Future T350 owner, lots of questions!
Discussion
First off I'd like to say hello to the forum, this being my first post!
Anyway back to the subject, I am thinking of changing my current car (V6 Clio) for a T350. I've heard about the reputation regarding reliability and running costs, in fact thats the first thing someone says when you mention tvr but in reality is this just an old wives tale or are they really as unreliable as poeople say they are? I would be using the car as a daily driver so obviously reliabilty is a must.
The next question is servicing, what are the service intervals, whats the average cost and which ones are "big" ones.
I have noticed that on some of the earlier (2003 mainly) 350's the engines have been re-built, why is this the case on some and not all? Were there revisions to the engine on newer cars?
Anyway any information would be much appriciated.
Thanks
Iain
Anyway back to the subject, I am thinking of changing my current car (V6 Clio) for a T350. I've heard about the reputation regarding reliability and running costs, in fact thats the first thing someone says when you mention tvr but in reality is this just an old wives tale or are they really as unreliable as poeople say they are? I would be using the car as a daily driver so obviously reliabilty is a must.
The next question is servicing, what are the service intervals, whats the average cost and which ones are "big" ones.
I have noticed that on some of the earlier (2003 mainly) 350's the engines have been re-built, why is this the case on some and not all? Were there revisions to the engine on newer cars?
Anyway any information would be much appriciated.
Thanks
Iain
I have an 02 Tamora and have just topped up 20,000 miles in it. It has had no engine rebuild and still has the original clutch. It passed it's recent service with flying colours. The only real problem I have had with it is the oil pressure sender unit, but this has been solved now.
My advice is - if you worry to much about the reliability then stick with your Clio and forget a TVR, but if you go ahead and buy the TVR then you will enter a new experience in which you will never regret.
I love my TVR to bits and have no regrets in buying one.
My advice is - if you worry to much about the reliability then stick with your Clio and forget a TVR, but if you go ahead and buy the TVR then you will enter a new experience in which you will never regret.
I love my TVR to bits and have no regrets in buying one.
Hi Iain,
I bought my T350 in April after doing extensive research on all things TVR and Speed 6 related.
There have been issues with the Speed 6 engine that are discussed at length on other forums within the TVR group.
Generally speaking, if you get a late 04 car onwards, most of the engine gremlins SHOULD be sorted. If you get an 05 car you should get the remainder of the 3 year factory warranty.
Service intervals are 6K. The 6K service cost me £850ish, though I've since found out this was expensive (good chance I won't use that dealer again!) while I've been trying to research the cost of the 12K service, the current range being from £800 - £1400.
As far as the ownership experience goes, you just can't beat it. My car is a mid-life crisis toy, but I use it as often as I can and I'm still having physiotherapy to help my cheek muscles from all the grinning!
The most difficult bit for me was finally taking the plunge and spending all that cash, but 5 months down the line, I don't regret it in the least. Hope that helps, regards,
G
I bought my T350 in April after doing extensive research on all things TVR and Speed 6 related.
There have been issues with the Speed 6 engine that are discussed at length on other forums within the TVR group.
Generally speaking, if you get a late 04 car onwards, most of the engine gremlins SHOULD be sorted. If you get an 05 car you should get the remainder of the 3 year factory warranty.
Service intervals are 6K. The 6K service cost me £850ish, though I've since found out this was expensive (good chance I won't use that dealer again!) while I've been trying to research the cost of the 12K service, the current range being from £800 - £1400.
As far as the ownership experience goes, you just can't beat it. My car is a mid-life crisis toy, but I use it as often as I can and I'm still having physiotherapy to help my cheek muscles from all the grinning!
The most difficult bit for me was finally taking the plunge and spending all that cash, but 5 months down the line, I don't regret it in the least. Hope that helps, regards,
G
Like all comparable cars, TVRs are bought with the heart, not the head.
TVR are not as unreliable as people make out. However, they aren't a Lexus either. Although not an excuse for bad reliability you need to remember what you're getting for the money. Just yesterday I read about a nearly new BMW M5 with a locked/blown gearbox - blocked the A322 for the rush hour. Then I drove past an Aston DB9 1/2 mile from home with his bonnet up and hazards on.
However, the engine is probably the weak point on the whole car - they do go wrong and on average seem to need at least a top-end rebuild by 25-30k. On the other hand, this 'only' costs £4-5k - which can be covered by a warranty. Compare that to the cost of rebuilding some of the high end Porsche engines (and you certainly hear of them going wrong too).
The press love Porsches, hence they always get good writeups. Everyone harps on about how well the Cayman handles. But then they don't have to pay £50k to buy one themselves.
TVR are not as unreliable as people make out. However, they aren't a Lexus either. Although not an excuse for bad reliability you need to remember what you're getting for the money. Just yesterday I read about a nearly new BMW M5 with a locked/blown gearbox - blocked the A322 for the rush hour. Then I drove past an Aston DB9 1/2 mile from home with his bonnet up and hazards on.
However, the engine is probably the weak point on the whole car - they do go wrong and on average seem to need at least a top-end rebuild by 25-30k. On the other hand, this 'only' costs £4-5k - which can be covered by a warranty. Compare that to the cost of rebuilding some of the high end Porsche engines (and you certainly hear of them going wrong too).
The press love Porsches, hence they always get good writeups. Everyone harps on about how well the Cayman handles. But then they don't have to pay £50k to buy one themselves.
Mr.Chips said:
Hi Iain,
I bought my T350 in April after doing extensive research on all things TVR and Speed 6 related.
There have been issues with the Speed 6 engine that are discussed at length on other forums within the TVR group.
Generally speaking, if you get a late 04 car onwards, most of the engine gremlins SHOULD be sorted. If you get an 05 car you should get the remainder of the 3 year factory warranty.
Service intervals are 6K. The 6K service cost me £850ish, though I've since found out this was expensive (good chance I won't use that dealer again!) while I've been trying to research the cost of the 12K service, the current range being from £800 - £1400.
As far as the ownership experience goes, you just can't beat it. My car is a mid-life crisis toy, but I use it as often as I can and I'm still having physiotherapy to help my cheek muscles from all the grinning!
The most difficult bit for me was finally taking the plunge and spending all that cash, but 5 months down the line, I don't regret it in the least. Hope that helps, regards,
G
I bought my T350 in April after doing extensive research on all things TVR and Speed 6 related.
There have been issues with the Speed 6 engine that are discussed at length on other forums within the TVR group.
Generally speaking, if you get a late 04 car onwards, most of the engine gremlins SHOULD be sorted. If you get an 05 car you should get the remainder of the 3 year factory warranty.
Service intervals are 6K. The 6K service cost me £850ish, though I've since found out this was expensive (good chance I won't use that dealer again!) while I've been trying to research the cost of the 12K service, the current range being from £800 - £1400.
As far as the ownership experience goes, you just can't beat it. My car is a mid-life crisis toy, but I use it as often as I can and I'm still having physiotherapy to help my cheek muscles from all the grinning!
The most difficult bit for me was finally taking the plunge and spending all that cash, but 5 months down the line, I don't regret it in the least. Hope that helps, regards,
G
That's about spot on, along with what 'rama has said as well. Got my 54 plate car end of April, have put 6k on it and touch wood, just a couple of minor niggles that any other car could have had.
It's worth noting as well, that they do like being used. The fact that it's a daily driver is actually probably to your advantage so long as you use it long enough for it to be warmed through nicely. Go for as late a car as you can get (TVRs balloon finance payment schemes can be useful for that) and get the TVR approved warranty with the wear and tear option and your face will look like this ---->
Iain
what sort of budget are working too?
How many miles do you intend to do per year?
I know this has been done to death on several threads over the last 6 - 12 months but with servicing every 6k if you plan to do quite a few miles a year i would be tempted to buy a really cheap runabout too. Just a thought.
Nick
what sort of budget are working too?
How many miles do you intend to do per year?
I know this has been done to death on several threads over the last 6 - 12 months but with servicing every 6k if you plan to do quite a few miles a year i would be tempted to buy a really cheap runabout too. Just a thought.
Nick
Hi, I have just taken the plunge to buy my first TVR.
Talking to people about the idea on buying a TVR, 8 out of 10 tried to put me off!! I think a bad reputation from the past TVR models has stuck and TVR themselves have not done much to improve this problem.
I bought a 2003 T350C from classifieds on this website.I bought private, but looked at all the past history with the car and spoke to the dealers myself who carried out service and warranty work,and asked these dealers there honest opinion on the car. I also got TVR themselves to do a chassis check, this will give confirmation of all service history for you.
From information i got with my car, the headgasket went in its first year, just before warranty ran out. It went back to Blackpool for the headgasket work, where under warrany the car was upgraded to 05 spec (motor) this included followers,inlet/exhaust valves,cams, big end shells.There was a water expantion mod also which is bassically a extra expantion tank to aid cooling(stop head gaskets going.)It has done 3.500 miles since rebuilt and runs brilliantly.
I have had my 350 for about 3/4 weeks, its for pleasure not transport, I love it like most owners do,and my life is also richer owning one! i look forward to getting home just to look at it! and take her for a spin( the owner i bought my car of is on his sixth TVR, carn"t be that bad!) like the guys say, buy it with your eyes open knowing there are build quality/reliability issues,but like said they are not as bad as some make out. The driving experience and road presence of my car is unreal, it realy is fantastic! You are getting alot of car for your money, looks inside and out and performance is stunning.This makes the problems that my occurr not so much of a issue.If you do go for it you will love it to!!
Talking to people about the idea on buying a TVR, 8 out of 10 tried to put me off!! I think a bad reputation from the past TVR models has stuck and TVR themselves have not done much to improve this problem.
I bought a 2003 T350C from classifieds on this website.I bought private, but looked at all the past history with the car and spoke to the dealers myself who carried out service and warranty work,and asked these dealers there honest opinion on the car. I also got TVR themselves to do a chassis check, this will give confirmation of all service history for you.
From information i got with my car, the headgasket went in its first year, just before warranty ran out. It went back to Blackpool for the headgasket work, where under warrany the car was upgraded to 05 spec (motor) this included followers,inlet/exhaust valves,cams, big end shells.There was a water expantion mod also which is bassically a extra expantion tank to aid cooling(stop head gaskets going.)It has done 3.500 miles since rebuilt and runs brilliantly.
I have had my 350 for about 3/4 weeks, its for pleasure not transport, I love it like most owners do,and my life is also richer owning one! i look forward to getting home just to look at it! and take her for a spin( the owner i bought my car of is on his sixth TVR, carn"t be that bad!) like the guys say, buy it with your eyes open knowing there are build quality/reliability issues,but like said they are not as bad as some make out. The driving experience and road presence of my car is unreal, it realy is fantastic! You are getting alot of car for your money, looks inside and out and performance is stunning.This makes the problems that my occurr not so much of a issue.If you do go for it you will love it to!!
Wow! Thanks for all the replies guys! One of the most interesting and informative threads I have ever read! Has definately put my mind at ease with some of my concerns.
To answer a few questions, my annual mileage is fairly low as I only live about 5 miles or so from where I work, but traffic can be a problem some days (do these things suffer from over heating?). I would guess I do roughly 6 to 8k a year.
My budget, well I could go out a brand new one but really I think its a bit of a waste of cash considering how fast the t350 depreciates. Realistically I would like to spend around about the 24 to 25k mark but can go higher if I see something I really want.
Another problem for me is I live in Aberdeen and the nearest TVR dealer is somewhere near Perth (a good 2hrs drive) and even that doesn't have the largest selction fo cars. Servicing, again the nearest authorised garage is in Edinburgh. However none of this is enough to put me off looking.
What niggly faults should I be on the look out for. I've heard the rear light are prone to turning into very small swimming pools.
Thanks again
Iain
To answer a few questions, my annual mileage is fairly low as I only live about 5 miles or so from where I work, but traffic can be a problem some days (do these things suffer from over heating?). I would guess I do roughly 6 to 8k a year.
My budget, well I could go out a brand new one but really I think its a bit of a waste of cash considering how fast the t350 depreciates. Realistically I would like to spend around about the 24 to 25k mark but can go higher if I see something I really want.
Another problem for me is I live in Aberdeen and the nearest TVR dealer is somewhere near Perth (a good 2hrs drive) and even that doesn't have the largest selction fo cars. Servicing, again the nearest authorised garage is in Edinburgh. However none of this is enough to put me off looking.
What niggly faults should I be on the look out for. I've heard the rear light are prone to turning into very small swimming pools.
Thanks again
Iain
Edited by Iaing01 on Monday 18th September 11:38
I use mine most days and am convinced that people are right about using them lots
The only things I'm meticulously careful about are letting it warm up properly (quite fun really - watching the guages flicker and change) and checking the oil regularly
Sticking seatbelts and broken A/C warning (fault 137 it claims - there's nothing wrong with the air con though) are two common faults that mine does suffer from.
About £450 for a 6000 mile service & £950 for a 12,000 seem about right
Other than that, ignore the cynics and have fun - there's no looking back!
The only things I'm meticulously careful about are letting it warm up properly (quite fun really - watching the guages flicker and change) and checking the oil regularly
Sticking seatbelts and broken A/C warning (fault 137 it claims - there's nothing wrong with the air con though) are two common faults that mine does suffer from.
About £450 for a 6000 mile service & £950 for a 12,000 seem about right
Other than that, ignore the cynics and have fun - there's no looking back!
Iaing01 said:
To answer a few questions, my annual mileage is fairly low as I only live about 5 miles or so from where I work, but traffic can be a problem some days (do these things suffer from over heating?). I would guess I do roughly 6 to 8k a year.
My budget, well I could go out a brand new one but really I think its a bit of a waste of cash considering how fast the t350 depreciates. Realistically I would like to spend around about the 24 to 25k mark but can go higher if I see something I really want.
Thanks again
Iain
Iain
Id ideally go for an 05 or newer, Ive had 2 T350s now an 03 plate and currently a 55 reg. There is a marked difference too.
Ride & Handling is improved, reading the other post too id almost forgotten about the sticking seat belt probs i used to get on the earlier car, this doesnt happen anymore, the engine is much smoother too, doesnt overheat like my 1st car either. Lots of other little additions too which help. Interior quality is better also. Plus getting an 05 or newer you'll get the remainder of the manufacturers 3 yr 36k warranty.
If your driving to and from work (5miles) this wont allow for oil temp to reach optimum and you'll have to restrict the revs. Having to Do this twice per day may become unbearable, still as someone has mentioned you may take the long way round.
Nick
I went from a Clio 182 to a T350 back in January. The clio is a great car, but they really cannot be compared. I bought new to get the warranty, to choose my colours inside and out, and to run it in myself. The newer cars also have better stereo/speakers, more sound-proofing, the Tuscan seats (which I prefer) arguably better build, and arguably a more sorted engine. In turn I took the depreciation hit.
In that time I've had the best fun driving in my life. There have been niggles, and the odd frustration, but nothing major. I have driven 7500 miles since collection in January, and the worst issue was broken windscreen from an errant rock off the back of a truck - i.e. no fault of the car.
Its not great in heavy traffic, and gets pretty toasty in the summer on long journeys (even with aircon). Putting petrol in the tank is a refined art, and takes longer than it should. The car attracts attention, which you may or may not like. Running costs are high, but no higher than they should be, i.e comparable with any other performance car.
However, the car is very quick, handles like a dream, attracts attention for the right reasons, and is an event every time I drive it.
In that time I've had the best fun driving in my life. There have been niggles, and the odd frustration, but nothing major. I have driven 7500 miles since collection in January, and the worst issue was broken windscreen from an errant rock off the back of a truck - i.e. no fault of the car.
Its not great in heavy traffic, and gets pretty toasty in the summer on long journeys (even with aircon). Putting petrol in the tank is a refined art, and takes longer than it should. The car attracts attention, which you may or may not like. Running costs are high, but no higher than they should be, i.e comparable with any other performance car.
However, the car is very quick, handles like a dream, attracts attention for the right reasons, and is an event every time I drive it.
Iaing01 said:
First off I'd like to say hello to the forum, this being my first post!
Anyway back to the subject, I am thinking of changing my current car (V6 Clio) for a T350. I've heard about the reputation regarding reliability and running costs, in fact thats the first thing someone says when you mention tvr but in reality is this just an old wives tale or are they really as unreliable as poeople say they are? I would be using the car as a daily driver so obviously reliabilty is a must.
The next question is servicing, what are the service intervals, whats the average cost and which ones are "big" ones.
I have noticed that on some of the earlier (2003 mainly) 350's the engines have been re-built, why is this the case on some and not all? Were there revisions to the engine on newer cars?
Anyway any information would be much appriciated.
Thanks
Iain
Anyway back to the subject, I am thinking of changing my current car (V6 Clio) for a T350. I've heard about the reputation regarding reliability and running costs, in fact thats the first thing someone says when you mention tvr but in reality is this just an old wives tale or are they really as unreliable as poeople say they are? I would be using the car as a daily driver so obviously reliabilty is a must.
The next question is servicing, what are the service intervals, whats the average cost and which ones are "big" ones.
I have noticed that on some of the earlier (2003 mainly) 350's the engines have been re-built, why is this the case on some and not all? Were there revisions to the engine on newer cars?
Anyway any information would be much appriciated.
Thanks
Iain
If you want the truth, cross my heart so help me god and all that tosh
firstly/ get an 04 onwards
secondly/ treat the engine with respect untill hot
thirdly/ you will have more fun with it than your wife sitting on your head with twangers on.
howz that. I may have exagerated on the third point slightly..
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