Tamora owners - how much do you love your cars?
Discussion
I have always held an irrational yearning for a TVR, and am finally considering taking the plunge early next year (I like to spend plenty of time doing my research as its half the fun).
I have pretty much decided that if I go for it, it will be for a Tamora. I've always been a fan of coupes (had a Z4MC and 350Z) and never had a convertible, but as it will be a second car it would make a change to go for an open top (though I do love the looks of the T350).
I have read lots of what to look for, but buying this type of car is a new experience for me as there are relatively few about, they are scattered all over the country, prices vary widely, and I'm sure condition does too. Therefore, like most people, I want to make sure I get a 'good' one that I can hold on to for a few years.
Has anyone been through the same dilemma, and if you went for it how much do you love your car and is there anything you would change about it?
My current thoughts are for a 2003+ standard 3.6, with air-con, sports exhaust and 16" wheels - I haven't seen many like this though
Finally, should I buy on price, condition, mileage, history or a combination of all. Is it worth paying the extra to a dealer, or looking for a good private sale?
Cheers
I have pretty much decided that if I go for it, it will be for a Tamora. I've always been a fan of coupes (had a Z4MC and 350Z) and never had a convertible, but as it will be a second car it would make a change to go for an open top (though I do love the looks of the T350).
I have read lots of what to look for, but buying this type of car is a new experience for me as there are relatively few about, they are scattered all over the country, prices vary widely, and I'm sure condition does too. Therefore, like most people, I want to make sure I get a 'good' one that I can hold on to for a few years.
Has anyone been through the same dilemma, and if you went for it how much do you love your car and is there anything you would change about it?
My current thoughts are for a 2003+ standard 3.6, with air-con, sports exhaust and 16" wheels - I haven't seen many like this though
Finally, should I buy on price, condition, mileage, history or a combination of all. Is it worth paying the extra to a dealer, or looking for a good private sale?
Cheers
always always but on condition!
Look for the latest model you can afford.
If you like you're comfort blanket (like me) then buy from a dealer. I can highly recommend str8six, great after sales service.
Apart from that just do plenty of research. I didnt need to look any further than our very own PH forum for information.
Look for the latest model you can afford.
If you like you're comfort blanket (like me) then buy from a dealer. I can highly recommend str8six, great after sales service.
Apart from that just do plenty of research. I didnt need to look any further than our very own PH forum for information.
To answer your final point, buy on condition and history. For this you may have to compromise on your 'ideal' spec, or colour etc, but it'll be worth it in the long run. I had a tamora a few years ago and it was a joy. I genuinely feel that they are grossly under-rated, which I can only put down to their 'different' looks.
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's. I'm not sure how important A/C is in a convertible, mine didn't have it and I never missed it. If it was hot, the hood was down, if it was cold, the heater worked fine.
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's. I'm not sure how important A/C is in a convertible, mine didn't have it and I never missed it. If it was hot, the hood was down, if it was cold, the heater worked fine.
Bought mine a few weeks ago and I love it. Test drove one with a sports exhaust and it was pretty loud, perhaps too loud for every day living - and keeping the neighbours happy.
I started out like you, had a budget that got me looking at 02 and 03 cars, but condition was very variable. Budget gradually crept up until it was a distant memory and I shelled out 19K on an 05 car, great condition, great dealer and getting a later car was worth the extra spondies
I started out like you, had a budget that got me looking at 02 and 03 cars, but condition was very variable. Budget gradually crept up until it was a distant memory and I shelled out 19K on an 05 car, great condition, great dealer and getting a later car was worth the extra spondies
Aaaahh...... more than words can say ! My first TVR so also opted the "comfort blanket" route, from Racing Green TVR. The car is amazing, every time I get in it, or look at it, I still can't believe I own one. It's running like a dream, sounds awesome, goes like the proverbial, only yesterday I was accosted (?) in Halfrauds car park by someone that said "you lucky sod" .......... it gets admiring glances everywhere, and was the only choice for me, as I wanted a soft top and something a bit bonkers to replace the old Westfield........!
I have the 18"s, and aircon...... could do without the aircon though, but not the 18" Spiders !
Good luck with the search :-)
I have the 18"s, and aircon...... could do without the aircon though, but not the 18" Spiders !
Good luck with the search :-)
Edited by SomersetWestie on Monday 26th July 22:17
Sorry to confuse the message, but I would go for the air con and worry less about the wheels.
I've found the air con useful in two situations. First long motorway drives. Do you really want to do 200+ miles with the roof down. If not, in anything other than relatively cold weather you will boil without air con.
Secondly, when it is REALLY hot, such as mid summer in the south of France, I overheat even if the car doesn't.
Never had 16" wheels but some say the car handles better with them. I've found that TVR 18" spiders don't stay round long with the state of our roads.
In any case, if you are going for a relatively new one, it'll probably come with air con & 18" anyway.
As the others say, buy on condition. I took a chance buying privately but the can was stunning and low milage - in 3 years I've not regretted it
I've found the air con useful in two situations. First long motorway drives. Do you really want to do 200+ miles with the roof down. If not, in anything other than relatively cold weather you will boil without air con.
Secondly, when it is REALLY hot, such as mid summer in the south of France, I overheat even if the car doesn't.
Never had 16" wheels but some say the car handles better with them. I've found that TVR 18" spiders don't stay round long with the state of our roads.
In any case, if you are going for a relatively new one, it'll probably come with air con & 18" anyway.
As the others say, buy on condition. I took a chance buying privately but the can was stunning and low milage - in 3 years I've not regretted it
Agree with what's been said on buying, had a budget that I blew because I found a low mileage, 1 owner looked after car that felt right from a reputable "dealer" - had her for 5 months now and loving it!!!
I have 18's and air con and I have to say I'm glad I have the air con...yes the roof down is what it's all about but sometimes you can't beat a nice icey blast!! - would definately look to get another with if I was in the market.
As for wheels, you definately feel the bumps more with a set of 18's and lower profile tyres, same on any car....not had smaller wheels on her so can't compare.
If you are in the south east happy to take you for a spin.
Stevo.
I have 18's and air con and I have to say I'm glad I have the air con...yes the roof down is what it's all about but sometimes you can't beat a nice icey blast!! - would definately look to get another with if I was in the market.
As for wheels, you definately feel the bumps more with a set of 18's and lower profile tyres, same on any car....not had smaller wheels on her so can't compare.
If you are in the south east happy to take you for a spin.
Stevo.
900T-R said:
FactoryPilot said:
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's.
Why? By now it's fairly well documented from different sources that they handle a lot nicer on 16s (although the culprit and cure may have been found - see thread about SP's spacers)...Targarama said:
900T-R said:
FactoryPilot said:
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's.
Why? By now it's fairly well documented from different sources that they handle a lot nicer on 16s (although the culprit and cure may have been found - see thread about SP's spacers)...900T-R said:
Targarama said:
900T-R said:
FactoryPilot said:
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's.
Why? By now it's fairly well documented from different sources that they handle a lot nicer on 16s (although the culprit and cure may have been found - see thread about SP's spacers)...900T-R said:
FactoryPilot said:
As a side note, I'd go for 18" wheels over the 16's.
Why? By now it's fairly well documented from different sources that they handle a lot nicer on 16s (although the culprit and cure may have been found - see thread about SP's spacers)...Thanks for all the interesting comments and replies so far. It sounds like condition and history are the key factors, I guess it could be quite time consuming running round the country trying to find the right one.
I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
garreth64 said:
Thanks for all the interesting comments and replies so far. It sounds like condition and history are the key factors, I guess it could be quite time consuming running round the country trying to find the right one.
I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
Having had 16'' and 18'' spiders on my tam i can say the 16's are much better on the road but for looks wise you cant beat the 18's. Although ive had new shockers and tyres and had them propely set up it feels great on the 18's i'll have to try it on 16's with the set up i have now and see what its like but id imagine it'd be even better. If you get one with 18's you can always swap them for 16's there's plenty of them for sale.I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
I had new shocks, and I must say the ride is on another planet with the 18" wheels now!
To answer the question, where have I been...
Well working like crazy
Flying back and forth between London and San Francisco, although thank fully thats now over
Having a baby 2 years ago (obviously I only had a walk on part)
Finally starting my own technology company, which has been great fun!
Sadly, the car has taken a back seat, but I was out at the Sunday Service last Sunday and grinning from ear to ear, and I am intending to ease myself back into pistonheads!
To answer the question, where have I been...
Well working like crazy
Flying back and forth between London and San Francisco, although thank fully thats now over
Having a baby 2 years ago (obviously I only had a walk on part)
Finally starting my own technology company, which has been great fun!
Sadly, the car has taken a back seat, but I was out at the Sunday Service last Sunday and grinning from ear to ear, and I am intending to ease myself back into pistonheads!
garreth64 said:
Thanks for all the interesting comments and replies so far. It sounds like condition and history are the key factors, I guess it could be quite time consuming running round the country trying to find the right one.
I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
....Sounds like you will be buying one way before the 'incidentals' are in place. My shed arrived 3 years late and my new kitchen still resides in the corner of my living room. Baby arrival is only 4 weeks away and I have only just started looking at cots etc.I definatately want a/c for the reasons folks have stated. I wanted the16"s based upon reviews I've read (primarily evo). Ideally would like to test 16" and 18" back to back but as this is unlikely to happen may just go for 18"s should the right car come along. If the sports exhaust is that load maybe I would stick with STD.
As I say it is likely to be early next year as have practical things to sort out first such as clearing out the garage and getting a shed to make space, getting the drive paved for more parking space etc, and not the least convincing my OH it's a good idea whilst we are saving for a wedding.
Out of interest with a budget of 16k, which would you say is the best Tam I could get on PH at present?
However, the Tuscan is sitting nice and snug in his garage and the world is a good place!
Best of luck with the search and don't kid yourself that you will be waiting 'til next year for yor fix.
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