ATTENTION all sag owners! want a sag..need a sag..need help!

[usmang]

Hi to everyone,

I am in the process of selling my car (audi TT 3.2- spare the heckling please) and am looking at a TVR sagaris as my next car. Trouble is, I have never had a TVR and really dont know what Im looking for to be quite honest. I have read alot of posts and threads on this forum over the last couple of months and have just joined the car club and would really appreciate a helping hand in guiding me during the exciting/apprehensive decision on which 1 to buy.

My budget is around 35k and I want one that preferably has had an engine rebuild- thouygh from looking cant find one. I also want to take out 1 of these warranties that would protect me from all things and am not too bothered (within reason) of how much that costs. I have been on autotrader and here and there are quite a few about but after reading about engine rebuilds etc Im a little spooked! I do expect things to go wrong with this car and Im going into this with my eyes open (it will be a second car) but want to minimise the hit I will take!

For some reasons I am inclined to stay away from cars that are around the 20k-30k miles mark because engine rebuild time may be looming- is this wrong of me? I know it depends on the condition and how well it was looked after but what is a rough guestimate on when the engine may go pop?

I appreciate all help and really hope to be joining the ranks soon!
I will also be posting on TVR CC later on today so apologise for whom its a double post almost - but i gather that some members on here arnt active on tvr cc and I need all the help I can get.

cheers all

[bogie]

I think you are worrying far too much about the engine rebuild thing - yes that was an issue with early SP6 engined cars, but by 2005/6 it was pretty sorted ...

you wont find many Sags that have had a rebuild ...I cant remember seeing any myself in the last 3 years

we sold our Sag with 33K miles on it, and it was still in perfect condition, and I believe its heading onto 40K miles and still is....

If I was buying another, Id look for one thats been used regularly, and had all the niggles sorted out, rather than one with ultra low mileage ...a 3 year old car, thats not been used may well have more issues that need sorting, than one thats done 5K miles a year etc

buy on condition, and get to know the history of the car

[Targarama]

From your post I'm getting vibes that you're not especially mechanically minded and don't want to be troubled by problems. Am I right? If not then apologies. Are you willing to accept a car that has a personality? (throws up fault codes, has a funny rattle, needs treating like a baby at times - then fixes itself most of the time).

If you're that nervous then definitely go to a dealer and have a few tests, go to a few meets and get a few passenger rides. Possibly even a track day for passenger rides. You'll either love them or run away and buy another German car. I'm not trying to be negative but TVRs are not for everyone (even though most like the idea of owning one).

Frankly much of the negativeness about TVR was caused by the bl00dy Speed Six engine in the early Tuscans. It was not ready for production at the time. Today's Speed Six is a very different engine - mileage is not an issue. Type of use/treatment IS an issue, so buy with care and see how the last owner treats it. As has been said, buy on overall condition. Of course a newer, lower mileage car is great but that does not mean a 2005 car with 30k is a bag of spanners - it could have been cosseted all it's life and be in better order than a 6k 2006 car.

[alex_gray255]

You could always use a service like http://www.findasportscar.co.uk/,http://www.taylortvr.co.uk or TVR indi to find/inspect a car for you. They will know what to look for and don't cost that much when considering you are looking to spend 35k.

I bought mine about 6 months ago and used an inspection service to check it over and look at the car history. Nothing is guaranteed in life but it will add more confidence to your choice.

Edited by alex_gray255 on Friday 9th April 14:13

[usmang]

thankyou all so far for comments. Im happy to have a car with a personality but wanted advice on if there were any definite no nos. Im definately not mechanically minded but dont mind about rattles etc as long as it doesnt cost me 10000ssss! I was looking at the car pistonheads that had only done 1600miles but after what people have said I suppose it makes sense to have one that has had problems ironed out and been taken care of.

Are there any dealers in and around glasgow that anyone can recommend? I am arranging a drive of a tuscan to see how it goes but have pretty much already made my mind up having wanted one for years.

How many people go for the warranty and where would people recommend?

thanks in advance

usman

[d18mca]

Make your way to Hexham Horseless carriages and talk to Tony.
Any stock he has will be thoroughly checked and usually known by him from new.
Highly recommended and not too far down the road .
Davy

[dbvw]

Im probably going to be listing my Sag in a few weeks. Im in the South East, pm me if interested in more details.

[L33]

If you can wait 2 / 3 weeks, Evo magazine have a buyers guide in their next issue which should be hitting the shelves towards the end of the month.


As for rebulds, I only know of 1 sag thats had a rebuild because of a "strange noise" that was noticed when the car went in for a remap. The dealer in question advised a top-end strip down (which revealed nothing untoward), so a full rebuild was undertaken. Still nothing found and I know the owner foolishly still shelled out for the rebuild that was not needed.

All I can say is go for it!

[d18mca]

I had a rebuild after mine slipped a liner in No 1 cylinder,after a 170 mile per hour
blast.
I went for the FFFengine from RG and 12000miles later still grinning.
Lots of fun.
You may find a Tuscan a bit more of a handful than a Sagaris,but both models have that certain TVR presence which makes every drive an occasion

Enjoy whichever you choose.
Davy

[Englishman]

From my own experience (5 years) and that of most posters here, the Sagaris is the most reliable TVR ever made. So, as ever with any TVR, buy on condition and you won't go wrong. Best dealers IMHO (30 years experience!) are the TVR Centre, HHC and Kerridges, largely down to the knowledgeable and trustworthy people that run them!

[cammy71]

usmang - I stay in Glasgow and there are no TVR indies in Glasgow. The only recognised TVR garage is in Callander, Dreadnought. I recently bought my T350C from York after having it inspected by Heath of X Works in Preston. They will travel and inspect (further away then there will be a reasonable mileage charge), but absolutely well worth the money. The garage selling my car said it was the most comprehensive inspection it had ever seen. Dreadnought are expensive (prob Scottish monopoly) but they are good, previously dealt with my prior TVRs. However, I will travel the extra distance to get mine serviced at X Works from now on.

[geordieexpat]

All

Tony has a black Sag with Tan interior for sale at the moment, he also has my black Sag in storage - I have 19" jade R alloys on mine which look the bis (I am sure Tony will let anyone have a look at what they look like)

I am back in the UK week of the 10th May - and Sag will be out and about then, i'll be in aberdeen the week of the 23rd with the Sag as well

I basically test drove the Tuscan s and then the Sagaris, then looked for the colour I wanted, I plumped for black, got through Racing green but Tony at HHC do all the servicing for me

I have had the fault codes beeping at me, then off, split pipes for the brake fluid, PAS pump, nothing major, think if you service regular and look after it it will gives years of smile induced driving, I cant wait to get back to the UK and go for a drive

Was supposed to be going to Le Mans then poss home to SW france but work put that to bed

Whatever TVR you decide to buy have fun you will enjoy, and the club(s) you attend you will meet some very nice people

Derrick

[parvs]

After having two lotuses (no trouble at all) and currently driving a sagaris I would say definitely go for it. I bought mine from castle tvr after it was featured in evo, and in the first few months the fluid levels (oil and coolant) needed regular topping up, but that seems to have settled down. I used my lotuses and the sag as my daily drive through wind rain and (slowly) in the snow. Yes there are little niggles every now and then, but it's an amazing machine. When you are alone on country roads it's absolute bliss and if you're driving through town, let's face it, the attention is quite fun. Make the journey down south to see/ test drive some. It's well worth the trip!!

[usmang]

d18mca - thanks i might have a little word with tony
dbvw- u have pm
L33- read about this buying guide and will try and holdon for then- thanks for the info- i wasnt exactly sure when it was coming out- didnt say on the website- but i read the thread on here that was from evo looking for tvrs to feature them. and thanks for the advice

d18mca- thanks
englishman- thankyou for thr words of wisdom
cammy71- thanks ive been in touch with dreadnought but nice to have ppl who actually have dealt with them to speak about them
derrick- thanks i might pop along to hhc as I work in newcastle during the week- Im looking for a crazy colour to go with the crazy car (the reflex purple has caught my eye) and I want a light coloured interior- but the black is gorgeous and maybe if i see it in the flesh that will be the car! will ask tony about your car-

parvs- good to know of some1 speak so highly of the car who has it as there everyday! will take your advice

thanks every1- was just wondering- If i do by private (there are a few online), is it worthwhile getting a warranty from a caompany and what is your experience of this- from all the advice ive got i think i willbuy on condition and will get some1 to inspect it thoroughly before i buy.
what are we talking in terms of servicing costs? so i can set ot aside!

[crimbo]

Don't know if this will help but this is my thread before that helped me to find what I wanted

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... to look for in a second hand sagaris?&mid=46455

Like I have said in other posts, there seems to be a good selection for you to look at, at the moment.

I was worried about the engine etc I heard many horror stories and wanted a warranty etc and a car with a recent rebuild etc for that exact reason and to give me a little piece of mind.

The S6 engine was much improved by 2004 and when looking at sags it will be very rare to find one with a rebuild which is a good sign!, Unless they have had an upgrade for performance i.e. 4.3etc. Our car did have a top end rebuild as a precautionary by the previous owner but this seems to be very rare.
We wanted a warranty for piece of mind but after reading many post’s about them been useless we decided not, they seem to cost around £1k a year and we feel the money is better being saved in the bank.

My tips would be;

If you find a car you like get it inspected by and indie or at least mention it on here to see if anyone knows the history of it. If they are a pistonheader read their past post’s to see how it’s been treated.

Find out what spec you want, Many cars are different, for example we wanted the larger seats, alloy indicator stalks (sad I know but I wanted them as I always loved them), diff, gearbox, Ac etc

I would suggest a car that has done over 10,000 miles just so the chances are little niggles have been sorted. Also TVR’s that have been used more seem to have less problems. Higher millage does not seem to be a problem.

This is the first TVR we have had and we don’t regret it one bit, absolutely fantastic in every way we love it, it’s the weekend car and never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. It’s a Joy to own and drive. I’m sure you will find a great one as you seem to be researching everything like we did so that you avoid a problematic car.

[SAGgy chef]

Crimbo, the last paragraph you wrote summed it all up for me. I was all set to buy a Tuscan but it got sold, so called in to see them, took a Sagaris for a drive and will be a happy owner on Monday. Will pootle round town and be a beast if you need it, withought being to severe. They wish Id have dove another TVR before the Sagaris so I'd appreciate it more. I used TrackVRoad in Clithero very helpfull bunch of chaps and even offer a brew in a mug when you call in. If your willing to travel they may be able to help you in your quest. I can ask them Monday if they know of any that they know are good cars and would suit your wants, if you like.

[usmang]

crimbo- thankyou for the advice- thats very helpful. where could i get a list of options for the car?

chef- i would really appreciate of you could do that and let me know.

Im starting to have a feeling that theres no point getting an aftermarket warranty for this car (which is reassuring!)

[sportie]

Usmang,

Whats your budget? as I might know of a very special Sagaris coming up for sale soon.

[Gaffer]

sportie said:

Usmang,

Whats your budget? as I might know of a very special Sagaris coming up for sale soon.

Erm..mine isn't for sale - and she is the only Very Special Sagaris around all the rest are just special.

Claire - missing mine horribly at the moment

[usmang]

tbh it depends on how much i love the "very special car"- lol please reveal/pm me if u prefer.