T350 - tell me all!
Discussion
Hello
Not posted in here before but have been umming about future car choice for a while and have just fallen head over heels in love with the T350
Never seen such a stunning car, and I have always admired TVRs (from afar!) I'm not in an immediate position to buy, but looking at next year. Meanwhile, I want to do as much research as possible, hence I have a few questions. I have trawled through many posts on here, but any specific advice appreciated 
I would want to use the car as a daily driver, as I'm of the mindset that a car like that is to be used and appreciated, not just polished occasionally. But my daily commute is about to shorten to about 5 miles of mainly town driving. I hear they appreciate being warmed up properly otherwise reliability issues could creep in, so will this pose a problem? I have the option of taking the train, or getting up a bit earlier and going for a proper B road spin before the working day starts however!
My other main question is running costs. Used at least several times a week, a couple of track days a year and a few long road trips, any rough ideas what I should be looking at to keep the car happy? I would be looking to spend around £20k, hopefully less, when I do come to buy, which seems to buy a 2004 model with around 15-20k miles on the clock. What are the service intervals and what are the big costs to look out for?
I'd also be interested to know what the ride/set up is like and if commuting is feasible? Occasionally my work involves quite long trips and having experience of stiff, low cars with 'skittish' handling, much as I enjoy them it has made me think about my (ageing!) bones.
Are there any other general things I should know at this early stage? I had a load more questions but am so distracted by the Rolex Blue for sale in the classifieds that I keep looking at it and all sensible thoughts have left my head!
Any tips/hints/advice would be much appreciated
PS - Anyone within reasonable distance of Brighton got one I can come and look at?
I hear they appreciate being warmed up properly otherwise reliability issues could creep in, so will this pose a problem? I have the option of taking the train, or getting up a bit earlier and going for a proper B road spin before the working day starts however! - True, this might not give much scope for getting the temps up to optimal, but unless you're looking to rev the tits off the engine from door to door, it shouldn't be too much of a problem!
I would be looking to spend around £20k, hopefully less, when I do come to buy, which seems to buy a 2004 model with around 15-20k miles on the clock. - Buy as late a model as you can afford, most owner's/enthusiasts' opinion is that most issues were ironed out with the cars post 2005.
What are the service intervals and what are the big costs to look out for? - 6000 mile intervals or yearly, whichever comes first. Servicing ranges from 300 - 600 quid. Big costs can be the engine going bang or the clutch wearing out. Re-builds have come down in price and up in reliability. TVR Power offer full re-builds from about 5k if memory serves with a 5 year warranty. Thankfully the clutch is the only issue we've had to deal with!
I'd also be interested to know what the ride/set up is like and if commuting is feasible? - Depends on the individual. What's a stiff set-up for one person may not be for another. You can only answer this one by test driving. There are various suspension upgrades out there ranging from 500 - 1000 quid if you feel the need.
Are there any other general things I should know at this early stage? I had a load more questions but am so distracted by the Rolex Blue for sale in the classifieds that I keep looking at it and all sensible thoughts have left my head! - Yup; your car taste is impeccable, but your watch taste is questionable! Buy an Omega!
I would be looking to spend around £20k, hopefully less, when I do come to buy, which seems to buy a 2004 model with around 15-20k miles on the clock. - Buy as late a model as you can afford, most owner's/enthusiasts' opinion is that most issues were ironed out with the cars post 2005.
What are the service intervals and what are the big costs to look out for? - 6000 mile intervals or yearly, whichever comes first. Servicing ranges from 300 - 600 quid. Big costs can be the engine going bang or the clutch wearing out. Re-builds have come down in price and up in reliability. TVR Power offer full re-builds from about 5k if memory serves with a 5 year warranty. Thankfully the clutch is the only issue we've had to deal with!
I'd also be interested to know what the ride/set up is like and if commuting is feasible? - Depends on the individual. What's a stiff set-up for one person may not be for another. You can only answer this one by test driving. There are various suspension upgrades out there ranging from 500 - 1000 quid if you feel the need.
Are there any other general things I should know at this early stage? I had a load more questions but am so distracted by the Rolex Blue for sale in the classifieds that I keep looking at it and all sensible thoughts have left my head! - Yup; your car taste is impeccable, but your watch taste is questionable! Buy an Omega!
You do I know I mean this Rolex Blue: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1127647.htm
Thanks for that info, very useful indeed and all seems feasible so far
Anymore advice or general opinions welcomed
(....and anyone in the south east so I can come & drool?)
Thanks for that info, very useful indeed and all seems feasible so far
Anymore advice or general opinions welcomed
(....and anyone in the south east so I can come & drool?)
FastLaneGirl said:
You do I know I mean this Rolex Blue: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1127647.htm
Doh! Must read posts more carefully!Lovely colour, but nothing beats Storm Titanium!
Snap! Actually mine's Grigio Titanio, but looks identical to yours!
Mine is serviced twice a year, although usually only done 5K by the time it's serviced as there's always a chance that something needs doing. I assume each service will cost 1000 - 6K/12K service are generally 400/750, but it's important to allow the garage to attend to whatever issues they find along the way, so when you buy one have a healthy service fund and a good garage in mind!
Your 5 mile commute is not ideal for a tiv, as it will take almost 10 miles for the oil temperature to rise sufficiently. Got to get one though, as they are blimmin fantastic cars.
Mine is serviced twice a year, although usually only done 5K by the time it's serviced as there's always a chance that something needs doing. I assume each service will cost 1000 - 6K/12K service are generally 400/750, but it's important to allow the garage to attend to whatever issues they find along the way, so when you buy one have a healthy service fund and a good garage in mind!
Your 5 mile commute is not ideal for a tiv, as it will take almost 10 miles for the oil temperature to rise sufficiently. Got to get one though, as they are blimmin fantastic cars.
FastLaneGirl said:
Hello
Not posted in here before but have been umming about future car choice for a while and have just fallen head over heels in love with the T350
Never seen such a stunning car, and I have always admired TVRs (from afar!) I'm not in an immediate position to buy, but looking at next year. Meanwhile, I want to do as much research as possible, hence I have a few questions. I have trawled through many posts on here, but any specific advice appreciated I would want to use the car as a daily driver, as I'm of the mindset that a car like that is to be used and appreciated, not just polished occasionally. But my daily commute is about to shorten to about 5 miles of mainly town driving. I hear they appreciate being warmed up properly otherwise reliability issues could creep in, so will this pose a problem? I have the option of taking the train, or getting up a bit earlier and going for a proper B road spin before the working day starts however!
My other main question is running costs. Used at least several times a week, a couple of track days a year and a few long road trips, any rough ideas what I should be looking at to keep the car happy? I would be looking to spend around £20k, hopefully less, when I do come to buy, which seems to buy a 2004 model with around 15-20k miles on the clock. What are the service intervals and what are the big costs to look out for?
I'd also be interested to know what the ride/set up is like and if commuting is feasible? Occasionally my work involves quite long trips and having experience of stiff, low cars with 'skittish' handling, much as I enjoy them it has made me think about my (ageing!) bones.
Are there any other general things I should know at this early stage? I had a load more questions but am so distracted by the Rolex Blue for sale in the classifieds that I keep looking at it and all sensible thoughts have left my head!
Any tips/hints/advice would be much appreciated
PS - Anyone within reasonable distance of Brighton got one I can come and look at?
gilbo said:
I'm in Kent you're more than welcome to come and have a nose over my toy!
Thanks gilbo, I will pm you shortly willtvr said:
With such a short daily commute oil contamination will be a problem - regular oil/filter changes. With regard to running costs its impossible to estimate without an idea of annual mileage.
Fair point, at the moment I average about 100 miles a week. With my commute shortening I thought it might make more sense to use the train most days, & bring the car in the days I have time to go for a proper blast in the mornings and evenings. A 10 min drive from my office are the most fantastic sweeping roads, it's where I took the Exige today I like driving just for pleasure, so wouldn't be hard to 'save' the Tiv for longer drives and more special occasions.
FastLaneGirl said:
PS - Anyone within reasonable distance of Brighton got one I can come and look at?
Nathan http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?mem... has a T350C, often parked up near the Old Steine. Maybe drop him a PM
Be good to have another Brighton TVR to spot around town.
FUBAR said:
FastLaneGirl said:
PS - Anyone within reasonable distance of Brighton got one I can come and look at?
Nathan http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?mem... has a T350C, often parked up near the Old Steine. Maybe drop him a PM
Be good to have another Brighton TVR to spot around town.
Must come & meet you & yours sometime soon as well, do give me a shout if you're in town. Thanks for the info, will pm Nathan as well (in fact I'm certain I have seen his TVR parked near to where I live!)FastLaneGirl said:
I'd also be interested to know what the ride/set up is like and if commuting is feasible? Occasionally my work involves quite long trips and having experience of stiff, low cars with 'skittish' handling, much as I enjoy them it has made me think about my (ageing!) bones.
My farther has just treated himself to a Sagaris as a retirment present, he is extremely impressed with the ride of the car and it has far more comfort than he ever imagined, Your ageing bones will be fine as I'm sure a T350c will ride very simular. He was worried the car would be very stiff and harsh but was shocked at how well it rides. He is also amazed at how well the car clears speed bumps and uneven surfaces as this was one factor we thought may cause problems. FastLaneGirl said:
Hello Must come & meet you & yours sometime soon as well, do give me a shout if you're in town. Thanks for the info, will pm Nathan as well (in fact I'm certain I have seen his TVR parked near to where I live!)
Normally parked up Lewes Rd side of The Level Must come & meet you & yours sometime soon as well, do give me a shout if you're in town. Thanks for the info, will pm Nathan as well (in fact I'm certain I have seen his TVR parked near to where I live!)I would take you out for a spin in the Cerb, but then you'd end up wanting one of them instead
FUBAR said:
FastLaneGirl said:
Hello Must come & meet you & yours sometime soon as well, do give me a shout if you're in town. Thanks for the info, will pm Nathan as well (in fact I'm certain I have seen his TVR parked near to where I live!)
Normally parked up Lewes Rd side of The Level Must come & meet you & yours sometime soon as well, do give me a shout if you're in town. Thanks for the info, will pm Nathan as well (in fact I'm certain I have seen his TVR parked near to where I live!)I would take you out for a spin in the Cerb, but then you'd end up wanting one of them instead
It is on my laptop at home but will post it up later.I'm always amenable to being taken for a spin, love getting to know different cars, so feel free to try & tempt me away from the T350!
Thanks Al
Am about to pm Nathan and hopefully get to meet up with him at some point, but I'll be in touch if we don't manage it.Hi FLG
I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
Edited by snmvaio on Tuesday 20th October 09:17
If you're going to use your car for commuting and long drives, it would be wise to seek out a car that has enjoyed regular exercise over one that's mostly been polished in the garage, then maybe taken out to the pub on sunny Sundays if the owner could be bothered.
If it's covered some decent mileage between the last two MOTs chances are it's a happy car rather than a liability.
If it's covered some decent mileage between the last two MOTs chances are it's a happy car rather than a liability.
snmvaio said:
Hi FLG
I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
i remember your car for sale,and it looked great,the colour is beautiful. i came close to asking about it a few times,everytime i looked at it,I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
Edited by snmvaio on Tuesday 20th October 09:17
but held out for moonraker black,i wanted the most difficult colour to keep cleansnmvaio said:
Hi FLG
I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
I went through the same questions as you, until I finally jumped with my heart not my head and bought a gorgeous Rolex Blue T350t, I kept her for a year and used it very day including some trackdays, I racked up around 9000 miles in that time, happy to have a chat and answer any questions you may have, I come to Brighton often so if you wanted to discuss over a coffee an very happy, this is NOT a chat up, I am happily married with 2 kids, it would be just Petrol infused gossip, or just email me, happy to help.
Check my profile pic for the T350t you will be in love
Thanks, have emailed you. I am in love, that's the best colour!
Do you no longer have the car? Dammit, looks like I'll have to settle for a spin in FUBAR's Cerb then, do they take passengers at the Speed Trials?
Being realistic, running costs & the way I want to actually use the car may make it a no go for the foreseeable future, but it's definitely 'on the list' & I really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to give such solid advice here & via email.
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff