Where to start with a Sag?
Where to start with a Sag?
Author
Discussion

Erudite

Original Poster:

1 posts

209 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
Hello there,

I am after some advice / links to information resources.

I've been after a new car for a while now, very focussed on getting either a 911 C2S (realistic) or Turbo (funds allowing). I've not taken the plunge yet though, mainly as (i) I have some reservations re: performance (I dont find the C2S greatly exciting) and (ii) there are just so many 911s around...

I few people keep mentioning the Sagaris to me as another option I should have a look at. A Sagaris would definitely solve those two problems above. But I have no experience of TVRs, so am basically after some advice....

- how planted on the road is the Sag without traction control? It would be significantly more powerful than what I currently drive
- what would the running costs be like compared to a C2S? (service / parts only, not worried about fuel)
- should I expect significantly more breakdowns or is this exaggerated?
- are there any decent resources (other than this forum) for Sagaris information?
- given the car isnt in production anymore, what is my best bet for trying to get a test drive?

Help / advice much appreciated.
Thanks

Mike82

89 posts

210 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
I am after some advice / links to information resources.

I've been after a new car for a while now, very focussed on getting either a 911 C2S (realistic) or Turbo (funds allowing). I've not taken the plunge yet though, mainly as (i) I have some reservations re: performance (I dont find the C2S greatly exciting) and (ii) there are just so many 911s around...

I few people keep mentioning the Sagaris to me as another option I should have a look at. A Sagaris would definitely solve those two problems above. But I have no experience of TVRs, so am basically after some advice....

- how planted on the road is the Sag without traction control? It would be significantly more powerful than what I currently drive
- what would the running costs be like compared to a C2S? (service / parts only, not worried about fuel)
- should I expect significantly more breakdowns or is this exaggerated?
- are there any decent resources (other than this forum) for Sagaris information?
- given the car isnt in production anymore, what is my best bet for trying to get a test drive?

Help / advice much appreciated.

Hi, I was looking at a 911 before i got my sag... for me i made the right choice, (only had the sag 1 week) the 911 for me was boring to drive, quick but not enough fun, so you're probably safer in an 911 and will probably have fewer worries but for driving, the noise it makes and the way it looks for me it was a tvr every time. Think the running cost will be more on the sag, major service £1k ish i think? I personally found when looking for the sag because there are so few of them there's not a lot written, so here and the tvr club are prob best for info. test drives i found racing green very good, friendly and helpful but depends where your based... good luck and enjoy which everone you get, but make sure its the sag!! wink

eburacum

199 posts

239 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
I've had 2 TVR's, my current is a Tuscan 2 convertable, prior to this I owned a Sagaris. The rumours re engine problems are vastly over exagerated in 2 years of owning the Sagaris I had no problems at all, I've only had the tuscan for 2/3 months now and no forceable problems.

For looks, sound, and road presence that Sag will always do it, you will find that Porche drivers won't even look at you as they know the sag has alot more road presence. Parts are easy to get a hold of now, probably easier than when the factory was open as you aren't competeing with the factory for the new parts.

Go for it, you won't have any regrets!

KillerJim

972 posts

232 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
Mike82 said:
- how planted on the road is the Sag without traction control? It would be significantly more powerful than what I currently drive
I find the Sagaris has alot of grip, I was actually surprised that trying to put the tail out from a standing start is a little harder than other RWD's I`ve had..

She's also extremely good in the wet, this again surprised me - had to drive in a thunder storm lately, road like a lake and the car never once felt any different..

Reguardless of the road/weather, when traction goes its very easily to get it back, it will almost correct herself..

Mike82 said:
- what would the running costs be like compared to a C2S? (service / parts only, not worried about fuel)
This year (7000 miles) I`ve had major service at £700 and a new clutch (80% paid by warranty company, so £200 for me) - thats it so far biggrin

Mike82 said:
- should I expect significantly more breakdowns or is this exaggerated?
Definately exaggerated.. atleast from talking to "real world" people about their experiences.. this was my most major concern about buying a Sagaris, however I aint had a single fault yet!! (touch wood, etc..)

Mike82 said:
- are there any decent resources (other than this forum) for Sagaris information?
Grahams Sagaris' pages - http://www.varleyhyd.com/FJ062.asp

Mike82 said:
- given the car isnt in production anymore, what is my best bet for trying to get a test drive?
I recommend racing green, good bunch of chaps who will take time to explain things to you.. Chris recommended the Sagaris to me and explained that they only 'touched' good examples, so far this has held true for me smile

J

bogie

17,074 posts

301 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
- how planted on the road is the Sag without traction control? It would be significantly more powerful than what I currently drive

just fine ...TC dosent make a car handle or grip any better - its just a safety device for novice drivers and their left foot - real mens cars dont have it LOL wink

- what would the running costs be like compared to a C2S? (service / parts only, not worried about fuel)

dunno - ever had a C2S, but the service interval is every 6000 miles for starters, and say £400-500 minor and £1K every other service + consumables on top

- should I expect significantly more breakdowns or is this exaggerated?

the sagaris was one the of later TVRs and pretty well sorted, its not like a German or Jap saloon though and will have niggles of course, but breakdown wise...well, we've done 31K miles in 3 years in the one we have and its only let us down once - a dodgy clutch slave cylinder to blame for that, so fit and upgraded one when you have a new clutch - sorted smile

- are there any decent resources (other than this forum) for Sagaris information?

no specific sites I can think of, apart from joining the official TVR owners club of course and going to meets in your area

- given the car isnt in production anymore, what is my best bet for trying to get a test drive?

just go to a dealer that has one in stock - Id ring first and let them know you are serious though - look in the classifieds

they are very special cars, worlds apart from anything German, but not the type of car you would buy if you expected something say as well put together as a Lexus, otherwise you will be taking it back to the dealer every week to fix a bit of trim or make some minor adjustment ....its a British hand built sportscar and you need to be happy to do some investigation and sort out basic niggles yourself, check the oil every 1000 miles and other basic mantenance

often when you see/read of the horror stories, yes some are very real (our first Tuscan had a rebuild and was gone for months) but also a lot are not *that* bad if you know what you are getting into - I often read lists of peoples "problems" with TVRs, Lotus, Astons, whatever and like 8/10 things were a 10 minute fix on a Sunday morning ....but people these days are so spoilt, being used to having near perfect, durable, mass produced cars...and taking them back to the dealer to fix them....a TVR is not like that and as long as you go into ownership with that attitude you will have a much more enjoyable experience wink


blackiepaul

1,973 posts

223 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
I would hate to be buying a Sag. When I was looking the choice was small and I was lucky enough to land one of the Captial Bank cars meaning I totally know its History - it had none! but then again no real mileage or age either.

I find the traction fine and I think it is a really easy car to drive, I have had a couple of 911's and they are as good if not better in the traction department accept the 997 which was very modern.

You need to spend as much as you can and get the best history you can find. They are great cars that just be very reliable.

Don1

16,795 posts

237 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
I have a 996TT, and a Sag.

Basic thoughts are: The Porker won't see which way the Sag went. The Sag is an event, every time you drive it. The Sag has more usable space. The turbod grunt of the pork is a grin, but nothing like the Sag at full chat. The pork can get used every day, in all weathers. I wouldn't use the Sag like that. People (including white vans(!), will let you out at junctions in the Sag. You might just as well pray in the pork.

basically, do you want a boring, hugely capable car, or do you want something that really stirs something inside you? The choice, is yours...

Englishman

2,253 posts

239 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
Don1 said:
I have a 996TT, and a Sag.

Basic thoughts are: The Porker won't see which way the Sag went. The Sag is an event, every time you drive it. The Sag has more usable space. The turbod grunt of the pork is a grin, but nothing like the Sag at full chat. The pork can get used every day, in all weathers. I wouldn't use the Sag like that. People (including white vans(!), will let you out at junctions in the Sag. You might just as well pray in the pork.

basically, do you want a boring, hugely capable car, or do you want something that really stirs something inside you? The choice, is yours...
I'd add, the fit and finish of a 911 is much higher, that you'll get various numbers of fingers pointed in your direction, that when you get stopped you'll get a ticket whereas in the Sag you'll get flashed/waved past/let out of junctions, chavs will talk to you knowledgeably about the car when filling up rather than abuse you and when plod stop you they'll want to know all about the car and say 'take it careful mate, there aren't too many left'.

Don1

16,795 posts

237 months

Wednesday 8th April 2009
quotequote all
yes

KillerJim

972 posts

232 months

Thursday 9th April 2009
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+1 thumbup

Can`t agree more with what Englishman said.. people will quite happy let you out just for a look or to sit behind you, other high performance car owners (Evo's, Scoob's, etc.) will hardly look in your direction and they come over all timmid at lights biggrin

The best part are random people talking to you about the car, its great to see people really excited about a car you own..

J