A few newbie questions
Discussion
Hello All,
I toyed with the idea of buying a TVR around 10 years ago, but was really put off with the usual 'horror' stories and went down the Japanese path - Scoobies for 5 years, Evo6 for 2 and currently Honda Integra R, whilst i decide what next.
Having 'stumbled' across the recent TVR@Home meet at Blackpool, my interest in TVR was rekindled. Unfortuantely, I didnt get much chance to speak to owners about their cars, which was something i should really have done and Im kicking myself for not having done so.
Anyhow, Im considering a T350 but have a few intial questions which id be grateful for advice on.
I have a garage, but its a new build house, which means the garage is pretty small. So small that i havent tried to put a car in it! In short, the car will probably have to live one the drive. This is sacralidge for any car, but will the TVR survive? Or will i wake up and find a pool of water in the footwell etc? Once did a 'wet' driving course with a TVR driver, whose car leaked like a sieve, so im worried on this point, so much so its a bit of a clincher for me going further.
Ive looked at servicing costs. Seen pricing of £500'ish for 6k and £700'ish for 12k, but the labour time is high. The 6k for example looks to be oil, plugs and filter yet takes 6.5hrs. I'm guessing a lot of the time is spent of inspections? Do people normally put their car in for a service and just pay the base line costs, or are there always those little extras!
What RON petrol do people use? 98 I would presume? Is 95 a no-no?
How long (on average) do the rear tyres last?
This would be my only car, however, I'm lucky that I live within walking and cycling distance to work. Therefore the miles wont rack up, however, unless i go for a really long drive, the daily commute would be less than 2 miles each way.
What is the external paint finish like on TVR's. Do they chip easy? Once chipped, does the paint start to flake away?
Is there a T350 'what to look for before you buy' guide anywhere on the web?
In advance, many thanks for reading this and hopefully i can get some answers to my questions.
I toyed with the idea of buying a TVR around 10 years ago, but was really put off with the usual 'horror' stories and went down the Japanese path - Scoobies for 5 years, Evo6 for 2 and currently Honda Integra R, whilst i decide what next.
Having 'stumbled' across the recent TVR@Home meet at Blackpool, my interest in TVR was rekindled. Unfortuantely, I didnt get much chance to speak to owners about their cars, which was something i should really have done and Im kicking myself for not having done so.
Anyhow, Im considering a T350 but have a few intial questions which id be grateful for advice on.
I have a garage, but its a new build house, which means the garage is pretty small. So small that i havent tried to put a car in it! In short, the car will probably have to live one the drive. This is sacralidge for any car, but will the TVR survive? Or will i wake up and find a pool of water in the footwell etc? Once did a 'wet' driving course with a TVR driver, whose car leaked like a sieve, so im worried on this point, so much so its a bit of a clincher for me going further.
Ive looked at servicing costs. Seen pricing of £500'ish for 6k and £700'ish for 12k, but the labour time is high. The 6k for example looks to be oil, plugs and filter yet takes 6.5hrs. I'm guessing a lot of the time is spent of inspections? Do people normally put their car in for a service and just pay the base line costs, or are there always those little extras!
What RON petrol do people use? 98 I would presume? Is 95 a no-no?
How long (on average) do the rear tyres last?
This would be my only car, however, I'm lucky that I live within walking and cycling distance to work. Therefore the miles wont rack up, however, unless i go for a really long drive, the daily commute would be less than 2 miles each way.
What is the external paint finish like on TVR's. Do they chip easy? Once chipped, does the paint start to flake away?
Is there a T350 'what to look for before you buy' guide anywhere on the web?
In advance, many thanks for reading this and hopefully i can get some answers to my questions.
Hab
E-mail through my profile and I will send you my contact numbers
Happy to chat to you regarding TVR's (owned a Chimaera and now a Tamora)
Glad you enjoyed Back Home. I can also help you in terms of directing you along to you local TVRCC meets where the local Regional Organiser will make you feel welcome and introduce you to owners of the cars that interest you, their features, what to expect and general costs
Coach
E-mail through my profile and I will send you my contact numbers
Happy to chat to you regarding TVR's (owned a Chimaera and now a Tamora)
Glad you enjoyed Back Home. I can also help you in terms of directing you along to you local TVRCC meets where the local Regional Organiser will make you feel welcome and introduce you to owners of the cars that interest you, their features, what to expect and general costs
Coach
I have kept mine outside 24/7 since new two years ago.I did have initial probs with rainwater getting in through the door seals.
This was cured under warranty and no probs since. Buying a used model that may have been tucked up in a garage everynight may be hiding leaky door seals undetected by previous owner
This was cured under warranty and no probs since. Buying a used model that may have been tucked up in a garage everynight may be hiding leaky door seals undetected by previous owner
I have a T350 that sits out on the street at night annd its just fine as was the Tuscan before that.No leaks or problems of any sort from being ungaraged. The cars have been outside in winter through autumn rains and the recent heatwave-vever had any starting problems or anything of that sort.I use mine everyday commuting and apart from some oil sender issues ( TVR had a bad batch) its been fine on reliability.I personally think they are better for regular use. I do use a cover now as the T350 was keyed but this was very unusual circumstances and was a very specific attack due to some problems we had with some locals-never had any problems before with the Tuscan and a Lotus before that so its probably nothing for you to worry about.
TVR's are not mass produced kansai developed cars so yes you will experience some niggles-but for the experience they will deliver they are a bargain.
TVR's are not mass produced kansai developed cars so yes you will experience some niggles-but for the experience they will deliver they are a bargain.
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