Is buying a T350 a crazy idea?

[codieskid]

Hi There

I am looking at buying at a new car at the moment to replace the big gap where my Toyota Supra used to live. I have been looking at lots of different cars but finally thought I'd narrowed my shortlist down to 2 cars, a Nissan 350z or a Jaguar XKR. However I went to see a Nissan 350z yesterday and was disappointed with the size and quality of the car. After owning a Supra the 350z seems to lack the same kind of road presence that the supra had. So my last car to test is the XKR which I plan to try and test drive soon.

However I have always wanted to own a TVR and noticed that the T350C's are now dipping below the £20k mark. I'd be very tempted by one as its a car I have always liked but thinking with my head how practical are the T350's? I not looking to use my next car everday but certainly want to use it a couple of times a week. Also how good are the engines? I have heard so many horror stories about the TVR straight sixes but as the T350 was one of the latter TVR's did they manage to address any of the reliability issues.

Finally can anyone give me a rough idea of annual running costs of a car doing around 10,000miles?

Many Thanks

Trevor

[Lukesr]

It is a crazy idea, you should get a Tamora

[codieskid]

Why the Tamora????

[TvrT350t]

Go for a T350t

[codieskid]

Also how many miles can you expect to get out of a T350 before the engine goes pop if you look after it properly. I have seen people saying that they warm thier cars up properly , always check oil etc and yet the engines still give up. So is owning a T350 a bit of a lottery and if so and my numbers come up how much does it cost for a rebuild?

[TGJR]

I think a T350 is a great car to go for if you are looking for something quick, fun to drive and a bit different from the norm. Some will argue they are useable as an everyday car and that may well be the case. For me they are more of a second car but ideal for say 5000 miles a year of motoring. I was considering a T350 for a while but eventually went for the Sagaris. I would have been more than happy to own a T350 though. With regard to mileage and engine durability you should be able to get a 2003 or even 2004 car with sub-15000 miles and FSH. You can never be certain with the speed six but a well maintained car should run upto 40000 miles no probs. Clutch may well be needed at circa 20000 miles. My advice would be to get as new a car as the budget allows - 2005 with 20k a better bet than 2003 with 10k in my opinion.

Jag XKR? Thats a long way from a T350, a bit like dad's car and son's car!!!

[M14EYC]

I disagree... a 2003 with a 2005 or 2006 engine rebuild would be cheaper and just as reliable as the 2005 model. When I bought mine, I searched for one which had it's clutch replaced, a recent engine rebuild and a full warranty in place and I got an amazing price. She's running beautifully!

[earlyriser]

M14EYC said:

I disagree... a 2003 with a 2005 or 2006 engine rebuild would be cheaper and just as reliable as the 2005 model. When I bought mine, I searched for one which had it's clutch replaced, a recent engine rebuild and a full warranty in place and I got an amazing price. She's running beautifully!

Likewise. Plus a post-rebuild 2003 car will aleady have taken more depreciation. A 2005 car is a 2003 car in two years, afterall.

[TGJR]

Overall build quality is much better on a 2005 car than a 2003 car. Once they started sticking 3 year warranties on them the cars were better sorted. I looked at a number of 2003 cars and 2005 cars and the difference was marked.

[codieskid]

Ok so a 2003 model post rebuild is sounding like a possibility to me. However once a rebuild has been done is there anything else any of the garages/specialists do to strengthen the engines to help ensure that another engine failure does not occur? Also is there any buyers guides or additional information on the T250's anywhere on the internet?

[codieskid]

Sorry another question, how do the cars cope in built up urban areas/heavy traffic etc and also on long distance drives as I have heard people on this forum mentioned driving above certain revs etc. Basically I live in London but will be travelling out of London and up to the midlands every other week so it needs to be practical enough to cope with the odd long drive and also be able to tootle round the city.

Edited by codieskid on Monday 9th July 18:38

[YI8TVR]

codieskid said:

Sorry another question, how do the cars cope in built up urban areas/heavy traffic

They dont and give up the ghost.. But I am sure some will disagree.


Let me put it another way how would Redrum feel pulling a plough

[earlyriser]

codieskid said:

Sorry another question, how do the cars cope in built up urban areas/heavy traffic etc and also on long distance drives as I have heard people on this forum mentioned driving above certain revs etc. Basically I live in London but will be travelling out of London and up to the midlands every other week so it needs to be practical enough to cope with the odd long drive and also be able to tootle round the city.

Edited by codieskid on Monday 9th July 18:38

Mine is my only car - although my partner has a Volvo. It does all kinds of driving and (tempting fate) doesn't miss a beat. It doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome in traffic - although the turning circle is limited and can cause embarrasment the first time. A decent 200 mile round trip 2-3 times a month will do it the world of good. Do your research on a specific car. I still argue a well looked after example with a good history and not age/miles per se is the key. Talk to the previous owner, especially if they are on here. I've find the TVR fraternity really welcoming and very helpful.

[codieskid]

earlyriser said:

codieskid said:

Sorry another question, how do the cars cope in built up urban areas/heavy traffic etc and also on long distance drives as I have heard people on this forum mentioned driving above certain revs etc. Basically I live in London but will be travelling out of London and up to the midlands every other week so it needs to be practical enough to cope with the odd long drive and also be able to tootle round the city.

Edited by codieskid on Monday 9th July 18:38

Mine is my only car - although my partner has a Volvo. It does all kinds of driving and (tempting fate) doesn't miss a beat. It doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome in traffic - although the turning circle is limited and can cause embarrasment the first time. A decent 200 mile round trip 2-3 times a month will do it the world of good. Do your research on a specific car. I still argue a well looked after example with a good history and not age/miles per se is the key. Talk to the previous owner, especially if they are on here. I've find the TVR fraternity really welcoming and very helpful.

Can I ask how long you have owned your TVR and what problems/costs have you incurred during your ownership?

[espresso]

I used to regularly drive to the midlands and back in mine (from Henley-On-Thames) - sometimes two or three times per week. I also used it a lot in London. It got pretty hot in the cabin in the summer though (air con's a bit weak).
I never had any problems at all.

Warm it up carefully, check the oil regularly and use Shell V-Power (not sure about the last one, but it worked for me).

Don't TVR Power engine re-builds now come with unlimited mileage warranties?

[codieskid]

espresso said:

I used to regularly drive to the midlands and back in mine (from Henley-On-Thames) - sometimes two or three times per week. I also used it a lot in London. It got pretty hot in the cabin in the summer though (air con's a bit weak).
I never had any problems at all.

Warm it up carefully, check the oil regularly and use Shell V-Power (not sure about the last one, but it worked for me).

Don't TVR Power engine re-builds now come with unlimited mileage warranties?

That has helped tick a few boxes for the T350. I actually came across the TVR power website today and checked the price of a rebuild should the worst happen. It looks like they do an unlimited mileage 2 year warranty on any speed six rebuild which is very good.

[SEN 18]

codieskid said:

Why the Tamora????

Quite simple its the best TVR thats ever been built,how do Iknow this I'VE DRIVEN THEM ALL road cars that is.

[codieskid]

Isn't the T350 a very similar car though?

Parkers website says "The T350 is basically a coupe version of the Tamora, despite the totally different looks."

[SEN 18]

Take a test drive in both cars then buy the Tamora you will see for your self then.

[joe@eliteyachtco]

i just love the t350.