Advice on buying a Tamora

[Qube]

Hi all,

I presently own an 04' Honda S2000 and am thinking of changing it for a Tamora. The S2000 is a cracking car but the lack of mid range perfomance lets it down (it's all or nothing). I previously used to own a Chimaera 4.0 a couple of years ago and still can't seem to let go of the higher level of power and torque the car had.

I feel like i need another TVR (preferably with Red Bull blue paint, prussian blue carpets and cream interior with 18" spider alloys) and have a budget of around 27K.
However the car will be used everyday and do around 10K - 12K a year.

Here are a few things i'd like to know:-

What's it like to drive, Is the clutch, steering lighter than a Chimaera ? (concerns for wife, otherwise i'll have to buy here some weights, LOL)

Servicing costs ?

Servicing, Independent or Dealer ?

Warranty, Extended or 3rd party ?

Underlying Problems ?

What to look for ?

Insurance companies ?, (I Recently had a quote with Tesco's for £685: 250 excess, £723: 0 excess ).

Any other info (anything i missed ) ?

Dealers ? (as i live in Wales)


Your answers will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[stevend]

However the car will be used everyday and do around 10K - 12K a year.

>> I do c5000 pa, used regularly. I live 8 miles from work.

Here are a few things i'd like to know:-

What's it like to drive, Is the clutch, steering lighter than a Chimaera ? (concerns for wife, otherwise i'll have to buy here some weights, LOL)

>> Much easier to drive (don't tell the wife).

Servicing costs ?

>> about £350 minor, £1000 major but then I asked for a geometry check etc, otherwise c£650.

Servicing, Independent or Dealer ?

>> Under warrant, stay with dealer. Post warranty not sure. I have a really good dealer (TVR Racing Green) so I am staying with them, but if the situation was different I would look for a good indpt.

Warranty, Extended or 3rd party ?

>> IMO. none.

Underlying Problems ?

>> Mine's been very good mechanical. A few minor niggles otherwise fine.

What to look for ?

>> The Tamora has no known major issues. You will need to decide on 02 v 03 model (mines a bit of both, 02 body with 03 seats etc) and that is a personal thing. Just (and you have heard this before) check it out carefully. A well run and looked after older model is better than an abused younger one.

>> I prefer 18 rims rather than 16s. Air con (IMO) isn't needed, real leather will last better than Bison although I have the latter and it is still fine.

Insurance companies ?, (I Recently had a quote with Tesco's for £685: 250 excess, £723: 0 excess ).

>> price seems about right.

Any other info (anything i missed ) ?

There is probably more, have a look around the forum, and I am sure others will comment, but I've got to go...

regards


Steven

[sjc]

If you can stretch, there are some cracking deals on dealer stock cars at the mo',I was in a dealer last week who had 2 Tamoras at £4,000 off the retail,( 1 black with bicuit and magnolia, other was halycon midas, both lovely) and of course you get the 3 year warranty.

[maddog-uk]

Give mark Tann a call at the TVR centre in london. I am sure he has the off Tamora he would love to sell you. We are 12 months into ownership and its the best thing I have ever bought (well in a car anyway).

[sjc]

Yep,thats the dealer I was talking about! Bought my Noble from them, impressed so far.

[AlexRWD]

Good luck finding a car Qube - there are quite a few former S2000 owners on here that have moved to Tams and T350's - possibly even more than the ex-MGF posse!