Tam buying advice
Discussion
Currently run a S1 which I love but want newer fun so looking for a Tam next year.
I am doing a bit of research before I venture out into the market so your comments welcome.
I have heard that engines can be a problem, what do I look out for and what costs are involved?
Any other 'problems' I should be looking out for?
I will have a budget of approx 15k - 20k so can afford the newest.
I am doing a bit of research before I venture out into the market so your comments welcome.
I have heard that engines can be a problem, what do I look out for and what costs are involved?
Any other 'problems' I should be looking out for?
I will have a budget of approx 15k - 20k so can afford the newest.
I think you might be able to get on 02 or 03 plate for that, but not one of the newer ones.
The engines had some niggles early on, supposed to be better 04 and onwards.
That said, a cared for engine, warmed up properly and serviced properly is better than going by age alone IMHO.
Good luck in your search, it's definately a buyers market at the moment!
The engines had some niggles early on, supposed to be better 04 and onwards.
That said, a cared for engine, warmed up properly and serviced properly is better than going by age alone IMHO.
Good luck in your search, it's definately a buyers market at the moment!
I have heard that the 03's onwards are much more reliable. So if i were you i'd use the top end of your budget. It's a buyers market out there at the moment so I'm sure you'd be able to haggle a decent price and with any left over cash go for a warranty if your worried about the engine blowing up. I've had my Tamora about a year and a half now and have't had any major issues other than speedo sensors and oil pressure senors going wrong which is no big deal just a bit of a pain. As far as things to "look out for" I don't think it's much different to buying any other second hand car, look for signs that it's been well looked after. If you're buying from a dealer get a year warranty on it.
lukesr said:
I have heard that the 03's onwards are much more reliable. So if i were you i'd use the top end of your budget. It's a buyers market out there at the moment so I'm sure you'd be able to haggle a decent price and with any left over cash go for a warranty if your worried about the engine blowing up. I've had my Tamora about a year and a half now and have't had any major issues other than speedo sensors and oil pressure senors going wrong which is no big deal just a bit of a pain. As far as things to "look out for" I don't think it's much different to buying any other second hand car, look for signs that it's been well looked after. If you're buying from a dealer get a year warranty on it.
Yes I'd agree with that. SEN 18 said:
lukesr said:
I have heard that the 03's onwards are much more reliable. So if i were you i'd use the top end of your budget. It's a buyers market out there at the moment so I'm sure you'd be able to haggle a decent price and with any left over cash go for a warranty if your worried about the engine blowing up. I've had my Tamora about a year and a half now and have't had any major issues other than speedo sensors and oil pressure senors going wrong which is no big deal just a bit of a pain. As far as things to "look out for" I don't think it's much different to buying any other second hand car, look for signs that it's been well looked after. If you're buying from a dealer get a year warranty on it.
Yes I'd agree with that.me too
Is it that much of a buyers market?
There are fewer Tamoras for sale today than there were three years ago when I was looking. Considering they have been around more than twice as long I would expect more to be on the market if it was.
Plus the weekly "I want to buy a Tamora" threads.
There are fewer Tamoras for sale today than there were three years ago when I was looking. Considering they have been around more than twice as long I would expect more to be on the market if it was.
Plus the weekly "I want to buy a Tamora" threads.
madbadger said:
Is it that much of a buyers market?
There are fewer Tamoras for sale today than there were three years ago when I was looking. Considering they have been around more than twice as long I would expect more to be on the market if it was.
Plus the weekly "I want to buy a Tamora" threads.
Maybe the penny has dropped and their owners know just what they have got in the Tamora, there won't be any more thats for sure Madbadger. There are fewer Tamoras for sale today than there were three years ago when I was looking. Considering they have been around more than twice as long I would expect more to be on the market if it was.
Plus the weekly "I want to buy a Tamora" threads.
Edited by SEN 18 on Saturday 3rd March 21:42
Tamoras are gems! I've had two, just sold my second one, and in total I did about 50,000 miles with no major defects - the oil sensor and speedo sensor are very common faults, which should mostly have been rectified by now. There are the usual minor TVR electrical glitches. I wouldn't worry too much about buying well-cared for early car, but beware of inflated dealer prices. One dealer tried to sell mine for £22k, when the realistic asking price was £17-18k!
Get main dealer to inspect the car you intend to buy. At least you will know what potential problems may arise, and it might be good as a bargaining tool. In my experience, Tamora owners look after their cars very carefully, so check the service history, and ring any indie specialists who've stamped the service book - most will give you their opinion if they remember the car. Budget for servicing (£1000 a year for routine work), and be prepared to either shell out for a decent warranty (check the small print!) or build up a £4k contingency fund in case of engine failure.
The good news is hat you will get an absolutely brilliant sports car - fast, comfy, user friendly, great handling, and reasonably practical. Be pepared to have your facial appearance altered if you're coming from an S1 - firstly by G-forces, and secondly by a ridiculous insane grin!!
Get main dealer to inspect the car you intend to buy. At least you will know what potential problems may arise, and it might be good as a bargaining tool. In my experience, Tamora owners look after their cars very carefully, so check the service history, and ring any indie specialists who've stamped the service book - most will give you their opinion if they remember the car. Budget for servicing (£1000 a year for routine work), and be prepared to either shell out for a decent warranty (check the small print!) or build up a £4k contingency fund in case of engine failure.
The good news is hat you will get an absolutely brilliant sports car - fast, comfy, user friendly, great handling, and reasonably practical. Be pepared to have your facial appearance altered if you're coming from an S1 - firstly by G-forces, and secondly by a ridiculous insane grin!!
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff