Buying my fisrt TVR a 2004 T350t
Discussion
Hello to all you other TVR owners. I have been wanting a TVR for years now and been saving hard but now has come the time.
I was originally after a tuscan but after looking around finally deceided on a 350 t.
The car I have put a deposit on is a light blue pearl colour ( anybody know what this colour is called ?)It only has 3900 miles and ofcourse I am getting one that has all TVR SH . I am trying to find out what things I should check when viewing and test driving the car can anybody help ?
I has 19" wheels (standards thrown in as well) should this course any problems ?
I have heard so many stories about the SP6 engine that I dont know what I believe any more. All I know is that I have been saving for ages to get one and I AM going to enjoy it !
Is anybody living in the Teesside area with simalar cars and know of any meets clubs etc ?
I was originally after a tuscan but after looking around finally deceided on a 350 t.
The car I have put a deposit on is a light blue pearl colour ( anybody know what this colour is called ?)It only has 3900 miles and ofcourse I am getting one that has all TVR SH . I am trying to find out what things I should check when viewing and test driving the car can anybody help ?
I has 19" wheels (standards thrown in as well) should this course any problems ?
I have heard so many stories about the SP6 engine that I dont know what I believe any more. All I know is that I have been saving for ages to get one and I AM going to enjoy it !
Is anybody living in the Teesside area with simalar cars and know of any meets clubs etc ?
Hi Martyn
Don't believe all the stories relating to the SpeedSix engine - there are plenty (me included) that have had no problems with them. Just go into ownership with your eyes open and you'll have the time of your life!
There is a North East forum on here with plenty of guys from the local area (I'm in Middlesbrough) and they have regular meets around Durham area. Why not introduce yourself on there and I'm sure you'll get some good feedback
PP
Edited to say: Colour might be Crystal Topaz by the sound of it (an Alfa Romeo colour). Regarding test drives, I'm the last person to ask advice about these since bought my first TVR immediately after the first test drive. I was that much in awe of the performance, I forgot about anything else
>> Edited by PinkPanther on Sunday 15th January 16:30
Don't believe all the stories relating to the SpeedSix engine - there are plenty (me included) that have had no problems with them. Just go into ownership with your eyes open and you'll have the time of your life!
There is a North East forum on here with plenty of guys from the local area (I'm in Middlesbrough) and they have regular meets around Durham area. Why not introduce yourself on there and I'm sure you'll get some good feedback
PP
Edited to say: Colour might be Crystal Topaz by the sound of it (an Alfa Romeo colour). Regarding test drives, I'm the last person to ask advice about these since bought my first TVR immediately after the first test drive. I was that much in awe of the performance, I forgot about anything else
>> Edited by PinkPanther on Sunday 15th January 16:30
Hi Martyn
Are you buying the car from Hexham HC? If so you can be pretty sure that everything is completely pukka as they are an excellent outfit.
You can now get an extended used car warranty from TVR if you are worried about potential problems. I have had 2 SP6 cars and no engine problems whatsoever but I have owned both from new and therefore know exactly how they have been treated. Warming up properly is essential.
Are you sure it has 19" wheels and not 18"?
I have a Tuscan 2 and live in N Yorks and will be happy to take you for a spin if you like. But I think there are quite a few SP6 Tivs in Teeside now too.
Are you buying the car from Hexham HC? If so you can be pretty sure that everything is completely pukka as they are an excellent outfit.
You can now get an extended used car warranty from TVR if you are worried about potential problems. I have had 2 SP6 cars and no engine problems whatsoever but I have owned both from new and therefore know exactly how they have been treated. Warming up properly is essential.
Are you sure it has 19" wheels and not 18"?
I have a Tuscan 2 and live in N Yorks and will be happy to take you for a spin if you like. But I think there are quite a few SP6 Tivs in Teeside now too.
SP6 - Ive had no problems with mine.
My best advice (also the advice of the garage - Racing Green) is warm the car up before you open it up. Allow the oil temp to reach 60C (usually about 10 miles). Of course you can achieve this on the driveway but you really want to do it whilst driving so that your warming the transmission and gearbox oil too. During this period keep the revs low, below 2.5.
Congratulations on your choice!
My best advice (also the advice of the garage - Racing Green) is warm the car up before you open it up. Allow the oil temp to reach 60C (usually about 10 miles). Of course you can achieve this on the driveway but you really want to do it whilst driving so that your warming the transmission and gearbox oil too. During this period keep the revs low, below 2.5.
Congratulations on your choice!
Thanks all for your replies. The colour isnt crystal topaz, as I looked at a tuscan in the colour. I was looking through top marques last night and it was refered to as chamelion blue, is that the correct name.
As for the wheels, they are definately 19". I hope these do not spoil the ride of the car, anybody got 19s on there t350 ?
I hope to meet all you fellow north eastern owners when the nice weather comes and I finally pick up the car. I feel like a young boy waiting for christmas!
Cheers
As for the wheels, they are definately 19". I hope these do not spoil the ride of the car, anybody got 19s on there t350 ?
I hope to meet all you fellow north eastern owners when the nice weather comes and I finally pick up the car. I feel like a young boy waiting for christmas!
Cheers
Is it the car at 'Zoom4cars'?
If so then I would defo get her checked out by an authotrised dealer to have the warranty put on it and also FULLY HPi checked!
By the looks of it, it's had an engine rebuild and has a whole host of 'extras' like ICE, wheels etc etc.
The biggest thing though is the car is a CAT D insurance catagory! So check the history for the crashes, what was damaged etc and also where the repairs were carried out!
So don't let your heart overrule your head on this one otherwise you might end up in a heap load of financial trouble if you miss something important.
Good Luck
>> Edited by kmpowell on Monday 16th January 07:56
If so then I would defo get her checked out by an authotrised dealer to have the warranty put on it and also FULLY HPi checked!
By the looks of it, it's had an engine rebuild and has a whole host of 'extras' like ICE, wheels etc etc.
The biggest thing though is the car is a CAT D insurance catagory! So check the history for the crashes, what was damaged etc and also where the repairs were carried out!
So don't let your heart overrule your head on this one otherwise you might end up in a heap load of financial trouble if you miss something important.
Good Luck
>> Edited by kmpowell on Monday 16th January 07:56
It is the one from zoom. I have been in long discussions with him and I feel myself that it is worth a look.
Today he is sending me all the documentation for the repairs as thay were done by a TVR dealer, so I will be able to phone them and make sure.
He is also saying that the car is a cat D because of a crash but all the repairs have been done and it is having an auto align test as we speak to make sure everything is as good as new, anybody heard of this before. The garage has also said when it passes this test it will be taken off the cat D and be an inspected car ??????????? Is this true.
I am not someone who does something on impulse I like to think about my decision but if this auto align test is ok all the repairs have been by a dealer it should be ok shouldn't it? This car is 10k under price and I know it will be worth less money when I come to sell it but it is still a massive saving !
Please send me your veiws.
Today he is sending me all the documentation for the repairs as thay were done by a TVR dealer, so I will be able to phone them and make sure.
He is also saying that the car is a cat D because of a crash but all the repairs have been done and it is having an auto align test as we speak to make sure everything is as good as new, anybody heard of this before. The garage has also said when it passes this test it will be taken off the cat D and be an inspected car ??????????? Is this true.
I am not someone who does something on impulse I like to think about my decision but if this auto align test is ok all the repairs have been by a dealer it should be ok shouldn't it? This car is 10k under price and I know it will be worth less money when I come to sell it but it is still a massive saving !
Please send me your veiws.
Good luck Martyn!
I'm in the position of looking for my first TVR (I'm an inveterate topless person so for me it's the Tam)and it is an all consuming business. My wife is mega, mega pissed off. Two weeks off work to do decorating, and guess how much has been done... Nada!
Like you, I'm considering this carefully. BUT.... it's like being let loose in a toy shop with Andy from Little Britain. 'I want THAT one.' Then..... 'I want THAT one.' What I don't want is a little while later to say 'I feel a right pillock.'
The only good advice I've been given, is Slloooooowww down. And knowing nothing about TVRs, I would be very careful about Cat D insurance. However, as I DO know nowt about TVRs take this with a pinch of salt - and I will eagerly watch your thread as I need as much info and advice as possible.
I live down in Dorset on the South Coast and I'm interested in a car from Derby and another from Wigan, so I've got the prospect of many miles to view and I don't want to waste my time.
Anybody seen the Montreal Blue Tam at Peter Smith in Derby? Looks good in pictures, an opinions of it in the flesh?
Ditto the midnight blue from HL Gorner in Wigan?
I'm in the position of looking for my first TVR (I'm an inveterate topless person so for me it's the Tam)and it is an all consuming business. My wife is mega, mega pissed off. Two weeks off work to do decorating, and guess how much has been done... Nada!
Like you, I'm considering this carefully. BUT.... it's like being let loose in a toy shop with Andy from Little Britain. 'I want THAT one.' Then..... 'I want THAT one.' What I don't want is a little while later to say 'I feel a right pillock.'
The only good advice I've been given, is Slloooooowww down. And knowing nothing about TVRs, I would be very careful about Cat D insurance. However, as I DO know nowt about TVRs take this with a pinch of salt - and I will eagerly watch your thread as I need as much info and advice as possible.
I live down in Dorset on the South Coast and I'm interested in a car from Derby and another from Wigan, so I've got the prospect of many miles to view and I don't want to waste my time.
Anybody seen the Montreal Blue Tam at Peter Smith in Derby? Looks good in pictures, an opinions of it in the flesh?
Ditto the midnight blue from HL Gorner in Wigan?
marT350T said:
Today he is sending me all the documentation for the repairs as thay were done by a TVR dealer, so I will be able to phone them and make sure.
He is also saying that the car is a cat D because of a crash but all the repairs have been done and it is having an auto align test as we speak to make sure everything is as good as new, anybody heard of this before. The garage has also said when it passes this test it will be taken off the cat D and be an inspected car ??????????? Is this true.
I am not someone who does something on impulse I like to think about my decision but if this auto align test is ok all the repairs have been by a dealer it should be ok shouldn't it? This car is 10k under price and I know it will be worth less money when I come to sell it but it is still a massive saving !
Please send me your veiws.
I would be wary about a Cat D car, even more so when it's not from a dealer. I prefer to deal with Hexham Horseless Carriages (have done for the past 4-5 years) when it comes to anything TVR, just for my peace of mind and a friendly approachable bunch for any issues or queries - makes a big difference IMO. But again that's just me.
If you are still wanting to pursue the car in question I would find out more about the dealer who made the repairs and perhaps contact them directly to investigate further before committing.
Just my thoughts
. PP
How much will you save buying this repaired car over a non-repaired/accident classified car? 2-3k? If so then I would forget it. You need to remember that the car will be a b1tch to resell - I suspect most dealers won't touch it in p/ex. They'd be wise dealers to check the history of any prospective purchase with the factory (where any major parts such as chassis/big body parts will be logged against the VIN/reg).
Unless it's 5-6k cheaper min I wouldn't entertain the thought. Especially if you haven't seen pictures of the car when damaged, are happy with the work done (contact previous owner in log book - they should be honest if they have sold the car) - and only buy if you intend to keep it for a long time.
Unless it's 5-6k cheaper min I wouldn't entertain the thought. Especially if you haven't seen pictures of the car when damaged, are happy with the work done (contact previous owner in log book - they should be honest if they have sold the car) - and only buy if you intend to keep it for a long time.
You'll find a thread somewhere on this site for a chap/s that can survey the car on your behalf. I dont think it'll cost you too much and it could save you a whole heap!
To be honest I think this type of car is much more easily fixed than most, by virtue of having a chassis and everything else bolting on mechano style to it. So a crashed car may not be a bad proposition, if its been fixed properly. Dont take my word for it though, get an expert.
Personally, I think Red Bull Blue is the best colour!!
To be honest I think this type of car is much more easily fixed than most, by virtue of having a chassis and everything else bolting on mechano style to it. So a crashed car may not be a bad proposition, if its been fixed properly. Dont take my word for it though, get an expert.
Personally, I think Red Bull Blue is the best colour!!
I have been in touch with the garage selling the car for the last 2 weeks he must be sick of me asking questions. I have got pictures of the car from every angle possible, got the numbers of the companies that did the repairs and disussed the repair with them and have found out that all genuine brand new TVR parts were used. Looking through the 2004 T350T's currently for sale I think it is on average 7-8K cheaper!
I think I have done as much homework as possible without seeing the car. This I am going to do next week and will keep you posted on how I get on.
Before I go I have one more question. I work offshore so the car will be laid up a few weeks at a time. I like to leave my cars on trickle charge while I am away. I have heard you need some kind of plug so you can do this without having to leave the bonnet open is this true ?
This has been my first time on PH and I thank you all for all your input.
I think I have done as much homework as possible without seeing the car. This I am going to do next week and will keep you posted on how I get on.
Before I go I have one more question. I work offshore so the car will be laid up a few weeks at a time. I like to leave my cars on trickle charge while I am away. I have heard you need some kind of plug so you can do this without having to leave the bonnet open is this true ?
This has been my first time on PH and I thank you all for all your input.
willis said:
I have been in touch with the garage selling the car for the last 2 weeks he must be sick of me asking questions. I have got pictures of the car from every angle possible, got the numbers of the companies that did the repairs and disussed the repair with them and have found out that all genuine brand new TVR parts were used. Looking through the 2004 T350T's currently for sale I think it is on average 7-8K cheaper!
I think I have done as much homework as possible without seeing the car. This I am going to do next week and will keep you posted on how I get on.
Before I go I have one more question. I work offshore so the car will be laid up a few weeks at a time. I like to leave my cars on trickle charge while I am away. I have heard you need some kind of plug so you can do this without having to leave the bonnet open is this true ?
This has been my first time on PH and I thank you all for all your input.
2 options for trickle charging:
- cigarette lighter socket adapter on the Accumate charger (this is how mine is left - currently on its own for 3 weeks while I'm in the US on business).
- special adapter to plug into battery jump connectors under passenger wing (rear of wheelarch). Same connectors as used in Tuscan - sold by Leven again.
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