Newbie with q's - Tamora purchase
Discussion
Firstly Hi 
Im currently in the process of selling my Honda S2000 to buy something new. Having looked around i can find nothing that really floats my boat apart from an Elise which i have a nagging feeling will be too 'raw&basic' for me.
I have always loved TVR's, but didn't realise that Tamora's were possibly in my possible price range untill I sw one for sale on here. Now for the oh so obvious questions:
1. Have there been any 'facelifts' or changes over the years to Tamora's?
2. I have been told to avoid pre 03 3.6 engines due to reliability issues. Is this true, and what changes did they make in 03?
3. Can they be used as an everyday car? (i only commute about 2 miles), then potter about and blast out on weekends)
4. Can a 'decent' Tamora be picked up for £22k max
5. 18" Spider wheels seem to be absent from earlier cars i have seen. Were these introduced later in life? or an option? Can they be retrofitted?
6. Anything i should specifically look out for when looking about for one?
7. What are servicing costs like on Tamoras?
Please excuse the paranoid questions above, but coming from Honda's reliability I am a bit unsure and dont want get stung by TVR's legendary reliability problems.
TIA
Kevin
Im currently in the process of selling my Honda S2000 to buy something new. Having looked around i can find nothing that really floats my boat apart from an Elise which i have a nagging feeling will be too 'raw&basic' for me.
I have always loved TVR's, but didn't realise that Tamora's were possibly in my possible price range untill I sw one for sale on here. Now for the oh so obvious questions:
1. Have there been any 'facelifts' or changes over the years to Tamora's?
2. I have been told to avoid pre 03 3.6 engines due to reliability issues. Is this true, and what changes did they make in 03?
3. Can they be used as an everyday car? (i only commute about 2 miles), then potter about and blast out on weekends)
4. Can a 'decent' Tamora be picked up for £22k max
5. 18" Spider wheels seem to be absent from earlier cars i have seen. Were these introduced later in life? or an option? Can they be retrofitted?
6. Anything i should specifically look out for when looking about for one?
7. What are servicing costs like on Tamoras?
Please excuse the paranoid questions above, but coming from Honda's reliability I am a bit unsure and dont want get stung by TVR's legendary reliability problems.
TIA
Kevin
Hi, and welcome Kevin. Most of what you've asked has been talked about before so use the forum search to get more complete answers and different opinions (lots of those here), but here goes...
1. Yes. Black heat proof paint around bonnet vent and rear diffuser, and 16" wheels was standard on the early '02 cars. Late 2002 the front foglamp was replaced with a larger main beam lamp.
2. The evidence suggests mid 2002 on - but maybe I'm only saying that cos mine is Dec '02
3. Yes, but engine needs to be treated gently until up to temperature and 2 miles isn't going to do it. I would be worried about this if I was you. Many people, myself included, run a 2nd car as a commuter ('99 Volvo V40 for me).
4. Possibly, but not through a dealer.
5. Became standard mid '02 I think. Not a problem changing but there's not much of a market for the 16" wheels.
6. Definitely get it checked over by someone who knows TVRs - dealer or recognisded independent. Search these forums for tips on what to look for.
7. Service every 6000 miles with alternating minor and major. Dealer full cost was approx 600 and 900 but prices seem to have come down recently.
Your biggest issue is the short 2 mile commute - the engine won't like that especially in winter. Go and test drive one - it'll answer a lot of your questions and once you've driven one you might find yourself getting a lot more creative about how to get one into your garage
Oh.... and mine's up for sale shortly and your budget isn't far out so send me a message through my profile if you're interested.
Don
1. Yes. Black heat proof paint around bonnet vent and rear diffuser, and 16" wheels was standard on the early '02 cars. Late 2002 the front foglamp was replaced with a larger main beam lamp.
2. The evidence suggests mid 2002 on - but maybe I'm only saying that cos mine is Dec '02
3. Yes, but engine needs to be treated gently until up to temperature and 2 miles isn't going to do it. I would be worried about this if I was you. Many people, myself included, run a 2nd car as a commuter ('99 Volvo V40 for me).
4. Possibly, but not through a dealer.
5. Became standard mid '02 I think. Not a problem changing but there's not much of a market for the 16" wheels.
6. Definitely get it checked over by someone who knows TVRs - dealer or recognisded independent. Search these forums for tips on what to look for.
7. Service every 6000 miles with alternating minor and major. Dealer full cost was approx 600 and 900 but prices seem to have come down recently.
Your biggest issue is the short 2 mile commute - the engine won't like that especially in winter. Go and test drive one - it'll answer a lot of your questions and once you've driven one you might find yourself getting a lot more creative about how to get one into your garage
Oh.... and mine's up for sale shortly
and your budget isn't far out so send me a message through my profile if you're interested. Don
I know that nickname ... TVR_man here from the TT forum.
You will only get the earliest Tamoras for 22k. Probably fine, but a betting man would try and sink 28-30k into a 03 model onwards. Basically, the newer the better - TVR constantly improve the cars.
There was one cosmetic change which the Tamora afficionados on here will detail, mid-03 timeframe I think. No changes under the skin though (I think).
IMO you must get aircon. Many will say why bother in a convertible, but you will notice they don't have it.
Any car you drive should feel tight, no rattles or clonks and it should brake straight. No reason why any Tamora shouldn't feel just right. The engine sounds like a bag or nails until oil starts to warm up - they all do that. The clutch should be light and the gearchange should be easy (put it in first before reverse to stop it crunching). Once warm it should sound lovely at low revs and scarey at higher revs, quite tappety all the time though (this is no Rover V8). Revs to 7,500rpm, power building all the way like the S2000 but starts sooner, but if the owner revs above 3,000rpm when the engine is cold (oil temp below 40degC) then walk away.
Go drive some!
>> Edited by targarama on Sunday 3rd April 22:43
You will only get the earliest Tamoras for 22k. Probably fine, but a betting man would try and sink 28-30k into a 03 model onwards. Basically, the newer the better - TVR constantly improve the cars.
There was one cosmetic change which the Tamora afficionados on here will detail, mid-03 timeframe I think. No changes under the skin though (I think).
IMO you must get aircon. Many will say why bother in a convertible, but you will notice they don't have it.
Any car you drive should feel tight, no rattles or clonks and it should brake straight. No reason why any Tamora shouldn't feel just right. The engine sounds like a bag or nails until oil starts to warm up - they all do that. The clutch should be light and the gearchange should be easy (put it in first before reverse to stop it crunching). Once warm it should sound lovely at low revs and scarey at higher revs, quite tappety all the time though (this is no Rover V8). Revs to 7,500rpm, power building all the way like the S2000 but starts sooner, but if the owner revs above 3,000rpm when the engine is cold (oil temp below 40degC) then walk away.
Go drive some!
>> Edited by targarama on Sunday 3rd April 22:43
If you goto www.tvrtamora.com you can see a selection of owners and cars!
I have owned one from new and I would say they are note really suitable for a two mile journey. In cold weather you are talking about 20 minutes of driving at 2500 rpm to get the car warmed up.
The 18 inch wheels only became standard since november 2004, along with aircon and pearl paint, but a large proportion of cars had them fitted.
From my own perspective they are dogs b
ks but they sooo need respect! I race karts and they are on the edge with a cold slick tyre experience!
But how much fun? Unebelievable, but we have a clio 1.2 as backup!
I have owned one from new and I would say they are note really suitable for a two mile journey. In cold weather you are talking about 20 minutes of driving at 2500 rpm to get the car warmed up.
The 18 inch wheels only became standard since november 2004, along with aircon and pearl paint, but a large proportion of cars had them fitted.
From my own perspective they are dogs b
ks but they sooo need respect! I race karts and they are on the edge with a cold slick tyre experience! But how much fun? Unebelievable, but we have a clio 1.2 as backup!
2 mile commute? Get a pushbike!! 
Seriously, if you want to get a Tamora, buy a bike to cycle to work - I would for that distance.
I answer to your other questions, basically the Tamora seems to be much better off as far as engine problems go - it appears that because there are fewer of them, virtually all are 3.6 engines (not 4.0l) and they first appeared in 2001, many of the engine problems bypassed them. I have had two, the first being the 14th. off the production line, and I haven't experienced any problems. alt on these fora owns one of the first 2-3 off the line, and he runs his every day, and has had no problems.
I've had mine looked at (May 2002 car)and there is no valve stretch, guide wear or camshaft problem, so mine is obviously a good engine!
You're looking at £25k for a mid-'02 car, with 18" wheels and about 12-15k miles. All will have full main dealer histories (if not, walk away immediately!!)
TVR's need using regularly to get the best from them, so if you do plan to commute take the long way round - find a journey that gets the oil up to 50oC at least - 5 minutes in Summer, 15 in Winter.
ALso bear in m ind that sealing round windows isn't perfect, so there are usually minor water leaks and a fair amount of wind noise - and the hood isn't powered like your S2000! However, you do get a decent boot and plenty of storage space, so at least you can take some luggage with you on a weekend away!
They are really great cars, but you must be brutally honest with yourself if you don't want to be frustrated/disappointed.
Seriously, if you want to get a Tamora, buy a bike to cycle to work - I would for that distance.
I answer to your other questions, basically the Tamora seems to be much better off as far as engine problems go - it appears that because there are fewer of them, virtually all are 3.6 engines (not 4.0l) and they first appeared in 2001, many of the engine problems bypassed them. I have had two, the first being the 14th. off the production line, and I haven't experienced any problems. alt on these fora owns one of the first 2-3 off the line, and he runs his every day, and has had no problems.
I've had mine looked at (May 2002 car)and there is no valve stretch, guide wear or camshaft problem, so mine is obviously a good engine!
You're looking at £25k for a mid-'02 car, with 18" wheels and about 12-15k miles. All will have full main dealer histories (if not, walk away immediately!!)
TVR's need using regularly to get the best from them, so if you do plan to commute take the long way round - find a journey that gets the oil up to 50oC at least - 5 minutes in Summer, 15 in Winter.
ALso bear in m ind that sealing round windows isn't perfect, so there are usually minor water leaks and a fair amount of wind noise - and the hood isn't powered like your S2000! However, you do get a decent boot and plenty of storage space, so at least you can take some luggage with you on a weekend away!
They are really great cars, but you must be brutally honest with yourself if you don't want to be frustrated/disappointed.
Hi Kevin - I changed from an S2000 about 8 months ago, overall do not regret it, the performance is in a different league, the interior is just so much more stylish, the sound is great, and other than at a Pistonheads meet, I still have not met another one while out and about driving.
I have for those 8 months been using as my daily driver, for a trip of about 12 miles each way, and have found it perfectly usable, but have been heeding what everyone says about carefully warming up, which sadly means crawling along a bit of dual carriageway not far from my house every morning.
I am now considering getting a daily runner though, to keep miles down on the TVR, spread the servicing costs, and have it more as that "special" weekend car.
Downsides compared to the Honda:
It isn't as well built, but I'm sure you would expect that.
I personally think the targa roof system is stupid - I wouldn't expect an electric roof, but a 1 piece system that you can easily drop would be so much better than having to stop, remove targa panel, wedge it in boot - particularly annoying if you're travelling anywhere with luggage!
Had a few minor initial niggles, but Dream Machines were very good in sorting these.
As for the biggie - the Speed 6 engine - well, mine is an '02 car, got it with 8,000, and at 12,000 the engine went.
Perhaps I was unlucky, as most of the Tamora owners on this forum seem to have avoided Sp 6 problems, but 2 other former S2000 owners from S2ki.com also recently got TVR's, a Sp 6 Tuscan, and a T350, and both have needed engine rebuilds.
So I would say - make sure you buy a car with decent warranty cover, and you should probably get a daily runner as well, in view of your short joureny, and in case the engine goes pop, as rebuilds can take quite some time. I was lucky, as Dream Machines keep a spare re-built engine.
If I could rewind 8 months and choose again what car to buy, I'm pretty sure I would still go for a Tamora, as I love the performance and the handling. The steering is much more lively than the Honda, and on the 18's it can sometimes feel a bit too lively on a poorly surfaced country road, the 16's may be better in that respect.
Only possible alternative I might consider would be to find a really good Griffith 500, but I've never driven one, and am not sure I would like the handling as much as the Tam, which I get the impression is a bit more of a point and squirt car.
I have for those 8 months been using as my daily driver, for a trip of about 12 miles each way, and have found it perfectly usable, but have been heeding what everyone says about carefully warming up, which sadly means crawling along a bit of dual carriageway not far from my house every morning.
I am now considering getting a daily runner though, to keep miles down on the TVR, spread the servicing costs, and have it more as that "special" weekend car.
Downsides compared to the Honda:
It isn't as well built, but I'm sure you would expect that.
I personally think the targa roof system is stupid - I wouldn't expect an electric roof, but a 1 piece system that you can easily drop would be so much better than having to stop, remove targa panel, wedge it in boot - particularly annoying if you're travelling anywhere with luggage!
Had a few minor initial niggles, but Dream Machines were very good in sorting these.
As for the biggie - the Speed 6 engine - well, mine is an '02 car, got it with 8,000, and at 12,000 the engine went.
Perhaps I was unlucky, as most of the Tamora owners on this forum seem to have avoided Sp 6 problems, but 2 other former S2000 owners from S2ki.com also recently got TVR's, a Sp 6 Tuscan, and a T350, and both have needed engine rebuilds.
So I would say - make sure you buy a car with decent warranty cover, and you should probably get a daily runner as well, in view of your short joureny, and in case the engine goes pop, as rebuilds can take quite some time. I was lucky, as Dream Machines keep a spare re-built engine.
If I could rewind 8 months and choose again what car to buy, I'm pretty sure I would still go for a Tamora, as I love the performance and the handling. The steering is much more lively than the Honda, and on the 18's it can sometimes feel a bit too lively on a poorly surfaced country road, the 16's may be better in that respect.
Only possible alternative I might consider would be to find a really good Griffith 500, but I've never driven one, and am not sure I would like the handling as much as the Tam, which I get the impression is a bit more of a point and squirt car.
AlexRWD said:
Only possible alternative I might consider would be to find a really good Griffith 500, but I've never driven one, and am not sure I would like the handling as much as the Tam, which I get the impression is a bit more of a point and squirt car.
I went from a Griff to the Tamora - the Tamora is much more useable every day, better handling, faster in a straight line, etc, etc. I still love the Griffith for what it is - it's a true classic and I miss the V8 rumble, but the Tamora is a much, much better drivers car IMO.
I'm going home (New Zealand) in July and our screwed up car registration laws don't allow TVRs on the road. Long story, but basically it's because TVR don't export or make enough cars to have to pass industry crash tests like Euro-NCAP, but they are too high-volume to get into NZ under the low volume exemption there.
So the Tamora can't come with me, but I do have a plan involving a 'kit car' that might look quite similar to a Cerbera but sound more like a 5.7l 450hp Corvette....
So the Tamora can't come with me, but I do have a plan involving a 'kit car' that might look quite similar to a Cerbera but sound more like a 5.7l 450hp Corvette....
We were told that our car was one of the first face-lift models (November 2002). As said above, I think the changes were cosmetic (light clusters etc.) rather than engine changes. On the reliability side, we have had our car since new and its about to have its 24K service. Apart from some "new car teething issues" it has been absolutely fine and has never let us down!
Go for it!
Go for it!
Guys
A HUGE thanks for the replies!
Pretty much all the bases have beeen covered and questions answered.
However.... it would seem that the Tamora 'might' not be the car for me due to my price range top being able to afford a newr car and also the commuting distance.
However i am going to try one and see what the dealer says etc, 'cos:
1. I have just watched your flying lap Ffirg 005 and that noise is just dreamy!
2. I have just watched the JC 'No Limits DVD again and saw it waste the Boxster S, i just can't stop drooling!
3. I just got an insurance quote and i was stunned! It will cost THE SAME to insure as my S2000!
A few more questions though:
1. Can somebody explain the roof. I was under the impression it was a manual full fold back, but a few of you guys have mentioned 'Targa'?! Is there a panel solid or material? How does it fit etc
2. What sort of MPG do your guys get?
3. Where is teh nearest dealer to Bristol? (Williams are no longer doing TVR)
4. Am i limited to a small colour choice with early cars, or is a silver/dark silver available?
Thanks again for all the replies guys, it's much appreciated!
p.s. Trefor, dont mention anything yet on TTF cos i dont want the bulls to rampage yet!
A HUGE thanks for the replies!
Pretty much all the bases have beeen covered and questions answered.
However.... it would seem that the Tamora 'might' not be the car for me due to my price range top being able to afford a newr car and also the commuting distance.
However i am going to try one and see what the dealer says etc, 'cos:
1. I have just watched your flying lap Ffirg 005 and that noise is just dreamy!
2. I have just watched the JC 'No Limits DVD again and saw it waste the Boxster S, i just can't stop drooling!
3. I just got an insurance quote and i was stunned! It will cost THE SAME to insure as my S2000!
A few more questions though:
1. Can somebody explain the roof. I was under the impression it was a manual full fold back, but a few of you guys have mentioned 'Targa'?! Is there a panel solid or material? How does it fit etc
2. What sort of MPG do your guys get?
3. Where is teh nearest dealer to Bristol? (Williams are no longer doing TVR)
4. Am i limited to a small colour choice with early cars, or is a silver/dark silver available?
Thanks again for all the replies guys, it's much appreciated!
p.s. Trefor, dont mention anything yet on TTF cos i dont want the bulls to rampage yet!
kmpowell said:
Guys
3. I just got an insurance quote and i was stunned! It will cost THE SAME to insure as my S2000!
Yup, mine has turned out cheaper than the S2000 to insure!
kmpowell said:
A few more questions though:
1. Can somebody explain the roof. I was under the impression it was a manual full fold back, but a few of you guys have mentioned 'Targa'?! Is there a panel solid or material? How does it fit etc
It's same as on the Griffith and Chimaera - there is a solid targa roof panel which you remove and awkwardly wedge into the boot (on the Griff's, Chims and Tuscans, this is much easier as they have larger and easier access boots) and then you can either keep rear window section up, or lower it.
As for MPG, there is already a thread running about this
kmpowell said:
A big thanks to everybody. My S2000 is up for sale on here and other places, so the search has started for a Tam in one of the silvery, titanium or grey colours.
Just got to findf a dealer local to Bristol now!!????
I'll keep you posted.
Well done regarding your decision, am sure you won't regret it
, don't limit yourself to searching for a Tam around here, I eventually plumped for one that was in Poole, Dorset!! Us the AutoTrader website for searches for Tams (I did), and the P/H classifides.
I bought mine 'semi privatly' and the money I saved allowed me to buy more stuff for the Tam, including a good warranty. Also, if I were in Bristol and not the Forest, I would get the car serviced at Penninsular, bit of a trek, but they have a good reputation.
I was thinking about selling my Elise 111R and buying a Tam for around £24k, not so sure now sounds like i could be buying a load of trouble(based on some of the threads i have read), Shame as i like the look and the sound of the TVR's. Am i right in thinking a Chimaera would not be that good for track days as they don't handle as well.
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