Tamora - am I being silly?
Discussion
Hi,
I am looking for a new car. I originally wanted a Tamora as they are one of the best looking cars there are full stop. IMO
I was put off after doing my research and reading all the reviews. As the car would be my daily drive, I read it would be very expensive to run as such, is quite unreliable (I understand about TVR's my Dad has owned 3), has not the best build quality and generally is not the best choice compared to its similarly priced rivals.
I then decided to forget about a convertible and buy a BMW M3. Then the weather started to get warmer and I decided on a Boxster S.
I had decided on a Boxster S but then started looking at Tamora's again. They are infinatly better to look at and more original than a Boxster. They perform better but lose out in just about every other catagory. (build quality, running costs, drive, safrty etc).
The car I buy will be used as my daily drive and I will probably run it through the winter too. I could afford to run a Boxster S, budgetting for insurance, servicing (500 - 1500 PA), poss new set of tyres every year etc.
Would the Tamora be much more expensive to run? Is it viable to use as a daily drive and use through the winter?
Any of your opinions would be much appreciated.
I am looking for a new car. I originally wanted a Tamora as they are one of the best looking cars there are full stop. IMO
I was put off after doing my research and reading all the reviews. As the car would be my daily drive, I read it would be very expensive to run as such, is quite unreliable (I understand about TVR's my Dad has owned 3), has not the best build quality and generally is not the best choice compared to its similarly priced rivals.
I then decided to forget about a convertible and buy a BMW M3. Then the weather started to get warmer and I decided on a Boxster S.
I had decided on a Boxster S but then started looking at Tamora's again. They are infinatly better to look at and more original than a Boxster. They perform better but lose out in just about every other catagory. (build quality, running costs, drive, safrty etc).
The car I buy will be used as my daily drive and I will probably run it through the winter too. I could afford to run a Boxster S, budgetting for insurance, servicing (500 - 1500 PA), poss new set of tyres every year etc.
Would the Tamora be much more expensive to run? Is it viable to use as a daily drive and use through the winter?
Any of your opinions would be much appreciated.
As you Dad's had three TVRs then you should really talk to him for an honest opinion.
How many miles a year will you do? I've used my Tamora daily for over five years but only do around 8000 miles a year so with servicing every 6000 miles a year it's okay.
Have you driven a Tamora and Boxter yet? I'm guessing you haven't as if you have you'd have already decided which to buy!
How many miles a year will you do? I've used my Tamora daily for over five years but only do around 8000 miles a year so with servicing every 6000 miles a year it's okay.
Have you driven a Tamora and Boxter yet? I'm guessing you haven't as if you have you'd have already decided which to buy!
I think Lee www.pistonheads.com/~t40ora uses his regularly. Personally we bought a £2000 clio as a daily driver to start with and it proved a good idea. But we live in london and driving to sainsburys is not good!
I use mine as an every day driver summer and winter and it is a lot more useable than you would imagine.
Running costs can be high though which really depends on your milage. I do about 12k miles per year so need to service it every 6 months or so which can be a bit expensive.
I think other running costs would not be much different to a boxster S and certainly no more than an M3 (excluding service costs).
Running costs can be high though which really depends on your milage. I do about 12k miles per year so need to service it every 6 months or so which can be a bit expensive.
I think other running costs would not be much different to a boxster S and certainly no more than an M3 (excluding service costs).
I use my T350 every day and have done since I got it in July last year. Used it all through the winter and have enjoyed every minnute of it. Yes, they can have their niggles and glitches but this is a hand built sports car you are talking about. Anyway, the daily driving experience more than makes up for any issues I have had. Its opening the garage when you are dreading the day at work ahead and then seeing what you get to drive to work in. Big grin time and your worries fade away!
Performance is awesome too. You need to have serious respect for this as it really is a powerful car and light with it. In time you will learn when and where to open her up thought and the experience is fantastic - as is the noise - even with a standard exhaust.
I have done almost 12000 miles in mine since July and the 24k service is just approaching. Yes servicing can be expensive but keeping your pride and joy in good shape should be important too. There's nothing like it when its running sweetly.
Go on. You won't regret it.
Performance is awesome too. You need to have serious respect for this as it really is a powerful car and light with it. In time you will learn when and where to open her up thought and the experience is fantastic - as is the noise - even with a standard exhaust.
I have done almost 12000 miles in mine since July and the 24k service is just approaching. Yes servicing can be expensive but keeping your pride and joy in good shape should be important too. There's nothing like it when its running sweetly.
Go on. You won't regret it.
newboxsterS said:
Hi,
Would the Tamora be much more expensive to run? Is it viable to use as a daily drive and use through the winter?
Any of your opinions would be much appreciated.
Would the Tamora be much more expensive to run? Is it viable to use as a daily drive and use through the winter?
Any of your opinions would be much appreciated.
Quite probably, yes and yes.
As others have said get a test drive. When you have see if there are any of the 'disadvantages' you can't live with.
I'm into my third Tamora year. It really isn't as rubbish as you might think!
ok, thanks.
I went and saw a Tamora today. I went with my dad who was looking for a Chimeara and they had a Tam. I had a look over it but didnt get a drive. It does look so much more special than the Boxster.
What are your average yearly spends on your cars? What are the roofs like in the wet - many leaks?
Also, I have seen this car for sale - www.pistonheads.com/sales/144999.htm (its the same colour one as I saw today, its much nicer in the flesh)
What do you think? Anyone know the car?
I went and saw a Tamora today. I went with my dad who was looking for a Chimeara and they had a Tam. I had a look over it but didnt get a drive. It does look so much more special than the Boxster.
What are your average yearly spends on your cars? What are the roofs like in the wet - many leaks?
Also, I have seen this car for sale - www.pistonheads.com/sales/144999.htm (its the same colour one as I saw today, its much nicer in the flesh)
What do you think? Anyone know the car?
newboxsterS said:
I went and saw a Tamora today. I went with my dad who was looking for a Chimeara and they had a Tam. I had a look over it but didnt get a drive.
Why didn't you drive it? You sound really keen and ask a lot of questions that you would answer yourself if you drove one... I'm struggling to imagine you'd get a boxster S - well, not one you'd want - for early Tamora money. Moreover, if we assume you want a post '05 S - and why woudn't you: the reviews suggest its much improved over the 1st series - you're not getting one of those anywhere near 20k. So, even a late Tam is cheaper to buy but probably (a bit) more expensive to run. I've just swapped an S1 Elise for a t350 and its probably 50% more expensive to run. But, and its a big BUT, in 6 weeks and 1200 miles I've seen ONE t350, Cerb and Chim on the road. Last Sunday alone we passed (as one does ) at least 10 Boxsters. If you are seriously considering either a Tam or a Boxster S, I don't think there is much to choose between them in terms of running costs. If your head has done the figures for the S do your heart a favour and buy the Tam.
costs - '03 t350 purchase £20k; just had 24k (very major) service: £1.6k at main agent(labour costs £70-80 ph - indys are £40-50; insurance (40) £700 pa; averaging 24mpg; 1500 miles and lost no oil/water or missed a beat ...
) at least 10 Boxsters. If you are seriously considering either a Tam or a Boxster S, I don't think there is much to choose between them in terms of running costs. If your head has done the figures for the S do your heart a favour and buy the Tam. Edited by earlyriser on Monday 16th April 20:54
costs - '03 t350 purchase £20k; just had 24k (very major) service: £1.6k at main agent(labour costs £70-80 ph - indys are £40-50; insurance (40) £700 pa; averaging 24mpg; 1500 miles and lost no oil/water or missed a beat ...
Edited by earlyriser on Monday 16th April 21:04
Hi,
I'm in the same position as you mate, I live in London, need a car that will start when i get in it and take me up the motorway at 3 am to the airport when i need it to. I have never owed a TVR before but obviously am having the same dream! At the moment its looking like im going down the Audi TT route as I cant afford to run two cars to back up a Tamora.
I would be interested in knowing how much you guys spend a year on them if it isn't to personal, to see if im still in a dreamworld!
Cheers
Stairs
I'm in the same position as you mate, I live in London, need a car that will start when i get in it and take me up the motorway at 3 am to the airport when i need it to. I have never owed a TVR before but obviously am having the same dream! At the moment its looking like im going down the Audi TT route as I cant afford to run two cars to back up a Tamora.
I would be interested in knowing how much you guys spend a year on them if it isn't to personal, to see if im still in a dreamworld!
Cheers
Stairs
stairs said:
Hi,
I'm in the same position as you mate, I live in London, need a car that will start when i get in it and take me up the motorway at 3 am to the airport when i need it to. I have never owed a TVR before but obviously am having the same dream! At the moment its looking like im going down the Audi TT route as I cant afford to run two cars to back up a Tamora.
I would be interested in knowing how much you guys spend a year on them if it isn't to personal, to see if im still in a dreamworld!
Cheers
Stairs
I'm in the same position as you mate, I live in London, need a car that will start when i get in it and take me up the motorway at 3 am to the airport when i need it to. I have never owed a TVR before but obviously am having the same dream! At the moment its looking like im going down the Audi TT route as I cant afford to run two cars to back up a Tamora.
I would be interested in knowing how much you guys spend a year on them if it isn't to personal, to see if im still in a dreamworld!
Cheers
Stairs
I have had two TT's both have spent too much time at the dealer or on the back of a AA truck, picking up a T350 this weekend. My experience of german cars hasn't been that great... Go on you know you want to...
Thanks for the replies.
I know the TVR has more soul than the porshe could ever dream of. Heart is with the Tamora, head is with the porsche.
Any thoughts on that car that I posted the link to would be appreciated.
Problem is, I only have about 16.5k to spend to I am right at bottom of the price range. If I could find a good car at aroud 16k I reckon I'd go for it.
I know the TVR has more soul than the porshe could ever dream of. Heart is with the Tamora, head is with the porsche.
Any thoughts on that car that I posted the link to would be appreciated.
Problem is, I only have about 16.5k to spend to I am right at bottom of the price range. If I could find a good car at aroud 16k I reckon I'd go for it.
As the title says YES YOU ARE..if you need to ask the question.
I can't make my mind up- 7 posts, 1 day- 4 on this thread- are you genuine or a troll....
Either way, it's not a serious question when you've driven both.
Seriously, ones got soul & individuality & the others mass produced teutonic eurobox safety everything, traction control, abs, dsc, ebc, bollox...
Its your money, its your choice & I think you've made your mind up anyway ENJOY.
ps How many Boxster are out there???
:-)
I can't make my mind up- 7 posts, 1 day- 4 on this thread- are you genuine or a troll....
Either way, it's not a serious question when you've driven both.
Seriously, ones got soul & individuality & the others mass produced teutonic eurobox safety everything, traction control, abs, dsc, ebc, bollox...
Its your money, its your choice & I think you've made your mind up anyway ENJOY.
ps How many Boxster are out there???
:-)
mattybrown said:
I would suspect you would get as much trouble with 5 year old boxster as you would a tamora just look for one owned by someone who has a passion for the car.
Not knocking TVR in any way but they simply cannot be compared build quality wise to a Porsche. If you want to say they are more fun, different etc etc fair enough but let's not kid ourselves.
In answer to the OP, IMO any TVR is an excellent second car, there is a big difference between commuting on a daily basis and hooning when you have nothing better to do.
The mileage you intend doing will obviously have a lot to do with whether your £1.5k annual maintenance allowance is realistic or not. If for instance you did say 10k miles a year that would probably eat up your allowance on engine work alone without any servicing/repairs/tyres.
If you want a good car with some sort of engine warranty is £16k a realistic budget? If you have no warranty and leave yourself without any spare what happpens if the engine, how can we put it, starts to run less efficiently?
Yes, I hear what you are saying. I had a car a while ago that was supposedly 'built like a tank' a nippy Audi A4, I had nothing but trouble with it and it pissed me off no end.
I suppose the whole idea is a bit of a gamble. But are the odds in my favour?
Is it more likely that I will get a car that will be giving me probs every 5 mins, use all my spare money on servicing and upkeep and generally piss me off? Or is it more likely that I will buy a car that may have one or two problems that can be easily sorted, costs a bit more than average to run but gives me the feeling that my dreams have come true every morning when I wake up and get in it?
I mean, I would love the porsche, I would like getting up in the morning and driving that. But getting in the TVR would make my day, every day. But is the risk that comes with the TVR worth that extra buzz I will get out of it over the Porsche?
I have only being looking private so far so no test drives. If I go to a dealer will they let me drive one? Wheres the best place to go in Oxfordshire/Warwickshire to get a test drive?
I suppose the whole idea is a bit of a gamble. But are the odds in my favour?
Is it more likely that I will get a car that will be giving me probs every 5 mins, use all my spare money on servicing and upkeep and generally piss me off? Or is it more likely that I will buy a car that may have one or two problems that can be easily sorted, costs a bit more than average to run but gives me the feeling that my dreams have come true every morning when I wake up and get in it?
I mean, I would love the porsche, I would like getting up in the morning and driving that. But getting in the TVR would make my day, every day. But is the risk that comes with the TVR worth that extra buzz I will get out of it over the Porsche?
I have only being looking private so far so no test drives. If I go to a dealer will they let me drive one? Wheres the best place to go in Oxfordshire/Warwickshire to get a test drive?
No disrepect, but If you go down the TVR route get yourself on ride drive course so you can explore the limits, in safety with a member of the BiB sat next to you. Having driven my friends boxster I could not beleive how forgiving it was compared to the Tamora and the tamora is very forgiving compared to some TVR's.
Personally buying from a dealer would allow you to establish a good raport with them when it comes to service etc.
Personally buying from a dealer would allow you to establish a good raport with them when it comes to service etc.
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