Thinking of buying an S3
Discussion
Hi everyone
First time in here so please be gentle with me!!
I've had an '89 Alfa Spider and a '70 Triumph Snag (sorry!!)in the past but an advert for a rather nice '91 S3 caught my eye the other day and I'm going to see it at the weekend. Can anyone give me some pointers on what are the main things to look for apart from the obvious chasis rust etc. Where do the hidden dangers lurk? Are there any specialist TVR experts in the N.Yorks area that would be able to check it out for me.
Also can anyone recommend a reputable insurance company that takes into account that it would be a 2nd car and with limited mileage.
Many thanks
Peter
First time in here so please be gentle with me!!
I've had an '89 Alfa Spider and a '70 Triumph Snag (sorry!!)in the past but an advert for a rather nice '91 S3 caught my eye the other day and I'm going to see it at the weekend. Can anyone give me some pointers on what are the main things to look for apart from the obvious chasis rust etc. Where do the hidden dangers lurk? Are there any specialist TVR experts in the N.Yorks area that would be able to check it out for me.
Also can anyone recommend a reputable insurance company that takes into account that it would be a 2nd car and with limited mileage.
Many thanks
Peter
Take a search through the forum, and you'll find a lot of good stuff.
A good starting point is here --> www.tvrsseries.com/
The site is run by "Pies" here on PH and has plenty of great information. Do your homework, join the TVRCC and buy Steve Heath's book (known as "The Bible"
. Get yourself to a local meet, and ask questions on here.
They're cracking cars, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Take a look in my profile (click on "Podie" next to this post) and then look at the costs of my S3c - plenty of links in there too, including insurance costs.
A good starting point is here --> www.tvrsseries.com/
The site is run by "Pies" here on PH and has plenty of great information. Do your homework, join the TVRCC and buy Steve Heath's book (known as "The Bible"
. Get yourself to a local meet, and ask questions on here. They're cracking cars, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner. Take a look in my profile (click on "Podie" next to this post) and then look at the costs of my S3c - plenty of links in there too, including insurance costs.
Hi Peter,
V8S's advice is sound. I live in N.Yorks (Skipton), previously had an S1 years ago, recently got an S3 after swearing I wouldn't have another (had "a few" problems with the S1 - mainly intermitent electrical). In terms of "specialists" I cannot suggest any, other than the obvious Harrogate Horseless Carriages, but that's mainly Sales plus some parts, not sure if they are still interested in looking after S's? Sports & Specialist Car Company at Boroughbridge also do sales www.sscarco.co.uk/1319/sscc.htm but may offer advice?
To be honest I have never used a specialist. The engine and running gear is literally all standard Ford, so every mechanic should be familar with them, and due to the simplicity relative to modern cars, should be pleased to see one not requiring diagnotics! Home maintenence is also fairly straight forward, but I find you have to get involved with jobs you may not normally do, or want to do on an everyday driver. There always seems to be something to tinker with. The Steve Heath's "Bible" is usefull, and whilst you might feel on your own when everything's going pear shaped, this site is superb for help and advice.
I've only ever been to a TVRCC meet once (years ago), whilst you can obviously get excellent advice here and people put effort into organising things, I got put off by the blinkerred attitude of most who thought that TVR's were the best and only cars on the road.........wake up! Conversations tended to be a bit "anoraky". Sorry guy's if I've offended, but that's how it was.
V8S's advice is sound. I live in N.Yorks (Skipton), previously had an S1 years ago, recently got an S3 after swearing I wouldn't have another (had "a few" problems with the S1 - mainly intermitent electrical). In terms of "specialists" I cannot suggest any, other than the obvious Harrogate Horseless Carriages, but that's mainly Sales plus some parts, not sure if they are still interested in looking after S's? Sports & Specialist Car Company at Boroughbridge also do sales www.sscarco.co.uk/1319/sscc.htm but may offer advice?
To be honest I have never used a specialist. The engine and running gear is literally all standard Ford, so every mechanic should be familar with them, and due to the simplicity relative to modern cars, should be pleased to see one not requiring diagnotics! Home maintenence is also fairly straight forward, but I find you have to get involved with jobs you may not normally do, or want to do on an everyday driver. There always seems to be something to tinker with. The Steve Heath's "Bible" is usefull, and whilst you might feel on your own when everything's going pear shaped, this site is superb for help and advice.
I've only ever been to a TVRCC meet once (years ago), whilst you can obviously get excellent advice here and people put effort into organising things, I got put off by the blinkerred attitude of most who thought that TVR's were the best and only cars on the road.........wake up! Conversations tended to be a bit "anoraky". Sorry guy's if I've offended, but that's how it was.
24razor said:
I've only ever been to a TVRCC meet once (years ago), whilst you can obviously get excellent advice here and people put effort into organising things, I got put off by the blinkerred attitude of most who thought that TVR's were the best and only cars on the road.........wake up! Conversations tended to be a bit "anoraky". Sorry guy's if I've offended, but that's how it was.
Varies dramatically, depending on region. I've been to some where no one even talks about cars, and others where they are true anoraks.
Some stand around and chat, others go and do things, go out on runs etc etc. Some are "formal" others are merely a collection of owners who are in the same place - it's all different. Hell, in one case I was spoken to rudely and the misses got a slow hand clap when she reversed the Griff
- others are friendly and welcoming.Peter, after drinking in all the fabulous S-related snifters of information available on PH (the search function is your friend) and Pies' site, if you're still not too confident you could perhaps post up a request for a local owner to accompany you when you go and see the car (for the price of a pint maybe).
Also, you can get a dealer or independent to do an inspection for you - and some people swear by Rob Ingleby.
www.findasportscar.co.uk/
I had my V8 inspected by Peninsula down in Devon but the previous owner also showed me the Rob Ingleby inspection report he had had done when he bought the car.
Also, you can get a dealer or independent to do an inspection for you - and some people swear by Rob Ingleby.
www.findasportscar.co.uk/
I had my V8 inspected by Peninsula down in Devon but the previous owner also showed me the Rob Ingleby inspection report he had had done when he bought the car.
I live in Sheffield. I bought my S4 last autumn after many years of Eurobox motoring. It's gutsy, simple and pretty cheap. It reminds me of a Healey 3000 I owned way back. The best insurance deal for me (second car, 5000 miles a year) was with ClassicLine at Hinckley on 01455 639000. Under £300. But I am elderly! Everyone says the main thing to check is chassis condition - there are lots of rust-traps. The basic mechanicals are strong, but some minor bits do go wrong from time to time, not surprisingly. I think they are great value.
Hi,
I'm a newbie to this to having only bought my s3 3 weeks ago and only joined the site this week. Although I can't give you any pointers on the cars as haven't worked mine out yet Footman James did me a good deal on the insurance, I'm 27 and at 3,000 miles it cost me £290 for the year. Thet'll also do agreed value at no extra cost.
I'll use this email to say hello to everyone. I read heaps of all your stuff in preparation of buying my car and it was invaluable, although in the end went fairly safe and bought a 1 owner from new s3 with 50,000 miles and full history. I paid £5,500 which seemed fair to my limited knowledge?
Having a great time with it so far and and the fear is beginning to subside a big grin at last.
I'm a newbie to this to having only bought my s3 3 weeks ago and only joined the site this week. Although I can't give you any pointers on the cars as haven't worked mine out yet Footman James did me a good deal on the insurance, I'm 27 and at 3,000 miles it cost me £290 for the year. Thet'll also do agreed value at no extra cost.
I'll use this email to say hello to everyone. I read heaps of all your stuff in preparation of buying my car and it was invaluable, although in the end went fairly safe and bought a 1 owner from new s3 with 50,000 miles and full history. I paid £5,500 which seemed fair to my limited knowledge?
Having a great time with it so far and and the fear is beginning to subside a big grin at last.
Peter - Can only echo what the others say to be honest. Buy on condition and once you have picked one that you are serious about, get it checked over. Doesn't have to cost a lot and is worth it for the peace of mind. The checklist on Pies site is excellent. Read it a few times before you go to a viewing. I took some notes off it when I was looking and took them with me and ticked off as I looked over the cars.
Leggit - Welcome to the fun! What part of the SE are you in? I've noticed an unfamiliar S round my way a couple of times in the last week, could be you?
Leggit - Welcome to the fun! What part of the SE are you in? I've noticed an unfamiliar S round my way a couple of times in the last week, could be you?
MarkS4 said:
I live in Sheffield. I bought my S4 last autumn after many years of Eurobox motoring. It's gutsy, simple and pretty cheap. It reminds me of a Healey 3000 I owned way back. The best insurance deal for me (second car, 5000 miles a year) was with ClassicLine at Hinckley on 01455 639000. Under £300. But I am elderly! Everyone says the main thing to check is chassis condition - there are lots of rust-traps. The basic mechanicals are strong, but some minor bits do go wrong from time to time, not surprisingly. I think they are great value.
Elderly and a bit forgetful maybe?
leggits3 said:
Hi,
I'm a newbie to this to having only bought my s3 3 weeks ago ....
Having a great time with it so far and and the fear is beginning to subside a big grin at last.
I'm a newbie to this to having only bought my s3 3 weeks ago ....
Having a great time with it so far and and the fear is beginning to subside a big grin at last.
I think a little bit of fear is good...it may keep you safe...apparently the statistics have it that new TVR owners will have a prang in their first year of ownership...it will involve nobody else and it will be within 150 metres of the exit of a roundabout.
I am one of those stats....
but I'm still here with my S to tell the tale... 
Wet roads...wooaa...
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