First time TVR (S2, S3) - info, please?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm not sure if it's the Christmas Spirit or what, but the missus has come up with the fantastic idea of buying a convertible now, ready for some summer motoring! I think she's jealous of me having all the fun on my motorbike (a Triumph TT600) and fancies some of it herself!!
Anyway, this is clearly fantastic and, after looking at some older cars (Triumph Spitfire, Vitesse (ugh!), MGB) I showed her a TVR S2 (I've always wanted a TVR) and she loved it!!
So, what are they like? I know nothing about them specifically - I guess it'd be a 2.9 V6 model we'd be looking at for our budget - is the V8 the S3, or do the S2 and S3 both come with V6's and V8's?
Also, how are they for reliability? Are they particularly costly to keep going, or are these reltaively simple, low-stressed machines?
Finally, please feel free to post some pics up of yours (including the boot, as we'd want to take it into France I imagine so need some luggage space!)!
Cheers guys, and Happy New Year!
I'm not sure if it's the Christmas Spirit or what, but the missus has come up with the fantastic idea of buying a convertible now, ready for some summer motoring! I think she's jealous of me having all the fun on my motorbike (a Triumph TT600) and fancies some of it herself!!
Anyway, this is clearly fantastic and, after looking at some older cars (Triumph Spitfire, Vitesse (ugh!), MGB) I showed her a TVR S2 (I've always wanted a TVR) and she loved it!!
So, what are they like? I know nothing about them specifically - I guess it'd be a 2.9 V6 model we'd be looking at for our budget - is the V8 the S3, or do the S2 and S3 both come with V6's and V8's?
Also, how are they for reliability? Are they particularly costly to keep going, or are these reltaively simple, low-stressed machines?
Finally, please feel free to post some pics up of yours (including the boot, as we'd want to take it into France I imagine so need some luggage space!)!
Cheers guys, and Happy New Year!
Mike_C said:
Hi all,
Welcome 
Mike_C said:
So, what are they like? I know nothing about them specifically - I guess it'd be a 2.9 V6 model we'd be looking at for our budget - is the V8 the S3, or do the S2 and S3 both come with V6's and V8's?
All S series 1 - 4 are V6. V8S only V8 version. Check Pies very helpful website http://tvrsseries.com/ as previously mentioned.Mike_C said:
Also, how are they for reliability? Are they particularly costly to keep going, or are these reltaively simple, low-stressed machines?
All S Series based mainly on Ford (and some Rover bits for V8S) and other major manufacturers parts bins, so parts are generally available - though some are starting to get scarce - front indicator lenses springs to mind as the other manufacturers cease stocking of these ageing items. V6 cheaper to run and maintain than V8.
Fairly simple as based on engines and mechanicals prior to major electronic control devices etc - think mid-eighties Sierra. Whatever you buy make sure it has been maintained and used. High mileage should not really be a huge swaying point in your buying decision - at least it means it goes.......... Any seller should have a sheaf of bills and MOT's to prove work done etc.
Mike_C said:
Finally, please feel free to post some pics up of yours (including the boot, as we'd want to take it into France I imagine so need some luggage space!)!
Boot space is errm, somewhat, limited, and that's before you have put the roof in............. Some don't carry spacesaver spare to increase space and take a can of tyre weld instead. You can always get a bag on the rear shelf though, but suitcases and S series boots are not ideal partners. For weekends and short breaks (and assuming she doesn't expect to take the entire wardrobe) boot and parcel shelf space is fine. Go on you know you want to................
HTH
Generally the later build ones were a bit better but you do need to check them out carefully particularly the chassis as repairs can be done but not cheap. Don't be afraid of one that has been used and done a few miles as the jobs should have been done but do check the condition and service history. The S3 has longer doors and is therefore a bit easier to get out of etc; have a look at a few and drive them to see which is the best.
I've had mine for nearly 11 years now and its been great fun and not let me down but look at what is happening in terms of anything funny - new noises or whatever - when you get used to it and try to sort out any problems that you detect - this site is an invaluable source of info so use it as well.
S's are really cheap at the moment and reflect good value for money but find a good one - the TVRCC is a good source of info so go to one of the regular monthly meetings near you and talk to the people there - many will have had an S or maybe even know of a good one for sale so well worth the effort to meet up and I'm sure you don't need to join before going to one of the meetings.
Best of luck with the search!
Jim
PS And Happy New Year to all the S people
I've had mine for nearly 11 years now and its been great fun and not let me down but look at what is happening in terms of anything funny - new noises or whatever - when you get used to it and try to sort out any problems that you detect - this site is an invaluable source of info so use it as well.
S's are really cheap at the moment and reflect good value for money but find a good one - the TVRCC is a good source of info so go to one of the regular monthly meetings near you and talk to the people there - many will have had an S or maybe even know of a good one for sale so well worth the effort to meet up and I'm sure you don't need to join before going to one of the meetings.
Best of luck with the search!
Jim
PS And Happy New Year to all the S people
Hi Mike, I'm not too far from you, if you want to come and look at a V8S let me know. That will answer your questions about storage etc.
Or, the East Mids CC meet 2nd Sunday of the month at Wymeswold (except the January one is somewhere in Lincs I think). There is likely to be a variety of cars there, not likely to be more than 1 or 2 S's though.
Or, the East Mids CC meet 2nd Sunday of the month at Wymeswold (except the January one is somewhere in Lincs I think). There is likely to be a variety of cars there, not likely to be more than 1 or 2 S's though.
Mike not sure where you are but I'm in Bingham.
I'm in the process of taking mine to bits (chassis paint / refurb) so if you want to see just how simple they are to maintain you are welcome to come and have a look. (But I can't take you for a spin).
Gozzy in Bottesford has a mint S2 that might be worth a look if he's about.
If you are going to use it as a second car and you can keep it garaged then you are looking at peanuts for insurance insured as a classic - I pay £140 a year. V6 and V8 are only about a fiver difference.
Buy the best car you can find - I got a V8 purely by chance
, I would have had a V6 if I'd found a good one first.
Ignore everyone who says they are unreliable - its all down to maintenance & care (& some luck) when the car is this old anyway.
This is a very good time of year to buy (ie cheaper) - thats the good news - the bad news is that choice is a bit limited at this time of year.
Chassis has to be your main focus before you look at anything else - if you're handy with a welder then you could consider a cheap dog but you'll end up spending the same as a good one anyway (maybe more) when you've finished and it will be a damn sight harder work. You also have to seriously take it to bits to do chassis repairs.
Try and find one thats had a lot of money spent on it - they do come up - and you'll be laughing.
V6 prices are all over the place - depending on condition (be wary of very cheap ones).
V8's Start at about £6k, I paid slightly more, from what I remember in the summer £10k buys a mint one that you might not want to get dirty!
The drawbacks with the S are lack of power steering (already mentioned but it does give fantastic steering feedback) and the hood isn't very slick as you have to remove panels and put them in the boot - but it does give you the option of leaving the rear section up with the roof panels off.
There's not enough room for the advantages here - blag a spin in one and you'll know if it is for you.
Don't expect a nice quiet MX-5 type drive......
Do expect to get faceache from grinning too much.
Cheers
Chris
I'm in the process of taking mine to bits (chassis paint / refurb) so if you want to see just how simple they are to maintain you are welcome to come and have a look. (But I can't take you for a spin).
Gozzy in Bottesford has a mint S2 that might be worth a look if he's about.
If you are going to use it as a second car and you can keep it garaged then you are looking at peanuts for insurance insured as a classic - I pay £140 a year. V6 and V8 are only about a fiver difference.
Buy the best car you can find - I got a V8 purely by chance
, I would have had a V6 if I'd found a good one first. Ignore everyone who says they are unreliable - its all down to maintenance & care (& some luck) when the car is this old anyway.
This is a very good time of year to buy (ie cheaper) - thats the good news - the bad news is that choice is a bit limited at this time of year.
Chassis has to be your main focus before you look at anything else - if you're handy with a welder then you could consider a cheap dog but you'll end up spending the same as a good one anyway (maybe more) when you've finished and it will be a damn sight harder work. You also have to seriously take it to bits to do chassis repairs.
Try and find one thats had a lot of money spent on it - they do come up - and you'll be laughing.
V6 prices are all over the place - depending on condition (be wary of very cheap ones).
V8's Start at about £6k, I paid slightly more, from what I remember in the summer £10k buys a mint one that you might not want to get dirty!
The drawbacks with the S are lack of power steering (already mentioned but it does give fantastic steering feedback) and the hood isn't very slick as you have to remove panels and put them in the boot - but it does give you the option of leaving the rear section up with the roof panels off.
There's not enough room for the advantages here - blag a spin in one and you'll know if it is for you.
Don't expect a nice quiet MX-5 type drive......
Do expect to get faceache from grinning too much.
Cheers
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Tuesday 1st January 15:09
Hi all,
Thanks for all the info, really helpful stuff there! I don't think our budget will stretch to a V8S this time around, but a decent S2 or S3 for around £4k-£5k should be within reach!
Are there any major differences between an S2 or S3? I'm told an S4 is the one to go for but don't see many around!
Is anyone on here looking to sell a decent condition S2 or S3 in the near future?
Also, is mileage an issue - I understand using them is preferrable to not, but is a 100,000+ mile car really a good investment as surely all the other components have taken 100,000 miles of use as well!
Finally, my gf will also be wanting to drive the car but she is relatively inexperienced (been driving for under a year) although she is 30, so is quite mature and sensible - will she get on ok with it? I'm hoping it'll help her "learn" the art of driving, particularly if we can take it on a few gentle trackdays (nothing strenuous, just so she can drive around without the restrictions/dangers of the road environment!)!
On that note, has anyone done a trackday in the S and how was it? Any pics?
Cheers!
Thanks for all the info, really helpful stuff there! I don't think our budget will stretch to a V8S this time around, but a decent S2 or S3 for around £4k-£5k should be within reach!
Are there any major differences between an S2 or S3? I'm told an S4 is the one to go for but don't see many around!
Is anyone on here looking to sell a decent condition S2 or S3 in the near future?
Also, is mileage an issue - I understand using them is preferrable to not, but is a 100,000+ mile car really a good investment as surely all the other components have taken 100,000 miles of use as well!
Finally, my gf will also be wanting to drive the car but she is relatively inexperienced (been driving for under a year) although she is 30, so is quite mature and sensible - will she get on ok with it? I'm hoping it'll help her "learn" the art of driving, particularly if we can take it on a few gentle trackdays (nothing strenuous, just so she can drive around without the restrictions/dangers of the road environment!)!
On that note, has anyone done a trackday in the S and how was it? Any pics?
Cheers!
Mike_C said:
Also, is mileage an issue - I understand using them is preferrable to not, but is a 100,000+ mile car really a good investment as surely all the other components have taken 100,000 miles of use as well!
In a 100,000 + mile car most of the other items will have been replaced due to age & mileage I would guess - I know mine have - clutch, alternator, starter motor etc. Nothing you wouldn't expect to wear on that kind of mileage, but it least it means they have been done so you wouldn't have too.The alternator lasted 90,000 miles, the clutch 75,000 (and its an engine out job on a V8S), starter motor 100,000 miles etc. The original battery lasted 11 years. Camshaft wear can be an issue on V8 - I get 35-40,000 miles out of a shaft.
IMHO you might be better off with a 90-100,000 miler with the replacements done rather than a 65,000 miler with them yet to be needed. (
sits back and expects to get flamed...........)All these cars are now over 13 years old so time plays a part in component life too. The advantage is all the running parts are readily available currently. Its back to the sheaf of paperwork the seller has showing work done and parts replaced.
Hi Mike, I enjoyed her for 2.5 years. Had no problems, just an alternator I think. I then bought my V8S and a 4.2 Cerbie, then destroyed the Cerbie. So, I then p/x'd the S2 for a 4.5 Cerbie.
I only did about 5.5k miles in her, but she didn't let me down. She was seen at a lot of Ashby Folville meetings, and on London Thunder etc. She is very loud (s/s exhaust), more so than my V8.
I only did about 5.5k miles in her, but she didn't let me down. She was seen at a lot of Ashby Folville meetings, and on London Thunder etc. She is very loud (s/s exhaust), more so than my V8.
OK, thanks for all the advice guys! Couple more quick questions:
1. Fuel economy! I don't expect much if on a back lane blast (say 15-18mpg?) even though they're quite light, but on a long run, say down through France, what sort of mpg can you get and what does this equate to in terms of tank range? For that matter, how much is a tank and does it require Super Unleaded/V Power, or is normal 95 Ron ok?
2. Are there any particularly desireable modifications/improvements I should look out for that'd make one car better than another? E.g. Stainless steel exhaust systems, uprated brakes, better hoods, etc etc - not sure what is considered a beneficial upgrade and what is just needless added tat!
3. Would an S2/S3 be suitable for the odd track day? It wouldn't be driven particularly hard, but it is definitely something I'd like to get my girlfriend into as I think she'd really enjoy it! And i'd love a blast around too of course!
Cheers!
1. Fuel economy! I don't expect much if on a back lane blast (say 15-18mpg?) even though they're quite light, but on a long run, say down through France, what sort of mpg can you get and what does this equate to in terms of tank range? For that matter, how much is a tank and does it require Super Unleaded/V Power, or is normal 95 Ron ok?
2. Are there any particularly desireable modifications/improvements I should look out for that'd make one car better than another? E.g. Stainless steel exhaust systems, uprated brakes, better hoods, etc etc - not sure what is considered a beneficial upgrade and what is just needless added tat!
3. Would an S2/S3 be suitable for the odd track day? It wouldn't be driven particularly hard, but it is definitely something I'd like to get my girlfriend into as I think she'd really enjoy it! And i'd love a blast around too of course!
Cheers!
The only car I actually monitor consumption with is my MG, the rest (cars and Bikes) are just toys. However, I think I get 20+ mph from the V8S and it was more like 23-25 from the S2, so they may be a little better than you think.
Mods: Longers has an interesting throttle linkage that significantly improves the acceleration times, plus he has a few other good things that I'm sure he'll tell you about.
Track Days: I guess most sporty cars are suitable, but you will get different things out of each.
The 'feel' of the S is special, the noise awesome. They sound and feel rather faster than they are.
Mods: Longers has an interesting throttle linkage that significantly improves the acceleration times, plus he has a few other good things that I'm sure he'll tell you about.
Track Days: I guess most sporty cars are suitable, but you will get different things out of each.
The 'feel' of the S is special, the noise awesome. They sound and feel rather faster than they are.
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