Thinking about an S3 for a new car.
Discussion
Hello All,
I need a little help and gentle persuasion. I've been getting into motorsport lately thanks to a friend and his Clio 172 Cup, but would like to get something a bit different and unique that you don't see on the road everyday.
My old car (Fiat Punto) has just been written off after a theft and I'm in the market for something new (secondhand) and hopefully something sporty. Hot hatches are quite tempting but I would like something I can consider a classic.
Whilst browsing through the auto trader I spotted a TVR S3 for sub £6000 and thought to myself, "Wow, I can own a TVR on my budget!". I've done some research on www.tvrsseries.com and PH and found that with the exception of the V8 which tend to float around £8000, the S3 or the S3C are about the best to go for, better suspension, brakes etc.
Looking at photo's and reading on forums, it seems that the cars have the same problems, corroded chassis etc which can all be relatively easily spotted with little effort. My concerns lie in the realm of functionality. How functional is this car to own?
This would be used as my everyday car, in sun, wind, rain and snow, (I live in the south-east (Chichester) so snow isn't that common) but things that concern me are: Heating, how efficient are the heaters at de-misting windows and heating the cab. Insulation: obviously a soft-top, how well does the roof insulate from cold and wind, does it whistle on the motorway etc.
I've never owned a sports car before and only driven very few, but I’d be interested to hear from anyone who uses their S3 (or other 'S') on a regular basis and would like to share their experiences, whats it like sat in traffic, how comfortable is it on a long drive, how reliably un-unreliable are TVRs.
We have a large new car for practical stuff, so this is just for fun, but I would use it on a daily basis as the lady of the house would be using the big car. I'm prepared to pay bills for servicing and maintenance as that is part of ownership of a classic, but I just want to know that it's not something I'm going to hate driving in the wet or cold. Or will regret buying come the winter!
Being in Chichester I'm a stones throw from Goodwood, I've seen various 'S' cars going round the circuit and would be interested to hear from owners in the area or visiting on a track day to see if I could trouble them for taking me for a short drive in their car so I can see for myself what the ride is like.
Thanks all
Simon
>>> Edited by deadboyfriend on Monday 16th August 15:35
I need a little help and gentle persuasion. I've been getting into motorsport lately thanks to a friend and his Clio 172 Cup, but would like to get something a bit different and unique that you don't see on the road everyday.
My old car (Fiat Punto) has just been written off after a theft and I'm in the market for something new (secondhand) and hopefully something sporty. Hot hatches are quite tempting but I would like something I can consider a classic.
Whilst browsing through the auto trader I spotted a TVR S3 for sub £6000 and thought to myself, "Wow, I can own a TVR on my budget!". I've done some research on www.tvrsseries.com and PH and found that with the exception of the V8 which tend to float around £8000, the S3 or the S3C are about the best to go for, better suspension, brakes etc.
Looking at photo's and reading on forums, it seems that the cars have the same problems, corroded chassis etc which can all be relatively easily spotted with little effort. My concerns lie in the realm of functionality. How functional is this car to own?
This would be used as my everyday car, in sun, wind, rain and snow, (I live in the south-east (Chichester) so snow isn't that common) but things that concern me are: Heating, how efficient are the heaters at de-misting windows and heating the cab. Insulation: obviously a soft-top, how well does the roof insulate from cold and wind, does it whistle on the motorway etc.
I've never owned a sports car before and only driven very few, but I’d be interested to hear from anyone who uses their S3 (or other 'S') on a regular basis and would like to share their experiences, whats it like sat in traffic, how comfortable is it on a long drive, how reliably un-unreliable are TVRs.
We have a large new car for practical stuff, so this is just for fun, but I would use it on a daily basis as the lady of the house would be using the big car. I'm prepared to pay bills for servicing and maintenance as that is part of ownership of a classic, but I just want to know that it's not something I'm going to hate driving in the wet or cold. Or will regret buying come the winter!
Being in Chichester I'm a stones throw from Goodwood, I've seen various 'S' cars going round the circuit and would be interested to hear from owners in the area or visiting on a track day to see if I could trouble them for taking me for a short drive in their car so I can see for myself what the ride is like.
Thanks all
Simon
>>> Edited by deadboyfriend on Monday 16th August 15:35
I dont use mine everyday, some of the others do though and will give advice on that, but you will not find a more fun car for the money for sure. The S3 is the best to go for but look to condition rather than model and you wont go too far wrong.
All I can say is have a drive in one and it will make your mind up for sure, preferably a test drive! Any shortcommings the S may have in terms of 'Comfort' where heating, insulation etc is concerned will be out weighed in the smile factor and you wont regret it, I am sure!
Mike
All I can say is have a drive in one and it will make your mind up for sure, preferably a test drive! Any shortcommings the S may have in terms of 'Comfort' where heating, insulation etc is concerned will be out weighed in the smile factor and you wont regret it, I am sure!
Mike
Where have you been....
We had a mass gathering at Silverstone TVR dealership yeaterday... See threads...
There are a number of people on here who use their S daily.. They will be along in a minute..
Get yourself to one of the local TVRCC meets, there are always S's there as well as the other more common types of TVR
The Hants meet is just south of Alton on the A31 (Hen & Chicken) check the region Website..
I'm not sure about Sussex or Surrey. Go to www.TVRCC.com find your local region and contact the RO.
Keep reading on here...
Remember this car is now over 10 years old..
Remember its a TVR...
Remember the grin when you drive or even ride in your first..
There is an awful lot to learn...
Happy hunting.
Dave
We had a mass gathering at Silverstone TVR dealership yeaterday... See threads...
There are a number of people on here who use their S daily.. They will be along in a minute..
Get yourself to one of the local TVRCC meets, there are always S's there as well as the other more common types of TVR
The Hants meet is just south of Alton on the A31 (Hen & Chicken) check the region Website..
I'm not sure about Sussex or Surrey. Go to www.TVRCC.com find your local region and contact the RO.
Keep reading on here...
Remember this car is now over 10 years old..
Remember its a TVR...
Remember the grin when you drive or even ride in your first..
There is an awful lot to learn...
Happy hunting.
Dave
Wow...you guys are quick off the mark!
I got onto this idea on Saturday and slowly I'm getting closer and closer into it, just trawling forums and websites soaking up as much as I can. Gutted about the Silverstone meet, I would have loved to have gone, I'll put future meets in my diary now, it seems that may be the best way to learn.
Keep it coming!
Simon
I got onto this idea on Saturday and slowly I'm getting closer and closer into it, just trawling forums and websites soaking up as much as I can. Gutted about the Silverstone meet, I would have loved to have gone, I'll put future meets in my diary now, it seems that may be the best way to learn.
Keep it coming!
Simon
Whereabouts in South East are you Simon?
I've just bought a Chimaera, so my S3 will be up for sale once I've had it serviced/MOT'd, and put on new shocks.
I'm in Bishop's Stortford - Herts/Essex border. Even if it's not what you're looking for, I shall be happy to show you around, take you for a spin, so you can get some experience in.
I've just bought a Chimaera, so my S3 will be up for sale once I've had it serviced/MOT'd, and put on new shocks.
I'm in Bishop's Stortford - Herts/Essex border. Even if it's not what you're looking for, I shall be happy to show you around, take you for a spin, so you can get some experience in.
deadboyfriend said:
How functional is this car to own?
Used regularly, they tend to be better than when they sit unused for weeks
deadboyfriend said:
how efficient are the heaters at de-misting windows and heating the cab.
Shite! - takes a while to heat up and the fans not great...
deadboyfriend said:
Insulation: obviously a soft-top, how well does the roof insulate from cold and wind,
Technically a semi-hard top (the roof panels are fabric covered glassfibre) as such insulation is pretty good compared to old school rag tops, if the seals are gone you will get wet!!
deadboyfriend said:
does it whistle on the motorway etc.
yeah its pretty noisy
deadboyfriend said:
whats it like sat in traffic, how comfortable is it on a long drive
If the cooling system is OK, the car is pretty happy in traffic - you on the other hand will not be, as the engine is basically between your and the passengers footwell and on a long drive gets pretty hot
Did a long drive yesterday for the S-meet which was pretty uncomfortable towards the end - but it was a hot day -
However, with the roof off and the engine screaming you will quickly forget about your left thigh being singed on the handbrake... (anyone else get this?)
deadboyfriend said:
how reliably un-unreliable are TVRs.
Reliability issues tend to be exaggerated IMHO
- many of the problems you see on here are minor niggles that can be fixed quite easily - fundamentally you've got a pretty bomb-proof Ford lump that is not hard to work on - and a tubular chassis that if treated well should last the distance
Footnote: the above experiences are based on my 1989 S2 - you will soon learn that no two cars built by TVR in this period were identical - and 15 odd years on the differences will be even more glaring
Good Luck - I was in your position last year - bit the bullet & dont regret it one bit....
until my bank statement arrives
>> Edited by Bergs2 on Monday 16th August 16:43
pies said:
Sorry to put a down side to this but before you get too far into ownership may i suggest you check insurance costs
There's always a company who will insure you at a reasonable price if you look long enough.
A good person to speak with in terms of this and your preferred car is Chris (Wildfire) as he's in his early 20's and has an S3 which is his daily car. He's a really nice, friendly and helpful fella and I'm sure he'll give you his unbiased opinion.
Personally, I've had my S2 for 2 years and I love it, there are some niggles but no more than you'd get with a 1990 Granada. I've found that it was fine as my everyday car when I used to commute 80 miles per day even through the winter. My heater is an exception by all accounts as it works really well, even keeps me warm with the roof off! However, the passenger side isn't so good, I haven't looked into why but I think the previous owner may have biased the ducting somehow, incidentally it was his daily transport until he racked up 108,000 miles in it and bought himself a nice new Jaguar XK8. I think that speaks volumes for the S.
They are superb cars, turns heads wherever you go and doesn't cost vast amounts of cash to run. Just buy with your eyes open, look at the chassis first under the door sill and then before the rear wheel and behind the front wheel as this is where they get the most damage from stones and water during winter months. They are watertight inside and not draughty if you keep the rubbers around the roof section in good order (these are easy and cheap to replace), also making sure the holes for cables and anything else on the bulkhead are properly sealed with silicone. Don't be put off if this hasn't been done as it's easy to do. Secondly, check the interior is in good condition, seats and dash being the most important as carpet can be more easily replaced.
Mechanics are all Ford on the S3 so easy to maintain yourself. Main dealer service history isn't really too important on these just get a feel for whether it has had loving owners, bear in mind that most of are enthusiasts and do a fair bit ourselves! So you should see bills for parts at least.
They are in their element in the summer of course, I cannot describe how fantastic your first drive will feel with the roof down and the exhaust howling!
If you need any help or advice, just ask here, it's a great forum and the folks here are so helpful.
Good luck!
I use my S daily, travel about 10 miles a day. This was pretty regular, until summer when I've done around 5000 miles in 2 - 3 months. I covered around 1000 miles this weekend alone!!
I'm also a young driver, not the youngest, but as far as insurance is concerned, young.
The S is a fantastic car, especially for the money. The looks may not be as modern as others of the same age, but it will never fail to grab attention. I've been on a forecourt with Porsches, Z4s Fezzas etc. and had people compliment me about my car.
The Plus:
Sound, amazing especially after I fitted the new JP SS exhaust with no baffles
, enough to set off car alarms and scare small children. What more could you want.
Looks, eyecatching. Appeals to almost everyone.
Performance. Not as fast as a V8, but still quick enough to see off the majority of things on the road. I've beaten off quite a few hot hatches, maybe not some of the faster ones such as SLCR etc. But it's rear wheel drive. Handling is like a softer go kart! Through the twistes I don't have any problems keeping up with the Chims.
Comfort, This weekend I drove: Newcastle to Manchester, Manchester to Surrey, Surrey to halfway down the M20, M20 up to South Mimms, South Mimms to whereever we stopped, then to Silverstone, Silverstone to Manchester and Manchester to Newcastle. No problems at all. Got a bit droning after a while, but that's down to the lack of baffles. I have managed to fit a massive amount of luggage into the boot of the car, as well as the roof panels.
The Cons:
Fuel Consumption. After driving so much up and dwon the country, my petrol bill is roughly the same size as the GNP of small country. You'll get 30mpg, if you're really careful on a run. Mid 20s through town, and much less when on the hoon. Unfortunately after a while you will be on the hoon all the time, even getting to work. I've used half a tank in an hour before. Can get costly after a while.
Insurance. Group 20. If you're under 25 with little NCB expect to pay minimum £1000 if not £1500+.
Reliability: My car has beent pretty rock solid, only letting me down when the coil went. The main thing to worry about is the chassis. As a daily drive expecially in winter, the car get's exposd to a lot of water and salt, it's imperative to keep it well waxoyled/treated. But things do have a tendancy to pack up, throttle pot etc. and generally they are not cheap to fix if you're on a budget. Throttle pot being tiny costing around £50. Ground clearance is a big problem. I have a list of services I cannot pull over at due to speed humps. this generally results in a knackered exhaust, which leaks then has to be replaced. Exhausts are around £400. Just remember the car is getting older and once you start driving it everyday, things will start to creep up on you, and it can be costly. I have lost wipers before and driven 500miles in the rain without them.
I live in Newcastle and used the car throughout the winter, snow + ice. Car ran fine the fan even cut in, in traffic whilst it was snowing! The heater is maor than adequate but doew have a tendancy to be luke warm or roasting.
I would say be realistic with what you can afford, and how much you will be using it. I can just about afford to run the car on my budget. I have been toying with the idea of selling up infavour of a Elise of VX, but this depends on job secuerity. I also do all my own mechanical work, which save a load on labour costs. I was repairing my door at Silverstone this weekend!
If you do definitely want one, make sure you get one that has been cared for well. Chassis is important!
>> Edited by WildfireS3 on Monday 16th August 17:27
I'm also a young driver, not the youngest, but as far as insurance is concerned, young.
The S is a fantastic car, especially for the money. The looks may not be as modern as others of the same age, but it will never fail to grab attention. I've been on a forecourt with Porsches, Z4s Fezzas etc. and had people compliment me about my car.
The Plus:
Sound, amazing especially after I fitted the new JP SS exhaust with no baffles
, enough to set off car alarms and scare small children. What more could you want. Looks, eyecatching. Appeals to almost everyone.
Performance. Not as fast as a V8, but still quick enough to see off the majority of things on the road. I've beaten off quite a few hot hatches, maybe not some of the faster ones such as SLCR etc. But it's rear wheel drive. Handling is like a softer go kart! Through the twistes I don't have any problems keeping up with the Chims.
Comfort, This weekend I drove: Newcastle to Manchester, Manchester to Surrey, Surrey to halfway down the M20, M20 up to South Mimms, South Mimms to whereever we stopped, then to Silverstone, Silverstone to Manchester and Manchester to Newcastle. No problems at all. Got a bit droning after a while, but that's down to the lack of baffles. I have managed to fit a massive amount of luggage into the boot of the car, as well as the roof panels.
The Cons:
Fuel Consumption. After driving so much up and dwon the country, my petrol bill is roughly the same size as the GNP of small country. You'll get 30mpg, if you're really careful on a run. Mid 20s through town, and much less when on the hoon. Unfortunately after a while you will be on the hoon all the time, even getting to work. I've used half a tank in an hour before. Can get costly after a while.
Insurance. Group 20. If you're under 25 with little NCB expect to pay minimum £1000 if not £1500+.
Reliability: My car has beent pretty rock solid, only letting me down when the coil went. The main thing to worry about is the chassis. As a daily drive expecially in winter, the car get's exposd to a lot of water and salt, it's imperative to keep it well waxoyled/treated. But things do have a tendancy to pack up, throttle pot etc. and generally they are not cheap to fix if you're on a budget. Throttle pot being tiny costing around £50. Ground clearance is a big problem. I have a list of services I cannot pull over at due to speed humps. this generally results in a knackered exhaust, which leaks then has to be replaced. Exhausts are around £400. Just remember the car is getting older and once you start driving it everyday, things will start to creep up on you, and it can be costly. I have lost wipers before and driven 500miles in the rain without them.
I live in Newcastle and used the car throughout the winter, snow + ice. Car ran fine the fan even cut in, in traffic whilst it was snowing! The heater is maor than adequate but doew have a tendancy to be luke warm or roasting.
I would say be realistic with what you can afford, and how much you will be using it. I can just about afford to run the car on my budget. I have been toying with the idea of selling up infavour of a Elise of VX, but this depends on job secuerity. I also do all my own mechanical work, which save a load on labour costs. I was repairing my door at Silverstone this weekend!
If you do definitely want one, make sure you get one that has been cared for well. Chassis is important!
>> Edited by WildfireS3 on Monday 16th August 17:27
[/quote]
A good person to speak with in terms of this and your preferred car is Chris (Wildfire) as he's in his early 20's and has an S3 which is his daily car. He's a really nice, friendly and helpful fella and I'm sure he'll give you his unbiased opinion.
[/quote]
See, I'm good to my word, right on cue!
A good person to speak with in terms of this and your preferred car is Chris (Wildfire) as he's in his early 20's and has an S3 which is his daily car. He's a really nice, friendly and helpful fella and I'm sure he'll give you his unbiased opinion.
[/quote]
See, I'm good to my word, right on cue!
WildfireS3 said:
A good person to speak with in terms of this and your preferred car is Chris (Wildfire) as he's in his early 20's and has an S3 which is his daily car. He's a really nice, friendly and helpful fella and I'm sure he'll give you his unbiased opinion.
Cheers Kevin!
And I wasn't wrong
Thanks Chris/Kentish, Excellent review and exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'm 26 with full NCB and getting quotes of around £1000 which I'm prepared to pay. Fuel consumption could be interesting, what do you run it on, always super unleaded, optimax etc, or just normal unleaded given the age of the engine!
I've seen that West Sussex TVR club meets at Goodwood race circuit regularly each month, so i think i'll contact them and see if i can tag along with them for a day.
Some serious thinking to be done, was looking at getting a Clio 172 cup or 182, but that would invloves some form of loan or monthly payments, would rather do something cash which I can do on an S3 or similar.
I just think it would be a crime to have the opportunity to own a TVR, and a classic at that, and not take it.
Keep the feedback coming, I've not had anything so far that has put me off completely, but I appraciate the unbiased information, really useful.
One question about mechanics, whats the car like to work on, I'm more of an IT person then a mechanical person, that said, I do enjoy tinkering with cars and would like to think that I could do alot of the work myself, what are other people's experiances like with the car and their skills (or lack of?)
I've seen that West Sussex TVR club meets at Goodwood race circuit regularly each month, so i think i'll contact them and see if i can tag along with them for a day.
Some serious thinking to be done, was looking at getting a Clio 172 cup or 182, but that would invloves some form of loan or monthly payments, would rather do something cash which I can do on an S3 or similar.
I just think it would be a crime to have the opportunity to own a TVR, and a classic at that, and not take it.
Keep the feedback coming, I've not had anything so far that has put me off completely, but I appraciate the unbiased information, really useful.
One question about mechanics, whats the car like to work on, I'm more of an IT person then a mechanical person, that said, I do enjoy tinkering with cars and would like to think that I could do alot of the work myself, what are other people's experiances like with the car and their skills (or lack of?)
I find the car pretty easy to work on, so far I've taken off the Steering column, replaced the shocks, replaced the steering bearing, reset the tappets, had the exhaust off more times than I care to rememeber, and replaced the down pipes, as well as the doors, locks and the majority of the interior out. I reckon the engine would be pretty easy. Most things are accessible if you have 4 axel stands and a good trolley jack.
I'm an IT person (kinda) as well, but do have a background with building minis and theeir engines.
I'm an IT person (kinda) as well, but do have a background with building minis and theeir engines.
deadboyfriend said:You absolutely positively must get yourself an S!!
Keep the feedback coming, I've not had anything so far that has put me off completely, but I appraciate the unbiased information, really useful.
I bought mine 6 weeks ago, and although Ive had problems which left me feeling gutted (coil died which meant flat bed rescue, car is now juddering and in need of a service) not for a split second did I feel even the slightest tinge of regret! Taking ownership of an S was the best decision Ive ever made, the grin factor is just awesome! Every time my girlfriend and I go for a ride, someone either shouts, sometimes points, usually stares, or comments on the car. Most people here will agree the V6 is characteristically different and sounds just as great as the V8.
Yesterday, I started mine up in town and one by one, the three yoofs parked in the convertible ahead unbuckled themselves and turned round to stare. The day before some lad yelled to his mate "Look, a TVR!"
There are downsides, though. It can be difficult to refrain from opening up the throttle when passing...anything! you'll find yourself braking hard to slow down so you can speed up again through tunnels, and you'll end up taking the longest most contorted route home, doubling back on yourself in your own neighbourhood, then back into town again (and back) whilst going home Get one now, you will never look back!
deadboyfriend said:
Thanks Chris/Kentish, Excellent review and exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. I'm 26 with full NCB and getting quotes of around £1000 which I'm prepared to pay. Fuel consumption could be interesting, what do you run it on, always super unleaded, optimax etc, or just normal unleaded given the age of the engine!
I've seen that West Sussex TVR club meets at Goodwood race circuit regularly each month, so i think i'll contact them and see if i can tag along with them for a day.
Some serious thinking to be done, was looking at getting a Clio 172 cup or 182, but that would invloves some form of loan or monthly payments, would rather do something cash which I can do on an S3 or similar.
I just think it would be a crime to have the opportunity to own a TVR, and a classic at that, and not take it.
Keep the feedback coming, I've not had anything so far that has put me off completely, but I appraciate the unbiased information, really useful.
One question about mechanics, whats the car like to work on, I'm more of an IT person then a mechanical person, that said, I do enjoy tinkering with cars and would like to think that I could do alot of the work myself, what are other people's experiances like with the car and their skills (or lack of?)
I'm in the exact same situation as you - was looking at clio182 then i thought about the other (older) possibilities... an S (or Chimp if budget allows) definately seems the way forward but i would be worried using it as a daily runner - not quite sure why though...
BTW try tesco for insurance - i'm only 24 and have been gettting VERY good quotes from them on Chimps etc.
Unfortunately i'm just buying a house so the plans have had to go on hold for a bit. see my profile for other interesting threads on this same subject.
good luck buddy. P
The essential part about buying an S (or any other TVR) is to get it checked over by an expert. If you look at owners profiles it becomes apparent that at some point a small fortune is spent on having the chassis or interior repaired. Make sure you buy one which has already had the repairs carried out.
I believe Rob Ingleby (search threads) will provide the inspection service. I bought my S3 from a chap called Philip Reygate ( www.rhinomtorsort.co.uk ) and I had about 6k trouble free miles and no leaks from it. I recently sold it and bought a Chim having had it inspected by the same man. 1000 miles later no serious or expensive problems.
As for the daily driver issue, I think most would agree that the more it's driven the better. One last point: Do not be put off by high miles. The ford mechanics will go on and on provided servicing has been regular. Many low milers have spent their lives in garages and all sorts of problems can arise just as they would with most vehicles that are not driven regularly.
Good luck and be sure you get the one you are considering buying thoroughly checked.
Steve.
I believe Rob Ingleby (search threads) will provide the inspection service. I bought my S3 from a chap called Philip Reygate ( www.rhinomtorsort.co.uk ) and I had about 6k trouble free miles and no leaks from it. I recently sold it and bought a Chim having had it inspected by the same man. 1000 miles later no serious or expensive problems.
As for the daily driver issue, I think most would agree that the more it's driven the better. One last point: Do not be put off by high miles. The ford mechanics will go on and on provided servicing has been regular. Many low milers have spent their lives in garages and all sorts of problems can arise just as they would with most vehicles that are not driven regularly.
Good luck and be sure you get the one you are considering buying thoroughly checked.
Steve.
deadboyfriend said:
I'm 26 with full NCB and getting quotes of around £1000 which I'm prepared to pay.
Try ClassicLine insurance if you haven't already, I'm not sure of their minimum age - but you're over 25 so it's worth a try. In certain areas they'll insure you on the street (as opposed to garaged) if you're lucky. They do limited mileage options of 5000 or 7000 miles. A lot cheaper than other insurers. (I was looking at around £1300 - got it down to about £400).
As to whether you should or should not own and drive an S.
JUST DO IT ! And they're fine as everyday cars all year round - that's how I use mine 
. Cheers,
WG
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