Need advice on buying Tamora please!
Discussion
Thanks to some members recommendations I have pretty much decided on getting a second hand TVR Tamora!
I am interested in one but have no idea what to look for in a second hand TVR, before even getting to the model specific things to look for. I would greatly appreciate some feedback on this TVR from other PistonHead members, especially ones with experience with the Tamora.
I have some specific questions at the bottom of my post but first off here are the details of the car which I would appreciate comments on.
The car is up for sale at a non franchised prestige car dealer (deals in a large selection of very nice cars but only the one TVR at the moment).
Click HERE for full size photos.
TVR Tamora 3.6
Imperial Blue Metallic with Silver Bison alcantara interior and blue soft top
18” TVR Alloys
52 plate, registered 1st September 2002
7000 miles
Armourfend in all usual places
TVR Warranty remaining - ends this month (May 2005)
Bought from Castle TVR and FTVRSH from Castle TVR (Stanstead)
Believed to be a Castle TVR demo till 928 miles – need to confirm
2 owners since new (believed to be registered with Castle TVR as first owner)
Delivery inspection at 18 miles (29/08/2002)
1st Service at 928 miles (23/09/2002)
2nd Service at 4923 miles (25/09/2003)
£25995
I went to see the car and was very impressed! I don’t want to go buying the first thing I see on impulse even if it fits well within my budget and is a colour I love. So this is where you guys and girls come in. Should I buy this car or look elsewhere?
From looking around the car this is how I would describe the condition (along with photos)
Bodywork/Paintwork –
Generally all very good quality.
7” light scratch in the middle of the bonnet and some small chips around the wheel arches.
Armorfend and surprisingly few stone chips anywhere on the car, the front end being almost clear from stone chips other than the lower splitter and some light marking on the Armorfend. Lower splitter is scuffed as I suppose is normal as it is so low.
Passenger door opening button doesn’t seem to be the same as driver’s door which seems to have a rubber cover over it whereas the passenger doesn’t.
Click HERE for full size photos.
Wheels/Tyres –
All wheels have very slight curbing damage around the edges.
Tyres seem in good condition (forgot to look too hard at them)
Roof –
Unable to see hard top part of roof as it was locked in the boot and the battery was dead!
Rear fold up part of roof suffering slightly with marks in the Perspex where the two struts rub against it when folding down (see photo, although it doesn’t show up too well)
Unsure about the seal/stitching on the roof at the point it hinges, it seems to have come unstitched and the rubber has come unattaced (see photos) – is this normal?
Click HERE for full size photos.
Interior –
Some unusual wear for leather, is it actually leather?
Slight cracking of leather on the drivers seat lumbar support. Not expected for 7k miles?
Small stain on the blue Alcantara on the drivers seat, I’m guessing a water mark. (see photo).
Glue or something appears to be leaking around the gear shift gaiter (see photo)
Some wear on driver seat at the top where the leather seems to be peeling slightly to reveal a yellow base? (see photo)
Drivers floor mat/carpet seems to be falling apart at the edge (just about noticeable in the photo)
Click HERE for full size photos.
Engine and mechanics of the car –
First off the battery was completely dead (does this happen quite often when left not running?)
No idea how good the engine is as they do not generally allow a test drive unless making a deal first with intent on buying once coming back from drive if pleased.
Questions:
1) Could people please tell me if this is a good example to go for and does the price match the age / condition / mileage of the car?
2) I’m concerned that the battery is dead, is this anything to be worried about really?
3) I believe this is the earlier model of the Tamora with the older style front indicators / fogs. Am I right in thinking this? Would I be better trying to find a later car? Are the engines of the later 2003 and onward models likely to be better?
4) If this does turn out to be a demo car for Castle TVR, is this a bad thing?
5) I’m guessing the service interval for these is 6k miles or 1 year which ever comes first? In which case it doesn’t seem to have been serviced after September 2003 (20 months ago, but only 2000 miles ago). If this is the case I’m guessing that isn’t good!
6) The car has only done 2000 miles in the last year and a half, is this something to be concerned about?
7) This car is from a garage but not a franchised garage of any kind (it seems to sell only high end cars – for example, Dodge Viper, Porsche’s, Elise, Clio V6, Z4, Scooby WRX STi etc. etc.). Is this wise place to buy from?
8) There is something silly like 3 weeks left on the TVR warranty and the dealer offers no warranty at all. Is this potentially bad?
9) The car has only done 7000 miles in 2.5 years. Are any engine problems unlikely to have surfaced yet?
10) Is it worth getting an independent garage to give it the once over before purchasing it even though I am getting it from a garage? I asked if the car was mechanically sound and I was given the number of Castle TVR and was told to ask them for the cars history (which I will do).
11) Is the Imperial Blue paint a TVR colour?
12) Is £25,995 a reasonable asking price? What do people think I could knock them down to?
13) Other than the 18” wheels what other options were available in summer 2002 (other than paint and trim levels)? Is Air Con fairly normal? How can you tell if the car has air con?
14) Is it true that SEAT Leon Cupra R pads are a direct replacement for the front pads on the Tamora? (If so I am sorted as I have a Cupra R at the moment as well! Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads are my weapon of choice).
Thanks again to everyone who has helped me to make some informed decisions so far and thanks in advance to all of those who help! This is a big commitment to me to make and I want to go in with my eyes wide open and not with rose tinted glasses "fluffing" over things which will come back and bite me in the future!
NickT
>>> Edited by NickT on Tuesday 3rd May 05:24
I am interested in one but have no idea what to look for in a second hand TVR, before even getting to the model specific things to look for. I would greatly appreciate some feedback on this TVR from other PistonHead members, especially ones with experience with the Tamora.
I have some specific questions at the bottom of my post but first off here are the details of the car which I would appreciate comments on.
The car is up for sale at a non franchised prestige car dealer (deals in a large selection of very nice cars but only the one TVR at the moment).
Click HERE for full size photos.
TVR Tamora 3.6
Imperial Blue Metallic with Silver Bison alcantara interior and blue soft top
18” TVR Alloys
52 plate, registered 1st September 2002
7000 miles
Armourfend in all usual places
TVR Warranty remaining - ends this month (May 2005)
Bought from Castle TVR and FTVRSH from Castle TVR (Stanstead)
Believed to be a Castle TVR demo till 928 miles – need to confirm
2 owners since new (believed to be registered with Castle TVR as first owner)
Delivery inspection at 18 miles (29/08/2002)
1st Service at 928 miles (23/09/2002)
2nd Service at 4923 miles (25/09/2003)
£25995
I went to see the car and was very impressed! I don’t want to go buying the first thing I see on impulse even if it fits well within my budget and is a colour I love. So this is where you guys and girls come in. Should I buy this car or look elsewhere?
From looking around the car this is how I would describe the condition (along with photos)
Bodywork/Paintwork –
Generally all very good quality.
7” light scratch in the middle of the bonnet and some small chips around the wheel arches.
Armorfend and surprisingly few stone chips anywhere on the car, the front end being almost clear from stone chips other than the lower splitter and some light marking on the Armorfend. Lower splitter is scuffed as I suppose is normal as it is so low.
Passenger door opening button doesn’t seem to be the same as driver’s door which seems to have a rubber cover over it whereas the passenger doesn’t.
Click HERE for full size photos.
Wheels/Tyres –
All wheels have very slight curbing damage around the edges.
Tyres seem in good condition (forgot to look too hard at them)
Roof –
Unable to see hard top part of roof as it was locked in the boot and the battery was dead!
Rear fold up part of roof suffering slightly with marks in the Perspex where the two struts rub against it when folding down (see photo, although it doesn’t show up too well)
Unsure about the seal/stitching on the roof at the point it hinges, it seems to have come unstitched and the rubber has come unattaced (see photos) – is this normal?
Click HERE for full size photos.
Interior –
Some unusual wear for leather, is it actually leather?
Slight cracking of leather on the drivers seat lumbar support. Not expected for 7k miles?
Small stain on the blue Alcantara on the drivers seat, I’m guessing a water mark. (see photo).
Glue or something appears to be leaking around the gear shift gaiter (see photo)
Some wear on driver seat at the top where the leather seems to be peeling slightly to reveal a yellow base? (see photo)
Drivers floor mat/carpet seems to be falling apart at the edge (just about noticeable in the photo)
Click HERE for full size photos.
Engine and mechanics of the car –
First off the battery was completely dead (does this happen quite often when left not running?)
No idea how good the engine is as they do not generally allow a test drive unless making a deal first with intent on buying once coming back from drive if pleased.
Questions:
1) Could people please tell me if this is a good example to go for and does the price match the age / condition / mileage of the car?
2) I’m concerned that the battery is dead, is this anything to be worried about really?
3) I believe this is the earlier model of the Tamora with the older style front indicators / fogs. Am I right in thinking this? Would I be better trying to find a later car? Are the engines of the later 2003 and onward models likely to be better?
4) If this does turn out to be a demo car for Castle TVR, is this a bad thing?
5) I’m guessing the service interval for these is 6k miles or 1 year which ever comes first? In which case it doesn’t seem to have been serviced after September 2003 (20 months ago, but only 2000 miles ago). If this is the case I’m guessing that isn’t good!
6) The car has only done 2000 miles in the last year and a half, is this something to be concerned about?
7) This car is from a garage but not a franchised garage of any kind (it seems to sell only high end cars – for example, Dodge Viper, Porsche’s, Elise, Clio V6, Z4, Scooby WRX STi etc. etc.). Is this wise place to buy from?
8) There is something silly like 3 weeks left on the TVR warranty and the dealer offers no warranty at all. Is this potentially bad?
9) The car has only done 7000 miles in 2.5 years. Are any engine problems unlikely to have surfaced yet?
10) Is it worth getting an independent garage to give it the once over before purchasing it even though I am getting it from a garage? I asked if the car was mechanically sound and I was given the number of Castle TVR and was told to ask them for the cars history (which I will do).
11) Is the Imperial Blue paint a TVR colour?
12) Is £25,995 a reasonable asking price? What do people think I could knock them down to?
13) Other than the 18” wheels what other options were available in summer 2002 (other than paint and trim levels)? Is Air Con fairly normal? How can you tell if the car has air con?
14) Is it true that SEAT Leon Cupra R pads are a direct replacement for the front pads on the Tamora? (If so I am sorted as I have a Cupra R at the moment as well! Performance Friction Carbon Metallic pads are my weapon of choice).
Thanks again to everyone who has helped me to make some informed decisions so far and thanks in advance to all of those who help! This is a big commitment to me to make and I want to go in with my eyes wide open and not with rose tinted glasses "fluffing" over things which will come back and bite me in the future!
NickT
>>> Edited by NickT on Tuesday 3rd May 05:24
Firstly, what a post! That must have taken you hours! 
Sorry, edited to take out references to the dealer - it contravenes PH "Naming and shaming" policy. By all means e-mail your thoughts on the dealer, but please don't express them on here!! Thanks
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 3rd May 10:09
Sorry, edited to take out references to the dealer - it contravenes PH "Naming and shaming" policy. By all means e-mail your thoughts on the dealer, but please don't express them on here!! Thanks
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 3rd May 10:09
Nick, the description of the faults sounds very much on a par for a Tamora of that age.
The Bison interior is a false leather, which looks good new, but does wear very quickly. I would look for a car with leather or Ambla interior - Ambla replaced Bison, as it is much harder wearing and actually looks better.
The hood and rear window defects are pretty much normal.
Good that it has Armourfend - I had it on my first Tamora, but it does mark, and those marks are permanent.
Imperial blue is a Ford colour, and looks very nice. The scuffs on the splitter are inevitable -don't worry about them.
A 09/02 engine should be a good one, as engine issues were apparently pretty well sorted by then. However, ask to see the V5, and check with the previous owner about work done. If they won't show you the V5, walk away!!
I would feel happier buying from a main dealer - the chances of better service, and even a warranty extension, are definitely worth it!
I would certainly not consider the car without getting a full look at the electrics - so it needs a battery charge-up! It would be worth £200 to get it inspected, but basically make sure the doors open, the windows work, all fans and stitches operate. Air-con is controlled by the fan switch - push for on, and see if the air from the central dash vents (not the footwell or screen vents) blow proper cold air - best to do this on the test drive. Also listen for the hiss of the compressor when it is first switched off.
The price is about right for a car from a dealer. Ask for a good long test drive - about 30-40 minutes, to get a feel for how it runs. Oil pressure should get to about 50psi under hard acceleration, and drop to 5-10 at idle. Look for front tyre wear which indicates the geometry is out.
As with all TVR, the later the car the better - but sadly not always true! It is better to buy a car that has been thoroughly driven - the mileage on this one seems a bit low - mine is a may'02, and I'm on 14k miles, but the previous owner only managed 4000 miles in a year, (yet still managed to burn out the clutch!!)
Overall, it sounds like a fair representation of a Tamora, but if you can afford more, I would certainly do so.
The Bison interior is a false leather, which looks good new, but does wear very quickly. I would look for a car with leather or Ambla interior - Ambla replaced Bison, as it is much harder wearing and actually looks better.
The hood and rear window defects are pretty much normal.
Good that it has Armourfend - I had it on my first Tamora, but it does mark, and those marks are permanent.
Imperial blue is a Ford colour, and looks very nice. The scuffs on the splitter are inevitable -don't worry about them.
A 09/02 engine should be a good one, as engine issues were apparently pretty well sorted by then. However, ask to see the V5, and check with the previous owner about work done. If they won't show you the V5, walk away!!
I would feel happier buying from a main dealer - the chances of better service, and even a warranty extension, are definitely worth it!
I would certainly not consider the car without getting a full look at the electrics - so it needs a battery charge-up! It would be worth £200 to get it inspected, but basically make sure the doors open, the windows work, all fans and stitches operate. Air-con is controlled by the fan switch - push for on, and see if the air from the central dash vents (not the footwell or screen vents) blow proper cold air - best to do this on the test drive. Also listen for the hiss of the compressor when it is first switched off.
The price is about right for a car from a dealer. Ask for a good long test drive - about 30-40 minutes, to get a feel for how it runs. Oil pressure should get to about 50psi under hard acceleration, and drop to 5-10 at idle. Look for front tyre wear which indicates the geometry is out.
As with all TVR, the later the car the better - but sadly not always true! It is better to buy a car that has been thoroughly driven - the mileage on this one seems a bit low - mine is a may'02, and I'm on 14k miles, but the previous owner only managed 4000 miles in a year, (yet still managed to burn out the clutch!!)
Overall, it sounds like a fair representation of a Tamora, but if you can afford more, I would certainly do so.
kmpowell said:
Firstly, what a post! That must have taken you hours!
Sorry, edited to take out references to the dealer - it contravenes PH "Naming and shaming" policy. By all means e-mail your thoughts on the dealer, but please don't express them on here!! Thanks
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 3rd May 10:09
Nick
It looks like i can't tell you on here about the dealer in question which i think is selling the car. Email me kevinmichaelpowell at hotmail dot com and ill give you a full rundown on them!
Cheers
Kevin
p.s Apolgies for breaking the policy, i didn't realise it existed.
Yes it did indeed take me an age to write that email (look at the time I last edited it 
)
I've sent you an email Kevin, please let me know your thoughts.
Nubbin, many thanks for your comments they are much appreciated. I spent a lot of time last night reading through your posts and looking at your photos and videos.
So far it isn't looking too good for this car then.
The interior is putting me off the most I think. If it is already looking this warn with only 7k miles I dread to think what it will look like in a year or so. Is proper leather an extra cost? Did it ever become standard?
The low mileage is putting me off a bit as well (not often you hear that!). 2k miles in a year and a half sounds very low, even for an occasional use TVR!
I would be happier to buy from a main dealer. What is the likelihood of me picking up a nice example from a dealer for £28k max?
Do people think I may be able to get a nicer example (private or trade) for a budget of £28k? I nearly convinced myself to go for this car despite the little things I spotted. I still like it, but this is causing me to think more about it.
>> Edited by NickT on Tuesday 3rd May 12:25
) I've sent you an email Kevin, please let me know your thoughts.
Nubbin, many thanks for your comments they are much appreciated. I spent a lot of time last night reading through your posts and looking at your photos and videos.
So far it isn't looking too good for this car then.
The interior is putting me off the most I think. If it is already looking this warn with only 7k miles I dread to think what it will look like in a year or so. Is proper leather an extra cost? Did it ever become standard?
The low mileage is putting me off a bit as well (not often you hear that!). 2k miles in a year and a half sounds very low, even for an occasional use TVR!
I would be happier to buy from a main dealer. What is the likelihood of me picking up a nice example from a dealer for £28k max?
Do people think I may be able to get a nicer example (private or trade) for a budget of £28k? I nearly convinced myself to go for this car despite the little things I spotted. I still like it, but this is causing me to think more about it.
>> Edited by NickT on Tuesday 3rd May 12:25
I'm sure you would get a nice 2003 example, probably with the revised front end for £28k.
Look for air-con, full leather interior, and nothing too garish or personalised in terms of colour. There aren't that many Tamoras second hand, but whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a hoot of a driving experience!
(Air-con, 18" wheels and metallic paint are standard on new Tamoras now. Leather is an £1800 option!!)
Oh, and check the cost of insurance before you buy!!
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 3rd May 16:25
Look for air-con, full leather interior, and nothing too garish or personalised in terms of colour. There aren't that many Tamoras second hand, but whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a hoot of a driving experience!
(Air-con, 18" wheels and metallic paint are standard on new Tamoras now. Leather is an £1800 option!!)
Oh, and check the cost of insurance before you buy!!
>> Edited by nubbin on Tuesday 3rd May 16:25
Insurance isn't a problem I have only completed one online quote so far but it was a reasonable £900 from Tescos (not far off what they wanted for my Cupra R!) I am sure Tescos are far from the cheapest. That wasn't limited miles either.
Leather does sound like the way to go, up until now I had assumed that all Tamoras had leather interior! Judging by this "Bison" trim it is something avoid!
There aren't a lot of Tamoras out there for sale and finding one which ticks all the boxes may not be easy. The decision I have to make is do I hold out for one to come along which is perfect or do I compromise on something like the interior to get one sooner rather than later. £28k is a lot of money to compromise on but I have a feeling it may need to be a compromise unless I can find another few thousand pounds (which is pushing an already tight budget just too far).
What is depreciation like on the Tamora? Say I bought a car worth £28k now and added 10k miles to it in a year (making it say 20k for a 3 or 4 year old car). How much am I likely to loose? (Assuming standard wear and tear and no problems).
Leather does sound like the way to go, up until now I had assumed that all Tamoras had leather interior!
Judging by this "Bison" trim it is something avoid! There aren't a lot of Tamoras out there for sale and finding one which ticks all the boxes may not be easy. The decision I have to make is do I hold out for one to come along which is perfect or do I compromise on something like the interior to get one sooner rather than later. £28k is a lot of money to compromise on but I have a feeling it may need to be a compromise unless I can find another few thousand pounds (which is pushing an already tight budget just too far).
What is depreciation like on the Tamora? Say I bought a car worth £28k now and added 10k miles to it in a year (making it say 20k for a 3 or 4 year old car). How much am I likely to loose? (Assuming standard wear and tear and no problems).
Nick, I sent you a PM about mine which is for sale - this comment is unrelated to that.
Best advice I can offer is to read these forums thoroughly, go and look at a few and get some test drives if possible (but don't be surprised if owners are reluctant to let you behind the wheel). Decide what you like personally in terms of colour, etc and buy on the condition of the car as presented.
There's nothing inherently right or wrong about air-con or non-aircon, bison or leather, higher mileage used every day or weekend-only cars and you'll find supporters and detractors for all types in these forums.
Do your research, trust your judgement, then whatever else you do make sure it's throughly checked out preferably by a main dealer IMO.
Don't rely on odometer readings - check service records, wear on the interior etc. Read these forums thoroughly and you'll understand why I say that.
Good luck - these are fantastic cars and worth the effort to find a good one!
Don
Best advice I can offer is to read these forums thoroughly, go and look at a few and get some test drives if possible (but don't be surprised if owners are reluctant to let you behind the wheel). Decide what you like personally in terms of colour, etc and buy on the condition of the car as presented.
There's nothing inherently right or wrong about air-con or non-aircon, bison or leather, higher mileage used every day or weekend-only cars and you'll find supporters and detractors for all types in these forums.
Do your research, trust your judgement, then whatever else you do make sure it's throughly checked out preferably by a main dealer IMO.
Don't rely on odometer readings - check service records, wear on the interior etc. Read these forums thoroughly and you'll understand why I say that.
Good luck - these are fantastic cars and worth the effort to find a good one!
Don
Nick I can understand your deliberations but knowing what I know now (2002 Tamora owner for 4.5K miles) just go and buy it and start enjoying motoring again. He who hesitates is lost, which in Latin is ........?
Well more thoughtfully put: bought mine for £28.5k in Jan this year to see if I could live with a TVR (now can't live without one) 9.8 on clock but good trade in on previous front wheel drive nonsense. Trouble free all grinning motoring. Warm it up, be gentle let it settle into the day then it will entice you to thrash it but also love to provide oodles of rumbling thunder sound between streets in built up areas at 25 miles per hour. Go and buy it for goodness sake. That's as thoughtful and nice as I can get. Stop pissing around.
p.s. just about to order a Sagaris but I can only afford a T350T please send me £10k immediately
Well more thoughtfully put: bought mine for £28.5k in Jan this year to see if I could live with a TVR (now can't live without one) 9.8 on clock but good trade in on previous front wheel drive nonsense. Trouble free all grinning motoring. Warm it up, be gentle let it settle into the day then it will entice you to thrash it but also love to provide oodles of rumbling thunder sound between streets in built up areas at 25 miles per hour. Go and buy it for goodness sake. That's as thoughtful and nice as I can get. Stop pissing around.
p.s. just about to order a Sagaris but I can only afford a T350T please send me £10k immediately
NickT said:
Judging by this "Bison" trim it is something avoid!
Hi Nick, my car's over three years old and to me the bison looks the same as the day I first collected the car. I agree that leather may be better but don't agree that bison should be avoided.
As for air-con I think it depends on the kind of driving you do. I've never wished I'd spent extra to get air-con. If you spent all day in traffic with a full boot so you can't stowe the roof then it would be worth it.
My car's from Jan '02 and has now done nearly 27000 miles with no engine problems. It may be true that earlier cars had more problems even though it's not in my case. Best to have a car independently checked rather than using a certain date as the cut-off between good and bad.
Good luck......
Hi Nick, If you do buy from a non-franchised dealer I think an independant inspection is essential. A chap called Ron Ingleby provides such a service and gets lots of praise on here. Do a forum search using his name. His website is here www.findasportscar.co.uk/
Thanks for your advise guys. I have decided that this car is not the one for me. It just has too many little things wrong with it and that is before even turning the ignition. I think I would rather buy from a franchised dealer or possibly privately.
I'm looking into other Tamoras though and hope to have one for my trip to Le Mans!
I'm pretty much decided on the Tamora but if a Tuscan or T350 comes along in the right condition at the right price then I would consider one of them as well.
I'm looking into other Tamoras though and hope to have one for my trip to Le Mans!
I'm pretty much decided on the Tamora but if a Tuscan or T350 comes along in the right condition at the right price then I would consider one of them as well.
David Gerald's have a 2002 Tamora in Imperial blue with magnolia bison interior.
Looked like a nice car - had a quick look at it whilst I was there last weekend (although at the moment out of my price range! - maybe next year...).
Might be worth giving them a call.
Chris
Looked like a nice car - had a quick look at it whilst I was there last weekend (although at the moment out of my price range! - maybe next year...).
Might be worth giving them a call.
Chris
higgy said:
I am glad I waited for my beast I just love it every time I start it and try to keep it running for the first 30 secs
Yeah, I'd be really pleased to have a car that I'm not sure will keep running for longer than half a minute.
Perhaps you should wheeze back to the Lotus forum - unless you have something more useful to say?Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff