Advice if you would...
Discussion
Hi there, just joined up in the hope of some advice...
I currently drive a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe which I am considering replacing in the next couple of months. My plans were to get an Exige or Elise but it turns out Im just too fat to climb in and out of one on a regular basis. My attention has now turned to the TVR 350C which from the looks of things I can pick up a low mileage version for just under 30k.
So would you guys recommend this as a sensible move or totally barmy? Im used to traction control, a fairly heavy car and a decent amount of power but the T350 looks like a completely different animal!! Is it hard to tame? Am I likely to spin it on my first outing? lol
My main concerns are values and costs though. Is reliability still a major issue? I see the TVR factory is "relocating" which worries me should much go wrong. I also dont want to pay stupid money each year just to keep it running smoothly. Finally what about residuals? Does it hold value well? My M3 hasnt held value anywhere near what I expected and with a new M3 due soon Id imagine mine is only going to get worse
My thoughts were to trade it for a TVR for a year or two in the hope i wouldnt lose as much money and then make a decision from there.
Any help really appreciated, I really cant decide what to do for the best.
I currently drive a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe which I am considering replacing in the next couple of months. My plans were to get an Exige or Elise but it turns out Im just too fat to climb in and out of one on a regular basis. My attention has now turned to the TVR 350C which from the looks of things I can pick up a low mileage version for just under 30k.
So would you guys recommend this as a sensible move or totally barmy? Im used to traction control, a fairly heavy car and a decent amount of power but the T350 looks like a completely different animal!! Is it hard to tame? Am I likely to spin it on my first outing? lol
My main concerns are values and costs though. Is reliability still a major issue? I see the TVR factory is "relocating" which worries me should much go wrong. I also dont want to pay stupid money each year just to keep it running smoothly. Finally what about residuals? Does it hold value well? My M3 hasnt held value anywhere near what I expected and with a new M3 due soon Id imagine mine is only going to get worse
My thoughts were to trade it for a TVR for a year or two in the hope i wouldnt lose as much money and then make a decision from there. Any help really appreciated, I really cant decide what to do for the best.
Depends. Do you fancy the idea of a cpl of driving days to get a bit of experience in this sort of stuff and increase your driving skill levels? If so then do it and buy a T350. *dont* just buy the T350 from that low a non-assisted driving base...your chances of a serious incident are much higher. Apart from that, no reason not to do it. The factory is relocating yes, they have laid staff off yes...they aint closing though. The build quality on the 05 cars and onward are excellent and the engine appears to be built properly from then onwards. Very noticable is the lack of ppl owning cars from 05 onwards b1tching about the S6.
Perfect advice from DJC really. I too wouldn't worry about the reliability and build quality of newer models. (I'm on my fourth TVR and I only had trouble with my 2002 Cerbera, and the concensus seems to agree with me and DJC.) Also don't worry about the factory relocation - I see it as a positive move, not a negative one.
As for the driving experience compared to more conventional modern motors, there's no doubt it's different and more raw, but it's also rewarding. Some advice and tuition, and some steady first few miles under your belt, would be a definite advantage, but not essential if you're a sensible driver.
Ultimately, I'd advise going into it with your eyes wide open (it's not as cheap or convenient to run a TVR as some other, 'normal' cars, but think of it as the most affordable supercar), but still get into it nevertheless. It's a real buzz owning and driving TVRs.
As for the driving experience compared to more conventional modern motors, there's no doubt it's different and more raw, but it's also rewarding. Some advice and tuition, and some steady first few miles under your belt, would be a definite advantage, but not essential if you're a sensible driver.
Ultimately, I'd advise going into it with your eyes wide open (it's not as cheap or convenient to run a TVR as some other, 'normal' cars, but think of it as the most affordable supercar), but still get into it nevertheless. It's a real buzz owning and driving TVRs.
Important to note that whilst the T350 along with all other TVRs does not have any electronic driving aids, so has to be respected, it does handle very easily at low speeds. There were a couple of threads on 'everyday use' that were well subscribed. In a nutshell, they said that whilst you will be buying a 'beast to unleash' when the opportunity arises, you are also buying a car you can take to the supermarket. The turning circle is not great but the power comes in sensibly and the brakes are excellent.
NailedOn said:
Important to note that whilst the T350 along with all other TVRs does not have any electronic driving aids, so has to be respected, it does handle very easily at low speeds. There were a couple of threads on 'everyday use' that were well subscribed. In a nutshell, they said that whilst you will be buying a 'beast to unleash' when the opportunity arises, you are also buying a car you can take to the supermarket. The turning circle is not great but the power comes in sensibly and the brakes are excellent.
It could also be argued that, because these cars are so well set up for handling and intuitive driving, they have far less need for electronic aids than other, fatter cars, whose characteristics are far more compromised than the heavier ‘lounges on wheels’,Which seem to pass for sportscars.
matty_boy said:
Ultimately, I'd advise going into it with your eyes wide open (it's not as cheap or convenient to run a TVR as some other, 'normal' cars, but think of it as the most affordable supercar), but still get into it nevertheless. It's a real buzz owning and driving TVRs.
When you say "not cheap" what kind of costs are we talking? Ive only needed to service the M3 twice in 3 years costing about 1500quid. 1 set of tyres approx 800quid plus petrol of course so you are looking under 2500 in maintaining. From the sound of things a TVR will be much more expensive
Also Im only looking to spend about £30k so I dont think I can find anything newer than 2004?
Agree with the comments above about handling. You can enjoy a slow rumble through town without any hassle (quite the opposite, in fact), or a good blat on country roads without ending up in a hedge. They do handle very intuitively and give excellent driver feedback. I subscribe to the argument that it's better to be in control of the situation oneself than to rely on a computer, and their set-up certainly allows you to be if you apply the usual driving principles.
Regarding costs, I must admit I've never really kept a tally on that, so I'm probably not the best person to give advice. What do you reckon people? Allow +/-£1,000 per service every 6,000 miles? And a contingency of a grand or so for the unknown? Again, it's not bad really for the sort of car we're talking about. (Although, if you really want to go into it properly, you've got to consider depreciation and all the other gubbins. Someone probably already has done.)
Regarding costs, I must admit I've never really kept a tally on that, so I'm probably not the best person to give advice. What do you reckon people? Allow +/-£1,000 per service every 6,000 miles? And a contingency of a grand or so for the unknown? Again, it's not bad really for the sort of car we're talking about. (Although, if you really want to go into it properly, you've got to consider depreciation and all the other gubbins. Someone probably already has done.)
Appreciate that matty boy 
I do about 8000 miles a year and considering my last BMW service was over 900 quid I guess its not bad at all.
Im actually getting really excited about this and have been in touch with the nearest dealer to me who has a Reflex Charcoal T350 on his website. After reading a review by my hero Mr Clarkson saying the T350C is the tamest TVR yet I figured with some careful driving and hopefully some tuition this is a car I can really smile about. On top of that the insurance quote comes in bloody cheaper than the M3!
Will letyou know how I get on. Thanks again
I do about 8000 miles a year and considering my last BMW service was over 900 quid I guess its not bad at all.
Im actually getting really excited about this and have been in touch with the nearest dealer to me who has a Reflex Charcoal T350 on his website. After reading a review by my hero Mr Clarkson saying the T350C is the tamest TVR yet I figured with some careful driving and hopefully some tuition this is a car I can really smile about. On top of that the insurance quote comes in bloody cheaper than the M3!
Will letyou know how I get on. Thanks again
TVR yet It was basically saying that the power is phenomenal but with the built in roll cage, awesome brakes and a tendency not to throw you into a wild spin on you first mistake it is more driver friendly and forgiving than some of the other TVR models.
Having not even test driven it yet, I'm not at liberty to comment but it seemed sensible enough to me
Having not even test driven it yet, I'm not at liberty to comment but it seemed sensible enough to me
I'd agree with JC given the chronology of things. In other words, it probably was the tamest (read: most sorted) TVR at the time, and therefore less likely to unexpectedly 'spook', like say the Cerbera and early Tuscans had a reputation for.
But in the current line-up, I wouldn't say it's any better set-up or more easy to handle than the others. It's just as incredibly powerful, has a great chassis and handles very tidily, but the same applies to the Sagaris and new Tuscan (I haven't driven the Tamora, so I can't comment on that one). To top it all, the T350 looks stunning IMO.
But in the current line-up, I wouldn't say it's any better set-up or more easy to handle than the others. It's just as incredibly powerful, has a great chassis and handles very tidily, but the same applies to the Sagaris and new Tuscan (I haven't driven the Tamora, so I can't comment on that one). To top it all, the T350 looks stunning IMO.
Well Ive got a dealer wanting me to go for a drive on Sunday but Im starting to get the heebie jeebies about it. After reading all the comments about failing censors and other bits and bobs, is this really a sensible everyday car? It looks brilliant and Im sure its just as good to drive but the lack of ABS, Traction control and airbags does concern me. I live in a village that come winter rarely gets gritted meaning snow/ice/surface water - am I asking for trouble going out in a TVR in those conditions? Also is it sensible to swap my BMW that hasnt had a single problem for a manufacture that rightly or wrongly is synonymous with problems? My heart says go buy the bloody thing but my head is saying its just gonna give me grief
Financially, I think you're onto a winner. It WILL cost more to run, but a £30K BMW will only be worth £18K in two years (that's a lot by TVR standards and leaves a lot of change if you do have any issues - I'll bet your insurnace is £400 less too). Even though reliability is better, don't expect 100% though - Have realistic expectations and you'll be happy (I know, mine's just been towed away ).
However, there is one thing you'll miss. That's the limited slip diff. I may be crap (I dunno) but I can't slide my T350 elegantly. It grips and spits half way through sliding. I don't know if that's a factor for you. Yet, I still love it. For me, a REAL sports car shoudln't have a TV, electric seats and 800 speakers
To run a TVR you'll make compromises (mostly listed above). Embrace them and you'll love it.
Bigman
). However, there is one thing you'll miss. That's the limited slip diff. I may be crap (I dunno) but I can't slide my T350 elegantly. It grips and spits half way through sliding. I don't know if that's a factor for you. Yet, I still love it. For me, a REAL sports car shoudln't have a TV, electric seats and 800 speakers
To run a TVR you'll make compromises (mostly listed above). Embrace them and you'll love it.
Bigman
Gumbo said:
Hi there, just joined up in the hope of some advice...
I currently drive a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe which I am considering replacing in the next couple of months. My plans were to get an Exige or Elise but it turns out Im just too fat to climb in and out of one on a regular basis. My attention has now turned to the TVR 350C which from the looks of things I can pick up a low mileage version for just under 30k.
So would you guys recommend this as a sensible move or totally barmy? Im used to traction control, a fairly heavy car and a decent amount of power but the T350 looks like a completely different animal!! Is it hard to tame? Am I likely to spin it on my first outing? lol
My main concerns are values and costs though. Is reliability still a major issue? I see the TVR factory is "relocating" which worries me should much go wrong. I also dont want to pay stupid money each year just to keep it running smoothly. Finally what about residuals? Does it hold value well? My M3 hasnt held value anywhere near what I expected and with a new M3 due soon Id imagine mine is only going to get worse
Any help really appreciated, I really cant decide what to do for the best.
I've had a M3, CSL and am now currently in a T350C (not as an everyday car though)
My 350 is faster in a straightline than the CSL was, but the M3 and CSL will inspire more confidence handling wise through the twisty stuff (the Beemers felt more planted where the 350 can sometimes feel a bit lively and you always need to keep both hands on the wheel)
Both Beemers were much more comfortable, though the 350 does feel more special inside and have that sense of occasion.
Costs wise I found them all to be roughly the same.
Reliability is a tough one to call. Although the quality of TVR has improved a lot recently (can't really comment as this is my first) it's still no where near the level of BMW (as to be expected) Having said that I've had no more problems with mine than any other car I've owned and they do apparently benefit from being used more on a regular basis.
Residuals wise IMO I don't think you will be any better off than if you keep your M3 and your car will be much easier to sell.
If this will keep with your decision IMO the 350 looks sensational wheras the M3 is a 3 series on steroids. I found that know one gave the M3 a second look and it was only petrolheads that realised the CSL for what it was. The 350 commands attention where ever you go, people stand and stare in town and I've had people using their camera phones when passing on the motorway. Also the 350 sounds so much better, especially with a sports exhaust on.
As an everday car I would prefer the M3. For a car to have fun in it has to be the 350.
Having said how much I rave about it, if I was to receive the right offer I will sell (05/54 2400m see my profile for a pic)
bigman1 said:
However, there is one thing you'll miss. That's the limited slip diff. It grips and spits half way through sliding. Bigman
That'll be the hydratrak diff - find one with a standard lsd like mine, much better as long as you're up for some fun sliding out of junctions at lower speed!
jigsty said:
From what you've said about yourself and your need for an everyday sports car I would advise you against a TVR. They're great cars for real enthusiasts looking for weekend fun but you sound like you need something like a Boxster or Z4 IMO.
I disagree Jigs. I've driven a TVR as my everyday car for four years, and they've been almost perfect (as reliable, and in many cases more reliable, than all of the mainstream makes I've had, including Jags, Audis, Land Rovers, Mercs). Plus they're miles more fun, too. Just got back from a weekend's driving with my brother, and both the Tuscan and Sagaris were absolutely faultless.
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