What do I buy? please help
What do I buy? please help
Author
Discussion

Jss99

Original Poster:

9 posts

224 months

Saturday 26th January 2008
quotequote all
Hi everyone,

I was hoping that you could advise, guide me in the right direction with regards to a TVR.

To cut a long story short, I like you all started always have wanted a TVR and am now in a position to purchase one. Unfortunately like allot of you I'm not in a position to have it as a summer car or even a weekend car and will be used daily. My mileage fluctuates annually so I can't say that I will do 15k a year nor 6k but as I said it will be used daily in one capacity or another.

I have spent allot of time looking at all sorts of garages, and streams on here around usage, servicing so I'm fully aware of what I'm getting into and basically can't wait to buy one.....BUT, I was looking at a T350c as recommended by a number of TVR suppliers as being perfect for what I want, but then was thrown a spanner by another saying a Mk2 Tuscan would be also a good option with more space in the cabin and boot almost taking on a grande tourer idea, which then throws into the mix a Cebera.

Arhhhh WHAT DO I DO!! haha please advise what your thoughts are....

I've seen a fantastic Tuscan but its 2001, so not a MK2! does this make a massive difference with regards to build, reliability etc etc??? I have no idea.

As I said my initial thought was to get a T350c and had my mind set until I was thrown a spanner!! haha am I better going for one of the other two or should I just count them out, please list reasons.

I'm just trying to return my search to just one model again, and discount the other two.

I look forward to your feedback

Regards
J

PDtvr

259 posts

253 months

Saturday 26th January 2008
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Justin,

I'm not aware that the Tuscan has more room in the cabin than the T350, although the boot is certainly spacious. I personally wouldn't describe a Tuscan as a grand tourer, either. Don't let yourself be influenced by all this load capacity nonsense - you're buying a sports car, not a crowd mover. The difference between the various models in this regard is fairly academic, anyway. If you've set your heart on a T350, then stick with it. Although I've got a Mk2 Tuscan S, I personally think the T350 is ultimately the prettiest TVR ever made. My purchasing decision, however, was based on a desire to have the 4.0 ltr engine and roof-off capability, and I didn't like the removeable targa panels on the T350T.

If you'd like what is probably the last opportunity to own a brand new T350C, David Gerald in Inkberrow, Worcester, has a simply lush Rolex Blue one for a very reasonable price. If only I could convince my girlfriend to embrace the TVR 'thing', I'd be pleading with her to get it.

Edited by PDtvr on Saturday 26th January 18:17

InEssex

115 posts

280 months

Saturday 26th January 2008
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Sorry...i have to reply to the 'not everyday cars'. Perhaps to some they are not but never been an issue for me. My first TVR was a new 53 plate MK1 Tuscan S. I had it for 18 months...drove it daily, did about 18,000 miles and loved the thing! Massive boot! I recall getting two sets of golf clubs and a trolley in there. I then sold this and bought a Sagaris, which I can still get one set of clubs and a trolley in! Seems to me like most of the problems people have is that they don't use them everyday, leaving them sitting about all week, to take them out for a good thrashing of a weekend is just asking for trouble in my eyes. I think if you continue with your research, take time to look into a cars history, i'm sure you will find one that will serve you daily needs well. Good luck.

Steve

InEssex

115 posts

280 months

Saturday 26th January 2008
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and now the post above has gone..making my rant look a little silly!

Steve

hoopdiddy07

88 posts

225 months

Saturday 26th January 2008
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Buy something sensible. If you can't afford a TVR as a toy then don't buy one. No doubt there are will be the odd person who does that mileage for a couple of years with no major probs but the fact was and always will be that TVR produced cars for the hard core. People who want extreme performance amd will live with the consiquences. You can buy a Ferrari 456 for less than 30K, my guess is that over a three year period it would cost about the same depending on service intervals and you would be driving a Ferrari. I personally can't begin to justify that level of madness as I am a family man and safety, reliability and function come a long way before penis extension factor or crazy performance. If it's performance that you crave buy a cheap track day tool and don't waste your money on a track day tool that also doubles as a penis extension. All mho of course.

A Volvo T5 has plenty of performace, a big boot, safety, reliability and good resale value if you buy a second hand one. All it lacks is mind bending performance and the ability to make your manhood seem larger to the naive ladies out there. That said, I can personally say that TVR's attract ladies of a certain type in abundance. It all depends on what your after.

InEssex

115 posts

280 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
quotequote all
What has this got to do with manhood? I own a TVR and not a Volvo because I am concerned with my manhood? Do me a favour. The guy came on here to ask advice on buying a TVR. He said he has wanted one and is now in a position to get one. I think you will find that theres more than just the odd few that use a TVR as a daily car.

Steve

S5TVR

1,239 posts

262 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
quotequote all
hoopdiddy07 said:
Buy something sensible. If you can't afford a TVR as a toy then don't buy one. No doubt there are will be the odd person who does that mileage for a couple of years with no major probs but the fact was and always will be that TVR produced cars for the hard core. People who want extreme performance amd will live with the consiquences. You can buy a Ferrari 456 for less than 30K, my guess is that over a three year period it would cost about the same depending on service intervals and you would be driving a Ferrari. I personally can't begin to justify that level of madness as I am a family man and safety, reliability and function come a long way before penis extension factor or crazy performance. If it's performance that you crave buy a cheap track day tool and don't waste your money on a track day tool that also doubles as a penis extension. All mho of course.

A Volvo T5 has plenty of performace, a big boot, safety, reliability and good resale value if you buy a second hand one. All it lacks is mind bending performance and the ability to make your manhood seem larger to the naive ladies out there. That said, I can personally say that TVR's attract ladies of a certain type in abundance. It all depends on what your after.
The rationale behind the original question was that jss99 wanted an informed opinion on which TVR to buy, bearing in mind he has already decided to get one. Why you chose to mention 456's, Volvo T5's, ladies of a certain type or manhood size is totally irrelevant. As you appear to be a relative newbie and are eager to get posting, why not do so on the general gassing forum in respect of general topics, not in more specialised forums on topics where at least some knowledge is a pre-requisite.

Getting back to the question though, I think a Tuscan does have a bit more cabin space then the T350, but the T350 doesn't ever feel claustrophobic. The tuscan does have more boot space, though the T350 handles better. Both are about as quick as each other and will cost similar amounts to maintain. The Cerb gives you boot space and a bigger cabin and a V8 and looks that are more retro but classic nonetheless. There's very little difference in pace on the road between many of the TVR's so I wouldn't get too hung up about 0-60's, 0-100's & vmax's etc. On balance though, I believe the Cerb will cost you a little more to maintain then a Tuscan or T350 (potential SP6 engine issues aside).

Just my 2peneth, but do look on the Cerb forum which is a great resource for info. Maybe talk to a few Cerb experts like Joo at Trackcar, who will give you an honest and balanced view of Cerb ownership.

Englishman

2,253 posts

239 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
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Jesus. Who in thier right mind even has the word Volvo in their head on here.

Simply put, buy the best and latest TVR you can afford.

I'm in my 50's now but have owned TVr's since my 20's. You only live once and nothing else available today comes close. Do it before you die.

madbadger

11,752 posts

273 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
quotequote all
Englishman said:
Jesus. Who in thier right mind even has the word Volvo in their head on here.
rofl
Englishman said:
Simply put, buy the best and latest TVR you can afford.

I'm in my 50's now but have owned TVr's since my 20's. You only live once and nothing else available today comes close. Do it before you die.
yesthumbup

Definately more fun than a Volvo. Possible to run as an only car, but not ideal for some situations and expensive. Fun, though.

smile

Pixi

58 posts

263 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
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I have had a Chim (5.5 yrs) and now have a Sag. I live in Scotland and drive them both all year round. Its my only car (I have 2 bikes for even less practical travel......) and they are brilliant. Every trip is memorable. They are an everyday car. Just look after them and fix each niggle as it arrives. My Chim was flawless after about a year and half. I only changed it cos I'd never had a car that long and fancied a change. I drive mine in the snow, ice, sh1tty weather up here and it is fun (I undersealed the car to protect the chassis), you learn a lot about car control and delicacy with the throttle. If you can afford it, buy it and use it every day like i do - you will not regret it. Good luck mate.

Chrissy G

193 posts

294 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
quotequote all
Have you driven the different models? I've owned an early cerbera but found too hardcore to live with everyday. The t350 IMO handles better (once you get used to quick steering) as far easier to live with as an everyday motor (good access for boot, easy to get in and out of -ie no long doors etc). They benefit from everyday use, but remember the services come round rather quick, tyres last 12k miles. You didnt mention budget but I would recommend setting a decent contingency fund. At the moment you can probably get a decent deal before prices firm up for spring. EVO guide has some useful information but you glean more from trowling these forums attending TVRCC events etc.

Good luck

Chris

YI8TVR

387 posts

236 months

Sunday 27th January 2008
quotequote all
Sagaris
Tuscan 2
T350/Tamora
Tuscan

Get the one nearest the top of the list you can afford, bearing in mind you will need to put around 4k aside each year to keep it in tip top condition and upgrade it.

Try to buy a 2004 or latter, the build quality and dare I say mechanic's will be more developed.

And get a good one! You will know it when you see it and its not always the one that looks brand new either. You want one that has been mechanically looked after, check the history, bills etc and see how its driven from cold on the test drive. Use your head not your heart.

Ali-D

186 posts

237 months

Monday 28th January 2008
quotequote all
Hi Jss99,

I owned a 2000 Tuscan for 1 year and apart from a minor slave cylinder seal problem it was fantastic. I loved it. The warranty ran out and it was due a service, i saw a 53plate T350c for sale in the dealers garage where i bought the Tuscan and eventually traded the Tuscan in for the T350c. The T350 feals to me more practicl, more driveable, not quite as brutal at lower revs, but because of the driveability factor for me is a better car.

The newer Tuscans i would think will be a lot smoother and feel a lot more assured than the older ones but if thats what your budget is then provided you get a warranty and get the car checked out thoroughly i would go for it.

Saying that if i had never owned a TVR and had the choice between the Tuscan and T350 i would have to have the Tuscan. The looks are outrageous, you also have a removable roof or soft top depending on which model you go for.

The best bit of advice you can have at the moment is spend days, weeks and maybe months going through threads on here using the search function and you will gain priceless information.

One last thing, i remember being in a similar position to you where at last i could afford one. You will hear and read good and bad stories on here and you will have to make your own decision using the information you find. I was exited but very nervous and i can honestly say that to date i do not regret buying one and only wished i could have afforded one earlier!!

Best of luck.

Nev

Oat$y

1,550 posts

245 months

Monday 28th January 2008
quotequote all
Ali-D said:
Hi Jss99,


The best bit of advice you can have at the moment is spend days, weeks and maybe months going through threads on here using the search function and you will gain priceless information.

Nev
And a lot of Sh*te too. Go to TVR meet (regional) you will get the best and all the advice you need to make a rational (if buying a TVR is ever rational) decission. Good luck.

Ali-D

186 posts

237 months

Monday 28th January 2008
quotequote all
[quote=Oat$y]
Ali-D said:
Hi Jss99,


The best bit of advice you can have at the moment is spend days, weeks and maybe months going through threads on here using the search function and you will gain priceless information.

Nev
And a lot of Sh*te too. Go to TVR meet (regional) you will get the best and all the advice you need to make a rational (if buying a TVR is ever rational) decission. Good luck.
Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the TVR meets!!getmecoat
Advice still wasn't that bad!
Nev

Oat$y

1,550 posts

245 months

Monday 28th January 2008
quotequote all
Ali-D said:
[quote=Oat$y]
Ali-D said:
Hi Jss99,


The best bit of advice you can have at the moment is spend days, weeks and maybe months going through threads on here using the search function and you will gain priceless information.

Nev
And a lot of Sh*te too. Go to TVR meet (regional) you will get the best and all the advice you need to make a rational (if buying a TVR is ever rational) decission. Good luck.
Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the TVR meets!!getmecoat
Advice still wasn't that bad!
Nev
I never said it was bad!, You just forgot to say that some of what you read isn't correct. This forum has some good and bad post, problem is if you have no experiance of a subject you should speak to someone who does. hence don't take everything you read in this forum as gospel.

Having said that I have found some useful articles in here smile

Ali-D

186 posts

237 months

Monday 28th January 2008
quotequote all
[quote=Oat$y]
Ali-D said:
[quote=Oat$y]
Ali-D said:
Hi Jss99,


The best bit of advice you can have at the moment is spend days, weeks and maybe months going through threads on here using the search function and you will gain priceless information.

Nev
And a lot of Sh*te too. Go to TVR meet (regional) you will get the best and all the advice you need to make a rational (if buying a TVR is ever rational) decission. Good luck.
Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the TVR meets!!getmecoat
Advice still wasn't that bad!
Nev
I never said it was bad!, You just forgot to say that some of what you read isn't correct. This forum has some good and bad post, problem is if you have no experiance of a subject you should speak to someone who does. hence don't take everything you read in this forum as gospel.

Having said that I have found some useful articles in here smile
Marvelous, so between us we have provided very good information!!
That's real team work!!!laughrofl

Jss99

Original Poster:

9 posts

224 months

Tuesday 29th January 2008
quotequote all
Thank you for all your views, as I expected there are some split opinions but all good information at the end of the day. You lot are the experts being owners and a status I hope to be soon.

Please keep the information/views coming, as it’s good and allows me expand my knowledge along with weigh up the pro's and cons to make my mind up.

Again thank you all for taking the time out and responding to my post……and helping out "The new boy!" haha

Regards
Justin