High mileage S

[magnus]

I have been asked for advice about buying high mileage S series. My own opinion is that,within reason,the overiding factor is general condition and service history. I would imagine,judging from old Granadas,that the engine would be good for at least 200k if properly cared for and not thrashed perhaps more because the TVR is about half the weight of the Granny. Would welcome advice from any of you with experience with high mileage S series cars.

[WildfireS3]

I am in the process of making mine a high mileage car. Anyhow, chassis is paramount, even if the engine is not so good you can pick up a 2.9 cheaply, I just got one with 45, 000 on it for £40.

As long as it's ben cared for well. Engines will be a little tappety, but this can be overcome if the tappets are set with a dial gauge. Not too sure about the drive train as I haven't looked into it yet.

[Podie]

Do a search on the S forum… well over a year ago there was a BIG discussion on this… think Johno was the main contributor...

[johno]

Low mileage cars sucks ..... well not quite.

I just don't believe in many cases that they've been used enough to make them reliable, and that higher milers tend to lead owners to maintain their vehicles to a level where they can do the miles.

Don't get me wrong, I've bought a 2nd car to reduce the miles I was putting on the Griffith, but that is more about resale than anything else. With S's of a certain age it doesn't matter about the resale as much because there just isn't the value in them.

Car's that have decent sized mileages on them need to have service history or as in my case the owner needs to be able to prove what maintenance they have carried out.

There's nothing wrong with 100k on the 2.9. Had the heads off mine at 89,000 and the bore, heads and associate bits were in top condition. I imagine the bottom end to be equally as good.

I think the guideline form me would be to not be put off, but do your research, ask someone who knows about the cars to have a look round it.

I have seen high milers that were complete dogs, however, my car when I last put it through it's MOT at 96,000 flew through it without any issues. I know the car now has over 11ok on the clock and is going strong.

I hope so because I'll buy it back if I have the money if it comes up for sale !

Ask Pete H what he reckons, as although his car is not a concourse exhibit it does have over 100k on it ....

[Podie]

johno said:

Ask Pete H what he reckons, as although his car is not a concourse exhibit it does have over 100k on it ....

..and is the interesting side of "nippy"

[pies]

Podie said:

johno said: Ask Pete H what he reckons, as although his car is not a concourse exhibit it does have over 100k on it .... ..and is the interesting side of "nippy"

Hmmm not the best comparison ag its a bit like triggers broom, everything seems to have been replaced at least once

#But it is used for sprinting and is a daily driver

[lordb]

johno said:

Low mileage cars sucks ..... well not quite. I just don't believe in many cases that they've been used enough to make them reliable, ....

which is a bit immaterial if all you want is a nice pucka weekender (i.e. if its not an every day car this is not so important) that you can sell on easy when you need/want to.....I think a market exists for both IMHO
(I use mine only when it shines at weekends and 90% in the summer - keeps salt of the chasis, thus its in fantastic nick, with reletively low miles, but still not yet let me down in 2 yrs)

[magnus]

WildfireS3 said:

I am in the process of making mine a high mileage car. Anyhow, chassis is paramount, even if the engine is not so good you can pick up a 2.9 cheaply, I just got one with 45, 000 on it for £40. As long as it's ben cared for well. Engines will be a little tappety, but this can be overcome if the tappets are set with a dial gauge. Not too sure about the drive train as I haven't looked into it yet.

sounds good BUT exactly where would you look for a 2.9 with a guaranteed 40k

[WildfireS3]

Not sure if it's garaunteed 40K but for £40 I can afford to rebuild it with new rings, bore hone, new oil/water pump, lightened and balanced, new cam + followers. All easily do-able by your self and a haynes/workshop manual. It's what I plan to do. Then try for a recon gear box. I'm also going to have to have a go at porting the heads, if I can get a die grinder.

[F908 Tim]

Hi Johno. Yep, your old one is going strong at 108,000 and still gets tucked in every night!
Always things to tinker with but like you I have never carried a tool in the car and, touchwood, never needed one.
Compression tests done the other day were all good and still guaranteed to make you grin!Used everyday and reliable in all weathers so far.Just more interesting in the wet!!
Not for sale yet mate but will keep you in mind...spose a swap for a week is out of the question?

Cheers.