Wanted to use my car for touring but don't!!
Discussion
When I bought my first TVR the plan was to tour, it was a Chim 400 and I enjoyed it. Never toured the continent though. Then had a low mileage T350T and did few miles. Now I have an 2008 registered T350T and cannot get away on my planned Drive Espana Trip after Easter. I look at what I spend on servicing and making the car right and it does not stand up against how much I use the car. So should it stay or should it go? 
You've only had your current car 5 minutes - whats been required in terms of servicing and maintenance on such a new car?
These cars will never be low maintenance but Euro trips are easily possible. I'm on the P/Nirvana Highlands tour in May and then hopefully a Euro trip of some sort later this year and I've no concerns about my car at all.
As already mentioned as well - what else is there to replace it with? The Italian makes will be just as expensive to maintain and Porsche have little soul.
These cars will never be low maintenance but Euro trips are easily possible. I'm on the P/Nirvana Highlands tour in May and then hopefully a Euro trip of some sort later this year and I've no concerns about my car at all.
As already mentioned as well - what else is there to replace it with? The Italian makes will be just as expensive to maintain and Porsche have little soul.
donaldosaurus said:
When I bought my first TVR the plan was to tour, it was a Chim 400 and I enjoyed it. Never toured the continent though. Then had a low mileage T350T and did few miles. Now I have an 2008 registered T350T and cannot get away on my planned Drive Espana Trip after Easter. I look at what I spend on servicing and making the car right and it does not stand up against how much I use the car. So should it stay or should it go?
You first need to have a hard look and see if you can avoid missing the Spanish Trip (we are off on our 5th trip. When you have re-organised life to accomodate the trip, you need to sort Zolder!! Simples
TVR_owner said:
donaldosaurus said:
When I bought my first TVR the plan was to tour, it was a Chim 400 and I enjoyed it. Never toured the continent though. Then had a low mileage T350T and did few miles. Now I have an 2008 registered T350T and cannot get away on my planned Drive Espana Trip after Easter. I look at what I spend on servicing and making the car right and it does not stand up against how much I use the car. So should it stay or should it go?
You first need to have a hard look and see if you can avoid missing the Spanish Trip (we are off on our 5th trip. When you have re-organised life to accomodate the trip, you need to sort Zolder!! Simples
I hear what you are saying Donald. I unfortunately only use my T350 at weekends and the odd day during the week (if possible) and have an Alfa 156 (2003) for an everyday run-a-round. It makes me think why do i have a 22K car in my garage and spend most time in a car (in all respect) drives and handles like a milk float !
Is there an M5 or AMG 55 in my future ?? I look at my beautiful, well maintained and unusual T350 and am torn !
Is there an M5 or AMG 55 in my future ?? I look at my beautiful, well maintained and unusual T350 and am torn !
Thanks for all your views.
I have actually spent a small fortune on the car already in the last four months. Made sure the clutch had a thorough overhaul with seals etc. Had some coolant mods done etc for warmer climes. The car is A1. It is probably the last car ever finished at the factory too.
I just will not make the trip. Wife broke her arm on honeymoon and work is dead. I know that it would have been a wonderful trip.
If I cannot use it I think it will have to go to someone who will.
Looks great in the sunshine on my front lawn.
Just to show it gets used occasionally here was the cobweb run almost a fortnight ago.
I have actually spent a small fortune on the car already in the last four months. Made sure the clutch had a thorough overhaul with seals etc. Had some coolant mods done etc for warmer climes. The car is A1. It is probably the last car ever finished at the factory too.
I just will not make the trip. Wife broke her arm on honeymoon and work is dead. I know that it would have been a wonderful trip.
If I cannot use it I think it will have to go to someone who will.
Looks great in the sunshine on my front lawn.
Just to show it gets used occasionally here was the cobweb run almost a fortnight ago.
Donald
Just because you wont make one trip is no reason to sell the car, between the money you will loose at sale and the money you have spent on it already surely it cant make financial sense to sell it. hold on to it for a couple of months and if things dont change ie more work then think of getting it on the market which by then should have picked up for the summer season.
By the way nice pic of the car on your lawn, shame you dont have a good view to back it up with.
Just because you wont make one trip is no reason to sell the car, between the money you will loose at sale and the money you have spent on it already surely it cant make financial sense to sell it. hold on to it for a couple of months and if things dont change ie more work then think of getting it on the market which by then should have picked up for the summer season.
By the way nice pic of the car on your lawn, shame you dont have a good view to back it up with.
JonT350c said:
I hear what you are saying Donald. I unfortunately only use my T350 at weekends and the odd day during the week (if possible) and have an Alfa 156 (2003) for an everyday run-a-round. It makes me think why do i have a 22K car in my garage and spend most time in a car (in all respect) drives and handles like a milk float !
Glad I'm not the only one with the TVR and Alfa combo (albeit a 147). My colleagues think we're mental having two 'unreliable' cars, though neither has really missed a beat in 5 years of ownership!The TVR tends to only come out at weekends, which felt criminal for a while. But now I've come round to the idea that not using it everyday keeps it seperate from the commute-mobile in a good way. When I get in the Alfa, it's easy to drive, quiet, comfortable and gets me from A to B; it's now intinsically linked with our daily commute and thus; boring, mindless driving.
When the TVR comes out to play, it's a completely different experience; I've said it before and I'll say it again, when I sit in her and start her up, I feel like it's an event. I could be sat on the starting line of Le Mans with the howl from the engine! The driving position, the way she corners, the pedal position, the looks from other drivers/pedestrians is unmatchable in the Alfa. In short; it seperates me from the weekday slog.
OP - Good luck with the decision, but please don't make a decision you might later regret! Get out there and test-drive some 'equivalent' cars and I'm convinced you'll keep the T350! Best of luck!
I have a Tamora which I only use at weekends. The total money I've spent on engine upgrades and mods would bring this country out of recession . I drive an R-reg MR2 Mk2 as my daily drive which is a fun car in itself, but when I get into the Tam, it's a different world 
.
Don't sell,
YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DO
. I drive an R-reg MR2 Mk2 as my daily drive which is a fun car in itself, but when I get into the Tam, it's a different world .Don't sell,
YOU WILL REGRET IT IF YOU DO Different opinion. If having an extra £25-30k sitting in your bank account plus fewer monthly outgoings will make you happier/more confortable/less worried/whatever, then sell it. It's no good having an expensive car that doesn't get used unless you have money you don't need.
For balance, people are correct in that you won't find TVR qualities in any other car. But that doesn't mean that those qualities are right for you.
Good luck.
For balance, people are correct in that you won't find TVR qualities in any other car. But that doesn't mean that those qualities are right for you.
Good luck.
I go thru months of not using my T350t and only really at weekends, its a toy and as such thats how its treated ,dont care how much fuel it uses or tyre wear,
I know its in my garage for when i want to go play .
every run out is an occasion ,recently noted there maybe only 40 "t" cars left ,another reason to keep it.
I know its in my garage for when i want to go play .
every run out is an occasion ,recently noted there maybe only 40 "t" cars left ,another reason to keep it.
All views very interesting,
I have had three TVRs now and love the smiles per gallon amongst countless other things.
I have not fallen out of love with my car but cannot financially justify it. I have squandered loads on a big wedding and honeymoon and several months holiday though!
The car is a bit unusual so probably the one to keep.
Still feel like it will be for sale soon though.
I have taken a spoonful of cement to harden a bit up in the meantime BOMB. Oh and you were selling yours too! Have you had a change of heart?
I have had three TVRs now and love the smiles per gallon amongst countless other things.
I have not fallen out of love with my car but cannot financially justify it. I have squandered loads on a big wedding and honeymoon and several months holiday though!
The car is a bit unusual so probably the one to keep.
Still feel like it will be for sale soon though.
I have taken a spoonful of cement to harden a bit up in the meantime BOMB. Oh and you were selling yours too! Have you had a change of heart?
donaldosaurus said:
I have taken a spoonful of cement to harden a bit up in the meantime BOMB. Oh and you were selling yours too! Have you had a change of heart?
Car is still available for sale.Its now booked in for another service. I'll be spending £1k on it to ensure its tip top. (and in case I feel the need to have a little drive myself !!)
I'm trying to encourage you to do the right thing and have a blast around Europe.
Its great fun, and you will enjoy it immensely. Do it whilst you can.
Do not forget to post some pictures up too !!
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