Should I shouldn't I - TVR v M3
Discussion
Byff said:
The seller will probably think you're a bit of a time waster, he just wants someone to come along, give him a wad of money and drive it away.
I think you need a crash course on what to look for so you can do exactly that - plus you'll learn how much things cost to repair if you do spot anything untoward. Travelling half way across the country to view one is just something you'll have to do, these cars are getting rarer.
You are probably right Byff I do feel a little out of my depth with these cars if I'm honest hence wanting the independent inspection. I think you need a crash course on what to look for so you can do exactly that - plus you'll learn how much things cost to repair if you do spot anything untoward. Travelling half way across the country to view one is just something you'll have to do, these cars are getting rarer.
I did tell the seller if the inspection was OK then I'd give him the asking price. I think he knew I was genuine we'd spoke at length on the phone and I'd made arrangement to travel down tomorrow.
I did find an interesting car on eBay last night a Japanese import
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Cerbera-Speed-Six-2...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TVR-Cerbera-Speed-Six-2...
NuddyRap said:
You're doing the best thing in waiting around for the right car, as painful as it may be.
I'm just getting towards the end of completely rebuilding mine, and although you say you feel out of your depth, honestly, they're very simple cars.
I know you're paying attention to the chassis, but a troublesome engine is more of a liability. You can drive a car with a crap chassis, but you can't drive a car with a crap engine. Fancy spending up to 15k on a full AJP8 drive in drive out? A body off restoration isn't quite that much, but it gives you chance to save because you can see it coming. The engine, when it goes pop, doesn't.
A chassis off restoration is a big job, but it can be completed with basic tools and mild ambition, and is less critical. As long as there are no holes, it can be kept that way for quite a long time with painting and protecting and it won't fail an MOT.
Whatever the item, if it hasn't been done, it'll probably need to be done. But just because it has been done doesn't mean it has been done well.
I've mentioned before that there are only a couple of places whose engines you can really trust.
Great post thanks NUddy very insightful, 15k is a hell of a lot of money that does scare me too. I'm going to see the jap import speed six on Friday so really looking forward to seeing that it could be the one and would involve me taking a small loan if I go ahead but in the grand scheme of things its nothing for the right car. I'm just getting towards the end of completely rebuilding mine, and although you say you feel out of your depth, honestly, they're very simple cars.
I know you're paying attention to the chassis, but a troublesome engine is more of a liability. You can drive a car with a crap chassis, but you can't drive a car with a crap engine. Fancy spending up to 15k on a full AJP8 drive in drive out? A body off restoration isn't quite that much, but it gives you chance to save because you can see it coming. The engine, when it goes pop, doesn't.
A chassis off restoration is a big job, but it can be completed with basic tools and mild ambition, and is less critical. As long as there are no holes, it can be kept that way for quite a long time with painting and protecting and it won't fail an MOT.
Whatever the item, if it hasn't been done, it'll probably need to be done. But just because it has been done doesn't mean it has been done well.
I've mentioned before that there are only a couple of places whose engines you can really trust.
Also been considering the white V8 some have you may have seen on ebay. The car is cat d but has had a chassis restoration and engine rebuild so seems good value for 17k. I'm in not hurry other than the cash burning a hole in my pocket and loosing all the gorgeous summer days driving around in a Mazda 2 I can wait for the right car as and when it becomes available.
Byff has also offered to give me some tips on inspecting the cars so hopefully, I'll be in a better position moving forward.
Byff has also offered to give me some tips on inspecting the cars so hopefully, I'll be in a better position moving forward.
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