Buying a T350 C in the next two weeks
Discussion
I'm about to buy my first TVR, I'm so excited! I'm going to look at one that Kempshott Cars in Basingstoke has for sale and wondered if anyone knows the car? Reg is FN52 XKZ and it was last serviced at TVR Gatwick (which doesn't exist any more or I would call them). Anyone know anyone that used to work there?
Link to car is: www.kempshottcars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=18001&pageid=3
Thanks
Sarah
Link to car is: www.kempshottcars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=18001&pageid=3
Thanks
Sarah
SarahG said:
I'm about to buy my first TVR, I'm so excited! I'm going to look at one that Kempshott Cars in Basingstoke has for sale and wondered if anyone knows the car? Reg is FN52 XKZ and it was last serviced at TVR Gatwick (which doesn't exist any more or I would call them). Anyone know anyone that used to work there?
Link to car is: www.kempshottcars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=18001&pageid=3
Thanks
Sarah
Link to car is: www.kempshottcars.co.uk/GetDealer.do?did=18001&pageid=3
Thanks
Sarah
Good colour... You've got many fun days to come!
Sorry can't help with the Gatwick TVR people, but I do suggest you get a TVR approved extended warranty - this requires an inspection costing about £200 before purchase. I would make the car passing this inspection part of the deal. Sales of sports cars are depressed at this time of year and the dealer ought to bend over quite a bit to get the sale.
The actual warranty costs £1350 but does include wear and tear.
Otherwise enjoy!
P.S. The warranty is not with TVR so don't worry about them going away. Most TVR dealers will be able to help you (Racing Green is local to you maybe?).
The actual warranty costs £1350 but does include wear and tear.
Otherwise enjoy!
P.S. The warranty is not with TVR so don't worry about them going away. Most TVR dealers will be able to help you (Racing Green is local to you maybe?).
It should have been well looked after if it's been done at Gatwick. I'd be a little wary of the fact that being on a 52 plate it will be one of the very first T350s, and quite possibly a press car, given that the colour is the same as a lot of the press pics. I would also knock the price down by a lot - I've just sold my 54 plate 10k T350 privately for not a whole lot more than that asking price (and mine had TVR warranty remaining on it)
I looked at that car before I bought Turbo Tomato's. I got a fax off them showing all the work that was done on the last service and it had approx 4k spent on it but the vast majority was on cosmetics (refurbed wheels etc). The dates from the service showed that it was carried out over a year ago and it hasn't done many miles at all since then so I guess it's been standing a long time. The best price I could get them down to was £20,500 but that was as a trade sale - NO WARRANTY at all.
The last keeper only had it a short while and just used it to do a trip to le mans. The dealer told me he also owned ferraris etc, but wanted a TVR because his mates were going down in them - so I wondered how well he would have treated it in that short time. As he spent so much money on it he may have looked after it well?But maybe not?
Personaly, I would buy a car where you can meet the owner and judge for yourself what sort of life it has had. Or pay the extra 3k ish, buy from a dealer but get a GOOD warranty included (dont't have the RAC / CAR protect warranty - I work in the motor trade and their crap!)
Whatever you do, do buy one - their fantastic!
The last keeper only had it a short while and just used it to do a trip to le mans. The dealer told me he also owned ferraris etc, but wanted a TVR because his mates were going down in them - so I wondered how well he would have treated it in that short time. As he spent so much money on it he may have looked after it well?But maybe not?
Personaly, I would buy a car where you can meet the owner and judge for yourself what sort of life it has had. Or pay the extra 3k ish, buy from a dealer but get a GOOD warranty included (dont't have the RAC / CAR protect warranty - I work in the motor trade and their crap!)
Whatever you do, do buy one - their fantastic!
I own a 52 plate T350C and do miss some of the modifications they made on later cars. I've had a bit of a nightmare with my car but not necessarily due to it being an early example, or it even being a TVR, you always have the risk of getting a dud second hand car 
It is a little depressing how little the T350C goes for these days, I bought mine for a bargain (or so I though) £26k nearly 2 years ago from a TVR dealership with a "warranty". I've only really had 6 months worth of motoring to show for that and about £11k worth of bills but don't let this put you off as I genuinely believe the expense was down to bad advice when I had an issue with the car weeks after collecting it and the car having a mechanical problem from the outset (the warranty wouldn't cover any costs, long story...).
I would definitely recommend a good warranty unless you can afford surprises like mine. The TVR one (or old TVR one?) was with Auto-Protect I believe and did cover some wear and tear items. For under £2k I would say it is worth it for the first year despite what might seem as a big expense (unless you can afford to keep £2k aside and be willing to stump up another £4k approx on top of that should the worse happen). Despite having some receipts for the car you have no real backup from a garage who looked after the car to tell you how it was kept etc. or even information from the previous owner to tell you what the car was like, problems etc.
I probably would go about buying a T350C slightly differently now, but sometimes it is hard to step back and make decisions without the rose tinted glasses on.
I believe the early T350s did not come with air-con as standard so the fact it has this will mean it might be easier to sell on (I couldn't live without the air-con in traffic in Le Mans in a VERY hot summers day... not that it worked very well...).
Earlier cars have a slightly different boot layout with no luggage cover (which I get around with a large black boot tidy thing which I cover my luggage with when on holiday). Earlier cars also do not have a finger hole to enable you to easily get your fingers under the glass boot lid, but I don't miss this as there is a big enough gap on mine anyway. I believe the glove box was slightly modified as well. Other than this the only major difference I believe is that the radiator is mounted vertically in the earlier cars where as the later ones are mounted horizontally. There may be other mechanical differences but I am sure you have done your homework already.
Despite my problems I still don't regret buying a TVR or even a T350C, although I am now slightly regretting my specific choice of car. I now have a new engine, new gearbox, new clutch (plus pretty much everything to do with the clutch) new radiator, new expansion tank (with expansion tank mod) plus other bits and pieces. I sometimes wonder where it ends! This probably adds no value what so ever to the car (which to be honest I choose to forget about).
Good luck in your purchase, and definitely get one, they are amazing and unique cars!
It is a little depressing how little the T350C goes for these days, I bought mine for a bargain (or so I though) £26k nearly 2 years ago from a TVR dealership with a "warranty". I've only really had 6 months worth of motoring to show for that and about £11k worth of bills but don't let this put you off as I genuinely believe the expense was down to bad advice when I had an issue with the car weeks after collecting it and the car having a mechanical problem from the outset (the warranty wouldn't cover any costs, long story...).
I would definitely recommend a good warranty unless you can afford surprises like mine. The TVR one (or old TVR one?) was with Auto-Protect I believe and did cover some wear and tear items. For under £2k I would say it is worth it for the first year despite what might seem as a big expense (unless you can afford to keep £2k aside and be willing to stump up another £4k approx on top of that should the worse happen). Despite having some receipts for the car you have no real backup from a garage who looked after the car to tell you how it was kept etc. or even information from the previous owner to tell you what the car was like, problems etc.
I probably would go about buying a T350C slightly differently now, but sometimes it is hard to step back and make decisions without the rose tinted glasses on.
I believe the early T350s did not come with air-con as standard so the fact it has this will mean it might be easier to sell on (I couldn't live without the air-con in traffic in Le Mans in a VERY hot summers day... not that it worked very well...).
Earlier cars have a slightly different boot layout with no luggage cover (which I get around with a large black boot tidy thing which I cover my luggage with when on holiday). Earlier cars also do not have a finger hole to enable you to easily get your fingers under the glass boot lid, but I don't miss this as there is a big enough gap on mine anyway. I believe the glove box was slightly modified as well. Other than this the only major difference I believe is that the radiator is mounted vertically in the earlier cars where as the later ones are mounted horizontally. There may be other mechanical differences but I am sure you have done your homework already.
Despite my problems I still don't regret buying a TVR or even a T350C, although I am now slightly regretting my specific choice of car. I now have a new engine, new gearbox, new clutch (plus pretty much everything to do with the clutch) new radiator, new expansion tank (with expansion tank mod) plus other bits and pieces. I sometimes wonder where it ends! This probably adds no value what so ever to the car (which to be honest I choose to forget about).
Good luck in your purchase, and definitely get one, they are amazing and unique cars!
Sarah,
As this particular dealer doesnt own any cars but simply sells on behalf of existing owners - I would make the sale conditional on:
i) successful inspection being carried out by racing green cars (nearest TVR main dealer, farnham)
ii) warranty cover confirmation in writing (no low claim limit) plus dealer confirming that he will cover any faults noticed within the first 90 days of delivery
I had about the 10th road going T350 and that was registed on a 03 plate so as above this car is poss ex press or a very early dealer demo. That probably means it will be without luggage cover and not as well finished as later cars as TVR improvise as they go.
A TVR isnt like a normal car and you shouldnt expect 100% reliability either in terms of mechanical / bits falling off / heat in cabin. If you want stress free motoring in town a Boxster or AMG SLK would both be better
Bennno
As this particular dealer doesnt own any cars but simply sells on behalf of existing owners - I would make the sale conditional on:
i) successful inspection being carried out by racing green cars (nearest TVR main dealer, farnham)
ii) warranty cover confirmation in writing (no low claim limit) plus dealer confirming that he will cover any faults noticed within the first 90 days of delivery
I had about the 10th road going T350 and that was registed on a 03 plate so as above this car is poss ex press or a very early dealer demo. That probably means it will be without luggage cover and not as well finished as later cars as TVR improvise as they go.
A TVR isnt like a normal car and you shouldnt expect 100% reliability either in terms of mechanical / bits falling off / heat in cabin. If you want stress free motoring in town a Boxster or AMG SLK would both be better
Bennno
www.pistonheads.com/sales/125662.htm
that is well worth the small extra
agger is well respected dealer has been working just with TVR's for several years, car is a better developed 2005 model and has had engine work in 2006
Given the £3-4k difference you would be mad to go for other car as a couple of repairs to an earlier car would eat up the difference instantly.
bennno
that is well worth the small extra
agger is well respected dealer has been working just with TVR's for several years, car is a better developed 2005 model and has had engine work in 2006
Given the £3-4k difference you would be mad to go for other car as a couple of repairs to an earlier car would eat up the difference instantly.
bennno
Thanks for all the advice, so far very helpful. I'm fully prepared to expect issues but I think the driving experience will make up for it. I don't really want to get the Targa because of the wind noise so not sure about the one at agger, although it looks lovely.
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
How about this one Sarah? www.pistonheads.com/sales/112973.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
bennno said:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/125662.htm
that is well worth the small extra
agger is well respected dealer has been working just with TVR's for several years, car is a better developed 2005 model and has had engine work in 2006
Given the £3-4k difference you would be mad to go for other car as a couple of repairs to an earlier car would eat up the difference instantly.
bennno
that is well worth the small extra
agger is well respected dealer has been working just with TVR's for several years, car is a better developed 2005 model and has had engine work in 2006
Given the £3-4k difference you would be mad to go for other car as a couple of repairs to an earlier car would eat up the difference instantly.
bennno
Agree, this is the pic of the bunch
TurboTomato said:
How about this one Sarah? www.pistonheads.com/sales/112973.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
I really want the C. Wasn't impressed with the wind noise when I drove the T last week so decided it would have to be a C. Have booked in to see this one at the weekend, so fingers crossed. Thanks for pointing this one out - for some reason I thought it was white and didn't fancy the colour but on closer inspection it looks lovely. Sorry to be such a girl worrying about the colour.
SarahG said:
TurboTomato said:
How about this one Sarah? www.pistonheads.com/sales/112973.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
I really want the C. Wasn't impressed with the wind noise when I drove the T last week so decided it would have to be a C. Have booked in to see this one at the weekend, so fingers crossed. Thanks for pointing this one out - for some reason I thought it was white and didn't fancy the colour but on closer inspection it looks lovely. Sorry to be such a girl worrying about the colour.
A few more pics of mine to give you more of an idea (it's a fab colour!)
They're a nice friendly bunch down at Dream Machines as well. Good luck, let us know how you get on!
TurboTomato said:
How about this one Sarah? www.pistonheads.com/sales/112973.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
It's as near as dammit identical to the one I've just sold to m1nky, the only difference being a slightly darker blue on the interior, and it's an 05 plate. You should be able to persuade them down below £25k as well
Does it have to be a C rather than a T? As this one looks lovely www.pistonheads.com/sales/110564.htm
They won't.. I offered 25.5k cash before christmas without even looking at the car, but they could not even be bothered to reply to me via email or phone. Obviously want to sit on it another 6 months
Edited to say the Dream MAchine motor, not the T
Edited by ajg31 on Thursday 18th January 19:51
That car has been for sale since last May I think, priced at 24k, then increased to 26k a few weeks after. I believe when it first went online it had a different coloured grill around the exhausts. There must be a reason why it has yet to sell, but I just don't know.
Stephen
www.forumula1.net/
Stephen
www.forumula1.net/
SarahG said:
Thanks for all the advice, so far very helpful. I'm fully prepared to expect issues but I think the driving experience will make up for it. I don't really want to get the Targa because of the wind noise so not sure about the one at agger, although it looks lovely.
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
I know the seller of this car - when I last spoke to him (about 6months ago) he was looking to get himself his first TVR and was particularly looking at Fernhurst's stock. Strange if he bought and is now selling straight away.....
Andy
andyoleary said:
SarahG said:
Thanks for all the advice, so far very helpful. I'm fully prepared to expect issues but I think the driving experience will make up for it. I don't really want to get the Targa because of the wind noise so not sure about the one at agger, although it looks lovely.
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
I think given the comments, I will probably not bother looking at this one and concentrate my search on 03 and later. Emailed this guy but no reply yet:
www.pistonheads.com/sales/124654.htm
If anyone can recommend a good one that's not too far from London that someone wants to sell please let me know. Don't want to go above the £25k mark.
Cheers
Sarah
I know the seller of this car - when I last spoke to him (about 6months ago) he was looking to get himself his first TVR and was particularly looking at Fernhurst's stock. Strange if he bought and is now selling straight away.....
Andy
Slighty odd that he hasn't bothered putting any pictures up either when selling a very exclusive £20k car (not even a 'pics to follow'comment)
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