Tamora Newbie purchase info please
Discussion
Hi All,
Budget Max £20k, will go through a dealer unless I find a rebuilt engined one with FSH etc, I've no mechanical knowledge. Previously had a 1989 S2, live in Hampshire, about to purchase a garage so won't have to leave it outside, and will do less than 6k per year, - please help as there's no substitute for actual owners advice/info!
1)3.6ltr S6 engine, despite early 'Tams' being 10 yrs old, a lot are still on only 15 - 25k miles, if from a reputable dealer (Racing Green, Fernhurst, Str8six etc), and regulary serviced, should any S6 problems have been picked up then/during the 9+ services for these earlier models, or is a rebuilt engine(RG/Str8six/TVR Power)the only realistic 'safety net'? Won't necessarily stop me getting an 'original' engine, just weighing up the 'risk'/money to set aside!
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
11) Any lumber support in seats?
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
18) Anything else I've forgotten/you recommend!
Many Thanks,
T
Budget Max £20k, will go through a dealer unless I find a rebuilt engined one with FSH etc, I've no mechanical knowledge. Previously had a 1989 S2, live in Hampshire, about to purchase a garage so won't have to leave it outside, and will do less than 6k per year, - please help as there's no substitute for actual owners advice/info!
1)3.6ltr S6 engine, despite early 'Tams' being 10 yrs old, a lot are still on only 15 - 25k miles, if from a reputable dealer (Racing Green, Fernhurst, Str8six etc), and regulary serviced, should any S6 problems have been picked up then/during the 9+ services for these earlier models, or is a rebuilt engine(RG/Str8six/TVR Power)the only realistic 'safety net'? Won't necessarily stop me getting an 'original' engine, just weighing up the 'risk'/money to set aside!
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
11) Any lumber support in seats?
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
18) Anything else I've forgotten/you recommend!
Many Thanks,
T
Hi. Good choice! Some answers below. Most are subjective so my opinion only.
theoden said:
Hi All,
1)3.6ltr S6 engine, despite early 'Tams' being 10 yrs old, a lot are still on only 15 - 25k miles, if from a reputable dealer (Racing Green, Fernhurst, Str8six etc), and regulary serviced, should any S6 problems have been picked up then/during the 9+ services for these earlier models, or is a rebuilt engine(RG/Str8six/TVR Power)the only realistic 'safety net'? Won't necessarily stop me getting an 'original' engine, just weighing up the 'risk'/money to set aside!
You will get 100 different answers on this! Rebuilds have a 5 year warranty. My Tam has done 70000 miles since a rebuild. If that needs improving buy a Hyundai. Don't blame me if your does break though.
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
mine very rarely (if ever) drops below 20. You can get 30 on a run.
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
Modern TVRs are excellent in accidents. 'Crash testing development' was done in the racing Tuscans.
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
See above. It's not a Griff. Tams have rolled and been ok. Search for Nubbins story.
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
There are a few choices. Toyos are about £120.
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
Get real! It's not a Porsche. £215
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
No idea
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
20k is realistic. 40ish is possible. Depends where you go. Sounds about right though
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
My wife thinks it is fine.
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
Mine has lasted 75k. No reason to think it is fragile.
11) Any lumber support in seats?
On some. It was an option.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
Peter Wheeler was taller than you. I'm not!
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
Should be. Routine stuff much less. Potential for more.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
Oil ~80 Water up to ~95. Search for warmup procedure. It is critical.
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
Mine has. The roof comes off too! A/C is good in summer when it is raining but not essential.
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
Opinion again. Many have been upgraded. Many not. Most run 18"s
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
Might as well! Otherwise do you have a Halfords near you?
18) Anything else I've forgotten/you recommend!
Come to Chatsworth in April and ask there.
Many Thanks,
No worries.
T
1)3.6ltr S6 engine, despite early 'Tams' being 10 yrs old, a lot are still on only 15 - 25k miles, if from a reputable dealer (Racing Green, Fernhurst, Str8six etc), and regulary serviced, should any S6 problems have been picked up then/during the 9+ services for these earlier models, or is a rebuilt engine(RG/Str8six/TVR Power)the only realistic 'safety net'? Won't necessarily stop me getting an 'original' engine, just weighing up the 'risk'/money to set aside!
You will get 100 different answers on this! Rebuilds have a 5 year warranty. My Tam has done 70000 miles since a rebuild. If that needs improving buy a Hyundai. Don't blame me if your does break though.
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
mine very rarely (if ever) drops below 20. You can get 30 on a run.
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
Modern TVRs are excellent in accidents. 'Crash testing development' was done in the racing Tuscans.
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
See above. It's not a Griff. Tams have rolled and been ok. Search for Nubbins story.
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
There are a few choices. Toyos are about £120.
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
Get real! It's not a Porsche. £215
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
No idea
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
20k is realistic. 40ish is possible. Depends where you go. Sounds about right though
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
My wife thinks it is fine.
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
Mine has lasted 75k. No reason to think it is fragile.
11) Any lumber support in seats?
On some. It was an option.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
Peter Wheeler was taller than you. I'm not!
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
Should be. Routine stuff much less. Potential for more.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
Oil ~80 Water up to ~95. Search for warmup procedure. It is critical.
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
Mine has. The roof comes off too! A/C is good in summer when it is raining but not essential.
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
Opinion again. Many have been upgraded. Many not. Most run 18"s
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
Might as well! Otherwise do you have a Halfords near you?
18) Anything else I've forgotten/you recommend!
Come to Chatsworth in April and ask there.
Many Thanks,
No worries.
T
You should be able to get a good late model Mk2 for your budget, with under 30k on the clock. Post 2004 are apparently better in terms of engine longevity. Mines a 2005 now with 12500 miles and no problems engine wise.
1)IMO the engine will either have been rebuilt by now, or is a later model, and if serviced properly and warmed up correctly it will be fine. Not sure if its made any difference but I put an oil heater pad under the oil tank on mine, and I warm the oil through for half an hour or so before setting off.
A warranty from someone like Str8six or Fernhurst is well worth the peace of mind, especially if the engine needs a rebuild, but read the smallprint! Personally I'd only buy one from a specialist dealer who know what they are selling.
2)MPG: As per Madbadger, I think I get around 25mpg ish. But don't buy a TVR if you're worried about MPG.
3)Impact protection, I don't know, but the Tamora is a fairly modern design so its probably fairly strong. Not had a need for any of these features so far!!!
4) See above
5) I put new tyres on a year ago, after being a bit too enthusiastic on Thorney Island runway, cost was around £900.00 for four tyres.
6) Tax is "only" £215 ish.
7) I think you've mentioned all the specialists in the area. I've used Fernhurst and Str8six.
8) Clutches - No idea. Sorry
9) I don't find the clutch heavy.
10) Gearboxes: Mine started to loose 5th at about 9k I had the Tamora for about 9 months by then, Fernhust fitted a replacement under their warranty. I did read somewhere that certain parts can be replaced with stronger items, but mine is standard.
11) Any lumber support in seats? Seats are quite comfortable, suggest you get a small cushion.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
I'm 6ft 1", the top of my head does touch the rear part of the roof hoop, but its fine with the roof down, and I don't have the seat all the way back. The pedal box is also adjustable, most are on the middle setting, I got Str8six to move mine to the furthest setting. There's all the hydraulics for the brakes and clutch down there, so it might not be something you want to do yourself, but the pedal box is held in with six bolts from underneath the chassis.
You can also remove the seat cushion or get a thinner one made up. D & C Trim in Blackpool will be able to do that for you.
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok? Probably £1k one year and maybe £2K when a 12k is due. I have a 12k done every other year, so I've hopefully got a cheap one coming this year, but I did spend £2.5k on last year's service.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running? As per Madbadger, but check that both fans are working, the electrical connectors can corrode easily.
15) Aircon: Personally I'd avoid one that doesn't have aircon, useful for damp warm days. Took ours down to S. of France - it was so hot we had the hood up, and the air on. I think most later models came as std with aircon, but I'm not 100% sure.
16) Shocks: Previous owner fitted adjustable Racing Reds to mine, so can't comment on the standard shocks.
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain? Standard Halfrauds stuff, fronts are a bit of a pig to change, and the lower spots easily get cracked, I'm on my third replacement now, and they really are a pig to change!
18) You're welcome to take a look at mine, I live in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire. PM me if you're interested.
Good luck with finding the right car, you won't regret it.
1)IMO the engine will either have been rebuilt by now, or is a later model, and if serviced properly and warmed up correctly it will be fine. Not sure if its made any difference but I put an oil heater pad under the oil tank on mine, and I warm the oil through for half an hour or so before setting off.
A warranty from someone like Str8six or Fernhurst is well worth the peace of mind, especially if the engine needs a rebuild, but read the smallprint! Personally I'd only buy one from a specialist dealer who know what they are selling.
2)MPG: As per Madbadger, I think I get around 25mpg ish. But don't buy a TVR if you're worried about MPG.
3)Impact protection, I don't know, but the Tamora is a fairly modern design so its probably fairly strong. Not had a need for any of these features so far!!!
4) See above
5) I put new tyres on a year ago, after being a bit too enthusiastic on Thorney Island runway, cost was around £900.00 for four tyres.
6) Tax is "only" £215 ish.
7) I think you've mentioned all the specialists in the area. I've used Fernhurst and Str8six.
8) Clutches - No idea. Sorry
9) I don't find the clutch heavy.
10) Gearboxes: Mine started to loose 5th at about 9k I had the Tamora for about 9 months by then, Fernhust fitted a replacement under their warranty. I did read somewhere that certain parts can be replaced with stronger items, but mine is standard.
11) Any lumber support in seats? Seats are quite comfortable, suggest you get a small cushion.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
I'm 6ft 1", the top of my head does touch the rear part of the roof hoop, but its fine with the roof down, and I don't have the seat all the way back. The pedal box is also adjustable, most are on the middle setting, I got Str8six to move mine to the furthest setting. There's all the hydraulics for the brakes and clutch down there, so it might not be something you want to do yourself, but the pedal box is held in with six bolts from underneath the chassis.
You can also remove the seat cushion or get a thinner one made up. D & C Trim in Blackpool will be able to do that for you.
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok? Probably £1k one year and maybe £2K when a 12k is due. I have a 12k done every other year, so I've hopefully got a cheap one coming this year, but I did spend £2.5k on last year's service.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running? As per Madbadger, but check that both fans are working, the electrical connectors can corrode easily.
15) Aircon: Personally I'd avoid one that doesn't have aircon, useful for damp warm days. Took ours down to S. of France - it was so hot we had the hood up, and the air on. I think most later models came as std with aircon, but I'm not 100% sure.
16) Shocks: Previous owner fitted adjustable Racing Reds to mine, so can't comment on the standard shocks.
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain? Standard Halfrauds stuff, fronts are a bit of a pig to change, and the lower spots easily get cracked, I'm on my third replacement now, and they really are a pig to change!
18) You're welcome to take a look at mine, I live in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire. PM me if you're interested.
Good luck with finding the right car, you won't regret it.
I have to say I would see if I could get one from STR8SIX if you can, the reason is the customer service they offer.
A mate brought a Tuscan from him early this year and after a few months it started to play up, battery was first and
changed under warrenty, no hassle. Clutch was next, car was picked up in the morning and dropped off back at his house that evening with a complete new clutch, again no charge and no arguments, then it dropped a valve seat so again picked up from his house and delivered back a couple of weeks later having had a full top end rebuild, again no payment requested and no arguement or questions asked.
A mate brought a Tuscan from him early this year and after a few months it started to play up, battery was first and
changed under warrenty, no hassle. Clutch was next, car was picked up in the morning and dropped off back at his house that evening with a complete new clutch, again no charge and no arguments, then it dropped a valve seat so again picked up from his house and delivered back a couple of weeks later having had a full top end rebuild, again no payment requested and no arguement or questions asked.
I'm 6ft 2" and depending how sat up you like to drive it could be a problem, I have to recline the seat more than I would like to stop my head touching the roof, doesn't stop the enjoyment but I would like to be more upright especially on long drives. As said before you can take the seat base out or alter it to be less padded. Most of the bad engines will have gone pop by now so just ensure a perfect s.h. And you should be ok?
I found the original suspension too hard for me so opted for adjustable shocks.
I found the original suspension too hard for me so opted for adjustable shocks.
Edited by Getsis on Sunday 19th February 19:14
I've just bought one, and am 6ft 4. (and I'm not built like a rake if you get my drift!)
It's an interesting occupation getting in and out, but well worth it!
My first real drive was back from Portsmouth to Bath, and it was fantastic! an in fairness it was really comfortable.
Hope this helps !
Cheers
Allan
It's an interesting occupation getting in and out, but well worth it!
My first real drive was back from Portsmouth to Bath, and it was fantastic! an in fairness it was really comfortable.
Hope this helps !
Cheers
Allan
A few selective answers based on experience - Toyo seem a good option, about £140 a corner, £1k per annum should be fine unless upgrades are planned, i get about 24mpg as an average, my clutch lasted 26k miles, cost is approx £1200, although can be less if you haggle a bit, tax is £215 per annum, which i think is a bargain
1)3.6ltr S6 engine, despite early 'Tams' being 10 yrs old, a lot are still on only 15 - 25k miles, if from a reputable dealer (Racing Green, Fernhurst, Str8six etc), and regulary serviced, should any S6 problems have been picked up then/during the 9+ services for these earlier models, or is a rebuilt engine(RG/Str8six/TVR Power)the only realistic 'safety net'? Won't necessarily stop me getting an 'original' engine, just weighing up the 'risk'/money to set aside!
Don't be put off private cars with no rebuild, the 3.6 is stronger than the internet experts say, especially post 2004. Ensure though that it's been serviced on time or mileage (whichever comes first) and no corners have been cut - ie/ advisories have been done etc.
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
I average about 21 in mine, best I've ever got was 25 and that was a boring journey.
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
They're better than Chims/Griffs lets put it that way.
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
There was a PHer a few years ago who rolled his Tam several times and the screen held up extremely well so you should be fine. Griffs & Chims had none hence the flattened look.
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
Loads - I run BF Goodrich Gforce profilers (£140 a corner) but you can get Goodyear, Toyo, Falken, Dunlop etc.
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
£215 - the joys of low volume manufacturers
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
Str8 Six, though I've also heard good things about the 2 you mention.
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
Depends how you use it - an original clutch with it's dodgy fingers around 12k. If it's been changed for something decent (check the history) then 20k plus. Also ensure the slave is done at the same time, a good mix is raceproved slave with TVR Power clutch.
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
Not that heavy, takes a little while to get used to the floor mounted pedals though (think BMW accelerator design on all 3 pedals)
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
Synchros are a weak point, mine was rebuilt last year at 25k due to a worn synchro. Other than that, provided you drive with a hint of mechanical sympathy then they're pretty strong.
11) Any lumber support in seats?
Not on mine, the seats aren't the most supportive things in the world.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
The centre pad on the seat is removable for more room and support. I know several drivers of well over 6' who have no problems!
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
Depends, you may have 1 year with a standard service, the next a service, engine mounts, clutch etc. Have a look at my car in my profile as my blog details all my costs over 3 1/2 years.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
As per others comments, oil once hot 70-90deg and water 88-95. Ensure you warm the car up though - this is imperative!!!
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
IMHO this is essential, theres loads of heat soak and you can't have the roof down all the time.
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
No point replacing good original shocks, though when these wear many owners upgrade to Gaz, Racing Red, Nitron or Ohlin - take your pick. Handling is very good but can be a little fidgety.
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
Nothing unique about what is used on these cars, standard blade fuses - however, do ensure you carry a spare 100amp fuse just in case. Another must have to keep in the car is a spare throttle cable as these are specific to the S6 and will save you being stranded if the worst were to happen.
Don't be put off private cars with no rebuild, the 3.6 is stronger than the internet experts say, especially post 2004. Ensure though that it's been serviced on time or mileage (whichever comes first) and no corners have been cut - ie/ advisories have been done etc.
2)Realistic MPG - 17 in town to 23-25 on a run?
I average about 21 in mine, best I've ever got was 25 and that was a boring journey.
3)Do these cars have any side impact protection(I believe this was this only found on the Wedges going to the USA?)?
They're better than Chims/Griffs lets put it that way.
4) Rollover protection only provided by frame in windscreen.Is this a proper rollover design?(I ask as the Griff that fell off the auction lorry in another thread posted today, seems to have the windscreen flattened, and made me think about it more).
There was a PHer a few years ago who rolled his Tam several times and the screen held up extremely well so you should be fine. Griffs & Chims had none hence the flattened look.
5) Limited tyre choice for 18" wheels, and cost per corner?
Loads - I run BF Goodrich Gforce profilers (£140 a corner) but you can get Goodyear, Toyo, Falken, Dunlop etc.
6) Is a years car tax approx £460?
£215 - the joys of low volume manufacturers
7) Apart from the garages mentioned & Dave Batty at 'The Garage', & APM, are there any other TVR specialists in Hants/Surrey/Ox?
Str8 Six, though I've also heard good things about the 2 you mention.
8) Clutches, realistic life of 15-20k miles, and £1200 to replaced supplied and fitted?
Depends how you use it - an original clutch with it's dodgy fingers around 12k. If it's been changed for something decent (check the history) then 20k plus. Also ensure the slave is done at the same time, a good mix is raceproved slave with TVR Power clutch.
9) How heavy is clutch (my Ford 2.9 Cologne engined s2 was v.heavy), I can't use v.heavy clutches due to lower back problems.
Not that heavy, takes a little while to get used to the floor mounted pedals though (think BMW accelerator design on all 3 pedals)
10) Gearboxes, apart from another poster saying he'd had 4 in 174,000(!) miles, no one seems to mention that they can be fragile (unlike engines and clutches), so a rough guide of life expectancy?
Synchros are a weak point, mine was rebuilt last year at 25k due to a worn synchro. Other than that, provided you drive with a hint of mechanical sympathy then they're pretty strong.
11) Any lumber support in seats?
Not on mine, the seats aren't the most supportive things in the world.
12) Enough room for a 6ft 3"(middle aged), long legged frame?
The centre pad on the seat is removable for more room and support. I know several drivers of well over 6' who have no problems!
13) Allowance of £1-2k per year servicing ok?
Depends, you may have 1 year with a standard service, the next a service, engine mounts, clutch etc. Have a look at my car in my profile as my blog details all my costs over 3 1/2 years.
14) Digital readout normal temps/pressures for oil and water when running?
As per others comments, oil once hot 70-90deg and water 88-95. Ensure you warm the car up though - this is imperative!!!
15) No Aircon, didn't worry me in the S2, but have any owners had problems by not having aircon with a larger/more modern engine?
IMHO this is essential, theres loads of heat soak and you can't have the roof down all the time.
16) Shocks, original Tams handled well so upgrades not really req'd (even on 18" wheels)?
No point replacing good original shocks, though when these wear many owners upgrade to Gaz, Racing Red, Nitron or Ohlin - take your pick. Handling is very good but can be a little fidgety.
17) Should I ask for a full set of fuses & bulbs, are they easy to obtain?
Nothing unique about what is used on these cars, standard blade fuses - however, do ensure you carry a spare 100amp fuse just in case. Another must have to keep in the car is a spare throttle cable as these are specific to the S6 and will save you being stranded if the worst were to happen.
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