Which S Series is for me?

[briggson]

Help wanted!!! Last year I sold my beloved Griff for financial reasons, but am missing the whole TVR thing. I am desperate to get back to owning a TVR, and feel that an S Series is ideal for me. Can anyone give me some advice as I have seen 3 different models and am now really confused on which one to go for.
I have seen an S1 (on pistonheads) in BRG looks to have been looked after and needs minimum spend (£3495), also an S2 on Autotrader in silver/grey (£3795), or a V8 on Pistonheads (£5000) in BRG, which looks to have been looked after but needs TLC on the inside.
Could anyone take a look at these online and give me some much needed help?

[v8s4me]

I haven’t had a chance to look at the adds, but here are some general comments. If you’ve come out of a Griff and still lust after the V8 sound and torque then you really only have one choice, the V8S. However, The V6’s are fantastic cars. They sound great and in terms of power there is little difference in usable performance on the road. A good V6 will give a V8S a run for its money any day of the week. You’ll also have a much wider choice cars if you opt for a V6, and you can put the difference in purchase cost into some TLC. All pretty obvious really and the V6 boys will be along soon with their suggestions.

[Gerald-TVR]

I'd give some thought to this one, well known owner, and well sorted.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3144081.htm

I'm biased but would have thought an S2S3 is a nice middle ground (please dont let the S1 owners get me...)

Go on condition (especially chassis) and not mileage.

Whereabouts in the West Mids are you? Thers a few of us arround and could have a look at a V6 and a V8 and then make a decision as which you would be interested in!!

Norman

ETA Advert link

Edited by Gerald-TVR on Tuesday 30th August 15:58

[briggson]

Thanks to those who have replied already. I am based in stourbridge, and the cars I am interested in are fairly local, with the V8 in Walsall, and the S2 in Leicester. Could any of you guys have a quick look at the ads and let me know value for money, which looks the best deal? Also I can buy the V8 for £4500?

[Gerald-TVR]

I'm in Droitwich and your welcome to pop over to see my car, send me a PM if interested and there are at least 3 S owners in stourbridge, stourbridges2tvr, Griffinr, S3Paulo

[tinks v8S]

i have a v8s ,i looked at the one at £5000 the other day on classifieds and thought that was a great price for a V8S ,from the photos chassis looks good but inside needs work as you say
but some tlc and money will put that right
getting rare now

go on BUY IT you know you want to

good luck which ever way you go

[Longers]

When I got my current S2 (and both of my previous S2s) the V8S was a lot more expensive. Given the relatively low difference in price now I'd go for a V8 if I could find a good one*. Having said that the best thing to do would be to drive some examples of each to see which you prefer then buy the best condition you can.

From my experience and that of others in this forum I'd say that the chassis is the most important element as that can be the most expensive to put right if there are problems. Other things like interiors etc can be sorted relatively cheaply.

Good luck with the search

* PS not that I want to part with my sorted V6, it's plenty quick enough and handles well

[mikel003003]

At 5 k I think the v8 is a steal I own an s1 ( manual Windows ,2.8 engine slightly different trailing arms different alloys different dash to s3 and v8) my advise is simple. The v8 may seem a logical choice but I would rather have an s1 with a good chassis and recon engine and or gear box than an unloved v8 I think that 2.9 engine parts may, may become a little harder to get in future years but not a major concern good luck and let us know what you decide

[mikel003003]

At 5 k I think the v8 is a steal I own an s1 ( manual Windows ,2.8 engine slightly different trailing arms different alloys different dash to s3 and v8) my advise is simple. The v8 may seem a logical choice but I would rather have an s1 with a good chassis and recon engine and or gear box than an unloved v8 I think that 2.9 engine parts may, may become a little harder to get in future years but not a major concern good luck and let us know what you decide

[v8s4me]

The green V8S would be well worth a look. If the only thing which needs doing is the interior, and the engine is sound, then it would be worth taking up the offers of local help a having a look sooner rather than later. For info, the dash and other panels can be re-veneered for between £300 - £500 depending on who you go to and there will be lots of guys on here who can help with upholstery advice. On the assumption that you might spend about £2K on TLC you could look at the stunning blue TVR S3C where everything has already been done. Difficult choice! Have fun

[mikel003003]

Just had a look, what a choice ! The s3 looks nice. personally not overjoyed with the burgundy interior but wouldn't let it put me off

[briggson]

Can't believe it. Looked at the V8 yesterday, and viewed the S2 today.... Decided on the V8 and guess what....SOLD earlier today, aaaaghhh!!!!!!
Anyone know of a V8 for sale?

[HJV8s]

V8s is a good choice. Before my v8s I owned a S3. It is a different car. Hope you find one soon!

[King Fisher]

Gerald-TVR said:

I'd give some thought to this one, well known owner, and well sorted.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3144081.htm

I'm biased but would have thought an S2S3 is a nice middle ground (please dont let the S1 owners get me...)

Go on condition (especially chassis) and not mileage.

Whereabouts in the West Mids are you? Thers a few of us arround and could have a look at a V6 and a V8 and then make a decision as which you would be interested in!!

Norman

ETA Advert link

Edited by Gerald-TVR on Tuesday 30th August 15:58

THAT is extremely nice. I bet it'll be a great little car.

The thing to remember with a V8S is that a thoroughly sorted one will always cost more than a thoroughly sorted V6S. As stated earlier, in terms of usable performance, there will be very little difference on the road.

[mikel003003]

Yeah that's the one I mentioned it jumped out at me !

[briggson]

I've agreed a deal on the S2 advertised on Autotrader. I really wanted a V8, but I'm too impatient and don't know when one will come up again. I've managed to pick the S2 up for £2900 with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax. She's in a colour I really like, 3 owners from new, all in good shape mechanically and bodywork great. Only needs a rear screen replacement.....any ideas of any midlands based company's who could help?

I'll still keep my eyes open for a V8, and if one comes up I can move the S2 on (assuming I haven't fallen head over heals in love with her). I'm due to collect her next week and I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, and please remember to let me know of any screen companies.

[Andy Lynch]

I had mine changed by D&S Trimming at Blackpool, not cheap but did a good job.

Hope you enjoy your new car.

Andy

[Longers]

Well that didn't take long did it!

Welcome to S ownership

[Dave_M]

briggson said:

I've agreed a deal on the S2 advertised on Autotrader. I really wanted a V8, but I'm too impatient and don't know when one will come up again. I've managed to pick the S2 up for £2900 with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax. She's in a colour I really like, 3 owners from new, all in good shape mechanically and bodywork great. Only needs a rear screen replacement.....any ideas of any midlands based company's who could help?

I'll still keep my eyes open for a V8, and if one comes up I can move the S2 on (assuming I haven't fallen head over heals in love with her). I'm due to collect her next week and I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, and please remember to let me know of any screen companies.

Where is the S2 in Leicester, I wasn't aware of any?

I had my V8S rear screen replaced by Jim King of Thurmaston near Leicester. He is not cheap but is a craftsman, examples of his work are around his unit. The material used was thicker than the original and more pliable (less likely to tear).

Well done!

[SJS357]

Has to be the V8.
You'll never look back