T350 prices...
Discussion
I've been thinking of buying a T350 over the last few months so have been carefully watching the market and prices. Generally speaking cars don't seem to be turning over much at dealers or private. For me, a low mileage 2005 car needs to be sub £25k to catch me eye. The way I look at it is to compare to the Porsche Boxster - a 2005 Boxster S with circa 10k miles can be picked up for £26-£28k and these cars were deemed depreciation proof! Bearing in mind the T350 cost about the same new and is a far more specialised car, I would say it is unrealistic to expect the same value retention. Not that I'd buy a Porsche Boxster!!!
arran said:
Does the targa not sell quite a bit higher? A dealer told me that the Targa sells for around £2,000 more than the Coupe in the warmer months....
Was that the dealer you were buying from by any chance? 
The Targa costs £2k more new but I think in the used market its all down to personal preference and the value is much closer. Some (oddly) prefer the lines of the Coupe. Some prefer the lines of the Targa (me) plus the fact you get a lot or rooflessness with the security/safety of a hard top (me).
My advice - don't panic and drop your pants on price. Its not exactly majorly overpriced and any private buyer will think they can knock you down a bit.
The 20-22k cars seem to be selling OK. Strange really - a 2005 car is often 3 years newer and much better for it (build/fit).
For me the targa has pro's and con's. I like the idea of having the open roof on a sunny day but the extra wind noise with the panels in place over the coupe worries me, especially if on a long motorway run. I would be interested to hear an unbiased opinion on if this is a problem but you do get a lot of folk saying that wind noise is noticable. I think colour is also an important factor with TVR's as when people had the ability to choose at will when specifying a new factory order the consequences can be a bit scary and lairy! The silver/grey cars with simple interiors seem to command better prices than say a green car with purple leather. Then again, there could be someone out there who dreams of purple leather but it ain't me!
I've been fiddling with my roof recently. You really cannot tell you're in a Targa below 100mph. Also, I get no noise from the door glass (some coupe owners have reported this).
Most problems are noticed on test drives where dealers have hastily shoved the roof on and not aligned it properly.
Edited for bid speeling
Most problems are noticed on test drives where dealers have hastily shoved the roof on and not aligned it properly.
Edited for bid speeling
Edited by Targarama on Tuesday 5th June 16:35
keeping an eye on T350 prices myself as hopeful to be in the market soon, but have noticed quite a variation really, also to be honest the Targa puts me off, its not the open top motoring or the noise (going from a chim) its just the panel look awful IMO of course 
the other thing i can't help noticing is how good value the Tam's look in comparison for a similar mileage/spec car
the other thing i can't help noticing is how good value the Tam's look in comparison for a similar mileage/spec car
I aligned my roof panels properly and noise only starts at 100+ speeds.
There are lots of extras which need to be reflected in any price. Colour, leather, aircon, Red rose spec, etc.
Also condition can vary hughly regardless of milage.
I think the targa probably has better looks than the coupe but it is a close call.
There are lots of extras which need to be reflected in any price. Colour, leather, aircon, Red rose spec, etc.
Also condition can vary hughly regardless of milage.
I think the targa probably has better looks than the coupe but it is a close call.
Nano2nd said:
keeping an eye on T350 prices myself as hopeful to be in the market soon, but have noticed quite a variation really, also to be honest the Targa puts me off, its not the open top motoring or the noise (going from a chim) its just the panel look awful IMO of course
the other thing i can't help noticing is how good value the Tam's look in comparison for a similar mileage/spec car
im also in the keeping an eye on T350 prices as Im hoping to get one towards the end of the summer.the other thing i can't help noticing is how good value the Tam's look in comparison for a similar mileage/spec car
Personally I think the targa roof panels ruin the smooth lines of the car over the roof. They look like a rushed after-thought.
However, having the 'open air' must be a real plus, and if engine heat makes the cabin uncomfortable i'd go for the targa, even if it doesn't look as good as the coupé. IMO of course.
Then again I cant decide between cerbera 4.5, tuscan S or T350C or T.... decisions decisions...
arran said:
Oh well, time to bite the bullet... I've just dropped it to £25,999... That should get a bit of interest....
I doubt it. With the greatest respect the interior is very Stevie Wonder, so it is going to cut down a lot of buyers. £25k absolute tops. £23k for a quick sale.Edited by arran on Friday 8th June 17:00
All in my opinion of course.
kmpowell said:
arran said:
Oh well, time to bite the bullet... I've just dropped it to £25,999... That should get a bit of interest....
I doubt it. With the greatest respect the interior is very Stevie Wonder, so it is going to cut down a lot of buyers. £25k absolute tops. £23k for a quick sale.Edited by arran on Friday 8th June 17:00
All in my opinion of course.
Edited to say: Those sound like the words of a prospective buyer
Edited by Targarama on Friday 8th June 21:09
Targarama said:
The 20-22k cars seem to be selling OK. Strange really - a 2005 car is often 3 years newer and much better for it (build/fit).
Perhaps not. A 2005 car is going to be the same age/price as a 2003 car in two years time. If one is going for 20-22k and the other 5k+ more now , why pay the difference when you'll lose it even if the 2005 car does nothing (perish the thought)in the intervening period? Opinion seems divided as to whether there is significant build/fit improvements, esp if a 2003 car has had recent top-end work from the likes of Power, or whomever.I'm just starting my search for a Tamora/T350. When you can get a 2003 350 from james agger for 21.5k or a 2004 tamora for 20k the private buys don't seem that attractive, they come with warrenty and he has a reputation for selling good examples. Personally I'd buy a 2003 and save 5k for any troubles.
arran said:
Mr Powell,
Can I ask how you came to that figure? I have been offered 24,400 from a TVR dealer (Henley) so I know that the 23k would be for a very quick sale indeed!
As Trefor says, bit etheir arm off for that offer!Can I ask how you came to that figure? I have been offered 24,400 from a TVR dealer (Henley) so I know that the 23k would be for a very quick sale indeed!
You ask how I came to my figures... well. just under a year ago I sold my at the time 'new' 2005/05 T350T. It was a one owner, 9 month old 3k mile example in gorgeous Sapphire with Navy leather and Magnolia piping, and the prices I was being offered from dealers ranged from £27k-£30k(I paid £41k for it). Now, bear in mind that this was BEFORE TVR went tits up and the 3yr warranty became worth bugger all, then compare it to your cars age and what you are being offered in the current climate where a dealer has to pay to put a warranty on it and buyers are in very short supply...
Trust me, at £24k you want to be banking that offer ASAP!
Edited by kmpowell on Monday 11th June 12:37
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