T350 pre-purchase questions (and excitement!)
Discussion
Hello there,
A quick post to introduce myself as a newcomer to these parts and to ask a few questions as I think I've finally decided on what car to buy after having test driven at T350 (at straight8six today).
I've recently wavered for a while over another aoption - a Noble M12 (great fun cars to drive) but have finally decided I'm not sure the styling will age well and, (perhaps more practically), that we can't live with the lack of decent luggage space. So, as I've been looking at TVR's for a very long time thought I'd better take a closer look. The S86 car drove really nicely (not that I've driven others to compare) - in fact much better than anticipated.
I did also pop up to Chatsworth last week to have a look around a few cars and, whilst most owners were sensibly sheltering behind closed doors!, I picked up some helpful and friendly advice but perhaps more importantly, realised I was really enthusiastic about these cars and that they are much more of an 'event' that so many other options.
I was also impressed with the turnout in such inclement conditions which shows the owners to be a really enthusiastic bunch! (Granted - other explanations are available.....
So, whilst I've returned home like a kid on Christmas eve, I thought I'd ask for a few opinions somewhere I knew I'd get an unbiased opinion
Aircon - this car doesn't have it but I'm guessing it would be a real bonus as assume it could get really hot in the cabin with heat sink? It's a fairly costs retrofit but has anyone had it done and how effective is the system?
T350t - I'd think I'd really set my heart on the idea of a t (although couldn't yet find one to try out) but have come away today thinking I'll equally enjoy a coupe with aircon. Appreciate this is a very personal choice but noting that there are <100 t's around, they're thin on the ground. Has anyone owned or driven both and could share a comparison?
Finally, I see from here that Straight 86 seem to have a strong reputation - but opinions as to whether I am I better with an 03 car without hide, no rebuild but a strong warranty, or a later car from perhaps a lesser known name? Also - presume most would but from a bigger name like this without an independent inspection?
Sorry for all the questions - guess the excitements gotten the better of me slightly!
Thanks in advance for any input.
John
A quick post to introduce myself as a newcomer to these parts and to ask a few questions as I think I've finally decided on what car to buy after having test driven at T350 (at straight8six today).
I've recently wavered for a while over another aoption - a Noble M12 (great fun cars to drive) but have finally decided I'm not sure the styling will age well and, (perhaps more practically), that we can't live with the lack of decent luggage space. So, as I've been looking at TVR's for a very long time thought I'd better take a closer look. The S86 car drove really nicely (not that I've driven others to compare) - in fact much better than anticipated.
I did also pop up to Chatsworth last week to have a look around a few cars and, whilst most owners were sensibly sheltering behind closed doors!, I picked up some helpful and friendly advice but perhaps more importantly, realised I was really enthusiastic about these cars and that they are much more of an 'event' that so many other options.
I was also impressed with the turnout in such inclement conditions which shows the owners to be a really enthusiastic bunch! (Granted - other explanations are available.....
So, whilst I've returned home like a kid on Christmas eve, I thought I'd ask for a few opinions somewhere I knew I'd get an unbiased opinion
Aircon - this car doesn't have it but I'm guessing it would be a real bonus as assume it could get really hot in the cabin with heat sink? It's a fairly costs retrofit but has anyone had it done and how effective is the system?
T350t - I'd think I'd really set my heart on the idea of a t (although couldn't yet find one to try out) but have come away today thinking I'll equally enjoy a coupe with aircon. Appreciate this is a very personal choice but noting that there are <100 t's around, they're thin on the ground. Has anyone owned or driven both and could share a comparison?
Finally, I see from here that Straight 86 seem to have a strong reputation - but opinions as to whether I am I better with an 03 car without hide, no rebuild but a strong warranty, or a later car from perhaps a lesser known name? Also - presume most would but from a bigger name like this without an independent inspection?
Sorry for all the questions - guess the excitements gotten the better of me slightly!
Thanks in advance for any input.
John
These are all personal opinions but;
Air-Con - the heat soak is tremendous and personally I'd want air-con. Some people don't have it and get on fine but I wouldn't consider one without.
The targas are worth it, though a bit of a pain to take the panels off or put on, especially if it starts to rain. They are hard to find and do command a slight premium, though again personally I'd go for condition over t or c.
You mention no hide so guessing the bison/vinyl trim. This doesn't wear particularly well but if the rest of the car is sound I wouldn't worry too much. Full leather is a nice to have and IMHO does make the interior a touch nicer to be in but can always be sorted at a later date - even if its just the seats.
As for Jason, I personally think his reputation speaks for itself and is one of only a small handful of dealers I'd buy from without an independant inspection - again though make your own mind up on how confident you feel with this. An 03 car with no rebuild? Wouldn't bother me as long as history is good, firm evidence of valve checks every 12k etc. Jason builds these engines so get him to take the top off and give his opinion and do a compression test, TVR Power offer a warranty upon inspection and I'm sure Jason could work with Dom to sort this out for you.
Air-Con - the heat soak is tremendous and personally I'd want air-con. Some people don't have it and get on fine but I wouldn't consider one without.
The targas are worth it, though a bit of a pain to take the panels off or put on, especially if it starts to rain. They are hard to find and do command a slight premium, though again personally I'd go for condition over t or c.
You mention no hide so guessing the bison/vinyl trim. This doesn't wear particularly well but if the rest of the car is sound I wouldn't worry too much. Full leather is a nice to have and IMHO does make the interior a touch nicer to be in but can always be sorted at a later date - even if its just the seats.
As for Jason, I personally think his reputation speaks for itself and is one of only a small handful of dealers I'd buy from without an independant inspection - again though make your own mind up on how confident you feel with this. An 03 car with no rebuild? Wouldn't bother me as long as history is good, firm evidence of valve checks every 12k etc. Jason builds these engines so get him to take the top off and give his opinion and do a compression test, TVR Power offer a warranty upon inspection and I'm sure Jason could work with Dom to sort this out for you.
As said above, I'd want A/C - the car does get hot in summer. I drove mine once in Summer when the A/C wasn't working (gas had escaped through a hairline crack on a pipe) and it wasn't comfortable in traffic!
Also as said above go for condition over T/C preference.
I prefer the cleaner lines (and less hassle) of the Coupe, but I know the hairdressers amongst us like their tans
Also as said above go for condition over T/C preference.
I prefer the cleaner lines (and less hassle) of the Coupe, but I know the hairdressers amongst us like their tans
Fozzie73 said:
Hello there,
A quick post to introduce myself as a newcomer to these parts and to ask a few questions as I think I've finally decided on what car to buy after having test driven at T350 (at straight8six today).
I've recently wavered for a while over another aoption - a Noble M12 (great fun cars to drive) but have finally decided I'm not sure the styling will age well and, (perhaps more practically), that we can't live with the lack of decent luggage space. So, as I've been looking at TVR's for a very long time thought I'd better take a closer look. The S86 car drove really nicely (not that I've driven others to compare) - in fact much better than anticipated.
I did also pop up to Chatsworth last week to have a look around a few cars and, whilst most owners were sensibly sheltering behind closed doors!, I picked up some helpful and friendly advice but perhaps more importantly, realised I was really enthusiastic about these cars and that they are much more of an 'event' that so many other options.
I was also impressed with the turnout in such inclement conditions which shows the owners to be a really enthusiastic bunch! (Granted - other explanations are available.....
So, whilst I've returned home like a kid on Christmas eve, I thought I'd ask for a few opinions somewhere I knew I'd get an unbiased opinion
Aircon - this car doesn't have it but I'm guessing it would be a real bonus as assume it could get really hot in the cabin with heat sink? It's a fairly costs retrofit but has anyone had it done and how effective is the system?
T350t - I'd think I'd really set my heart on the idea of a t (although couldn't yet find one to try out) but have come away today thinking I'll equally enjoy a coupe with aircon. Appreciate this is a very personal choice but noting that there are <100 t's around, they're thin on the ground. Has anyone owned or driven both and could share a comparison?
Finally, I see from here that Straight 86 seem to have a strong reputation - but opinions as to whether I am I better with an 03 car without hide, no rebuild but a strong warranty, or a later car from perhaps a lesser known name? Also - presume most would but from a bigger name like this without an independent inspection?
Sorry for all the questions - guess the excitements gotten the better of me slightly!
Thanks in advance for any input.
John
There seem to be quite a few in the classifieds that match your requirements (including my 4.0S Red Rose, with a str8six rebuild in warranty). I have driven a T and a C..the T's can suffer from wind noise on the roof pannels, but this appears to vary from car to car and the later T's have modified catches which appear to help?A quick post to introduce myself as a newcomer to these parts and to ask a few questions as I think I've finally decided on what car to buy after having test driven at T350 (at straight8six today).
I've recently wavered for a while over another aoption - a Noble M12 (great fun cars to drive) but have finally decided I'm not sure the styling will age well and, (perhaps more practically), that we can't live with the lack of decent luggage space. So, as I've been looking at TVR's for a very long time thought I'd better take a closer look. The S86 car drove really nicely (not that I've driven others to compare) - in fact much better than anticipated.
I did also pop up to Chatsworth last week to have a look around a few cars and, whilst most owners were sensibly sheltering behind closed doors!, I picked up some helpful and friendly advice but perhaps more importantly, realised I was really enthusiastic about these cars and that they are much more of an 'event' that so many other options.
I was also impressed with the turnout in such inclement conditions which shows the owners to be a really enthusiastic bunch! (Granted - other explanations are available.....
So, whilst I've returned home like a kid on Christmas eve, I thought I'd ask for a few opinions somewhere I knew I'd get an unbiased opinion
Aircon - this car doesn't have it but I'm guessing it would be a real bonus as assume it could get really hot in the cabin with heat sink? It's a fairly costs retrofit but has anyone had it done and how effective is the system?
T350t - I'd think I'd really set my heart on the idea of a t (although couldn't yet find one to try out) but have come away today thinking I'll equally enjoy a coupe with aircon. Appreciate this is a very personal choice but noting that there are <100 t's around, they're thin on the ground. Has anyone owned or driven both and could share a comparison?
Finally, I see from here that Straight 86 seem to have a strong reputation - but opinions as to whether I am I better with an 03 car without hide, no rebuild but a strong warranty, or a later car from perhaps a lesser known name? Also - presume most would but from a bigger name like this without an independent inspection?
Sorry for all the questions - guess the excitements gotten the better of me slightly!
Thanks in advance for any input.
John
Hi there, having owned both T & C the choice really is up to you on looks. The roof panels are subject to being noisy, but fitted well I have to say they are quiet enough up to a ton. Later versions had better brackets, can be fidly to fit and don't attempt to in a hurry. If you plan to carry with once off they do restrict an already small boot area, make sure the car has the factory supplied panel covers as they can mark easily when stowed.
The C is quieter at higher speed but the engine noise with the lids off is addictive. Personally I would not consider without air con but it is more important to get the flap setting right to stop hot air getting into the cabin.
Finally, the trim on later 350's a leave a lot to be desired, my late 04 model had the vinyl on the dash peeling badly by the screen with the seat bolsters being made from something similar. Now all the finest hide but was in a poor state after a shade over 25k on the clock.
Either way, a stunning car you will find very rewarding, good luck finding the right one for you.
The C is quieter at higher speed but the engine noise with the lids off is addictive. Personally I would not consider without air con but it is more important to get the flap setting right to stop hot air getting into the cabin.
Finally, the trim on later 350's a leave a lot to be desired, my late 04 model had the vinyl on the dash peeling badly by the screen with the seat bolsters being made from something similar. Now all the finest hide but was in a poor state after a shade over 25k on the clock.
Either way, a stunning car you will find very rewarding, good luck finding the right one for you.
When I was looking for a T350, I did not specifically look for a T, but if it was to be a C then I would want it with aircon. In the end I bought a T without aircon and that I a decision I have not come to regret.
I have driven over 5000 miles now and I missed aircon on just one specific day. That was on one of the hottest days last year (like 33 degrees) when I drove about 120 miles of mainly highway in full sunshine and I was too hot to comfortably bear. I feel no need at all to retrofit aircon.
Driving with the panels off is just great. The noise, the wind and sometimes a bit of sun just completes the whole experience for me. I'll take the panels off when 15 degrees or above, even if it is just a 25 mile drive
I have driven over 5000 miles now and I missed aircon on just one specific day. That was on one of the hottest days last year (like 33 degrees) when I drove about 120 miles of mainly highway in full sunshine and I was too hot to comfortably bear. I feel no need at all to retrofit aircon.
Driving with the panels off is just great. The noise, the wind and sometimes a bit of sun just completes the whole experience for me. I'll take the panels off when 15 degrees or above, even if it is just a 25 mile drive
Thanks again all for you input and experiences.
I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
Fozzie73 said:
Thanks again all for you input and experiences.
I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
As otheres have said - its all about condition. But specifically mechanical condition. I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
A full retrim with leather, alcantara plus all the bells and whistles to a much better standard than TVR ever managed is about £2500. (You'll get a chunk of it back when (if) you sell too).
Ones with ghastly interiors seem to be a bit cheaper - so don't ignore cars like that.
Same can be said for the colour on the outside. You can get a re-spray done for a reasonable amount.
Fozzie73 said:
Thanks again all for you input and experiences.
I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
Jason at SR8SIX does a retrofit aircon kit for the t350 - worth considering if you are looking at a car he has for sale. I'm lucky enough to have a T and on sunny days the option to take the roof of is well worth it. You do get a bit of wind noise and they are a bit of a pain to take off but that's half the fun I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever option I end up with by the sounds of this. I'd set my heart on something with an open air option but having driven the C am now a little conflicted as it was great and drove nicely! Also, given the numbers, haven't yet found a t to compare to but agree I need to focus on condition over all else.
Will put the thinking cap back on and keep you updated on progress!
John
Just to second what others have said, STR8SIX's quality of work is excellent so at least you can be as confident as you ever can if you do choose buy a car from them.
Hello again,
A quick update on progress.
Just back from Str8 6 having had paid a deposit for my first TVR!!!
I spent a good couple of hours having my second look around the car (Chamelion (sp?) Orange T350C in the classifieds), Jason and Chas were very straight and spend quite a lot of time with me answering (probably daft!) questions and after a good poke around underneath on the ramps so I'm really happy with it and their approach thus far (i.e. pointing out a few bits which needed attention that I hadn't spotted).
Should be ready in c.3 weeks (aircon fitting etc.) so can't wait to pick it up.
Thanks for the responses thus far to my post - the forum's been a great place to research and has helped fire my enthusiasm. I feel like I've read nearly every post in this section!
Will update when I pick it (her?) up as to first impressions and will do some research as to where the local club meet is to me (Warwickshire) is in anticipation so hope to make a few acquaintances over the coming summer!
Celebratory wine calls now!
John
A quick update on progress.
Just back from Str8 6 having had paid a deposit for my first TVR!!!
I spent a good couple of hours having my second look around the car (Chamelion (sp?) Orange T350C in the classifieds), Jason and Chas were very straight and spend quite a lot of time with me answering (probably daft!) questions and after a good poke around underneath on the ramps so I'm really happy with it and their approach thus far (i.e. pointing out a few bits which needed attention that I hadn't spotted).
Should be ready in c.3 weeks (aircon fitting etc.) so can't wait to pick it up.
Thanks for the responses thus far to my post - the forum's been a great place to research and has helped fire my enthusiasm. I feel like I've read nearly every post in this section!
Will update when I pick it (her?) up as to first impressions and will do some research as to where the local club meet is to me (Warwickshire) is in anticipation so hope to make a few acquaintances over the coming summer!
Celebratory wine calls now!
John
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