Possible new T350 owner, advice please.
Discussion
Its time to say farewell to my loved Chim and try my hand at a speed six. Its a tough choice between a tuscan 2 and a T350 but I've now set my heart on a T350T. So could anybody clear up a few questions.
1. the rough cost of insurance on a t350t for a 24/25 y.o (and who with)
2. What age to go for, am I right in thinking that anything from may 2004 onwards will have the roof panel improvements and anything from 2005 onwards will have the finger follower improvements.
3. I have a healthy budget (around 25k)and I know from my chim experience that the right one is hard to find. Any advice on what spec and mileage I should aim at with this budget.
4. Any general buyers tips
5. I am currently working overseas and I understand how rare the T350Ts are and so if I see the right one on paper, I am tempted to buy without veiwing but instead use a recommended TVR inspector to give it the thumbs up, since I don't want to miss a golden oppurtunity. Has any one else purchased in this fashion and can anyone recommend any inspector services.
6. Whats people opinion - is it better to go for a lower mileage car that hasn't had a rebuilt (ie 10k miles) or a higher mileage car that has had a rebuild (around 20k miles)?
I appreciate that is a barrage of questions so, thanks in advance,
Jacko
1. the rough cost of insurance on a t350t for a 24/25 y.o (and who with)
2. What age to go for, am I right in thinking that anything from may 2004 onwards will have the roof panel improvements and anything from 2005 onwards will have the finger follower improvements.
3. I have a healthy budget (around 25k)and I know from my chim experience that the right one is hard to find. Any advice on what spec and mileage I should aim at with this budget.
4. Any general buyers tips
5. I am currently working overseas and I understand how rare the T350Ts are and so if I see the right one on paper, I am tempted to buy without veiwing but instead use a recommended TVR inspector to give it the thumbs up, since I don't want to miss a golden oppurtunity. Has any one else purchased in this fashion and can anyone recommend any inspector services.
6. Whats people opinion - is it better to go for a lower mileage car that hasn't had a rebuilt (ie 10k miles) or a higher mileage car that has had a rebuild (around 20k miles)?
I appreciate that is a barrage of questions so, thanks in advance,
Jacko
I got my T350 when I was 25 and have never found insurance too bad - it was actually cheaper than the M3!!! I have always used A-plan and they have been very good and very competitive. I think I paid £680 with them (7 yrs no claims, 1x SP30 and garaged in Leeds).
Definitely go for a late 2004 if possible, unless one of the earlier ones has had a rebuild. As usual though, the most important thing is how it has been treated by the previous owner(s). The targa clips were changed in late 2004/2005 but many earlier ones have been upgraded anyway.
Mileage is entirely up to you but I would suggest to buy on condition as I saw a number of lowish mileage cars that had lots of niggles left to sort, which is why I went for one with a few miles that had been used but was still in good condition. I saw one with 40k miles that was in superb condition compared to one of the ones with only 15k on the clock.
£25k will privately buy you a very good car indeed, unless you go to one of the top dealers and you will get a reasonable car for top money (IMO).
HTH
Cant help with a TVR inspector as I have never needed to use one myself
Definitely go for a late 2004 if possible, unless one of the earlier ones has had a rebuild. As usual though, the most important thing is how it has been treated by the previous owner(s). The targa clips were changed in late 2004/2005 but many earlier ones have been upgraded anyway.
Mileage is entirely up to you but I would suggest to buy on condition as I saw a number of lowish mileage cars that had lots of niggles left to sort, which is why I went for one with a few miles that had been used but was still in good condition. I saw one with 40k miles that was in superb condition compared to one of the ones with only 15k on the clock.
£25k will privately buy you a very good car indeed, unless you go to one of the top dealers and you will get a reasonable car for top money (IMO).
HTH
Cant help with a TVR inspector as I have never needed to use one myself
Edited by stub101 on Thursday 10th December 09:09
1. the rough cost of insurance on a t350t for a 24/25 y.o (and who with)
> My insurances was the same as for the Chimaera. Try the usual car club insurers like A Manning and Flux.
2. What age to go for, am I right in thinking that anything from may 2004 onwards will have the roof panel improvements and anything from 2005 onwards will have the finger follower improvements.
> Generally the cars were enhanced by TVR up until late 2004-ish. Roof panel change was sometime before April 2004 as my car has them and it was delivered to the dealer in May 2004. Engine-wise I think 2004 onwards is a little improved, but do not rule out any car with a rebuild, also some older cars seem just fine on bigger miles. Apart from the cost, an engine rebuild is seen as a good opportunity for most owners now and not a major problem.
3. I have a healthy budget (around 25k)and I know from my chim experience that the right one is hard to find. Any advice on what spec and mileage I should aim at with this budget.
> IMHO you need aircon. Those without it say you don't need it. If you plan to use the car in traffic in anything other than winter then the extra cooling is fantastic. It also helps dry up any misting in winter. Apart from that there are not many options - pick the spec you like.
4. Any general buyers tips
> Just like a Chimaera you need to buy on condition and previous owners/how it has been treated. Be wary of cars which have languished at dealers for long periods (not because they have not been used, but because they will probably have been out for test drives once a month and possibly revved without being fully warmed through).
5. I am currently working overseas and I understand how rare the T350Ts are and so if I see the right one on paper, I am tempted to buy without veiwing but instead use a recommended TVR inspector to give it the thumbs up, since I don't want to miss a golden oppurtunity. Has any one else purchased in this fashion and can anyone recommend any inspector services.
> Personally I would use a local independent TVR mechanic rather than a dedicated inspector.
6. Whats people opinion - is it better to go for a lower mileage car that hasn't had a rebuilt (ie 10k miles) or a higher mileage car that has had a rebuild (around 20k miles)?
> Depends. Like I said rebuilds are not a negative thing. Look at the whole package - condition of the rest of the car etc.
TVR_owner said:
stub101 said:
Definitely go for a late 2004 if possible
But does a late 2004 car actually exist. I think you'll find anything registered late 2004 or early 2005 was probably built before October 2004.Buy a later model car on condition, history etc. Not the registration plate.
I know of a 55 plate car which was built in the 54 registration timeframe (but it is a lovely car! under 6k on the clock and the owner will never sell it). I know this because it was sitting in a dealer's showroom and I drooled over it many times while waiting for things to be done to my car.
I also know of a 05 plate car that was built before mine (which is an April/May 04 build). I know this because that particular car was sitting at Peninsular Auto when I was looking for a car.
4535jacks said:
Its time to say farewell to my loved Chim and try my hand at a speed six. Its a tough choice between a tuscan 2 and a T350 but I've now set my heart on a T350T. So could anybody clear up a few questions.
1. the rough cost of insurance on a t350t for a 24/25 y.o (and who with)
So many factors involved here depending upon location, driving history etc but I'm 34 and pay £420 for 7500 miles SDP & garaged
2. What age to go for, am I right in thinking that anything from may 2004 onwards will have the roof panel improvements and anything from 2005 onwards will have the finger follower improvements.
2004 onwards gained better roof latches on the T, boot and glovebox recess, sunvisors and the reputedly more improved engine. 2005 engines are no better than 04 engines IMHO.
3. I have a healthy budget (around 25k)and I know from my chim experience that the right one is hard to find. Any advice on what spec and mileage I should aim at with this budget.
That will get you a good late 2004 to 2006 model from a reputable dealer
4. Any general buyers tips
Take your time, buy on condition, try and find the full leather rather than bison (vinyl). Air-con is a must even in the targas. Ensure it has a full history and check when the valves were last adjusted and if possible by how much (phone the service agent). Check how the owner or dealer warm the car up - 40deg stay under 2500rpm and under 3500rpm until oil is 70deg. Has the rad been uprated to ally? The original steel ones are a common failure.
5. I am currently working overseas and I understand how rare the T350Ts are and so if I see the right one on paper, I am tempted to buy without veiwing but instead use a recommended TVR inspector to give it the thumbs up, since I don't want to miss a golden oppurtunity. Has any one else purchased in this fashion and can anyone recommend any inspector services.
James Agger or get a reputable indie/dealer to check it over for you. Also ask on PH if people know the cars you're interested in - I saved myself looking at a number of lemons by doing this. Personally I wouldn't touch a certain other Lincs based engineer/inspector with the worlds largest bargepole
6. Whats people opinion - is it better to go for a lower mileage car that hasn't had a rebuilt (ie 10k miles) or a higher mileage car that has had a rebuild (around 20k miles)?
Look in the classifieds and check how many 350s are for sale with rebuilds. There aren't many and hopefully that should tell you something. The 3.6, especially from 2004 on is a strong engine provided its warmed up properly.
I appreciate that is a barrage of questions so, thanks in advance,
Jacko
1. the rough cost of insurance on a t350t for a 24/25 y.o (and who with)
So many factors involved here depending upon location, driving history etc but I'm 34 and pay £420 for 7500 miles SDP & garaged
2. What age to go for, am I right in thinking that anything from may 2004 onwards will have the roof panel improvements and anything from 2005 onwards will have the finger follower improvements.
2004 onwards gained better roof latches on the T, boot and glovebox recess, sunvisors and the reputedly more improved engine. 2005 engines are no better than 04 engines IMHO.
3. I have a healthy budget (around 25k)and I know from my chim experience that the right one is hard to find. Any advice on what spec and mileage I should aim at with this budget.
That will get you a good late 2004 to 2006 model from a reputable dealer
4. Any general buyers tips
Take your time, buy on condition, try and find the full leather rather than bison (vinyl). Air-con is a must even in the targas. Ensure it has a full history and check when the valves were last adjusted and if possible by how much (phone the service agent). Check how the owner or dealer warm the car up - 40deg stay under 2500rpm and under 3500rpm until oil is 70deg. Has the rad been uprated to ally? The original steel ones are a common failure.
5. I am currently working overseas and I understand how rare the T350Ts are and so if I see the right one on paper, I am tempted to buy without veiwing but instead use a recommended TVR inspector to give it the thumbs up, since I don't want to miss a golden oppurtunity. Has any one else purchased in this fashion and can anyone recommend any inspector services.
James Agger or get a reputable indie/dealer to check it over for you. Also ask on PH if people know the cars you're interested in - I saved myself looking at a number of lemons by doing this. Personally I wouldn't touch a certain other Lincs based engineer/inspector with the worlds largest bargepole
6. Whats people opinion - is it better to go for a lower mileage car that hasn't had a rebuilt (ie 10k miles) or a higher mileage car that has had a rebuild (around 20k miles)?
Look in the classifieds and check how many 350s are for sale with rebuilds. There aren't many and hopefully that should tell you something. The 3.6, especially from 2004 on is a strong engine provided its warmed up properly.
I appreciate that is a barrage of questions so, thanks in advance,
Jacko
Edited by Zippee on Thursday 10th December 10:19
T350 Al said:
Targarama said:
I also know of a 05 plate car that was built before mine (which is an April/May 04 build). I know this because that particular car was sitting at Peninsular Auto when I was looking for a car.
Was that at Peninsula in Exeter? Do hope it wasn't our T350! It wasn't your car.
Targarama said:
T350 Al said:
Targarama said:
I also know of a 05 plate car that was built before mine (which is an April/May 04 build). I know this because that particular car was sitting at Peninsular Auto when I was looking for a car.
Was that at Peninsula in Exeter? Do hope it wasn't our T350! It wasn't your car.
T350 Al said:
Targarama said:
T350 Al said:
Targarama said:
I also know of a 05 plate car that was built before mine (which is an April/May 04 build). I know this because that particular car was sitting at Peninsular Auto when I was looking for a car.
Was that at Peninsula in Exeter? Do hope it wasn't our T350! It wasn't your car.
TVR_owner said:
stub101 said:
Definitely go for a late 2004 if possible
But does a late 2004 car actually exist. 
Beware...I think you'll find anything registered late 2004 or early 2005 was probably built before October 2004.
Edited by TVR_owner on Thursday 10th December 09:37
jev said:
TVR_owner said:
stub101 said:
Definitely go for a late 2004 if possible
But does a late 2004 car actually exist. Beware...I think you'll find anything registered late 2004 or early 2005 was probably built before October 2004.
Edited by TVR_owner on Thursday 10th December 09:37
You've not got over that yet have you... Are you coming on the Spanish Trip this year??
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