Would an 'S' suit me?
Discussion
Hi,
I decided i wanted a sports car and started looking at cheap summer fun (say an MG) but once i saw the 's' i wanted one. I have read through loads of the posts on here to try to get an insight into the cars, and it's been really informative, thanks.
If i decide to go ahead with getting an 's' i will go for a low mileage one and will be willing to pay a good price for the car i decide is for me, the only problem is i know NOTHING, and i mean NOTHING, about car mechanics so would not be in a position to be any repairs to the car myself so would have to be paying someone to do it.
What i really want to know is, are they the type of car for someone like this or do the constantly need work doing on them? I know obviously they are an older car so things will need doing now and again but you get what i mean, are they a lot of trouble in general?
Any other info would be useful, i have read a lot of your older posts to newbie already, cheers.
Thanks in advance
Chris
I decided i wanted a sports car and started looking at cheap summer fun (say an MG) but once i saw the 's' i wanted one. I have read through loads of the posts on here to try to get an insight into the cars, and it's been really informative, thanks.
If i decide to go ahead with getting an 's' i will go for a low mileage one and will be willing to pay a good price for the car i decide is for me, the only problem is i know NOTHING, and i mean NOTHING, about car mechanics so would not be in a position to be any repairs to the car myself so would have to be paying someone to do it.
What i really want to know is, are they the type of car for someone like this or do the constantly need work doing on them? I know obviously they are an older car so things will need doing now and again but you get what i mean, are they a lot of trouble in general?
Any other info would be useful, i have read a lot of your older posts to newbie already, cheers.
Thanks in advance
Chris
They're very forgiving cars for the non-mechanical types. I rarely get my hands dirty these days and don't have many unscheduled trips to the garage. It's only left me stranded once in 4 years.
Mileage won't be the best thing to judge cars by though. There are some higher mileage cars out there (60,000+) that are in better condition than lower mileage cars.
In mass production terms there aren't many of the model about so condition is everything.
Mileage won't be the best thing to judge cars by though. There are some higher mileage cars out there (60,000+) that are in better condition than lower mileage cars.
In mass production terms there aren't many of the model about so condition is everything.
Firstly, don't worry too much about the mileage. A well used, well cared for car should be as good as a rarely used example. Mrs Imelda and I bought a relatively high mileage S3 and kept it for 6 years with virtually no problems. Find a car that's been properly serviced and looked after and you should be ok.
My mechanical prowess is second only to my IT knowledge. If something's broken and I can't fix it by hitting it really hard with a hammer
I give up. So I used to give it to the local dealer to sort out. There's also plenty of independent specialists about that may be cheaper.
In short, stop worrying, find a good one, buy it and enjoy. You won't regret it.
My mechanical prowess is second only to my IT knowledge. If something's broken and I can't fix it by hitting it really hard with a hammer
I give up. So I used to give it to the local dealer to sort out. There's also plenty of independent specialists about that may be cheaper. In short, stop worrying, find a good one, buy it and enjoy. You won't regret it.
Because most of the parts that go into an 'S' are standard off the shelf bits, it's probably the cheapest, more user friendly (?) TVR.
The 2.8 and 2.9's are standard Ford so shouldn't prove much of a problem for a decent mechanic to handle.
In my humble opinion, the chassis is the most important thing to check when buying a TVR. If it's buggered, it's gonna be expensive. Apart from that, most other bits are fairly easily to obtain and fit. I get have a mecahnic that I rely. Get one of those and you've struck gold. This applies to any car.
The 2.8 and 2.9's are standard Ford so shouldn't prove much of a problem for a decent mechanic to handle.
In my humble opinion, the chassis is the most important thing to check when buying a TVR. If it's buggered, it's gonna be expensive. Apart from that, most other bits are fairly easily to obtain and fit. I get have a mecahnic that I rely. Get one of those and you've struck gold. This applies to any car.
Simple answer : YES
Total cost of ownership for just under 2 years:
Insurance £500
Servicing: £120
Parts £260 (discs and a steering rack)
Need to get Oily... minimal - just replacing discs and rack.
Get on with it
I forgot... accelerator cable snapped once.. add £13.50
Cheers
Matt.
>> Edited by M@H on Wednesday 14th August 16:42
Total cost of ownership for just under 2 years:
Insurance £500
Servicing: £120
Parts £260 (discs and a steering rack)
Need to get Oily... minimal - just replacing discs and rack.
Get on with it
I forgot... accelerator cable snapped once.. add £13.50
Cheers
Matt.
>> Edited by M@H on Wednesday 14th August 16:42
Chris,
I bought a fairly average one several months ago, because I couldn't afford a really nice one, and I'm having a great time with it. If you can get hold of a good one then you won't regret it. Test drive one with the roof down and your mind will be made up. Big noise, full leather and decent power make it a joy and, as has been mentioned, there are lots of Ford bits, so maintenance isn't horrific.
Good luck.
I bought a fairly average one several months ago, because I couldn't afford a really nice one, and I'm having a great time with it. If you can get hold of a good one then you won't regret it. Test drive one with the roof down and your mind will be made up. Big noise, full leather and decent power make it a joy and, as has been mentioned, there are lots of Ford bits, so maintenance isn't horrific.
Good luck.
Got to say I agree with the advise on here so far, got an s3 about 4 months ago and have never had so many smiles per gallon. Cars are OK for decent mechanics, find a keen independent garage who will recognise the engine when the bonnet is lifted and you won't go far wrong. ask the bods on the site for help when needed and above all, get the bible from Steve Heath, cuts through a load of bull and gets to the facts in simple english, lots of pictures approach...
Let us know what you buy
Rgds
Mike
Let us know what you buy
Rgds
Mike
Thanks for the good replies.
I think i might well go for it and try to find a nice one, with probably an S2, subject to being able to get a good price on insurance which could be a problem as i will only turn 20 in September!
My dad has a C class Merc which is insured under his name with ANY other driver, so i drive this but from what i have read on most of the previous insurance posts i can't see us being able to get a TVR on any driver! Which i guess could mean a big fee, thats if they'll even entertain it!
Does anyone have any ideas and contact details of any companies who might entertain me/us on the car?
But, subject to getting some kind of affordable quote, even with limited mileage, i'm getting more and more tempted to take the plung.....
Thanks again for the good replies
Chris
I think i might well go for it and try to find a nice one, with probably an S2, subject to being able to get a good price on insurance which could be a problem as i will only turn 20 in September!
My dad has a C class Merc which is insured under his name with ANY other driver, so i drive this but from what i have read on most of the previous insurance posts i can't see us being able to get a TVR on any driver! Which i guess could mean a big fee, thats if they'll even entertain it!
Does anyone have any ideas and contact details of any companies who might entertain me/us on the car?
But, subject to getting some kind of affordable quote, even with limited mileage, i'm getting more and more tempted to take the plung.....
Thanks again for the good replies
Chris
Hi Chris,
Everyone else has said all the things I was going to say, so all I can say is they are a real joy to own and drive.
Everytime I go past a Mazda MX5 or a MGF I always wonder why they didn't buy an S, they are such great cars to own.
All the comments about servicing are true, and the biggest worry is the condition of the chassis.
Regarding insurance, if you've read the other insurance thread on the S series you'll know that the first year you may well pay over the odds, but once you've got a year of TVR no claims under your belt, the next year the insurers won't treat you like a muppett
Take time in finding the right car, and don't feel shy about asking questions about them on here - Everyone will always give you as much advice as you want.
All the best,
Dave.
Everyone else has said all the things I was going to say, so all I can say is they are a real joy to own and drive.
Everytime I go past a Mazda MX5 or a MGF I always wonder why they didn't buy an S, they are such great cars to own.
All the comments about servicing are true, and the biggest worry is the condition of the chassis.
Regarding insurance, if you've read the other insurance thread on the S series you'll know that the first year you may well pay over the odds, but once you've got a year of TVR no claims under your belt, the next year the insurers won't treat you like a muppett
Take time in finding the right car, and don't feel shy about asking questions about them on here - Everyone will always give you as much advice as you want.
All the best,
Dave.
i have an si and have had loads of fun with it,although not much roof down time this summer !! with regards to insurance i have problems because i work as a nanny and therefore i am usually insured through work,i trawled through loads of companies and found classic line to be the best,£254 a year fully comp..it`s worth a try.
Chris - I was in the same boat as you were about a year ago. Spotted an S and any ideas of a girlie convertible (I had an MGF before) were out the window.
Finally found the right S about 3 months ago (dont jump at the first one you see and take your time). I used the services of Rob Ingleby of www.findasportscar.com to help inspect etc as you will find with so few cars you may have to travel some distance. My only journey was with a bankers draft to drive her home.
I know nothing about mechanics at all. I bought Steve Heaths bible and am spending some weekends fixing minor niggles. Other than that, she has been 100% reliable. An example of things to do is that last night one of the bonnet springs came off and needs sorting tonight with a new bolt. Not expensive and an hour or so of my time. The smiles per mile more than make up for it
I really could not recommend it enough.
PS - Try Tesco/Privelege for insurance - although word of warning, I am 24 with 5 yrs NCD and had sports cars before (girlie) and am paying £1200!
Finally found the right S about 3 months ago (dont jump at the first one you see and take your time). I used the services of Rob Ingleby of www.findasportscar.com to help inspect etc as you will find with so few cars you may have to travel some distance. My only journey was with a bankers draft to drive her home.
I know nothing about mechanics at all. I bought Steve Heaths bible and am spending some weekends fixing minor niggles. Other than that, she has been 100% reliable. An example of things to do is that last night one of the bonnet springs came off and needs sorting tonight with a new bolt. Not expensive and an hour or so of my time. The smiles
per mile more than make up for it I really could not recommend it enough.
PS - Try Tesco/Privelege for insurance - although word of warning, I am 24 with 5 yrs NCD and had sports cars before (girlie) and am paying £1200!
Schnozz... that's www.findasportscar.co.uk mate!
Also, is the S your only car - or do you have a run-about? Where do you keep the car overnight and how many miles does your policy allow?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm getting into a position to purchase one myself - and I'm of a similar age.
>> Edited by Podie on Thursday 15th August 10:11
Also, is the S your only car - or do you have a run-about? Where do you keep the car overnight and how many miles does your policy allow?
Sorry for all the questions, but I'm getting into a position to purchase one myself - and I'm of a similar age.
>> Edited by Podie on Thursday 15th August 10:11
podie - quite right with the www address. I cant say i am really an interweb person so 
The car is my only car as my apartment only has 1 parking space so no choice! it is parked outside and exposed to all the elements. I did toy with getting a full cover but basically could not be arsed with putting it on and taking it off every night and morning. a hood cover may be an idea in due course although cant say i have had any leaking probs either but would keep the fecking cats off the roof.
My policy covers me for 8k miles per year. I live and work in Southampton so dont do too many miles until the sun shines and the B roads beckon.
The car is my only car as my apartment only has 1 parking space so no choice! it is parked outside and exposed to all the elements. I did toy with getting a full cover but basically could not be arsed with putting it on and taking it off every night and morning. a hood cover may be an idea in due course although cant say i have had any leaking probs either but would keep the fecking cats off the roof.
My policy covers me for 8k miles per year. I live and work in Southampton so dont do too many miles until the sun shines and the B roads beckon.
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