tentative steps towards Tamora ownership (advice please)
Discussion
I have finally gained approval to sell my rather sensible car and get something a little more exciting Ha!
One tamora it is then
I have spotted a 53 reg 15k on the clock £18K full tvr sevice history well until Jan 06 very little mileage since then 2 owners
questions are;
a) the car will come with no warranty and obviously needs a service should I haggle hard on the price and sort my own warranty through a TVR dealer?
b) The car does not have aircon seems that most people would suggest that it is a must?
c) the car will be used daily but for only about 15-20miles then regular blasts on the continent is a speed six on a 53reg robust enough for that kind of use?
d) should I just go to a dealer / sourcing company safe in the knowledge taht I would be buying a better car?
sorry to ask some pretty basic questions but i have used phone a friend and 50/50
One tamora it is then
I have spotted a 53 reg 15k on the clock £18K full tvr sevice history well until Jan 06 very little mileage since then 2 owners
questions are;
a) the car will come with no warranty and obviously needs a service should I haggle hard on the price and sort my own warranty through a TVR dealer?
b) The car does not have aircon seems that most people would suggest that it is a must?
c) the car will be used daily but for only about 15-20miles then regular blasts on the continent is a speed six on a 53reg robust enough for that kind of use?
d) should I just go to a dealer / sourcing company safe in the knowledge taht I would be buying a better car?
sorry to ask some pretty basic questions but i have used phone a friend and 50/50
I would go to TVR Power who will inspect the car for about £300 and if all OK, sell you a full wear and tear warranty for £1300. I bought one for my Tamora last year and will renew it in November. Just for peace of mind.
Re air con, I don't have it and doesn't bother me at all. never been that hot in the car, and if it's not raining the roof is off.
Buying private won't be a problem if you get it checked out.
Engines are OK for tootling and long blasts. Just follow proper warm up procedure.
So just buy it and enjoy, my 4th TVR and best yet.
Re air con, I don't have it and doesn't bother me at all. never been that hot in the car, and if it's not raining the roof is off.
Buying private won't be a problem if you get it checked out.
Engines are OK for tootling and long blasts. Just follow proper warm up procedure.
So just buy it and enjoy, my 4th TVR and best yet.
thanks icb on the tvr power side of things if I buy the car and then take it to TVR power i might get hit for a bill to put things right before I pay for the warranty
I guess what I need to know is did they sort most of the issues with the engine out by oct 2003 or should I be wary and secondly is a 53 reg with 18 months since it's last service worth £18k + say 1.5k for a warranty
Should i try and convionce the seller to allow me to send the car to TVR power before I pay for the car
I guess what I need to know is did they sort most of the issues with the engine out by oct 2003 or should I be wary and secondly is a 53 reg with 18 months since it's last service worth £18k + say 1.5k for a warranty
Should i try and convionce the seller to allow me to send the car to TVR power before I pay for the car
Sounds very much like mine except for a few more miles on the clock..
a) By all means try to haggle but the price sounds pretty good to me already, certainly less that I would let mine go for. I would be surprised if they knock off money for no warranty as that is part of why it would be more from a dealer.
b) Mine doesn't have aircon and never missed having it. Roof only on about 5% of the time but then I don't use it to commute like you would.
c) Mine gets week night and weekend use and has never complained, or at least not seriously.
d) As long as the car is thoroughly checked out and largely niggle free there is no reason a dealer would be significantly better
Going back to a) I don't have a warranty but could come up with the rebuild cash if need be. As most things pay your money and take your choice but if you decide to get a warranty make sure it covers everything you expect it to.
In terms of age I believe that there were changes made in 2003 but it would take someome more in the know than me to say what they are. A search on the forum may throw them up....
a) By all means try to haggle but the price sounds pretty good to me already, certainly less that I would let mine go for. I would be surprised if they knock off money for no warranty as that is part of why it would be more from a dealer.
b) Mine doesn't have aircon and never missed having it. Roof only on about 5% of the time but then I don't use it to commute like you would.
c) Mine gets week night and weekend use and has never complained, or at least not seriously.
d) As long as the car is thoroughly checked out and largely niggle free there is no reason a dealer would be significantly better
Going back to a) I don't have a warranty but could come up with the rebuild cash if need be. As most things pay your money and take your choice but if you decide to get a warranty make sure it covers everything you expect it to.
In terms of age I believe that there were changes made in 2003 but it would take someome more in the know than me to say what they are. A search on the forum may throw them up....
[quote=icb]Buying private won't be a problem if you get it checked out.
[quote=Moulder].
d) As long as the car is thoroughly checked out and largely niggle free there is no reason a dealer would be significantly better
are you guys talking about taking the car to an independant garage / inspected by someone in the know / just an HPI check or what???
[quote=Moulder].
d) As long as the car is thoroughly checked out and largely niggle free there is no reason a dealer would be significantly better
are you guys talking about taking the car to an independant garage / inspected by someone in the know / just an HPI check or what???
1st of all good luck with your purchase, you wont regret it if you find a nice example.
Be prepared to go and have a look at as many as you have the time for.
Obviously the major concern is the engine. General rule was to go for as later engined car as your budget will allow. From 04 onwards the engines seemed alot more sorted and improvements were apparently made along the way.
if i was going to buy a pre 04 car i would look for either a recent engine rebuild to latest spec, or if not at least have a thorough inspection done of the top end by tvrpower as someone has already mentioned.
Happy hunting
N
Be prepared to go and have a look at as many as you have the time for.
Obviously the major concern is the engine. General rule was to go for as later engined car as your budget will allow. From 04 onwards the engines seemed alot more sorted and improvements were apparently made along the way.
if i was going to buy a pre 04 car i would look for either a recent engine rebuild to latest spec, or if not at least have a thorough inspection done of the top end by tvrpower as someone has already mentioned.
Happy hunting
N
I bought my Tamora 4 weeks ago & have now covered 2000 miles in it so below is my advice FWIW.
1) I got mine privately, haggled on price, haven't sorted a warantee and took (and continued to take the risk). Reading the post on here most warantees don't seem much use anyway.
2) I particularly wanted air con after 5 years of Chimeara ownership in which the heat soak into the cabin is huge. I KNOW the lid comes off but if doing 200 miles up the M'way occasionally I prefer it on. Drving to Edinburgh & back last month with the lid up the air con was on for 30 mins (each way) tops. I could easily have opened the windows.
In short, the heat soak in mine isn't that bad & I reckon I could live without air con - not a deal breaker if the car is good in all other respects.
DISCLAIMER: Just my opinion and no two TVRs are the same!
3) No idea - but be prepared to pay for it. During the recent tube strike driving the Tamora into central London was a pleasure but don't think I would want to do it every day due to the wear and tear on the car.
4) No.
BTW, Its an awesome car.
Jev.
1) I got mine privately, haggled on price, haven't sorted a warantee and took (and continued to take the risk). Reading the post on here most warantees don't seem much use anyway.
2) I particularly wanted air con after 5 years of Chimeara ownership in which the heat soak into the cabin is huge. I KNOW the lid comes off but if doing 200 miles up the M'way occasionally I prefer it on. Drving to Edinburgh & back last month with the lid up the air con was on for 30 mins (each way) tops. I could easily have opened the windows.
In short, the heat soak in mine isn't that bad & I reckon I could live without air con - not a deal breaker if the car is good in all other respects.
DISCLAIMER: Just my opinion and no two TVRs are the same!
3) No idea - but be prepared to pay for it. During the recent tube strike driving the Tamora into central London was a pleasure but don't think I would want to do it every day due to the wear and tear on the car.
4) No.
BTW, Its an awesome car.
Jev.
HPI check minimum, there is a guy in either the Main TVR, Cerbera, or Tamora/T350/Sagaris forum who has 2 going spare at the moment. If not they are 25 quid for 5 from what I recall.
I was going to say get it taken along to a local dealer or independent for them to check out. Looking at where you are it will have to be local to the car, as long as you are not buying from someone down the road!
Any main dealer(?) or specialist should be able to give you a good assessment of the car, though this will obviously only be easily accessible bits and the noises from elsewhere.
Where abouts (roughly) is the car? I am sure people will put forward the names of good local places to get it assessed.
If it really is in the Channel Islands then the best sports car specialist you can find if there is no TVR specialist.
I was going to say get it taken along to a local dealer or independent for them to check out. Looking at where you are it will have to be local to the car, as long as you are not buying from someone down the road!
Any main dealer(?) or specialist should be able to give you a good assessment of the car, though this will obviously only be easily accessible bits and the noises from elsewhere.
Where abouts (roughly) is the car? I am sure people will put forward the names of good local places to get it assessed.
If it really is in the Channel Islands then the best sports car specialist you can find if there is no TVR specialist.
Moulder
there in lies most of the issue my current loctaion makes travelling a little difficult so I am planning a trip over later on this week
I have 3 or 4 cars tentatively lined up some private some with non franchised dealers all with full TVR sevice history although that some peoples idea of full history does not match mine
I was going to try and see as many of those on my short list as i could but the car I was discussing is based just outside Harlow so Stansted TVR would seem a logical starting point unless anybody knows of any independants locally Rob Ingelby/james Agger names have been mentioned on other forums so I could use either of them.
there in lies most of the issue my current loctaion makes travelling a little difficult so I am planning a trip over later on this week
I have 3 or 4 cars tentatively lined up some private some with non franchised dealers all with full TVR sevice history although that some peoples idea of full history does not match mine
I was going to try and see as many of those on my short list as i could but the car I was discussing is based just outside Harlow so Stansted TVR would seem a logical starting point unless anybody knows of any independants locally Rob Ingelby/james Agger names have been mentioned on other forums so I could use either of them.
I have been to Stansted TVR once but only to look around when I was buying mine. No reason why they or either of the other 2 you mention wouldn't be able to do what you want. I would be interested to know the caveat's in advance that these guys give with their checks though.
£300 is a lot to pay to get something looked at so it would need to tick all the other boxes if it was me. From what I recall when I sold my Cerbera the buyer had something similar done and I agreed with them I would knock half the price of the survey off the price of the car if it came back satisfactory* and they bought it.
£300 is a lot to pay to get something looked at so it would need to tick all the other boxes if it was me. From what I recall when I sold my Cerbera the buyer had something similar done and I agreed with them I would knock half the price of the survey off the price of the car if it came back satisfactory* and they bought it.
- As you say peoples interpretation of words/phrases is not always in harmony!!
Well done - two smart moves.
You say you have seen a 53 reg car at 18K private and the car comes with no warranty. My advice would be to either get the car inspected by a good independant or dealer and discuss a warranty. If there are lots of issues at inspection, you walk away or try to negotiate. I would walk away, a car with a lot of issues does not sound like a loved car.
That the car does not have aircon depends on the use it will have. For me, and its a personal thing, I would suggest if it's going to be used everyday, its probably worthwhile - when it works correctly, but I would not pay a premium for it. If it's mainly for fun... I would prefer it without.
15-20 miles perd day? Short trips in any performance car hurt the transmisson. Mainly down to not getting properly warmed up. The S6 engine needs to be warm before its enjoyed proprerly, and this takes time (lots of posts on here regarding warming up procedures). I think that in the winter, it will be hardwork keeping the revs down till temperature is up. Blasts on the continent the car will love, and will forgive you running it for 4 or 5 months in the winter.
My advice would be to consider a dealer or good indy for purchase, and I would be tempted if you can, to up your budget to get an 05 or 55 car. It may cost 6 or 7K on paper but you will get a lower mileage good spec car for the money - and a better engine. Not to suggest that the car you are looking at now will not be servicable and a good buy, just my opinion.
You say you have seen a 53 reg car at 18K private and the car comes with no warranty. My advice would be to either get the car inspected by a good independant or dealer and discuss a warranty. If there are lots of issues at inspection, you walk away or try to negotiate. I would walk away, a car with a lot of issues does not sound like a loved car.
That the car does not have aircon depends on the use it will have. For me, and its a personal thing, I would suggest if it's going to be used everyday, its probably worthwhile - when it works correctly, but I would not pay a premium for it. If it's mainly for fun... I would prefer it without.
15-20 miles perd day? Short trips in any performance car hurt the transmisson. Mainly down to not getting properly warmed up. The S6 engine needs to be warm before its enjoyed proprerly, and this takes time (lots of posts on here regarding warming up procedures). I think that in the winter, it will be hardwork keeping the revs down till temperature is up. Blasts on the continent the car will love, and will forgive you running it for 4 or 5 months in the winter.
My advice would be to consider a dealer or good indy for purchase, and I would be tempted if you can, to up your budget to get an 05 or 55 car. It may cost 6 or 7K on paper but you will get a lower mileage good spec car for the money - and a better engine. Not to suggest that the car you are looking at now will not be servicable and a good buy, just my opinion.
Good choice of Tiv.
I purchased my 2002 Tamora 2 years ago, and it had 13,000 miles on the clock. The only problem I have had with it was the clutch went last year during London Thunder, and also have had a new improved oil pressure sender unit fitted.
Over the 2 year period, I changed the alloys from 16" spiders to 18" spiders, fitted a JP Sports Exhaust, Nitron shocks, ACT Carbon Fibre Air Tight Air Box, and recently had the engine stripped, rebuilt with upgraded parts to 4.0L RR Spec. All mods were of my own choosing and the engine did not blow up.
In all since I purchased it for £18,000, I have spent £10,000 on all my upgrades, done 12,000 miles, and now basically have a new car.
I hope that my reply shows that there is a choice of buying an earlier version Tamora and upgrading it to the later spec. I did have the option to sell my Tamora and get a later version, but I chose to upgrade my existing one.
I purchased my 2002 Tamora 2 years ago, and it had 13,000 miles on the clock. The only problem I have had with it was the clutch went last year during London Thunder, and also have had a new improved oil pressure sender unit fitted.
Over the 2 year period, I changed the alloys from 16" spiders to 18" spiders, fitted a JP Sports Exhaust, Nitron shocks, ACT Carbon Fibre Air Tight Air Box, and recently had the engine stripped, rebuilt with upgraded parts to 4.0L RR Spec. All mods were of my own choosing and the engine did not blow up.
In all since I purchased it for £18,000, I have spent £10,000 on all my upgrades, done 12,000 miles, and now basically have a new car.
I hope that my reply shows that there is a choice of buying an earlier version Tamora and upgrading it to the later spec. I did have the option to sell my Tamora and get a later version, but I chose to upgrade my existing one.
icraigmy said:
Good choice of Tiv.
I purchased my 2002 Tamora 2 years ago, and it had 13,000 miles on the clock. The only problem I have had with it was the clutch went last year during London Thunder, and also have had a new improved oil pressure sender unit fitted.
Over the 2 year period, I changed the alloys from 16" spiders to 18" spiders, fitted a JP Sports Exhaust, Nitron shocks, ACT Carbon Fibre Air Tight Air Box, and recently had the engine stripped, rebuilt with upgraded parts to 4.0L RR Spec. All mods were of my own choosing and the engine did not blow up.
In all since I purchased it for £18,000, I have spent £10,000 on all my upgrades, done 12,000 miles, and now basically have a new car.
I hope that my reply shows that there is a choice of buying an earlier version Tamora and upgrading it to the later spec. I did have the option to sell my Tamora and get a later version, but I chose to upgrade my existing one.
You pays yer money as they say. I purchased my 2002 Tamora 2 years ago, and it had 13,000 miles on the clock. The only problem I have had with it was the clutch went last year during London Thunder, and also have had a new improved oil pressure sender unit fitted.
Over the 2 year period, I changed the alloys from 16" spiders to 18" spiders, fitted a JP Sports Exhaust, Nitron shocks, ACT Carbon Fibre Air Tight Air Box, and recently had the engine stripped, rebuilt with upgraded parts to 4.0L RR Spec. All mods were of my own choosing and the engine did not blow up.
In all since I purchased it for £18,000, I have spent £10,000 on all my upgrades, done 12,000 miles, and now basically have a new car.
I hope that my reply shows that there is a choice of buying an earlier version Tamora and upgrading it to the later spec. I did have the option to sell my Tamora and get a later version, but I chose to upgrade my existing one.
What you should consider with the earlier car and upgrade route is that the car is still only worth what a 2002 car is worth, a little more to some, some will run a mile from it. At the end of the day, its a car thats 3 year older.
The other problem? with the upgrade route is you never rarely add up what the upgrades actually cost. 10K for what you've had done is a bit of a case in point I'm sure. Look at all the bills with the VAT, I'm sure your closer to 12K unless you stole the engine upgrade.
2005 car would be my advice, not to say I'm right, but as I tried to say in my response, nothing to suggest an earlier car would not be fit for the job.
Edited by Daftlad on Monday 10th September 08:18
Firstly thanks for all the useful advice
As far as budget goes I would love to stretch to a newer model but to be honest I don't want to pay more than £20k I started with a budget well below that and having researched a little and read a number of posts on this forum revised that. I have budgeted for the cost of a warranty on top of that as I see that as running costs.
There are a few around at £20k with non francised dealers but these are older models and I am a little wary
at £18k this is the newest I have seen within my budget. The only way I could up my budget is to buy something taht included a warranty either newer or having had a very recent rebuild. I would rather not have to pay for a warranty but as you say you pays your money and make your choice I could find the cash if the worst happened.
Is there any security in buying an 04 onwards? there seem to be a lot of opinion on here that the issues are not as bad as some people make out
I don't want to start another post about the whys and wherefores as I know that there are plenty on here
As far as budget goes I would love to stretch to a newer model but to be honest I don't want to pay more than £20k I started with a budget well below that and having researched a little and read a number of posts on this forum revised that. I have budgeted for the cost of a warranty on top of that as I see that as running costs.
There are a few around at £20k with non francised dealers but these are older models and I am a little wary
at £18k this is the newest I have seen within my budget. The only way I could up my budget is to buy something taht included a warranty either newer or having had a very recent rebuild. I would rather not have to pay for a warranty but as you say you pays your money and make your choice I could find the cash if the worst happened.
Is there any security in buying an 04 onwards? there seem to be a lot of opinion on here that the issues are not as bad as some people make out
I don't want to start another post about the whys and wherefores as I know that there are plenty on here
to the OP:
I just bought a Tam recently after much discussion on what model to buy (see search for £20k options) - but I digress.
For £18k, I got an 03 with 23k on it - but at a dealer (whom added a warranty) - I now have complete peace of mind and will continue to renew the warranty - I now drive it like it's meant to be driven
There is room in any purchase at a dealer - if it's your first, and you want a little more peace of mind, I'd go dealer personally. Just my 2 cents..
I just bought a Tam recently after much discussion on what model to buy (see search for £20k options) - but I digress.
For £18k, I got an 03 with 23k on it - but at a dealer (whom added a warranty) - I now have complete peace of mind and will continue to renew the warranty - I now drive it like it's meant to be driven
There is room in any purchase at a dealer - if it's your first, and you want a little more peace of mind, I'd go dealer personally. Just my 2 cents..
bartesque said:
Is there any security in buying an 04 onwards? there seem to be a lot of opinion on here that the issues are not as bad as some people make out
Engines, if that be your only worry, and it is with many prospective owners - largely because of Pistonheads, are generally considered to be fairly free of lower grade components by that age, and learning had found its way into the engine. A theory that 3,6 engines are less prone to going bang is probably distorted by the fact more of the earlier engines were 4,0 litre. Security and TVRs...now that would be another post..and quite a long and contentious one too!!
Burba thanks for the tip just read the long posting but some very useful advice
Daftlad ok poor selection of words I know that the general advice is get the newest car you can afford so if I keep my budget at £20k am i likely to find a 04 plate car with a warranty? it is a case of where do you stop I could up my budget to say £25 but then would i need to add a warranty etc.
Daftlad ok poor selection of words I know that the general advice is get the newest car you can afford so if I keep my budget at £20k am i likely to find a 04 plate car with a warranty? it is a case of where do you stop I could up my budget to say £25 but then would i need to add a warranty etc.
bartesque said:
Burba thanks for the tip just read the long posting but some very useful advice
Daftlad ok poor selection of words I know that the general advice is get the newest car you can afford so if I keep my budget at £20k am i likely to find a 04 plate car with a warranty? it is a case of where do you stop I could up my budget to say £25 but then would i need to add a warranty etc.
At 20K you may get an 04 car with a warranty.Daftlad ok poor selection of words I know that the general advice is get the newest car you can afford so if I keep my budget at £20k am i likely to find a 04 plate car with a warranty? it is a case of where do you stop I could up my budget to say £25 but then would i need to add a warranty etc.
25K should by an 05 car with a warranty.
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