Potentially buying a T350 - advice needed
Discussion
Well that is very broad.
Perhaps first read and browse through topics on this forum to get more specific.
These cars have certain areas that need attention, and if you browse topics you will find people asking question about specific problem areas. Engine, radiator, slave cylinder, and electrics come to mind first. That said, if you find a well maintained car they can be very reliable.
One cannot say how long a 2003 engine lasts. Some say that most problems will materialise in the first 20000 miles and often require an engine rebuild. Some engine with a rebuild break down and require another rebuild. Yet there are quite a few that have had no rebuild and are still going strong. Mine is an original 2003 with 33.000 miles, no rebuild, and has 363 bhp on the rolling road last month. It feels great, yet I keep in mind that the chance is that at some point in the next 5 years or so it will also need a rebuild. And if it needs it, I will have it done because the car is qorth it for me.
These cars require good maintenance and will give you an awesome driving experience in return. Maintanance can be costly, yet this is partially countered by a lack of depreciation (the car values actually slowly increase). If you are not really willing to offer the car a bit of love, then perhaps this is not your kind of car. Yet if you do, they will love you back big time.
Hope this gets you started a bit, just read read read on this forum, and if you are serious about getting one, get an expert to judge it for you technically!
Perhaps first read and browse through topics on this forum to get more specific.
These cars have certain areas that need attention, and if you browse topics you will find people asking question about specific problem areas. Engine, radiator, slave cylinder, and electrics come to mind first. That said, if you find a well maintained car they can be very reliable.
One cannot say how long a 2003 engine lasts. Some say that most problems will materialise in the first 20000 miles and often require an engine rebuild. Some engine with a rebuild break down and require another rebuild. Yet there are quite a few that have had no rebuild and are still going strong. Mine is an original 2003 with 33.000 miles, no rebuild, and has 363 bhp on the rolling road last month. It feels great, yet I keep in mind that the chance is that at some point in the next 5 years or so it will also need a rebuild. And if it needs it, I will have it done because the car is qorth it for me.
These cars require good maintenance and will give you an awesome driving experience in return. Maintanance can be costly, yet this is partially countered by a lack of depreciation (the car values actually slowly increase). If you are not really willing to offer the car a bit of love, then perhaps this is not your kind of car. Yet if you do, they will love you back big time.
Hope this gets you started a bit, just read read read on this forum, and if you are serious about getting one, get an expert to judge it for you technically!
sanquin said:
Well that is very broad.
Perhaps first read and browse through topics on this forum to get more specific.
These cars have certain areas that need attention, and if you browse topics you will find people asking question about specific problem areas. Engine, radiator, slave cylinder, and electrics come to mind first. That said, if you find a well maintained car they can be very reliable.
One cannot say how long a 2003 engine lasts. Some say that most problems will materialise in the first 20000 miles and often require an engine rebuild. Some engine with a rebuild break down and require another rebuild. Yet there are quite a few that have had no rebuild and are still going strong. Mine is an original 2003 with 33.000 miles, no rebuild, and has 363 bhp on the rolling road last month. It feels great, yet I keep in mind that the chance is that at some point in the next 5 years or so it will also need a rebuild. And if it needs it, I will have it done because the car is qorth it for me.
These cars require good maintenance and will give you an awesome driving experience in return. Maintanance can be costly, yet this is partially countered by a lack of depreciation (the car values actually slowly increase). If you are not really willing to offer the car a bit of love, then perhaps this is not your kind of car. Yet if you do, they will love you back big time.
Hope this gets you started a bit, just read read read on this forum, and if you are serious about getting one, get an expert to judge it for you technically!
THanks. It seems thats there's "alot" of talk about engine reliability however would i be right in thinking that an engine rebuild with a power upgrade only costs circa £7,000 - £8,000? Also, are there any tell-tale signs of the engine having a follower issue? or do they just let go without warning?Perhaps first read and browse through topics on this forum to get more specific.
These cars have certain areas that need attention, and if you browse topics you will find people asking question about specific problem areas. Engine, radiator, slave cylinder, and electrics come to mind first. That said, if you find a well maintained car they can be very reliable.
One cannot say how long a 2003 engine lasts. Some say that most problems will materialise in the first 20000 miles and often require an engine rebuild. Some engine with a rebuild break down and require another rebuild. Yet there are quite a few that have had no rebuild and are still going strong. Mine is an original 2003 with 33.000 miles, no rebuild, and has 363 bhp on the rolling road last month. It feels great, yet I keep in mind that the chance is that at some point in the next 5 years or so it will also need a rebuild. And if it needs it, I will have it done because the car is qorth it for me.
These cars require good maintenance and will give you an awesome driving experience in return. Maintanance can be costly, yet this is partially countered by a lack of depreciation (the car values actually slowly increase). If you are not really willing to offer the car a bit of love, then perhaps this is not your kind of car. Yet if you do, they will love you back big time.
Hope this gets you started a bit, just read read read on this forum, and if you are serious about getting one, get an expert to judge it for you technically!
I'm no stranger to maintenance as i've been around sports and supercars for a number of years. THe car will actually be dealer supplied with warranty - Fernhurst TVR (good or bad experiences?)
Edited by Candellara on Monday 27th May 08:23
As mentioned by the other respondents, there are quiet a few threads here and over on SP6 which are worth a look.
For what it's worth I have owned two T350cs and one Tam, so my three pennyworth is based on quite a few years experience, plenty of road and track miles and a large file of dealer invoices.
I would not attempt to summarise the SP6 issues except to say that none of my 3 (touch wood) have given me the slightest problem. I am running a Red Rose 4.0 with nearly 40,000 on the clock. It has had new throttle assemblies but not a rebuild. My dealer reckons the majority of FFF issues he has seen were on the early Tuscans, but that is one opinion and there will be many more. If it blows I'll shell out £12k for a 4.3 and keep it forever.
You will pay a necessary premium for dealer warranted cars, those in mint condition and those with low mileage. No different to any other model really.
Do drive the car as much as you can before making an offer, and listen to it. Once warm and at 4000 + revs it should sound fantastic.
When reviewing the impressive list of work done so far on the car, ask what has been repaired more than once, and what else needs doing.
As a rule, maintenance is more than I expect. In addition to routine servicing, there is always 'one more thing.' Be it a diff bearing going, chassis respray, new radiator etc. If you can spend an unexpected grand or two on a car without batting an eyelid, then you are OK. Anything close to a tight budget and you'd best forget it.
Finally, these really are high performance vehicles. They run hot, and only hot. They accelerate at high revs like nothing else. Treated with respect they are predictable. They turn heads. There are only 250 out there......
For what it's worth I have owned two T350cs and one Tam, so my three pennyworth is based on quite a few years experience, plenty of road and track miles and a large file of dealer invoices.
I would not attempt to summarise the SP6 issues except to say that none of my 3 (touch wood) have given me the slightest problem. I am running a Red Rose 4.0 with nearly 40,000 on the clock. It has had new throttle assemblies but not a rebuild. My dealer reckons the majority of FFF issues he has seen were on the early Tuscans, but that is one opinion and there will be many more. If it blows I'll shell out £12k for a 4.3 and keep it forever.
You will pay a necessary premium for dealer warranted cars, those in mint condition and those with low mileage. No different to any other model really.
Do drive the car as much as you can before making an offer, and listen to it. Once warm and at 4000 + revs it should sound fantastic.
When reviewing the impressive list of work done so far on the car, ask what has been repaired more than once, and what else needs doing.
As a rule, maintenance is more than I expect. In addition to routine servicing, there is always 'one more thing.' Be it a diff bearing going, chassis respray, new radiator etc. If you can spend an unexpected grand or two on a car without batting an eyelid, then you are OK. Anything close to a tight budget and you'd best forget it.
Finally, these really are high performance vehicles. They run hot, and only hot. They accelerate at high revs like nothing else. Treated with respect they are predictable. They turn heads. There are only 250 out there......
NailedOn said:
As mentioned by the other respondents, there are quiet a few threads here and over on SP6 which are worth a look.
For what it's worth I have owned two T350cs and one Tam, so my three pennyworth is based on quite a few years experience, plenty of road and track miles and a large file of dealer invoices.
I would not attempt to summarise the SP6 issues except to say that none of my 3 (touch wood) have given me the slightest problem. I am running a Red Rose 4.0 with nearly 40,000 on the clock. It has had new throttle assemblies but not a rebuild. My dealer reckons the majority of FFF issues he has seen were on the early Tuscans, but that is one opinion and there will be many more. If it blows I'll shell out £12k for a 4.3 and keep it forever.
You will pay a necessary premium for dealer warranted cars, those in mint condition and those with low mileage. No different to any other model really.
Do drive the car as much as you can before making an offer, and listen to it. Once warm and at 4000 + revs it should sound fantastic.
When reviewing the impressive list of work done so far on the car, ask what has been repaired more than once, and what else needs doing.
As a rule, maintenance is more than I expect. In addition to routine servicing, there is always 'one more thing.' Be it a diff bearing going, chassis respray, new radiator etc. If you can spend an unexpected grand or two on a car without batting an eyelid, then you are OK. Anything close to a tight budget and you'd best forget it.
Finally, these really are high performance vehicles. They run hot, and only hot. They accelerate at high revs like nothing else. Treated with respect they are predictable. They turn heads. There are only 250 out there......
Thanks. I've driven the car for a good 30 miles & everything seems more or less as it should. Spending a few '000 is cheap compared to the cars i'm used to - so doesn't bother me too much. The only things i picked up on were, stone ships to the front, split in bonnet (near hinges), gear lever gaiter unstuck, sticky throttle pedal, scratch on windscreen and engine bay needs tidying (heat shield & rocker cover)For what it's worth I have owned two T350cs and one Tam, so my three pennyworth is based on quite a few years experience, plenty of road and track miles and a large file of dealer invoices.
I would not attempt to summarise the SP6 issues except to say that none of my 3 (touch wood) have given me the slightest problem. I am running a Red Rose 4.0 with nearly 40,000 on the clock. It has had new throttle assemblies but not a rebuild. My dealer reckons the majority of FFF issues he has seen were on the early Tuscans, but that is one opinion and there will be many more. If it blows I'll shell out £12k for a 4.3 and keep it forever.
You will pay a necessary premium for dealer warranted cars, those in mint condition and those with low mileage. No different to any other model really.
Do drive the car as much as you can before making an offer, and listen to it. Once warm and at 4000 + revs it should sound fantastic.
When reviewing the impressive list of work done so far on the car, ask what has been repaired more than once, and what else needs doing.
As a rule, maintenance is more than I expect. In addition to routine servicing, there is always 'one more thing.' Be it a diff bearing going, chassis respray, new radiator etc. If you can spend an unexpected grand or two on a car without batting an eyelid, then you are OK. Anything close to a tight budget and you'd best forget it.
Finally, these really are high performance vehicles. They run hot, and only hot. They accelerate at high revs like nothing else. Treated with respect they are predictable. They turn heads. There are only 250 out there......
The car is running Continental Sport Contacts - which makes me feel that the previous owner hasn't "skimped" as they're generally an expensive tyre? On the upside, the car is available with a 24 month warranty, so should the worst happen - it's covered to an extent.
Should i be hung up on the mileage, like the Ferrari world?
Edited by Candellara on Monday 27th May 19:20
Edited by Candellara on Monday 27th May 19:22
shorts! said:
35K in 10 years? Definitely wouldn't be hung up about that. The niggly problems that are most annoying tend to be cleared up as the miles go by.
Though that's about how long I expect a clutch to last.
+1 There are many T cars out there with a lot more miles than that. It seems the general opinion is actually using the things helps those pesky niggles.Though that's about how long I expect a clutch to last.
I wouldn't discount a private sale with a comprehensive record either. Good history (full servicing at specialists such as Fernhurst, Str8six, Bespoke Performance etc) and obvious care of a private owner would surely be an alternative? You could always go and find/purchase a decent warranty for peace of mind?
There are some very good options in the classifieds
I purchased my T350 from Fernhurst and also have it serviced there. I cannot say enough good things about them.
Although I had previously owned a Chimaera I still did my research before buying a T350. My conclusion is that basically it is an excellent car but, as with most TVRs, luck plays a big part of how much you will spend on it in the future.
The only big known concern is the potentially weak top end on early Speed Six engines. However, you have a warranty and you are clearly approaching ownership with an open mind about some possible costs. It seems that all of the reputable re-builds leave the Speed Six relatively bullet-proof so if you are unlucky and the engine lets you down, you can be confident that it will be a one-off cost.
It was a stretch finacially for me to get a T350 and there was plenty of advice that if I wanted another sports car I should get something more reliable like a Porsche or Ferrari. So far, ownership of a T350 has been considerably cheaper than second hand Porkers or Ferraris and when I park my car it gets more attention than any of the other exotic cars so I recommend you go for it!
Although I had previously owned a Chimaera I still did my research before buying a T350. My conclusion is that basically it is an excellent car but, as with most TVRs, luck plays a big part of how much you will spend on it in the future.
The only big known concern is the potentially weak top end on early Speed Six engines. However, you have a warranty and you are clearly approaching ownership with an open mind about some possible costs. It seems that all of the reputable re-builds leave the Speed Six relatively bullet-proof so if you are unlucky and the engine lets you down, you can be confident that it will be a one-off cost.
It was a stretch finacially for me to get a T350 and there was plenty of advice that if I wanted another sports car I should get something more reliable like a Porsche or Ferrari. So far, ownership of a T350 has been considerably cheaper than second hand Porkers or Ferraris and when I park my car it gets more attention than any of the other exotic cars so I recommend you go for it!
Candellara said:
The car in question has been for sale a few times over the last year or two (to my knowledge)
The car is Red Bull blue - reg T3 SOK - anyone know it?
Was for sale here last month... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-T350c-finished-in-ra...The car is Red Bull blue - reg T3 SOK - anyone know it?
And It's been to Birmingham
http://www.autogespot.co.uk/tvr-t350c/2012/07/16
Now get that deposit paid....
Candellara said:
THanks. It seems thats there's "alot" of talk about engine reliability however would i be right in thinking that an engine rebuild with a power upgrade only costs circa £7,000 - £8,000? Also, are there any tell-tale signs of the engine having a follower issue? or do they just let go without warning?
I'm no stranger to maintenance as i've been around sports and supercars for a number of years. THe car will actually be dealer supplied with warranty - Fernhurst TVR (good or bad experiences?)
An engine can go for several reasons, some with tell tale signs and some with none. Mine went as my half time bearing failed - no warning at all and a previously strong (366bhp fly) engine that was always properly cared for.I'm no stranger to maintenance as i've been around sports and supercars for a number of years. THe car will actually be dealer supplied with warranty - Fernhurst TVR (good or bad experiences?)
Edited by Candellara on Monday 27th May 08:23
An upgraded rebuild to 4.3 for example would be £6550 plus VAT PLUS new injectors and heavy duty starter motor - so a minimum of £8500 - plus you may well need other bits and pieces doing, mine ended up costing about £10'500. Obviously this cost is cheaper if you opt for a 3.6 once again. That said, you may be lucky and have the engine last much longer, though TBH unless you have a recent warrantied rebuild it is a bit of a lottery.
Fernhurst seem to have a good rep but I guess you only ever hear the good points on this forum, I've no direct experience myself though. Also, don't discount a private sale - TVR owners are often fastidious and you can tell a lot about a car by how the owner talks about it, treats the car on test drive etc. A lot of warraties are pretty worthless IMHO, with the exception of something like TVR Powers engine warranty.
Zippee said:
An engine can go for several reasons, some with tell tale signs and some with none. Mine went as my half time bearing failed - no warning at all and a previously strong (366bhp fly) engine that was always properly cared for.
An upgraded rebuild to 4.3 for example would be £6550 plus VAT PLUS new injectors and heavy duty starter motor - so a minimum of £8500 - plus you may well need other bits and pieces doing, mine ended up costing about £10'500. Obviously this cost is cheaper if you opt for a 3.6 once again. That said, you may be lucky and have the engine last much longer, though TBH unless you have a recent warrantied rebuild it is a bit of a lottery.
Fernhurst seem to have a good rep but I guess you only ever hear the good points on this forum, I've no direct experience myself though. Also, don't discount a private sale - TVR owners are often fastidious and you can tell a lot about a car by how the owner talks about it, treats the car on test drive etc. A lot of warraties are pretty worthless IMHO, with the exception of something like TVR Powers engine warranty.
Update on this. I walked away from it as there were some issues with the car in question that i wasn't really comfortable with. Ended up in an ExigeS which i'm enjoyingAn upgraded rebuild to 4.3 for example would be £6550 plus VAT PLUS new injectors and heavy duty starter motor - so a minimum of £8500 - plus you may well need other bits and pieces doing, mine ended up costing about £10'500. Obviously this cost is cheaper if you opt for a 3.6 once again. That said, you may be lucky and have the engine last much longer, though TBH unless you have a recent warrantied rebuild it is a bit of a lottery.
Fernhurst seem to have a good rep but I guess you only ever hear the good points on this forum, I've no direct experience myself though. Also, don't discount a private sale - TVR owners are often fastidious and you can tell a lot about a car by how the owner talks about it, treats the car on test drive etc. A lot of warraties are pretty worthless IMHO, with the exception of something like TVR Powers engine warranty.
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