around 20,000 to 30,000 miles on the clock complete with the correct service history and crucial upgrades made. Usual refinements such as A/C and in one of the more desirable colours.
Car would be a private or trade buy with no warranty, a take it as it comes sale.
Car would be a private or trade buy with no warranty, a take it as it comes sale.
They are worth what you're willing to pay. Paying £1000 'over the odds' for a very clean car may pay off as little jobs add up. don't underestimate the cost of minor paintwork or resealing lights etc. IMO A lot of cars are described as in great condition, but frankly aren't.
For example, I was at a well known local Indie yesterday for a minor tweak. While waiting I looked at the 3 T350s they had waiting for their turn in the workshop. An 03 registered coupe, a 54 plate targa and a private plated coupe from around 2004. Two of them had completely torn/damaged driver's seat bolsters and several other nasties (maybe some were about to be rectified by the indie). One of them was nice and clean looking, but get close and I spotted a terribly wonky glove box, and a cracked headlight cover. Now none of these were for sale, they represent the general condition of these cars, and they looked lovely and shiny from a distance. In summary, go and view a car and decide what you think it is worth.
Also, if buying privately an indie inspection is a good idea - too many things are not visible - and I don't mean the engine.
For example, I was at a well known local Indie yesterday for a minor tweak. While waiting I looked at the 3 T350s they had waiting for their turn in the workshop. An 03 registered coupe, a 54 plate targa and a private plated coupe from around 2004. Two of them had completely torn/damaged driver's seat bolsters and several other nasties (maybe some were about to be rectified by the indie). One of them was nice and clean looking, but get close and I spotted a terribly wonky glove box, and a cracked headlight cover. Now none of these were for sale, they represent the general condition of these cars, and they looked lovely and shiny from a distance. In summary, go and view a car and decide what you think it is worth.
Also, if buying privately an indie inspection is a good idea - too many things are not visible - and I don't mean the engine.
Targarama said:
They are worth what you're willing to pay. Paying £1000 'over the odds' for a very clean car may pay off as little jobs add up. don't underestimate the cost of minor paintwork or resealing lights etc. IMO A lot of cars are described as in great condition, but frankly aren't.
For example, I was at a well known local Indie yesterday for a minor tweak. While waiting I looked at the 3 T350s they had waiting for their turn in the workshop. An 03 registered coupe, a 54 plate targa and a private plated coupe from around 2004. Two of them had completely torn/damaged driver's seat bolsters and several other nasties (maybe some were about to be rectified by the indie). One of them was nice and clean looking, but get close and I spotted a terribly wonky glove box, and a cracked headlight cover. Now none of these were for sale, they represent the general condition of these cars, and they looked lovely and shiny from a distance. In summary, go and view a car and decide what you think it is worth.
Also, if buying privately an indie inspection is a good idea - too many things are not visible - and I don't mean the engine.
+1 A seller will have quite a different perspective to the buyer - Clearly !!For example, I was at a well known local Indie yesterday for a minor tweak. While waiting I looked at the 3 T350s they had waiting for their turn in the workshop. An 03 registered coupe, a 54 plate targa and a private plated coupe from around 2004. Two of them had completely torn/damaged driver's seat bolsters and several other nasties (maybe some were about to be rectified by the indie). One of them was nice and clean looking, but get close and I spotted a terribly wonky glove box, and a cracked headlight cover. Now none of these were for sale, they represent the general condition of these cars, and they looked lovely and shiny from a distance. In summary, go and view a car and decide what you think it is worth.
Also, if buying privately an indie inspection is a good idea - too many things are not visible - and I don't mean the engine.
But you need to start somewhere: Try this "guide", it's not too far out IMVHO
http://www.wisebuyers.co.uk/index.jsp?guide=prices...
Probably start a price war now!!(ETA, sorry it's also mileage adjusted - 25K?)
Edited by K4TRV on Tuesday 20th September 13:31
Mattt said:
Rubbish, these cars are not the same as a Focus/Astra with online valuation tools. AFAIK they aren't even in the trade value books.
Don't rubbish a constructive comment!!All cars are in publications like Parkers, but I don't have a copy of that as it's Trade. I used Wisebuyer as it's on the web!! All Classic and rare cars are priced, even TVRs !!! Dealers have a living and "profit" to make and it's not done on a "whim"!!
Thank for your polite reply!!! Clearly you own/are selling a t350!!!
I think you will find no Dealer will pay anything over what's in the "Book" unless....These Publications set "bench-marks".
Try to help the OP ?? ETA (Spalling!!)
Edited by K4TRV on Tuesday 20th September 14:42
I think you should be looking to pay towards 20k for a very good, clean, well maintained example from a dealer with a full 12-month warranty. If this is your first venture into TVR land, you would probably be best to stick to a reputable TVR selling dealer unless you have an excellent knowledge of assessing such specialist cars, or a suitably qualified mate you can trust.
I agree with a lot of the above, a decent 2003 coupe should be around 20k dependant upon condition.
I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
Zippee said:
I agree with a lot of the above, a decent 2003 coupe should be around 20k dependant upon condition.
I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
Yes, BUT the cost of a body repair on a colour such as yours is not cheap - many of the special paint colours are very costly. Hence why I said to not underestimate this. Also, many trim parts are no longer available - so while seats can be retrimming, a new glovebox, a new gear knob, or boot 'blind' may be impossible to get hold of.I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
Targarama said:
Zippee said:
I agree with a lot of the above, a decent 2003 coupe should be around 20k dependant upon condition.
I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
Yes, BUT the cost of a body repair on a colour such as yours is not cheap - many of the special paint colours are very costly. Hence why I said to not underestimate this. Also, many trim parts are no longer available - so while seats can be retrimming, a new glovebox, a new gear knob, or boot 'blind' may be impossible to get hold of.I will say though that you need to concentrate on mechanicals and how well it's been looked after more than you should cosmetics. For example they are very susceptible to stone chips, especially on the nose area and the headlight lenses. The rear splitter grounds easily so expect to see knocks, chips and cracks around there. These things alone don't mean a car has not been cared for and looked after, just used which IMHO is a good sign as long as the history file is good and thick.
A rebuild isn't essential but a properly maintained and adjusted engine is. Also, as Targa mentioned - don't concentrate on the engine alone, bushes, clutches, suspension, electricals are common issues and big plusses if already done.
What I meant to say was not to be swayed by a shiny car that looks great on top but is potentially hiding a multitude of problems underneath. If ever I came to sell mine I would have the front end sorted and my splitter repaired, but for me it's not worth it at present as the roads & miles I drive mean it'll be peppered again within a few months.
The glovebox though is a common issue and not the result of neglect or damage, the roller blind is a weak point and gets worse with use, again a very common issue.
K4TRV said:
Don't rubbish a constructive comment!!
All cars are in publications like Parkers, but I don't have a copy of that as it's Trade. I used Wisebuyer as it's on the web!! All Classic and rare cars are priced, even TVRs !!! Dealers have a living and "profit" to make and it's not done on a "whim"!!
Thank for your polite reply!!! Clearly you own/are selling a t350!!!
I think you will find no Dealer will pay anything over what's in the "Book" unless....These Publications set "bench-marks".
Try to help the OP ?? ETA (Spalling!!)
Last time I looked in Glass's guide I couldn't see it.All cars are in publications like Parkers, but I don't have a copy of that as it's Trade. I used Wisebuyer as it's on the web!! All Classic and rare cars are priced, even TVRs !!! Dealers have a living and "profit" to make and it's not done on a "whim"!!
Thank for your polite reply!!! Clearly you own/are selling a t350!!!
I think you will find no Dealer will pay anything over what's in the "Book" unless....These Publications set "bench-marks".
Try to help the OP ?? ETA (Spalling!!)
Edited by K4TRV on Tuesday 20th September 14:42
Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is b
ks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
Mattt said:
Last time I looked in Glass's guide I couldn't see it.
Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is bks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?
Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
From experience I think the service history is very important...including the total amount that has been spent maintaining the car..Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is b
ks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
If somebody has paid more bills for a car with the same age / mileage..it is likely that you will not have too...
Some people pay the bare minimum to keep their cars running..and some treat them as their P&J and will spend what needs to be spent to keep the car upto scratch...
I also think that a car that has been garaged for most of it's life is preferrable to one that has been left outside..as the biggest niggles / reliability issues will be caused by damp getting into various components as they are not built / tested to the same degree as your mass market cars...
PipeNslippers said:
Mattt said:
Last time I looked in Glass's guide I couldn't see it.
Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is bks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?
Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
From experience I think the service history is very important...including the total amount that has been spent maintaining the car..Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is b
ks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
If somebody has paid more bills for a car with the same age / mileage..it is likely that you will not have too...
Some people pay the bare minimum to keep their cars running..and some treat them as their P&J and will spend what needs to be spent to keep the car upto scratch...
I also think that a car that has been garaged for most of it's life is preferrable to one that has been left outside..as the biggest niggles / reliability issues will be caused by damp getting into various components as they are not built / tested to the same degree as your mass market cars...
ks, but thats not generally what the trade think. They will be pitching somewhere between low and high and selling over high to cover service and warranty. As has been said all cars are worth what you are prepared to pay. You just have to remember that most are getting near top end rebuild at 30000 miles. 
Zippee said:
Mines brilliant silver so a plain old metallic FWIW.
What I meant to say was not to be swayed by a shiny car that looks great on top but is potentially hiding a multitude of problems underneath. If ever I came to sell mine I would have the front end sorted and my splitter repaired, but for me it's not worth it at present as the roads & miles I drive mean it'll be peppered again within a few months.
The glovebox though is a common issue and not the result of neglect or damage, the roller blind is a weak point and gets worse with use, again a very common issue.
Agree with this I bought a car that had a stone chipped front end and torn drivers bolster. Didnt see any point in me buying a beautiful, immaculate car if i was going to drive it on Scottish B-roads or attempt to take it on track (might never do this) but it had a stack of invoices which showed anything that had needed doing had been done mechanically on the car. What I meant to say was not to be swayed by a shiny car that looks great on top but is potentially hiding a multitude of problems underneath. If ever I came to sell mine I would have the front end sorted and my splitter repaired, but for me it's not worth it at present as the roads & miles I drive mean it'll be peppered again within a few months.
The glovebox though is a common issue and not the result of neglect or damage, the roller blind is a weak point and gets worse with use, again a very common issue.
Mattt said:
Last time I looked in Glass's guide I couldn't see it.
Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is bks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?
Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
What you'll never see is what the Dealer pays - but he won't pay more than the Trade Guide tells him. If they get "stuck" with something that does not fly out the door, the "guide" will tell him what it's worth (even to another Dealer) - There is NO emotion involved - it's a business!!Parkers, and your guide say around £12/13k private - which is b
ks, yes I own and am selling a T350, but show me any clean example for sale at anywhere near that?Dealers buy and sell on these cars because they know the market, they know what the price levels are for the poor/average/clean cars. (I am talking about specialists here, not Joe Bloggs).
That's my point!!
Dealers will want a min 10/15% mark-up, sometimes more, to cover their cost - that's how it all works!!!!
As I intimated, the exceptions are the very few cars in fantastic condition. As all has been said before it is all on condition, condition, condition and history (plus there are rare to-die-for colour combinations and some you'll need to avoid!).
The only problem is with the very limited T350 market (like Sagaris), many who have what they "think" are as-good as A1 cars, ask "Dealers" prices without any of the Warranty implied by buying from Trade. Prices asked are then nothing like their "real-world" prices.
Egos get "hurt" unfortunately. Private ownership has so much emotion in TVR ownership, especially T350??
To repeat many others, sorry, but your car is only worth what someone will pay for it (ask a Dealer what he'll give you for cash?) and asking "dealer" prices for Private sales is an very optimistic approach to say the least. Someone out there may bite-you-hand-off, Good luck if you find them.
To the OP, get out there and try/touch/drive (hot & cold) the cars and talk to the sellers. Heart ruling your head is a difficult dilemma.
Prices do start as the Guides indicate - Private or Dealer (that why they're called Guides)
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