Tell me about the TVR Sagaris
Discussion
Hi there
Having owned a 2005 Saleen Mustang with 550 horses along with sorted suspension layout I am kind of missing a car with lots of character such as My Mustang had. I now own an E46 M3 CSL, a truly amazing car that does everything so well, but does not have the character the Mustang did.
Now I've always liked TVR's especially the Cerb but never considered owning one due to the reliability issues associated with them.
However the Sagaris is a car I like the looks off and its got the kind of performance my Mustang had so pretty staggering.
So my questions are will driving a Sagaris daily be a costly affair? Is the Sagaris stable on the road at both low and high speeds? In the CSL you could travel along at 150mph and feel perfectly safe, even the Mustang was fine at 160mph, oh this does not mean I go travelling at over 100mph everywhere by the way I am just saying at such speeds the CSL and Mustang were fine with the CSL been the most stable. Basically am I likely to die in a TVR or will the fact I survived in a 550BHP RWD Mustang with no TC mean I should be OK in a Sagaris too?
Now reliability, obviously the Sagaris is the most recent of TVR's so how are these as a daily runner? Do they cost an absolute fortune to keep on the road as a daily driver doing about 10,000 miles per annum mostly commuting and spirited drives with maybe 1-2 track days per year.
Also from look at adverts prices seem to range from 30k-55k of cars of similar age, were there different versions of the Sagaris? If not why such a huge price variation?
Anything else I should know with running a Sagaris day-to-day?
Having owned a 2005 Saleen Mustang with 550 horses along with sorted suspension layout I am kind of missing a car with lots of character such as My Mustang had. I now own an E46 M3 CSL, a truly amazing car that does everything so well, but does not have the character the Mustang did.
Now I've always liked TVR's especially the Cerb but never considered owning one due to the reliability issues associated with them.
However the Sagaris is a car I like the looks off and its got the kind of performance my Mustang had so pretty staggering.
So my questions are will driving a Sagaris daily be a costly affair? Is the Sagaris stable on the road at both low and high speeds? In the CSL you could travel along at 150mph and feel perfectly safe, even the Mustang was fine at 160mph, oh this does not mean I go travelling at over 100mph everywhere by the way I am just saying at such speeds the CSL and Mustang were fine with the CSL been the most stable. Basically am I likely to die in a TVR or will the fact I survived in a 550BHP RWD Mustang with no TC mean I should be OK in a Sagaris too?
Now reliability, obviously the Sagaris is the most recent of TVR's so how are these as a daily runner? Do they cost an absolute fortune to keep on the road as a daily driver doing about 10,000 miles per annum mostly commuting and spirited drives with maybe 1-2 track days per year.
Also from look at adverts prices seem to range from 30k-55k of cars of similar age, were there different versions of the Sagaris? If not why such a huge price variation?
Anything else I should know with running a Sagaris day-to-day?
main difference to both your previous cars is the weight. The sagaris at under 1100kg is a much more responsive drive than either the lardy mustang or the merely lumbering CSL. So in my view handling is a major improvement over both. The light weight means the Sagaris can easily match the CSL for performance and braking. A well driven sagaris is very handy on the track.
Servicing/running costs are very reasonable compared to a CSL. Those germans sure know how to charge.
The downside is that the Sagaris isn't really comparable to a Beemer for practicality/reliability. There's a huge amount more 'character' in a Saggy but some of that character includes the charm of stuff not working or coming loose. The vast majority of that stuff will not be very serious and for me it's a worthwhile trade-off for the metronomic sterility of a BMW. What matters is the basic engineering is pretty sound. But for most people the trade off isn't worth it - hence Sagaris sales compared to M3s. The Beemer has more than enough 'character' and performance for regular folk. TVRs are for those wanting a bit extra who are prepared to risk a bit extra to get it. The Saggy won't work perfectly every time but when it does you won't be missing your M3. When it plays up however is when you might.
The question is do you prefer the mumsy dependable housefrau or the unpredictable but utterly gorgeous stripper with a screw loose?
After around 2 years of Sagaris ownership it never let me down and is a very well resolved car - it's a staggering achievement on the budget of a BMW indicator stalk. But the bonnet design as standard isn't up to very high speed sustained (150+) cruising. It'll do it but it doesn't inspire much confidence. That's just my view. Because of that and because I wanted a convertible I switched over to a Tuscan. But after the Saggy there was no way I could have anything but a TVR! They really are very special when the going's good.
Servicing/running costs are very reasonable compared to a CSL. Those germans sure know how to charge.
The downside is that the Sagaris isn't really comparable to a Beemer for practicality/reliability. There's a huge amount more 'character' in a Saggy but some of that character includes the charm of stuff not working or coming loose. The vast majority of that stuff will not be very serious and for me it's a worthwhile trade-off for the metronomic sterility of a BMW. What matters is the basic engineering is pretty sound. But for most people the trade off isn't worth it - hence Sagaris sales compared to M3s. The Beemer has more than enough 'character' and performance for regular folk. TVRs are for those wanting a bit extra who are prepared to risk a bit extra to get it. The Saggy won't work perfectly every time but when it does you won't be missing your M3. When it plays up however is when you might.
The question is do you prefer the mumsy dependable housefrau or the unpredictable but utterly gorgeous stripper with a screw loose?
After around 2 years of Sagaris ownership it never let me down and is a very well resolved car - it's a staggering achievement on the budget of a BMW indicator stalk. But the bonnet design as standard isn't up to very high speed sustained (150+) cruising. It'll do it but it doesn't inspire much confidence. That's just my view. Because of that and because I wanted a convertible I switched over to a Tuscan. But after the Saggy there was no way I could have anything but a TVR! They really are very special when the going's good.
Fly Boy said:
The Pits said:
The question is do you prefer the mumsy dependable housefrau or the unpredictable but utterly gorgeous stripper with a screw loose?
Nicely put 'Pits 
As RPA.Janwell said drive one and get bitten. Incidentally it was my CSL that is now sold and the Sagaris should be in my ownership in a couple of weeks when all the extras have been done. So Richard Im back! but unfortunately no longer an Arancio Atlas man as the new ones a different colour. Loads of Sags at the Celtic Gathering this time I think.
As for the TVR against the CSL - CSL ticks all the boxes, but not for every day. So why not an every day steed and a SAGARIS.
Seriously having owned a real cracker of a TVR previously I am missing the gutteral 3rd gear momentum of the TVR and mine was five seconds a lap quicker round Kirkistown than my CSL. I tried everything, but could never get any closer.CSL bought with the mind, TVR bought with the heart.
Just get one - pain, pleasure and sin
As for the TVR against the CSL - CSL ticks all the boxes, but not for every day. So why not an every day steed and a SAGARIS.
Seriously having owned a real cracker of a TVR previously I am missing the gutteral 3rd gear momentum of the TVR and mine was five seconds a lap quicker round Kirkistown than my CSL. I tried everything, but could never get any closer.CSL bought with the mind, TVR bought with the heart.
Just get one - pain, pleasure and sin
Hi there
Thanks for the feedback guys.
I think a car like the Sagaris is something I'd enjoyed as long as it was not always off the road with problems. The Mustang I really enjoyed due to its rarity, loudness and performance.
The CSL is a great car and I enjoy it but think I'd preferre something a little bit more different with the extra performance.
I am aware the Sagaris has no ABS or Traction control so I guess I have to ask how well does it handle the power in the dry as in can it put the power down or is it always spinning the wheels? How are they in the wet or is that a simply no no?
For the guys who own or have owned a Sagaris how was or is ownership for you guys? Problem free motoring or have you had issues and if so what?
Thanks for the feedback guys.
I think a car like the Sagaris is something I'd enjoyed as long as it was not always off the road with problems. The Mustang I really enjoyed due to its rarity, loudness and performance.
The CSL is a great car and I enjoy it but think I'd preferre something a little bit more different with the extra performance.
I am aware the Sagaris has no ABS or Traction control so I guess I have to ask how well does it handle the power in the dry as in can it put the power down or is it always spinning the wheels? How are they in the wet or is that a simply no no?
For the guys who own or have owned a Sagaris how was or is ownership for you guys? Problem free motoring or have you had issues and if so what?
Gibbo, you're deliberating, which immediately suggests to me that you should go buy a 911 of some sort. If you want a Sag, or any TVR for that matter, you go buy one because you just have to. You appear to have spent reasonably serious amounts of money on a few chunky vehicles already but you have not yet bought a TVR - again, alarm bells.
If a CSL doesn't scare you and you've stayed out of the hedges while driving it in a spirited manner then there's no reason you won't feel the same way in a Sag - except it's a lot quicker, a lot lighter and will not tolerate the ham fisted to the same degree. It will go wrong, in silly irritating ways, it is noisy, it's not an immediately easy car to drive - even out of your driveway. It's unlikely to cost any more than your CSL does at a main dealer to run over a Year.
Having said all of this here's what you should do - find one at a dealer, go for a test drive then make your mind up, which is something you will do immediately - don't post on here again until you have done this.
Hope this helps,
Jap
If a CSL doesn't scare you and you've stayed out of the hedges while driving it in a spirited manner then there's no reason you won't feel the same way in a Sag - except it's a lot quicker, a lot lighter and will not tolerate the ham fisted to the same degree. It will go wrong, in silly irritating ways, it is noisy, it's not an immediately easy car to drive - even out of your driveway. It's unlikely to cost any more than your CSL does at a main dealer to run over a Year.
Having said all of this here's what you should do - find one at a dealer, go for a test drive then make your mind up, which is something you will do immediately - don't post on here again until you have done this.
Hope this helps,
Jap
If buying a Sag for every day use I would suggest a main dealer supplied car so that when you get a few niggles and faults (which is almost inevitable with a TVR) you can get them sorted under warranty (choose your dealer wisely).
For me they are not an every day car but I know people who will argue that point. One thing they are though is bloody great fun to own!!!
For me they are not an every day car but I know people who will argue that point. One thing they are though is bloody great fun to own!!!
19,000 miles in 18 months. All over the UK and Europe. My everyday car in the commuter traffic of the South East of England.
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
DJC said:
19,000 miles in 18 months. All over the UK and Europe. My everyday car in the commuter traffic of the South East of England.
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
DJC said:
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
Now I know nothing about exhausts David but what is it with us brits and big bore exhausts ? The big American V8,s pushing loads of hp have quite small bore exhausts certainly no bigger than a standard Sagaris. I was under the impression a bit of back pressure was a good thing. With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
YI8TVR said:
DJC said:
19,000 miles in 18 months. All over the UK and Europe. My everyday car in the commuter traffic of the South East of England.
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
DJC said:
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
Now I know nothing about exhausts David but what is it with us brits and big bore exhausts ? The big American V8,s pushing loads of hp have quite small bore exhausts certainly no bigger than a standard Sagaris. I was under the impression a bit of back pressure was a good thing. With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
In theory there were 2 standard systems, the small bore and large bore, the small bore being fitted to the Tamoras, T350 and Tuscan, the large bore to the Tuscan S and Sagaris, 2 1/8 and 2 1/4 pipes. Unfortunately there are instances of more than a few Sags being ...er... different from standard in this respect and having exhaust systems comprised of the differing tubes and just stuffed on. In the last yr of production it really was a case of using whatever was to hand to get a product out of the door.
DJC said:
YI8TVR said:
DJC said:
19,000 miles in 18 months. All over the UK and Europe. My everyday car in the commuter traffic of the South East of England.
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
What do you need to know?
1. Can it do the everyday work car thing?
Yes. Did it for 18 months.
2. Can it do the Tesco shopping run? Can you use it to go to B&Q? Can you carry your cat + its trays + your luggage up and down the Mways to your parents?
Yes. Done them all regularly.
3. Will it make you smile?
A shitload more than a CSL.
4. Is it stable?
Below 70 leptons it is rock solid and feels normal like everything else. Between 70 to 120ish leptons it pulls like a train, but you notice the steering getting more acute around the dead ahead. Above 120 you feel the acceleration start to be affected by the barn door on the rear (luckily somebody can do something about that) and any significant cross wind affect will be felt and magnified due to the nature of the Gurney Flap. You notice the bonnet moving more, but it should stay afixed quite happily, your concentration will be honed at such speeds.
5. Whats it like in the wet?
For most of what you are doing its fine. Front end wet weather grip is pretty shite though and there is cock all feel.
6. Is it reliable?
Depends which monkey built it and what parts they used. To answer your next question...no. The cars do not have all the same parts fitted, some are of considerably better quality than others and some a completely different design depending entirely on what TVR could get their hands on at the time. Some cars dont even have all 4 corners running the same suspension gear.
7. Does it handle well?
Yes. Ish. In the dry its great, but the front end utterly lacks feel. The alignments can go very quickly if you knock the car about over potholes etc. The back can be lairy, but only when you want. The car lets go progessively rear first, easy to catch and hold. Rear end damping (even in a good car) can be a lot better.
8. Does it sound good?
When de-catted properly yes. As normal I always thought it was a little quiet.
9. Is it worth the extra over a 350?
Put it this way: Anne Widecomb or Kylie ?
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just dont ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Dont expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you dont know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
11. Does it make BMWs look gay?
Yes.
12. Does it make a Mustang look like a lardy arsed POS?
Yes.
13. Will it make beautiful women want to have sex with you?
I met my beautiful stunningly attractive now wife when I had the Sagaris.
Anything else?
DJC said:
10. Is it as quick as the reputation?
With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
Now I know nothing about exhausts David but what is it with us brits and big bore exhausts ? The big American V8,s pushing loads of hp have quite small bore exhausts certainly no bigger than a standard Sagaris. I was under the impression a bit of back pressure was a good thing. With the correct exhaust system (yes even as standard many of them had the incorrect exhaust system fitted) a decent box/diff combination (just don't ask, it gets even more complicated when you go there) the damn thing is electric. Don't expect much below 2500 rpm really. 3-4k it gets interesting, 4-6k you hit the first power band and everything goes backwards, 6-8k you don't know what hits you as the 2nd power band comes on strong.
In theory there were 2 standard systems, the small bore and large bore, the small bore being fitted to the Tamoras, T350 and Tuscan, the large bore to the Tuscan S and Sagaris, 2 1/8 and 2 1/4 pipes. Unfortunately there are instances of more than a few Sags being ...er... different from standard in this respect and having exhaust systems comprised of the differing tubes and just stuffed on. In the last yr of production it really was a case of using whatever was to hand to get a product out of the door.
As far as I know I have a standard exhaust with the cats in place, either mine is louder than standard or the other Sag was quieter than standard?
Pheonix_pete; Do you anything about the exhaust on the Sag?
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