T350 as an everyday car...???
Discussion
This is a very similar thread to one Ive started in the Noble forum asking the same question...
My situation is this... In just over 2 monthes time I will be a dad for the first time and my other half wants (needs) a safe practical car for her to use during the day to pop around places etc.
The original plan was to get her a diesel Freelander or something like that (I know, I know!) but the more Ive thought about it the more I think that giving her (letting her drive) my car (a BMW 335i saloon) as its safe, baby friendly and all that... and I spend £25k ish on a sports car for myself. as its pointless having 2 practical cars i think.
That led me to the TVR T350 and the Noble GTO 3R. I hate run of the mill sports cars like SLK's, Z4's, Boxsters etc. I want something focused!
I was leaning towards the Noble because of TVR's debatable future causing problems for parts / servicing etc.
But a well sorted T350 is about £10k cheaper than a Noble 3R...
But the Noble's interior is a bit spartan for everyday use and 'comfort', and i feel it has a shouty ARRRGGGHHH LOOK AT ME IM FAST... kind of image, which may wear thin after a few 1000 miles, but I do still love the car soooo much!
This car will be used for about 15-20,000 a year. Commuting to work. the odd track day, trip to le mans, trip to the 'ring... ill still have the 335i for family stuff and 'if' the TVR is ever off the road. (ha! As if!)
Question time...
I would be buying this car to keep for 3 years, what should I be warey of about TVR's future? (should I steer clear of the brand?)
How does the TVR compare in reliability terms to the Noble 3R? Anyone have first hand experiences of both?
Are the 'happy enough' sitting on the M25 everyday?
How comfortable is it to use everyday?
Will my other half end up divorcing me?
Am I living in a dream world and need a big slap with a wet fish?
Any advice?
Many thanks.
Lee
My situation is this... In just over 2 monthes time I will be a dad for the first time and my other half wants (needs) a safe practical car for her to use during the day to pop around places etc.
The original plan was to get her a diesel Freelander or something like that (I know, I know!) but the more Ive thought about it the more I think that giving her (letting her drive) my car (a BMW 335i saloon) as its safe, baby friendly and all that... and I spend £25k ish on a sports car for myself. as its pointless having 2 practical cars i think.
That led me to the TVR T350 and the Noble GTO 3R. I hate run of the mill sports cars like SLK's, Z4's, Boxsters etc. I want something focused!
I was leaning towards the Noble because of TVR's debatable future causing problems for parts / servicing etc.
But a well sorted T350 is about £10k cheaper than a Noble 3R...
But the Noble's interior is a bit spartan for everyday use and 'comfort', and i feel it has a shouty ARRRGGGHHH LOOK AT ME IM FAST... kind of image, which may wear thin after a few 1000 miles, but I do still love the car soooo much!
This car will be used for about 15-20,000 a year. Commuting to work. the odd track day, trip to le mans, trip to the 'ring... ill still have the 335i for family stuff and 'if' the TVR is ever off the road. (ha! As if!)
Question time...
I would be buying this car to keep for 3 years, what should I be warey of about TVR's future? (should I steer clear of the brand?)
How does the TVR compare in reliability terms to the Noble 3R? Anyone have first hand experiences of both?
Are the 'happy enough' sitting on the M25 everyday?
How comfortable is it to use everyday?
Will my other half end up divorcing me?
Am I living in a dream world and need a big slap with a wet fish?
Any advice?
Many thanks.
Lee
someone i know has a 350 he uses as his everyday car commuting about 25 miles everyday and for business use (going to meetings - ie motorway miles) as well i think. has no problems with it. he's had several tvr's that he's used on this basis and all have been fine. he's taken mileages upto 60k i believe before selling them on.
i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
Edited by Rob_T on Thursday 31st May 09:53
Daftlad said:
BJWoods said:
that is THREE services a year. £ ouch £
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
The bigger and wetter the fish the better.Im fully aware of the sort of running costs these cars can incure (at least I think I am) Ive budgeted for 2 services a year @ say... £750 each. Plus 1ish set of tyres / pads and disc's every 18monthes?
Im allowing around £3500 a year in running costs, on the basis nothing big goes bang. Then I would have to dig deeper...
Is that fish still coming my way?
Rob_T said:
someone i know has a 350 he uses as his everyday car commuting about 25 miles everyday and for business use (going to meetings - ie motorway miles) as well i think. has no problems with it. he's had several tvr's that he's used on this basis and all have been fine. he's taken mileages upto 60k i believe before selling them on.
i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
Before starting this thread (or the Noble one) I'd done lots of reading over the past few monhes on here, and I keep on hearing that TVR's like to be used... and a 2005 20k example thats been everyday is 'likely' to be more reliable than a 2005 6k example...i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
Edited by Rob_T on Thursday 31st May 09:53
Which is great from my point of view.
Theres a T350 for sale now in Autotrader thats done 48,000... Am I right in saying that as long as you look after it and treat it with respect it will be a 'reasonably' stress free relationship??
More importantly... Should I buy into a brand thats in such trouble? (honestly)
Have you actually driven either the T350 or the Noble?
If not, do so ASAP - that should help you make up your mind - or make the decision a whole lot harder
Personally I get the impression that these cars are most reliable when used every day. However, bear in mind ability to re-sell in 3 years if you are putting very high mileage on the car.
If not, do so ASAP - that should help you make up your mind - or make the decision a whole lot harder
Personally I get the impression that these cars are most reliable when used every day. However, bear in mind ability to re-sell in 3 years if you are putting very high mileage on the car.
Rochester BMW said:
Rob_T said:
someone i know has a 350 he uses as his everyday car commuting about 25 miles everyday and for business use (going to meetings - ie motorway miles) as well i think. has no problems with it. he's had several tvr's that he's used on this basis and all have been fine. he's taken mileages upto 60k i believe before selling them on.
i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
Before starting this thread (or the Noble one) I'd done lots of reading over the past few monhes on here, and I keep on hearing that TVR's like to be used... and a 2005 20k example thats been everyday is 'likely' to be more reliable than a 2005 6k example...i think like all things, these cars need to be used. people seem ot buy them but then are too afraid to use them. i'd say go for it.
Edited by Rob_T on Thursday 31st May 09:53
Which is great from my point of view.
Theres a T350 for sale now in Autotrader thats done 48,000... Am I right in saying that as long as you look after it and treat it with respect it will be a 'reasonably' stress free relationship??
More importantly... Should I buy into a brand thats in such trouble? (honestly)
With regards to should I buy a brand that's in such trouble, Why not. Some foreign companies would be in the same boat if it were not for government backing
Edited by YI8TVR on Thursday 31st May 10:21
Don't have a 350 but I have the nearest thing TVR wise - a Tamora, bought new last year. More or less daily driver so just over 21k on the clock. Very happy so far on all roads, including sitting on the M25.
It makes every journey special and is perfectly comfortable and practical. Even got a good stereo which is easily hearable at reasonable speeds. I'm looking forward to my 270 mile round trip today, in the rain, taking in the A31, M27, M3, M25 and M20.
Yep; factor in the running costs so that you aren't caught out, have a bit for emergencies and a good warranty (NOT the TVR one like me :-( ). Then go for it.
BUT - do test drive first. No experience of a Noble, but if you don't love one of the cars as soon as you start up and drive off, you're better off with the wet fish.
IMHO
It makes every journey special and is perfectly comfortable and practical. Even got a good stereo which is easily hearable at reasonable speeds. I'm looking forward to my 270 mile round trip today, in the rain, taking in the A31, M27, M3, M25 and M20.
Yep; factor in the running costs so that you aren't caught out, have a bit for emergencies and a good warranty (NOT the TVR one like me :-( ). Then go for it.
BUT - do test drive first. No experience of a Noble, but if you don't love one of the cars as soon as you start up and drive off, you're better off with the wet fish.
IMHO
Rochester BMW said:
Daftlad said:
BJWoods said:
that is THREE services a year. £ ouch £
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
The bigger and wetter the fish the better.Im fully aware of the sort of running costs these cars can incure (at least I think I am) Ive budgeted for 2 services a year @ say... £750 each. Plus 1ish set of tyres / pads and disc's every 18monthes?
Im allowing around £3500 a year in running costs, on the basis nothing big goes bang. Then I would have to dig deeper...
Is that fish still coming my way?
I'm not sure you are fully aware of the sort of running costs.
You budget 3000 GPB or servicing in two years, it will be nearer to 4-4500. Tyres will be nearer to 12 monthly if you do 18000 miles as will discs and pads
Is that fish still coming my way? its your face, it's your wallet? Any TVR would be low on my list of cars for doing 15-20,000 miles per year.
Thanks for the replies everyone, I will eventually book up a test drive at Mole Valley proberly as they have experience with both cars.
However ill only test drive them once...
A. I am fully aware and happy with the potential financial costs that are involved in running one over 3 years and big miles.
B. I have convinced my other half that buying a TVR/Noble this is the most sensible decision for us...(might take a while that one)
C. Been allowed back in the house after I just went out and got one regardless...
I dont want to waste anyones time taking them out for a drive unless im not 110% sure that I will buy one, and am in the position to buy one there and then...
However ill only test drive them once...
A. I am fully aware and happy with the potential financial costs that are involved in running one over 3 years and big miles.
B. I have convinced my other half that buying a TVR/Noble this is the most sensible decision for us...(might take a while that one)
C. Been allowed back in the house after I just went out and got one regardless...
I dont want to waste anyones time taking them out for a drive unless im not 110% sure that I will buy one, and am in the position to buy one there and then...
Daftlad said:
Rochester BMW said:
Daftlad said:
BJWoods said:
that is THREE services a year. £ ouch £
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
The bigger and wetter the fish the better.Im fully aware of the sort of running costs these cars can incure (at least I think I am) Ive budgeted for 2 services a year @ say... £750 each. Plus 1ish set of tyres / pads and disc's every 18monthes?
Im allowing around £3500 a year in running costs, on the basis nothing big goes bang. Then I would have to dig deeper...
Is that fish still coming my way?
I'm not sure you are fully aware of the sort of running costs.
You budget 3000 GPB or servicing in two years, it will be nearer to 4-4500. Tyres will be nearer to 12 monthly if you do 18000 miles as will discs and pads
Is that fish still coming my way? its your face, it's your wallet? Any TVR would be low on my list of cars for doing 15-20,000 miles per year.
Its a sports car I want and I cant think of anything else that I'd rather own...
The only other option is... I buy a little cheapy car for cummuting and keep the TVR for high days and sundays?
Rochester BMW said:
Daftlad said:
BJWoods said:
that is THREE services a year. £ ouch £
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
The bigger and wetter the fish the better.Im fully aware of the sort of running costs these cars can incure (at least I think I am) Ive budgeted for 2 services a year @ say... £750 each. Plus 1ish set of tyres / pads and disc's every 18monthes?
Im allowing around £3500 a year in running costs, on the basis nothing big goes bang. Then I would have to dig deeper...
Is that fish still coming my way?
IT IS 3 services a year (every 6k) if you do 18k miles. I think you will be lucky to get away with £750 a time service, there is usually something extra to do, not necesarily expensive parts, just an hour or 2's labour soon knock thing up,
Plus, of course depreciation will be bad, but it would be pretty bad anyway...
If you've got the cash, don't mind spending it WHY NOT.
A commuter hack, ASWELL would probably work out cheaper though.
B
B
Edited by BJWoods on Thursday 31st May 11:29
BJWoods said:
Rochester BMW said:
Daftlad said:
BJWoods said:
that is THREE services a year. £ ouch £
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
plus consunables,
depreciation will be scary.
If you have deep pockets, enjoy yourself.....
otherwise, big slap with a very big fish
B
The bigger and wetter the fish the better.Im fully aware of the sort of running costs these cars can incure (at least I think I am) Ive budgeted for 2 services a year @ say... £750 each. Plus 1ish set of tyres / pads and disc's every 18monthes?
Im allowing around £3500 a year in running costs, on the basis nothing big goes bang. Then I would have to dig deeper...
Is that fish still coming my way?
IT IS 3 services a year (every 6k) if you do 18k miles. I think you will be lucky to get away with £750 a time service, there is usually something extra to do, not necesarily expensive parts, just an hour or 2's labour soon knock thing up,
Plus, of course depreciation will be bad, but it would be pretty bad anyway...
If you've got the cash, don't mind spending it WHY NOT.
A commuter hack, ASWELL would probably work out cheaper though.
B
B
Edited by BJWoods on Thursday 31st May 11:29
I would certainly not consider a TVR as an everyday car to rely on day in and day out for getting to work. They are built for and best suited to being a second fun car for the occasional blast to put a smile on your face. I'm not saying that the T350 can't be used as everyday transport but I also would'nt argue that shorts could'nt be worn for skiing! They can and it may be a bit of fun for 10 minutes until you're freezing your balls off! Depreciation would be the biggest cost in my book as a TVR with over 30k miles is a raffle job really. I'd go for a nice 993 C2 or C4. They have that individual and raw feel (that later Porsches have arguably lost) and they are pretty bullet proof to 100k miles AND you can fit your good lady and the little one in for Sunday picnics! Running costs I admitt are not cheap but depreciation as low as it gets. I have alternated between 911's and TVR's for a few years now and I know which I'd rather take to work on a wet winters morning but I also know which I'd rather drive to the lakes in on a bright summers day!
I'd agree with both of the above, in parts. Mine is my only car, used regularly, though not for commuting. If it does let me down - hasn't yet in 2.5k miles, its not a crisis. I'm planning under 10k pa to help with residuals and running costs. I don't know enough about 993s etc to know how they compare finance wise, I'm guessing they are similar to run ca. 80ppm? Its worth pointing out that there's plenty of 4-year old T350s changing hands at the moment for +/- 50% of new cost, which isn't bad. Would you get as a good a 993 for £20k? Yes, you will face a rebiuld in the Tiv before the Porsche, but worth it if you are paying say 10k extra for the 993 initially
i use mine as my daily car for all purposes, long and short trips. done almost 14k in my first year and its been great (2003 t350) and also done trackdays in it.
its expensive but its worth it, couldnt bare to drive a normal car every day now, there are things you learn to put up with, (for me no air-con but its only a few weeks of the year that it matters to me) and i would deffinatly suggest getting a test drive - you will probably buy it.
money is there to be spent, ask your wife to tell you how big your grin is and make a decision.
g
its expensive but its worth it, couldnt bare to drive a normal car every day now, there are things you learn to put up with, (for me no air-con but its only a few weeks of the year that it matters to me) and i would deffinatly suggest getting a test drive - you will probably buy it.
money is there to be spent, ask your wife to tell you how big your grin is and make a decision.
g
earlyriser said:
Would you get as a good a 993 for £20k?
See http://www.intaporsh.co.uk/used_car_100.asp13 years old 94k £23k, you do the maths
earlyriser said:
earlyriser said:
Would you get as a good a 993 for £20k?
See www.intaporsh.co.uk/used_car_100.asp
13 years old 94k £23k, you do the maths
Thanks for the replies so far...
Personally I'd take the TVR over that 911... but its still a fine car.
TVR ownership strikes me as a kind of lottery.... Ive read about running costs upwards of 5k a year, constant niggles etc etc... then I hear about owners who use theres everyday as if its a Ford Focus... and they have no problems to report of...
The one thing that I was thinking is this....
There are owners out there that use their TVR's everyday, rain or shine, for every journey, and rarely have any problems...but...
do these owners drive like a nun?
are they constantly carrying out little bits of maintanance and checks to make sure nothing is about to go wrong? (always being one step ahead)
are these owners experienced TVR owners that know TVR's inside out, and know how they like to be treated to get the best reliability out of them?
Or is it just pot luck?
As a TVR virgin, do I have as much chance in buying a nightmare as buying a dream?
Edited by Rochester BMW on Thursday 31st May 16:16
Edited by Rochester BMW on Thursday 31st May 16:17
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff