Goodbye 350 ... Hello 350 ...
Discussion
It's looking increasingly likely that next week i'm gonna be bidding a fond farewell to this 
...
... to be replaced by this ...
For those of you still reading the post ... It's a GT4 (no.6 of 176 made), fully loaded with heated & electric everything, climate / cruise control etc.
I'm gonna be really sorry to part with the T350, I went into ownership (12 months ago) with my eyes wide open and despite a few trips back to the dealers for various faults, ranging in seriousness, it's been a thoroughly enjoyable ownership experience.
So, why am I doing it... well, the warranty will shortly be ending and the car no longer qualifies for 'wear and tear' cover, but more significantly the car was massively under used (3,000 miles in a year). It was a weekend toy that - due to me treating it with kid-gloves - rarely came out at weekends, and I personally feel that a car like this a) shouldn't be a garage queen and b) is an expensive 'hobby' for such infrequent use.
Whilst the 'Z' doesn't give anything like the sense of occasion, the relative comfort / refinement is nice, it's certainly not slow and although not a rival in terms of aural pleasure, the remapped exhaust vlave timing on this model gives it quite a throaty soundtrack.
I'll certainly miss the spontaneous signs of 'approval' from fellow motorists which always made me smile, but my personal circumstances means the T30 just isn't a practical option at the moment
That's not to say I wont reurn to the TVR fold, as my experience to date has only served to fuel my hankering for a Sagaris
To exisitng TVR owners, keep enjoying the assault on your senses!! ... to prospective owners, do it, owning a TVR is a massively rewarding experience...!
Bradders
...... to be replaced by this ...
For those of you still reading the post ... It's a GT4 (no.6 of 176 made), fully loaded with heated & electric everything, climate / cruise control etc.
I'm gonna be really sorry to part with the T350, I went into ownership (12 months ago) with my eyes wide open and despite a few trips back to the dealers for various faults, ranging in seriousness, it's been a thoroughly enjoyable ownership experience.
So, why am I doing it... well, the warranty will shortly be ending and the car no longer qualifies for 'wear and tear' cover, but more significantly the car was massively under used (3,000 miles in a year). It was a weekend toy that - due to me treating it with kid-gloves - rarely came out at weekends, and I personally feel that a car like this a) shouldn't be a garage queen and b) is an expensive 'hobby' for such infrequent use.
Whilst the 'Z' doesn't give anything like the sense of occasion, the relative comfort / refinement is nice, it's certainly not slow and although not a rival in terms of aural pleasure, the remapped exhaust vlave timing on this model gives it quite a throaty soundtrack.
I'll certainly miss the spontaneous signs of 'approval' from fellow motorists which always made me smile, but my personal circumstances means the T30 just isn't a practical option at the moment
That's not to say I wont reurn to the TVR fold, as my experience to date has only served to fuel my hankering for a Sagaris
To exisitng TVR owners, keep enjoying the assault on your senses!! ... to prospective owners, do it, owning a TVR is a massively rewarding experience...!
Bradders
Shame Brad, but I totally know where your coming from, I often keep thinking of selling mine and getting that RS4 or something I can use everyday but then I usually think myself out of it, no doubt the time will come? Incidentally I nearly went for a 350Z before I got the T350, still like them a lot reminds me of my old 260Z 
I have owned both! 350z will become boring very quickly, although day to day use will be ok. They do not set your pulse racing although are nice on motorways.
Stonechips are a nightmare due to large frontal area.
For me it would be an 05 T350 or Sag and a cheap everyday motor.
Not criticism mate we all have choices- just think you will be back sooner than you think.
Good Luck
Bob
Stonechips are a nightmare due to large frontal area.
For me it would be an 05 T350 or Sag and a cheap everyday motor.
Not criticism mate we all have choices- just think you will be back sooner than you think.
Good Luck
Bob
Ha ha ... thanks for the feedback guys ... I probably do need my head testing!
I keep looking at the picture of the T350 and wavering, but I know on this (rare) occasion i'm gonna have to go with my head and not my heart, and for for the first time in my life - as I turn 30 - do the sensible thing.
Most the miles I did in the T350 were motorway miles, which also points to the 'Z' being a more appropriate car for my needs...
... But you're right, TVR ownership is addictive and I don't doubt that I will be back
I keep looking at the picture of the T350 and wavering, but I know on this (rare) occasion i'm gonna have to go with my head and not my heart, and for for the first time in my life - as I turn 30 - do the sensible thing.
Most the miles I did in the T350 were motorway miles, which also points to the 'Z' being a more appropriate car for my needs...
... But you're right, TVR ownership is addictive and I don't doubt that I will be back
Brad, are you mad? I sold my T350 in November and replaced it with a Z4M Coupe. The Z4 went yesterday and I am picking up my new Sag tomorrow. I really missed the felling you get when you own and drive a TVR. If I had my time again I wouldn't have sold the T350 but that's life, you live and learn. Don't get me wrong, the BM was ok, but it was ONLY ok and ceretainly not a TVR.
I'd think long and hard about it because you will miss the TVR and if you do go through with it will be back sooner than you think.
I'd think long and hard about it because you will miss the TVR and if you do go through with it will be back sooner than you think.
Thats the way im looking at it too madbadger. To be honest wish i hadnt bought the 350z or the clio 197 before that but thats life. Probably could actually have a tvr by now. oh well thats life.
& 
madbadger said:
bade90 said:
Thats funny. Im looking to go the opposite way and currently selling my zed in the classifieds and hoping to buy a t350 at the end of this year
& I use my T350 targa everyday rain hail or shine and i just love this car, i am never one to judge other peoples choices but i do think u will tire very quickly of the nissan.
I bet you dont get thumbs up from chavs on scooters in the 350z that for me sums up the TVR,its an occasion every time u turn the keys.
I bet you dont get thumbs up from chavs on scooters in the 350z that for me sums up the TVR,its an occasion every time u turn the keys.
I am having exactly the same thoughts about what car to get next. It won't be until next year but I decided the other night that it'll be a TVR for me. Theres an amazing one on Racing Greens website, just wish I could buy the damn thing now.
Best of both worlds as I will be able to keep my Clio as well.
Best of both worlds as I will be able to keep my Clio as well.
Polarbert said:
I am having exactly the same thoughts about what car to get next. It won't be until next year but I decided the other night that it'll be a TVR for me. Theres an amazing one on Racing Greens website, just wish I could buy the damn thing now.
Best of both worlds as I will be able to keep my Clio as well.
You know it makes sense Best of both worlds as I will be able to keep my Clio as well.
'Careful of the step' though; I similarly went from old Escort Mexico to old Taimar Turbo years ago. Scary as hell on skinny 185-section tyres.
Suvrvived, & loved it.
tail slide said:
You know it makes sense
'Careful of the step' though; I similarly went from old Escort Mexico to old Taimar Turbo years ago. Scary as hell on skinny 185-section tyres.
Suvrvived, & loved it.
Did the Taimar survive though? 'Careful of the step' though; I similarly went from old Escort Mexico to old Taimar Turbo years ago. Scary as hell on skinny 185-section tyres.
Suvrvived, & loved it.
Polarbert - Im thinking the same thing, T350 looks like the obvious choice for the next BCAmobile too, Mr Tailslide Edwards has alot to answer for...
tail slide said:
BCA said:
Did the Taimar survive though?
Does this mean a Cerbie engine will find a new home?
)A Cerbie engine will find a new home eventually, probably, - but not our Cerbs... thats due a body off rebuild verrrrry soon, this will probably be its last season in its current spec... rest assured, if I have much input on its rebuild (I reckon I'll end up doing most of it!) -it'll come back as a stiffer TVR than any that ever left the factory as a road car/ may end up with a few trick bits done too.
This cars competition history has barely even begun!! I feel like a T350 next as its the only other TVR I could see myself in, except maybe the Sagaris - but its a bit pricier... Will always have the Cerb in the family, so it makes sense to broaden my TVR experience further. It just seems like a nice logical step, for £18k at present, theres nothing faster/more exotic to match it.
(excluding the lovely Cerb of course!) This is all a few years off though, got a business to establish/develop first, though hopefully it'll be a reality soonish if my priorities stay the same... Hope to see you on the hills/sprints soon?
Oh, and when are you and Matt going to the 'ring next? - I am just about to head off for my first (hopefully annual) trip at easterin the smart!! Im in a similar state of being terrified and excited as I am whenever I get in the Cerb!! 
Edited by BCA on Saturday 8th March 22:33
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