Discussion
I am looking to purchase my first TVR after Christmas 
but don't know whether to save some money and buy a 350 or stretch things a bit (or a lot) to get a 400. Has anyone got experience of both models who can tell me if there really is that much performance difference between them.
Thanks for any comments,
Chris.
but don't know whether to save some money and buy a 350 or stretch things a bit (or a lot) to get a 400. Has anyone got experience of both models who can tell me if there really is that much performance difference between them. Thanks for any comments,
Chris.
Deleted my post if anyone read it.
I had an early 350 which was a very good car but no where near the build quality of the later 350 cars. It was also a trailing arm one which needed looking after in that department but a fast and capable car.
Changed to the 400 and the performance is better and I prefer the layout inside and the styling outside. Only the SEAC is better in my opinion but thats another debate.
After owning both, I would go for the 400 but there is also the 390 to consider.
:waitingtobeshotdown:
PS don't take my word for it.
PPS sure if you asked there may be a few near you for a look see and try or the local club meetings?
>> Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 11th December 21:25
>> Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 11th December 21:30
I had an early 350 which was a very good car but no where near the build quality of the later 350 cars. It was also a trailing arm one which needed looking after in that department but a fast and capable car.
Changed to the 400 and the performance is better and I prefer the layout inside and the styling outside. Only the SEAC is better in my opinion but thats another debate.
After owning both, I would go for the 400 but there is also the 390 to consider.
:waitingtobeshotdown:
PS don't take my word for it.
PPS sure if you asked there may be a few near you for a look see and try or the local club meetings?
>> Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 11th December 21:25
>> Edited by jmorgan on Wednesday 11th December 21:30
Hi Chris
I started with a series 2 350 then had a 400. IMHO, there is little to choose in build quality between a late 350 and a 400. The 400 has a better interior and arguably slightly nicer styling but the latter is a matter of taste. A well set up standard 400 is noticeably quicker than a 350 but the difference is not that drastic and under the skin, with the exception of early 350s with trailing arm suspnsion they are similar although 400s usually have better brakes (although a lot of cars have been modded). A 350 is a bit more tolerant of abuse in the wet due to less power but again not a huge difference and they will both bite if provoked. Depending on your circumstances a 350 might be a bit cheaper to insure.
To be honest I would probably establish my budget first then search for the right car including 350SE and 390, the history and condition of the vehicle are probably most important until you get to know the cars.
The most important thing is dont buy the first you see and make sure you get some advice from somebody who knows the marque. Most of us will be more than happy to help welcome another wedge enthusiast! (I'm in Bristol by the way).
PS. Beware of wedge addiction - I started off with a 350 and now have a SEAC, once you are hooked........!
I started with a series 2 350 then had a 400. IMHO, there is little to choose in build quality between a late 350 and a 400. The 400 has a better interior and arguably slightly nicer styling but the latter is a matter of taste. A well set up standard 400 is noticeably quicker than a 350 but the difference is not that drastic and under the skin, with the exception of early 350s with trailing arm suspnsion they are similar although 400s usually have better brakes (although a lot of cars have been modded). A 350 is a bit more tolerant of abuse in the wet due to less power but again not a huge difference and they will both bite if provoked. Depending on your circumstances a 350 might be a bit cheaper to insure.
To be honest I would probably establish my budget first then search for the right car including 350SE and 390, the history and condition of the vehicle are probably most important until you get to know the cars.
The most important thing is dont buy the first you see and make sure you get some advice from somebody who knows the marque. Most of us will be more than happy to help welcome another wedge enthusiast! (I'm in Bristol by the way).
PS. Beware of wedge addiction - I started off with a 350 and now have a SEAC, once you are hooked........!
If I had the choice of getting a decent 350, or stretching myself to get a 400, I would go for a well sorted 350.
If you stretch yourself to get a 400, you will probably end up getting one that requires lots of work. I know, I've been in the same situation, and only realise it now, at great cost
With a 400, you get the nicer looking interior and exterior (IMO), as well as 4 pot fronts and the lovely OZ split rims.
As jmorgan says, there is the 390 (and the 350SE) Both as fast as a 400, but with the earlier styling.
Whatever you decide, don't do what I did and buy the first that you see.
Rich.
If you stretch yourself to get a 400, you will probably end up getting one that requires lots of work. I know, I've been in the same situation, and only realise it now, at great cost
With a 400, you get the nicer looking interior and exterior (IMO), as well as 4 pot fronts and the lovely OZ split rims.
As jmorgan says, there is the 390 (and the 350SE) Both as fast as a 400, but with the earlier styling.
Whatever you decide, don't do what I did and buy the first that you see.
Rich.
Well, there does seem to be some pretty nice 400's going for not a lot at the moment.
I (personally) think the 400 stlying is a bit easier on the eye both inside and out, but then again I did previously own a 280i for six years so I was probably ready for a bit of roundness.
Not too round though eh!
I (personally) think the 400 stlying is a bit easier on the eye both inside and out, but then again I did previously own a 280i for six years so I was probably ready for a bit of roundness.
Not too round though eh!
Hi, Got to be the 400. I bought a 350 years ago because my wife was a hooligan in the 400's we tested and felt the 350 was a bit more sane - I didn't regret buying it but hankered after a 400 from the day I got it. I now own a 400 and love it. I keep trying to sell it - I guess it's always up for sale, but every time I take the cover off it and or start it the thoughts of selling it evaporate. It's been in my workshop for months and the team fired it up today "that'll be not a lot of work done then as everyone has a look and listen" Doh.
400 every time. Don't pay more than £8,500 however good the car is!!
Garry
400 every time. Don't pay more than £8,500 however good the car is!!
Garry
Thanks for the comments. The sensible option would seem to be the 350 so it looks like I need to find a 400
I have read (and learnt a lot from) many of the threads on this forum, but one part of looking at a prospective purchase still worries me - and that is the state of the chassis, especially near the cills. Is it quite easy to spot or feel if rot has set in or do you need wedge experience ?
I have read (and learnt a lot from) many of the threads on this forum, but one part of looking at a prospective purchase still worries me - and that is the state of the chassis, especially near the cills. Is it quite easy to spot or feel if rot has set in or do you need wedge experience ?
Good guide here www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/
I had mine independtly inspected but as I was there I was able to look and prod at will. Just try to check well and where you can't see. I had mine checked as I wasn't to sure around the 400 suspension(quite happy with my early 350 as to what was what).
Someone with experiance with a Wedge whilst you look will help.
Behind the front wheels get a battering fron stones. On the 350 and 400, the sills can hold debris thus moisture etc so clean that out before looking. My 350 had a constant oil feed from the engine and gearbox so most of it seemed fine so not sure about a "dry" car
No doubt better info will be given.
I had mine independtly inspected but as I was there I was able to look and prod at will. Just try to check well and where you can't see. I had mine checked as I wasn't to sure around the 400 suspension(quite happy with my early 350 as to what was what).
Someone with experiance with a Wedge whilst you look will help.
Behind the front wheels get a battering fron stones. On the 350 and 400, the sills can hold debris thus moisture etc so clean that out before looking. My 350 had a constant oil feed from the engine and gearbox so most of it seemed fine so not sure about a "dry" car
No doubt better info will be given.
gwilson said: Hi, Got to be the 400. I bought a 350 years ago because my wife was a hooligan in the 400's we tested and felt the 350 was a bit more sane - I didn't regret buying it but hankered after a 400 from the day I got it. I now own a 400 and love it. I keep trying to sell it - I guess it's always up for sale, but every time I take the cover off it and or start it the thoughts of selling it evaporate. It's been in my workshop for months and the team fired it up today "that'll be not a lot of work done then as everyone has a look and listen" Doh.
400 every time. Don't pay more than £8,500 however good the car is!!
Garry
Garry, if your 400 really is for sale - could you let me have some details ? My e-mail is chris.wade1@btinternet.com
Thanks, Chris
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