Thnking about a T350c

[matmoxon]

Ok, so I am looking at replacing my well loved Focus ST towards the end of the year, (the way fuel prices are going it is do or die with a sports car now) and 2 cars have come to the top of my list, a Lotus Elise 111R and a TVR T350c, as it seems I can get one for circa £20k.

I have my answers from the Lotus section of these forums but I would like to know more about the T350c

I plan on using the car as a daily drive (no space for a 2nd car), that means 9000 miles a year or there abouts.
• How are they for servicing intervals (approx prices etc)
• Use of consumables (oil, tyres etc)
• Any common niggles that I should look out for, I guess that a full service history is a must.
• Cost of replacement parts should anything break (clutches, cat’s etc.).

Mpg isn’t a huge concern, but I would appreciate some numbers so I know roughly what my fuel outlay will be.

And any other useful information you may have.

Thanks in advance

Matt

[justin220]

Hi mate, welcome along.

I have recently went from a Exige (same engine as the 111r) to a T350C. The main reasons for me changing was I have recently been doing alot of miles, and the lack of boot space, comfort, interior space got to me. So far the T350 has been great, failed to start the other day but was a simple fix. Common niggles seem to be electrics, maybe the door not opening, or the window not opening. Air con is a bit hit and miss aswell.

I think with either car you will need to go in eyes open, and not expect to have a perfect trouble free time.

The lotus handling is on a different level imo, but then the TVR excels in other areas, loads of torque, big boot, comfy, great for over taking.

Servicing wise its every 6000 miles, and around £600 for a service, then £800-1000 for a big one (i think.. Someone correct me if wrong)

MPG wise, on the motorway and on a good long run, i see 30mpg in the TVR, around town though its about half that. The lotus was always above 20mpg.. normally nearer 30.

All in all for what i wanted, something as rare and exciting as the exige, yet bigger comfier and more boot space.. The TVR has been great.

Edited by justin220 on Thursday 19th June 00:06

[TGJR]

Its interesting that quite a few people are choosing between TVR speed six cars and Elise/Exige as although they are both 'British' sports cars they are very different animals.

Having had an S1 Elise and a Tamora and Sagaris I would have to vote for the TVR as an every day car, especially the T350 which would be my choice to avoid potential leaking roof issues in the rain! As already pointed out the TVR can be reasonably economical when driven gently but the temptation is so strong to blip the throttle at every opportunity The Elise is without doubt more economical (30+) and the easier car to drive fast on the twisty stuff. What lets them down for me as a daily drive is the bone shaking ride (try hitting a pot hole!), the spartan interior and useless luggage space. As a second/fun car they are superb.

Either way you will have a great sports car.

[buckster]

Hi..

I have had mine for almost 6 Months now, is a daily drive, taken out at the weekend etc and only had a water temp sensor failure which caused the car to overheat. Cost only £50 to replace and repair, been spot on ever since.

I have never needed to top up water and/or oil during the 6 Months which has surprised me a little, the manual said this is a regular thing to expect.

Fantastic cars, incredible performance and amazing sound (I have the TVR-Power exhaust), would almost say it's as good as my Brothers Aston (well, almost).

I came from a Porsche 911 and before that a BMW Z3M Coupe, solid German reliability and was worried about the TVR when I first got it. Mine was from Castle TVR and had been well looked after with great history, just ensure you get the same and you always follow the correct warm up procedure (mine never goes above 3K revs till oil reaches 70o or more).

Hope you get one, the attention you get is unreal.

Cheers......

[earlyriser]

TJGR is spot on. I also moved from S1 Elise to T350. Each has different compromises. Handling/mpg is better on Elise. Ease of/everyday use superior on TVR. Plus (and its a big plus) the sound is really, trully amazing. Plus, plus you will really notice the extra torque. As an example, I had a Cooper S all over my backside tonight on a very twisty section of local A road. I couldn't lose him (safely). However, as soon as the road straightened out a bit, foot down and he vanished behind me.

[Risoli]

I had an Elise 111R before my T350C....there's no comaprison. Honest view?? the Elise is commmon..they're all over the palce...they don't turn heads the way they did 10 years ago. The riude is too hard, the suspension squeaks, they have hardly any boot and are pretty painful on long drives (due to hard ride and badly padded seats) not to mention how hard they are to get in and out of...Sure, they're quick and handle great (and I loved mine) but the T350C is a beast. I can't imagine ever getting rid of mine. It is staggering. I've had the pleasure of driving some fantastic machines over the years and the T350 is at the top but quite a way. The power, the noise, the handling are nothing short of awesome. I was offered a trade for a Cayman and I turned it down instantly...same offer with a Europa Turbo. The T350C is light in the wet but that's a good thing. You shouldn't drive a 360 bhp car like aloon in those conditions. In the dry, its as good as the Elise once you know what you're doing. I use mine everyday but I've just decided to stop doing that because I want to kjeep her long-term. I've not driven it for 2 weeks and i am in serious withdrawal. T350C and if you find one for 20k that's a steal!!!!

[matmoxon]

Thanks for the responses. It is looking more and more like the T350C is going to be the car or choice. I just have to wait until November when I’m 25 to get some half decent insurance, and that will give me the time I need to save up the cash required.

When I eventually do take the plunge, I'll post some pics on here for you all to look at

Matt