1st TVR
Author
Discussion

RJelley

Original Poster:

96 posts

234 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
quotequote all
Hi there!
Im new to the forum, but Im after my 1st TVR, Im thinking a Tamora!! ive got a little over
20K to spend, so I think im going to get a 2002 model, are they all basicly the same spec or are there different levels of spec? Ive had varoius 911's in the past and the spec changes massivly between cars... any help would be much appreciated..
Cheers

Jelley

madbadger

11,722 posts

266 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
quotequote all
Hello.

My first TVR was a Tamora, and I'd highly recommend it.

Spec is pretty much the same on all of them. 3.6l producing 350bhp.

There are a couple of 4.0l out there and some red rose 375bhp variants. Some have slightly different spec following rebuilds.

Otherwise the optional full leather, sport exhaust and AC are about it.

Happy hunting.

old64er

1,388 posts

260 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
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The tamora is an excellent introduction in to TVR's.

I have been out in madbadgers and really can see the difference compared to mine.



icraigmy

1,653 posts

245 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
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The Tamora is my first TVR - It is absolutely brilliant - go for it

XTR2Turbo

1,536 posts

253 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
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There are definietly some bargains out there at the moment.

David

bobd

973 posts

242 months

Tuesday 8th August 2006
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There is a Red Bull Blue one at Sureclean Lisburn County Antrim in your price band Known history

kiefh

209 posts

255 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
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im selling mine if you want it.01 loads of mods.its the bright yellow 1 on the classifieds.dan

rjelley

Original Poster:

96 posts

234 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
quotequote all
Thanks for the info!!

what about mileage, I realise, I want to look for as low mileage as possible, but is there anything that should be done by a certain mileage? and people try to offload them before this? i had 2 M3's and you basically wanted to get rid before you hit the 50k mark.
Anthing on the Tamora like this? cams etc??

Cheers
Russ

honahont350

230 posts

236 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
quotequote all
rjelley said:
Thanks for the info!!

what about mileage, I realise, I want to look for as low mileage as possible, but is there anything that should be done by a certain mileage? and people try to offload them before this? i had 2 M3's and you basically wanted to get rid before you hit the 50k mark.
Anthing on the Tamora like this? cams etc??

Cheers
Russ


Id say that's wrong. TVR's do have 'niggles' and unless is stacked with warranty then if the car hasn't done many miles you will probably be the one on the receiving end of having to take it back to the dealer. Once over the 12K mark apparently this should be a good point to buy as most niggles should have been ironed out.

Make sure you get A/C, Full leather and WARRANTY!!

HTH.

J

Spoonman

1,085 posts

283 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
quotequote all
Went through a similar process earlier this year, and looked at a few. I bought on condition, colour and mileage. I'd set myself a target of about 12,000 - after a big service but hopefully a few thou before the clutch or potential engine rebuild. It'll need them sooner or later, of course, but you have to be prepared for that with this kind of car.

And don't be put off buying privately. At least you'll be able to meet the previous owner and get a feel for how the car's been treated. Providing it's a one-owner machine, that is.

honahont350

230 posts

236 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
quotequote all
Spoonman said:
Went through a similar process earlier this year, and looked at a few. I bought on condition, colour and mileage. I'd set myself a target of about 12,000 - after a big service but hopefully a few thou before the clutch or potential engine rebuild. It'll need them sooner or later, of course, but you have to be prepared for that with this kind of car.

And don't be put off buying privately. At least you'll be able to meet the previous owner and get a feel for how the car's been treated. Providing it's a one-owner machine, that is.



All to true, but if theres warranty in play then it really doesnt matter if anything happens (rebuild clutch etc) It's the niggles that would get to me... on and off the road that is.

lukesr

166 posts

244 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
quotequote all
I went through the same process at the begining of the year and bought a 2003 Tamora for just under £24k. i would go for a 2003 model as i'm sure you'll be able to get one within your budget and i was always told the 2003 models were more reliable.
To be honest i've had a few niggles with it but nothing the warranty didn't cover and you simply cannot beat the Tamora when it comes to performance for your pound.
DO IT!!!!!

MTY4000

327 posts

265 months

Wednesday 9th August 2006
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Options:

I wouldn't be too bothered about whether a Tamora has aircon. I've never felt the need for it in my Tamora. T350 or Cerb it is an essential item as I understand.

18" wheels look better (to most people), but 16" wheels handle better - take your pick. Mine has 18" and handles a dream so probably not an issue.

The cars are plenty fast enough with the normal engine, but obviously a 'red rose' one will be faster still.

Modifications:

Getting a second hand car you are more likely to see modifications than variations in options. Sports exhaust upgrades are common, suspension upgrades also possible (but the stock Tamora handles very well anyway - I've never felt the need to change mine. But 'Nitrons' did make a world of difference to a Tuscan I had).

Other Advice:

Running costs may well turn out to be slightly higher than 911 running costs, so just factor them into the budget.

For a 2002 / 3 car I would be a bit wary of very low milage examples. I always take a decent level of use to be a good sign.

The engines should not be used in anger until warmed up - just like a dry sump 911. So if the seller nails it from cold on the test drive: walk away, rebuild costs can be expensive.

If buying privately ask a TVR garage to check the car over.

Also have a full geometry set up carried out by a TVR garage or specialist - the cars are very sensitive to it.... and run the tyres at 24psi.

Lovely, lovely cars.







Edited by MTY4000 on Wednesday 9th August 17:44

rjelley

Original Poster:

96 posts

234 months

Thursday 10th August 2006
quotequote all
Cheers guys, very helpful!!!