I'm really really tempted by an S3.....
Discussion
.... and it's all your fault, all of you........swines. Going on all the time about how great your cars are, talking about hooning around in the sunshine (I ignore the threads about problems 
)
Look at my profile, I've been here for ages. I joined because I love cars and in particular TVR's. I wanted one then and I still want one now, difference is now I'm realistically in the position to get one (sort of
). I've read these forums so much my eyes are square, I've read the buyers guide on here and on pies' site. I've mentally prepared myself to spend far too much on maintenance and fuel. I'm meeting my landlady tonight to negotiate the use of the garage for my house (it's full of her stuff at the moment) and if that goes OK, then there's only 2 things stopping me
1) Insurance. I've had a couple of quotes so far and the best one was £1400
I'm 23, 3 years no claims, no endorsements, it would be a second car, say 5k miles limited Anyone got any ideas?
2) Costs. I don't want to be skint constantly as a result of the car. I realise I have to budget a fair old amount (I've heard £1500 banded about) but I'm petrified of ending up with a cr4pper and having to spend untold amounts on it to sort out rusty this, cracked that and worn out the other.
Your comments would be greatly appriciated although I have a funny feeling I know what the general tone will be!!
) Look at my profile, I've been here for ages. I joined because I love cars and in particular TVR's. I wanted one then and I still want one now, difference is now I'm realistically in the position to get one (sort of
). I've read these forums so much my eyes are square, I've read the buyers guide on here and on pies' site. I've mentally prepared myself to spend far too much on maintenance and fuel. I'm meeting my landlady tonight to negotiate the use of the garage for my house (it's full of her stuff at the moment) and if that goes OK, then there's only 2 things stopping me 1) Insurance. I've had a couple of quotes so far and the best one was £1400
I'm 23, 3 years no claims, no endorsements, it would be a second car, say 5k miles limited Anyone got any ideas? 2) Costs. I don't want to be skint constantly as a result of the car. I realise I have to budget a fair old amount (I've heard £1500 banded about) but I'm petrified of ending up with a cr4pper and having to spend untold amounts on it to sort out rusty this, cracked that and worn out the other.
Your comments would be greatly appriciated although I have a funny feeling I know what the general tone will be!!
dougc said:My first year cost me £950 and I was 27 at the time, but this year was £440 with Classic Line, once you have some experience with a TVR the independent insurers will make life far better
1) Insurance. I've had a couple of quotes so far and the best one was £1400
oh, and whilst a budget of £1500 can be realistic, also be prepared for the occasional shock. It doesnt happen that often but if you need an expensive service - say £800 - then your shocks and springs need renewing, then a set of tyres...
The funny thing is, even when facing bankruptcy, you still end up finding a way of getting enough cash to keep them
very addictive though - you have been warned
The funny thing is, even when facing bankruptcy, you still end up finding a way of getting enough cash to keep them
very addictive though - you have been warned
shnozz said:
The funny thing is, even when facing bankruptcy, you still end up finding a way of getting enough cash to keep them
very addictive though - you have been warned
Shnozz - that is So, so true....
My S2 is approaching it's birthday - costs as follows:
Insurance: c. £800 (Elephant)
Servicing & Repairs: £1050 (two services - one when I first got the car and one after 6000 miles - blowing exhaust fixed, fuel line replaced, fuel tank mounts replaced & some other bits & bobs that I cant remember right now...)
Partial Respray after vandal damage: £800 (that hurt...)
Alarm/Immob fitted after purchase: £400
Replacement rear light clusters: £40
Stereo & ariel (bought off a Mate) £30
A lot of these can be avoided - like the vandal damage
, costly insurance (if you have a garage) & getting a car with an alarm fitted already.. I would concur that a figure of about £1.5K is about right for keeping one of these monkeys on the road for a year (excluding fuel) which is pretty good really....
shame mine has cost me £260/month so far....
BERGS2 said:
shame mine has cost me £260/month so far....
yep, as you say, some of it can be avoided but contingencies on a 17 - 10 year old car will always need to be considered.
I know I remember thinking that I wouldnt be keen to have an older car like this on finance cos with a regular monthly payment as well as a few expensive months you could be pushing it, depending on your circumstances of course.
I found an S3 that had been smothered with so much love and attention - and it's paid off. The first year cost me about £600 for major service including the usual exhaust fix, MOT, engine mounts, waxoyl & bits. A few extra minor bits (usually exhaust clamps!!) but that's it - very cheap year.
I don't expect every year to be like that, but pick a good'un, and budget for the c£1500, and you can buy lots of shiny bits with the change! (mmm... shiny bits
)
(having said that, I know I need to sort springs, poss. tyres/shocks, and that f
g exhaust which I've hit AGAIN
)
I don't expect every year to be like that, but pick a good'un, and budget for the c£1500, and you can buy lots of shiny bits with the change! (mmm... shiny bits
) (having said that, I know I need to sort springs, poss. tyres/shocks, and that f
g exhaust which I've hit AGAIN)WildfireS3 said:
I'm really really tempted so sell mine... probably towards the end of September...
Really?? Even after you had "the Full Podie"??
The S is a great car, and I really enjoy driving it… however there are different opportunities on the horizon. I'm sure I'll come back to TVR in the not to distant future though.
shnozz said:
The S is a great car, and I really enjoy driving it… however there are different opportunities on the horizon. I'm sure I'll come back to TVR in the not to distant future though.
blimey mate - assumed if you sold the S it would only be for another TVR.
Life doesn't always turn out the way you hope though, does it...?
Podie said:
Podie said:
The S is a great car, and I really enjoy driving it… however there are different opportunities on the horizon. I'm sure I'll come back to TVR in the not to distant future though.
blimey mate - assumed if you sold the S it would only be for another TVR.
Life doesn't always turn out the way you hope though, does it...?
'tis true mate. Well I hope its not bad news but even if it is, you'll bounce back up and behind another personal steering wheel before long.
Best wishes
Phil
Podie said:
Life doesn't always turn out the way you hope though, does it...?
Sure doesn't, I would like to keep mine but the only solution without spoiling the car would be to take a couple of planks of wood the width of the car everywhere with me, not that they'd fit in the boot!
So, Podie we could both be back inside boring motors?
Spent too much to pull out of the house purchase now and it's a lovely house so wouldn't want to, plus the wife would probably leave me!
I've advertised my S and I couldn't just keep the VW. It's nice but it just isn't that special like the S, so the VW will be sold too. I may look for a V8 Corvette. Lots of ground clearance in those, lots of leaning around bends too, a bit like a boat!
I certainly can't drive just some ordinary saloon after owning the S for 2 1/2 years.
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