Checkilst for buying a Sagaris

[Coombdog]

Hi guys

I'm new to the forums and am considering getting myself into a Sagaris amongst other cars in the same price range.

I am familiar with BMWs and the things to check such as subfloor, vanos etc... but have no clue what common problems are associated with the Sagaris.

Being a TVR I expect there to be many foibles but I would be very grateful if the owners on here could stick in their 2 pennies worth with regard to a 'check list' for when I am looking at cars and test driving i.e.

i. what to look for externally;
ii. what to look for in the interior;
iii. what to look for under the bonnet;
iv. any rust issues to look for specifically;
v. any common electrical faults to look out for;
vi. any noises to listen out for;
vii. clutch engagement etc..etc... basically anything you might have experienced with your own car or that yo know to be a notorious issue with the Sag

I hear a lot of cars are on their 2nd/3rd engine rebuild. Did any of the later cars become more reliable/have different components or is it just pot luck?

All and any pointers would be gratefully received.

Cheers Ladies and Gents

Edited by Coombdog on Saturday 27th April 08:36

[Mattt]

There's a FAQ at the top that answers a lot of questions, but I would strongly advise you get any potential car checked over with a reputable TVR specialist.

Where in the country are you?

[V8 GRF]

I'd also suggest you buy Graham Varley's book.

Speed Six Bible

[Coombdog]

Coombdog said:

Hi guys

I'm new to the forums and am considering getting myself into a Sagaris amongst other cars in the same price range.

I am familiar with BMWs and the things to check such as subfloor, vanos etc... but have no clue what common problems are associated with the Sagaris.

Being a TVR I expect there to be many foibles but I would be very grateful if the owners on here could stick in their 2 pennies worth with regard to a 'check list' for when I am looking at cars and test driving i.e.

i. what to look for externally;
ii. what to look for in the interior;
iii. what to look for under the bonnet;
iv. any rust issues to look for specifically;
v. any common electrical faults to look out for;
vi. any noises to listen out for;
vii. clutch engagement etc..etc... basically anything you might have experienced with your own car or that yo know to be a notorious issue with the Sag

I hear a lot of cars are on their 2nd/3rd engine rebuild. Did any of the later cars become more reliable/have different components or is it just pot luck?

All and any pointers would be gratefully received.

Cheers Ladies and Gents

Edited by Coombdog on Saturday 27th April 08:36

Looked at the FAQs but nothing too specific to Sag.

Any tell tale signs for clutch on its way out? Or engine for that matter

Are inconsistent shut lines a sign of a bash or just how the cars came out the factory?

Any other things a layman can check for in the absence of TVR specialist?

Edited by Coombdog on Saturday 27th April 16:52

[Overseas]

The market for TVR's, and the Sagaris in particular, is what may best be described as mature.
Pretty much all of the remaining cars are well known, both to the TVR specialist garages and the Sagaris community.
The most sound way forward is with either direct buy from, or assessment of a prospective purchase by, one of the main TVR specialists.
They will, without any doubt, be the people you will have the car serviced and maintained by once having obtained it. Given the close nature of the community, inclusive of the specialist garages, you will not be led astray.
Whatever advice you get as the "layman" will only take you so far - ownership is a continuous learning curve, and a good part of the delight of the ownership!

[RedSpike66]

Hand made bodywork, so every car slightly different, but doors, bonnet etc do have minor adjustment.

Very few Sagaris engines have gone pop, but if it does, several very reputable re-build options with 5-year warranties available.

Don't worry about mileage - T350s and Tuscans with 100k miles on the clock - One T350 250k miles !!!! A well know Sag has done over 100k, many have done 25/30k miles.

If you're a good mechanic, you can check it all out yourself. Generally speaking, TVR's best built/finished car... I've had very few minor problems... Clutches simply don't last 100,000 miles like they do in an 'ordinary' car, and it's £1200 for a full clutch/slave replacement. If it's really hard to engage 1st/Reverse, could be on it's way out...

Condition and History are probably very important when looking at cars. Any that have had minor accidents will have been very well repaired as the number of garages that service these and bodyshops that repair them are very good. If it's not a good repair you will likely spot it.

Sags go for top money now... £55/60k... so pay £300 for an inspection... Str8Six, TVR Power, TrackVRoad, Xworks, Bespoke Performance, Neil Garner - depends on the cars location I suppose but they all have good reputations

One or two CatC/CatD cars are available but BEWARE !!!!! check out other threads on here.....

Edited by RedSpike66 on Monday 29th April 22:19