Reality of owning an S
Discussion
Hi,
I used to run an MX5 until a lamppost jumped out at me at a roundabout at which point I bought a Fiat Coupe 20VT which is nice and quick and comfortable and boring.
I like the look of the S, good looks, great sound etc. How are they to live with day to day. The MX5 was a great car and very reliable; if I bought an S3 for £5k would it be similar. I'm attracted by the Ford running gear as it's DIY'able and cheap-ish, does this reflect the reality?
Any comments greatly appreciated.
Ben
I used to run an MX5 until a lamppost jumped out at me at a roundabout at which point I bought a Fiat Coupe 20VT which is nice and quick and comfortable and boring.
I like the look of the S, good looks, great sound etc. How are they to live with day to day. The MX5 was a great car and very reliable; if I bought an S3 for £5k would it be similar. I'm attracted by the Ford running gear as it's DIY'able and cheap-ish, does this reflect the reality?
Any comments greatly appreciated.
Ben
Check the chassis, chassis and chassis.
Also take a look at http://www.tvrsseries.com
Do lots of research before driving one - once you hear that noise all reason goes out of the window - you will want one, it isn't a discreet car
The DIY factor was the main reason I went for it - I have the V8 version (Rover 3.9) but pretty much all parts are cheap and readily available. Brakes are Sierra as is most of the V6 running gear. There's a few TVR bespoke bits but nothing to be afraid of.
Its a buyers market - look at a few, they are fantastic value at the moment.
Chris
Also take a look at http://www.tvrsseries.com
Do lots of research before driving one - once you hear that noise all reason goes out of the window - you will want one, it isn't a discreet car
The DIY factor was the main reason I went for it - I have the V8 version (Rover 3.9) but pretty much all parts are cheap and readily available. Brakes are Sierra as is most of the V6 running gear. There's a few TVR bespoke bits but nothing to be afraid of.
Its a buyers market - look at a few, they are fantastic value at the moment.
Chris
Hi Ben
I would echo Chris's comments regarding what to look for. They are great fun and will bring a smile to your face.
They seem to be happier for regular use, servcing, spares etc are no major problems. Occasionally you might have to wait for a TVR specific part to be available but in the main no issue. As Chris says dont jump without trying a few (I did knowing nothing about the S but was very lucky) some good ones about at present. If you are interested in a sprcific car post details here as the car might already be known
I think the Herts and Beds TVRCC would be your local group they meet 3rd Sunday between 11.30 and 2.30. We have recently moved venue to the Tudor Oaks Lodge just off the A1 northbound at Astwick and Mal Gwynne is the regional organiser. If you would like more information, or to make contact with someone to introduce you at a meeting, contact Mal on Tel: 07973 406434 Email: ro@tvrcc-herts-beds.co.uk
I would echo Chris's comments regarding what to look for. They are great fun and will bring a smile to your face.
They seem to be happier for regular use, servcing, spares etc are no major problems. Occasionally you might have to wait for a TVR specific part to be available but in the main no issue. As Chris says dont jump without trying a few (I did knowing nothing about the S but was very lucky) some good ones about at present. If you are interested in a sprcific car post details here as the car might already be known
I think the Herts and Beds TVRCC would be your local group they meet 3rd Sunday between 11.30 and 2.30. We have recently moved venue to the Tudor Oaks Lodge just off the A1 northbound at Astwick and Mal Gwynne is the regional organiser. If you would like more information, or to make contact with someone to introduce you at a meeting, contact Mal on Tel: 07973 406434 Email: ro@tvrcc-herts-beds.co.uk
Also I think its in the buying guide but check the trailing arms - thats the big metal bit of the suspension that the rear hub is attached to - they can rot.
They can be refurbished, but its not the cheapest or easiest job.
I'd try and find a car thats had a chassis & trailing arm refurb.
(The chassis work is usually the outriggers).
Do as I say not as I do!, I also ended up buying the first car I saw after I'd seen a few
Look at the classifieds and ask the seller lots of questions - you will get an idea how much TLC they have had - you won't be able to get a TVR enthusiast off the phone!
Chris
They can be refurbished, but its not the cheapest or easiest job.
I'd try and find a car thats had a chassis & trailing arm refurb.
(The chassis work is usually the outriggers).
Do as I say not as I do!, I also ended up buying the first car I saw after I'd seen a few
Look at the classifieds and ask the seller lots of questions - you will get an idea how much TLC they have had - you won't be able to get a TVR enthusiast off the phone!
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Tuesday 16th September 09:55
Hi Ben. Do you still have the Coupe 20VT? If so, don't deny yourself - buy an S as well! I have one of each, and each is massive fun for different reasons. The S is old-fashioned "wind-in-hair" motoring which leaves you smelling of oil and grease and picking out dead flies from your teeth after every drive. You're right that the Coupe is comfortable, etc but I'm grateful for that in winter, and besides, it is phenomenally quick (much much quicker than my 2.8 S). Both are a hoot to drive, and I wouldn't say I favour one over the other.
SachaP said:
Hi Ben. Do you still have the Coupe 20VT? If so, don't deny yourself - buy an S as well! I have one of each, and each is massive fun for different reasons. The S is old-fashioned "wind-in-hair" motoring which leaves you smelling of oil and grease and picking out dead flies from your teeth after every drive. You're right that the Coupe is comfortable, etc but I'm grateful for that in winter, and besides, it is phenomenally quick (much much quicker than my 2.8 S). Both are a hoot to drive, and I wouldn't say I favour one over the other.
Not a bad idea, as it is we have two cars and only one allocated parking space so I'm not sure the extra one would be appreciated by the rest of the area!Thanks for all the info, very useful.
Wildfire said:
I ran one everyday for 2 years. 20 miles round trip everyday and Weekends from Newcastle to Manchester and back. Ran fine. Just need to make sure you take care of it.
I'd echo that.. 3 and a half years and 35K miles on my S3C and whilst there were problems, a good friendly garage will help no end.. Biggest issue I think was a 6 week wait to get a new windscreen. Problem was, the garage took the car apart, then ordered the screen (dash retrimming) when the car was perfetly ok to drive with a wonky dash and a chip in the screeen.They defnately like beng used. Have had more problems with my V8 due to underuse than I had with a regularly used S3C..
I do belive he may have killed one....
t off the roads 
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