spoting a bad one

[bobdylan]

mad saving up now(im even laying of the drink!)
but the day tamora hunting, starts soon (i havent even driven in one yet, infact i havent SEEN one in the flesh yet, but i know its the one)
now im going to look at one monday.
can u help
1. whats are, if any the sighns of a bad one, a smile and back away slowly type thing to watch out for?
2. a tom with 20,000 miles on the clock will it need anything looking at or major service doing ?
im getting that nyt before christmass feeling in my tummy

[icb]

If you can afford it get an inspection, £195, then a warranty from TVR Power £1300. Covers all wear and tear. Praps could get the seller to pay for the inspection.

[targarama]

All equal importance:

- How the owner treats it, esp. when cold.
- General condition - again treatment.
- Extra detailed service history a must.

[rev-erend]

Now there is a difficult question.

If you are refering to how to spot one with an engine problem - well even a TVR dealer has to take the rocker covers off and strip down and inspect for wear.

So - you either do this for every car you decide to buy .. or like most people find - the problem is vastly exagerated and is not the huge problem initial buyes think it is. Look to see it's been well maintained and the condition of the car is good (or excellent).

It is a buyers market - so prices are low and if people expect to shift their car this time of year should take any reasonable offer.

Lastly - keep a little in reserve .. just in case the worst happens.

[chris watton]

targarama said:

All equal importance:

- How the owner treats it, esp. when cold.
- General condition - again treatment.
- Extra detailed service history a must.

Agree totally, plus it may be worth factoring into the price the cost of a service, I would take it for at least a minor service as soon as purchased it, just to be sure. (if buying privatly)

[bobdylan]

seen a black one looked a little tired. but then i fell in love mmmmmmmmmmm with a tam 8 grand over budget DOH !
talk with guy in garage said he mite know of a 03 coming in in my range, was there a diff in 02 to 03 reg cars ?
he also said i need to service it twice a year so set a side about a grand a year for it ? 600 big un and a 250 little un . is this about right ?

[chris watton]

bobdylan said:

seen a black one looked a little tired. but then i fell in love mmmmmmmmmmm with a tam 8 grand over budget DOH !
talk with guy in garage said he mite know of a 03 coming in in my range, was there a diff in 02 to 03 reg cars ?
he also said i need to service it twice a year so set a side about a grand a year for it ? 600 big un and a 250 little un . is this about right ?

Hi , If you are only doing around 6K miles a year, the Tam will need servicing only once per year - the big service (every other year if driving it 6K per year)will invariably cost nearer £1K, don't let the guy kid you it'll be £600, the smaller service, if done by a good specialist (TVR Power/Silverstone etc) will cost around £500/600. You will not get a decentand proper service for £250, that's just the cost of checking tappets on the larger services!
I think it is very important not to 'skimp' on the servicing, keeping the car in fine fettle will ultimately reward you more.
Also, make sure you have a battery conditioner with the car, and oil, as this needs to be checked religiously.

ETA, also, full geo check is just as important as a full service, don't forget to make sure it is set up correctly! :drive:

Edited by chris watton on Tuesday 30th January 13:26

[bobdylan]

geo ? geomatory check ? do u think i could get the garage to do geo check when i buy it ?
and i must confess iv seen lots of talk on batt conditioners but im not a 100% on what one/it is ?

[icb]

Check that the garage knows the geo settings for the car,otherwise could end up all over the place! Accumate battery conditioner, about £45, plugs into the cigarette lighter or to battery and keeps battery charged up, if the car is left unused for a while. Can be left connected for weeks,as I do when away at work. The alarm can drag the battery down. Leven Technology sell them.

[bobdylan]

insurance SORTED yipee. after a quate of 4500 ha ha ha iv managed 822 including 4 trackdays (happy happy man) way below my expectations. now the final question and one thats bothering me , a garrage to keep it in ?
looking to rent one local but its proving a head ache