TVR Virgin in need of advice regarding a T350c
Discussion
Hello all,
I have read these forums to death and whilst so much info is provided on the benefits of each of the models I have decided to take the plunge and buy a T350c (too much worry about leakage to plump for the targa!)
I will be using it everyday so aircon is high on my list but outside of that I was hoping to get some advice on what to expect - I have put £5000 away as my "repair fund" but outside of that I know very little other than the looks, noise and feel of the T350 puts my hair on end.
Should I go for one that has had an engine rebuild? How do I know the rebuild was proper and that it was run in correctly? If I go for a post 54 plate have the engine issues been solved?
Are second hand ones with the Power 4.3 engine for sale and if so where should I look? Would you save up a bit more and get one of these if they are available?
What extra's are worth having and what did you learn after your first buy that you made sure you got on the next one?
For a newbie should I pay more and go to Racing Green etc and have the peace of mind of a warranty - are these worth the paper they are written on? Do they cover the engine exploding?
Outside of the S6 - are there any other factors I should be aware of?
Is it worth getting one with an after market exhaust - I like the extra noise but cant find many with them fitted - are they very expensive to buy seperately?
I have a budget of £20,000 - £25,000 to buy the car.
Thanks in advance for all your help and comments.
I have read these forums to death and whilst so much info is provided on the benefits of each of the models I have decided to take the plunge and buy a T350c (too much worry about leakage to plump for the targa!)
I will be using it everyday so aircon is high on my list but outside of that I was hoping to get some advice on what to expect - I have put £5000 away as my "repair fund" but outside of that I know very little other than the looks, noise and feel of the T350 puts my hair on end.
Should I go for one that has had an engine rebuild? How do I know the rebuild was proper and that it was run in correctly? If I go for a post 54 plate have the engine issues been solved?
Are second hand ones with the Power 4.3 engine for sale and if so where should I look? Would you save up a bit more and get one of these if they are available?
What extra's are worth having and what did you learn after your first buy that you made sure you got on the next one?
For a newbie should I pay more and go to Racing Green etc and have the peace of mind of a warranty - are these worth the paper they are written on? Do they cover the engine exploding?
Outside of the S6 - are there any other factors I should be aware of?
Is it worth getting one with an after market exhaust - I like the extra noise but cant find many with them fitted - are they very expensive to buy seperately?
I have a budget of £20,000 - £25,000 to buy the car.
Thanks in advance for all your help and comments.
Edited by Munkeyfeet on Thursday 16th April 14:41
Edited by Munkeyfeet on Thursday 16th April 14:42
Personally, I would buy on condition and history (see other thread currently running too). If you have a TVR owning buddy or specialist who knows the things to look for with these cars then I think a private purchase is best. I would not hestitate if the right car was private, in fact I would probably find out if a dealer car was on sale-or-return and deal with the owner anyway (if they want to).
Targarama said:
Where have you read about Targas leaking? They do not leak.
Agreed - increased wind noise at speed though.As for buying from a dealer for warranty, my 54 plate 350 needed a bottom end rebuild 1 month into ownership and this was covered by castle who were very good at getting everything sorted. Outside of a dealer warranty this would have cost me 3.5k plus to fix.
That said there are good cars privately as well. Rebuilds are hard to find on the 350, check the classifieds and see how many for sale have had one! Thats not to say they possibly won't eventually need one. A car with a properly run & warmed engine doesn't always mean it'll outlast one thats been ragged - unfortunately the S6 seems to be a bit of a lottery but when on song it is fantastic, not as torquey as a V8 but once over 4000 rpm its brilliant.
As for Power 4.3s, I feel if an owner has gone to the expense of upgrading this far it's likely to be a keeper - again check the classifieds and see how many are for sale.
In my view air con is a must, heat soak is quite vast on these cars.
Thanks for the replies. I had heard leakage could occur and given it wont be garaged (I will buy a proper canvass cover though) and will be used every day I had assumed the best option would be the C.
I had been told by an expert who sources cars:
First of all the tamora engine is exactly the same as the T350C engine, both 3.6 litre version of the speed 6 engine.
What you have heard about pre 2003 engines is partly true. Post this time, the quality of components used in these engines was improved and generally the later cars from 03 onwards have been more reliable. Having said that, if a 2005 car is abused and driven hard before the engine oil is up to temperature, then problems will occur. The main factor of how long a speed 6 engine lasts is down to good regular maintenance, having the valve clearances checked properly by a TVR specialist who knows the engines well and driving them carefully before the oil is up to temperature.
If you do all of these things and buy a post 2003 car, you will be very unlucky to have an engine blow up on you before it has reached at least 40k miles.
Would you all agree?
I had been told by an expert who sources cars:
First of all the tamora engine is exactly the same as the T350C engine, both 3.6 litre version of the speed 6 engine.
What you have heard about pre 2003 engines is partly true. Post this time, the quality of components used in these engines was improved and generally the later cars from 03 onwards have been more reliable. Having said that, if a 2005 car is abused and driven hard before the engine oil is up to temperature, then problems will occur. The main factor of how long a speed 6 engine lasts is down to good regular maintenance, having the valve clearances checked properly by a TVR specialist who knows the engines well and driving them carefully before the oil is up to temperature.
If you do all of these things and buy a post 2003 car, you will be very unlucky to have an engine blow up on you before it has reached at least 40k miles.
Would you all agree?
Munkeyfeet said:
Thanks for the replies. I had heard leakage could occur and given it wont be garaged (I will buy a proper canvass cover though) and will be used every day I had assumed the best option would be the C.
I had been told by an expert who sources cars:
First of all the tamora engine is exactly the same as the T350C engine, both 3.6 litre version of the speed 6 engine.
What you have heard about pre 2003 engines is partly true. Post this time, the quality of components used in these engines was improved and generally the later cars from 03 onwards have been more reliable. Having said that, if a 2005 car is abused and driven hard before the engine oil is up to temperature, then problems will occur. The main factor of how long a speed 6 engine lasts is down to good regular maintenance, having the valve clearances checked properly by a TVR specialist who knows the engines well and driving them carefully before the oil is up to temperature.
If you do all of these things and buy a post 2003 car, you will be very unlucky to have an engine blow up on you before it has reached at least 40k miles.
Would you all agree?
.I had been told by an expert who sources cars:
First of all the tamora engine is exactly the same as the T350C engine, both 3.6 litre version of the speed 6 engine.
What you have heard about pre 2003 engines is partly true. Post this time, the quality of components used in these engines was improved and generally the later cars from 03 onwards have been more reliable. Having said that, if a 2005 car is abused and driven hard before the engine oil is up to temperature, then problems will occur. The main factor of how long a speed 6 engine lasts is down to good regular maintenance, having the valve clearances checked properly by a TVR specialist who knows the engines well and driving them carefully before the oil is up to temperature.
If you do all of these things and buy a post 2003 car, you will be very unlucky to have an engine blow up on you before it has reached at least 40k miles.
Would you all agree?
In part yes. However, there are plenty of examples on here of well looked after engines going over 40k and some not even reaching mid-teens. There is still an element of luck in there IMHO. But as long as you go into ownership knowing it 'may' happen then you should be OK.
As for this TVR 'expert' - the name doesn't rhyme with inglenook does it?
Munkeyfeet said:
Well the first 5 letters are the same!!! Should I be wary?
All I'm prepared to say on this subject is that the forums on here don't permit any naming or shaming. Anyone can inspect a good car and pass it off as such. Where an inspection really comes worth it is when they find the faults.
Also for a proper inspection of the S6 I'd have assumed it'd need a thorough look at the shims/top end which would be better done in a garage rather than a cursory inspection at the roadside.
Quinny/Zippee Thanks ever so much for the help and the warnings.
I agree - for me I think I will take the plunge at Racing Green as they are only 20 mins from me so if they will cover the cost/work if it goes wrong I would rather that - I can leave the £5000 fund to then do a rebuild in yr 2 if I am unlucky.
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
Also everyone talks of a RR T350 - I know this stands for red rose but what is the difference? Are these better cars?
Sorry for all the Qs
I agree - for me I think I will take the plunge at Racing Green as they are only 20 mins from me so if they will cover the cost/work if it goes wrong I would rather that - I can leave the £5000 fund to then do a rebuild in yr 2 if I am unlucky.
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
Also everyone talks of a RR T350 - I know this stands for red rose but what is the difference? Are these better cars?
Sorry for all the Qs
Munkeyfeet said:
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
I have nothing but good things about Racing Green.For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
Every T350 Targa should come with roof panel bags which the panels slide into, they can then lay in the boot, they do not take up too much space and can lay on top of the luggage if you have a load in the boot.
The outside of the panels are painted so you need to be careful with them. They don't scratch without 'impact' though, and from roof to bag and back does no harm.
SteveO... said:
Munkeyfeet said:
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
Don't go for a test drive in their FFF demonstrator (Finger Follower Free), otherwise you will be looking to trade in a kidney 
Munkeyfeet said:
SteveO... said:
Munkeyfeet said:
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
Don't go for a test drive in their FFF demonstrator (Finger Follower Free), otherwise you will be looking to trade in a kidney Look on their website.
Targarama said:
Munkeyfeet said:
SteveO... said:
Munkeyfeet said:
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
Don't go for a test drive in their FFF demonstrator (Finger Follower Free), otherwise you will be looking to trade in a kidney Look on their website.
Will get myself down to RG me thinks and see what they have!
Targarama said:
Munkeyfeet said:
Any opinions on RG? honest? Trust worthy? Expensive? nothing derogitory - just facts needed please!
For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
I have nothing but good things about Racing Green.For the Targa owners are there places to store the tops when taken off but not at home. I.E can you buy holders for the boot etc to ensure they dont fly about when driving?
Are they easy to scratch?
Every T350 Targa should come with roof panel bags which the panels slide into, they can then lay in the boot, they do not take up too much space and can lay on top of the luggage if you have a load in the boot.
The outside of the panels are painted so you need to be careful with them. They don't scratch without 'impact' though, and from roof to bag and back does no harm.
from me too. BTW, they have a gorgeous purple T350C for sale currently and it's within your budget, just.Here's my 2p which will hopefully help...
I have owned my 54 plate T350c for nearly 2 yrs now and am approaching 34000 miles. The car has not had a rebuild but I did a lot of research into the car before buying and spoke to everywhere who had ever serviced it. I have had niggles but that is it and whilst I bought mine from a dealer (not RG) I got a twelve month Autoprotect warranty that I used for a clutch.
When buying again (Sagaris next) I can safely say that I would not use a dealer but I think I now know what I am looking for and will always do my homework on the car to see how well it has been treated on warmup. The one thing I would do though for a private sale is get a known specialist to do a mini service check - it will be money well spent and if its a good car the owner will have no problem in agreeing.
I hope you get sorted whatever you decide.
If you want a well sorted 54 plate T350c in Cosmos Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather and air con and recent clutch, 34k miles then feel free to make me an offer and I can get a Sag. The car will also come with its big 12k service and valve clearances done so you will have confidence in what you are buying.
I have owned my 54 plate T350c for nearly 2 yrs now and am approaching 34000 miles. The car has not had a rebuild but I did a lot of research into the car before buying and spoke to everywhere who had ever serviced it. I have had niggles but that is it and whilst I bought mine from a dealer (not RG) I got a twelve month Autoprotect warranty that I used for a clutch.
When buying again (Sagaris next) I can safely say that I would not use a dealer but I think I now know what I am looking for and will always do my homework on the car to see how well it has been treated on warmup. The one thing I would do though for a private sale is get a known specialist to do a mini service check - it will be money well spent and if its a good car the owner will have no problem in agreeing.
I hope you get sorted whatever you decide.
If you want a well sorted 54 plate T350c in Cosmos Blue Metallic with Magnolia leather and air con and recent clutch, 34k miles then feel free to make me an offer and I can get a Sag. The car will also come with its big 12k service and valve clearances done so you will have confidence in what you are buying.
Agree with everything said, just to answer one more of your questions
Sports Zorst's have as much enemies as followers - i personally love my JP exhaust to bits...
For a "newbee" probably see how your car comes (don#t buy because it has or has not a sports exhaust - they are not that expensive)
If you like the sound - good
If you don#t like the sound and it has NO Sports exhaust - this forum is your friend - there are plenty of threads on which and what sports zorst to buy (I'd say JP's the best compromise, but I'm biased
)
If you don't like the sound and you have a sports exhaust - stick it on ebay or on this forum as a swap
Good luck finding the right motor
Sports Zorst's have as much enemies as followers - i personally love my JP exhaust to bits...
For a "newbee" probably see how your car comes (don#t buy because it has or has not a sports exhaust - they are not that expensive)
If you like the sound - good
If you don#t like the sound and it has NO Sports exhaust - this forum is your friend - there are plenty of threads on which and what sports zorst to buy (I'd say JP's the best compromise, but I'm biased
)If you don't like the sound and you have a sports exhaust - stick it on ebay or on this forum as a swap
Good luck finding the right motor
Mate of mine is selling his beautiful T350t (WITH roof panel bags AND JP Sports exhaust!!) He's buying a Sag so this has to go.
It's October 2006 so a late car with 8k milkes only and full history with just him as the ONE owner.
Very unusually for a targa it also has factory air-conditioning and leather upgrades in the interior. He has the original build spec from the factory which details options selected & final costs.
Here it is...
http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds/classifi...
I last saw the car on Sunday and am having a huge battle with myself as to whetehr to sell my lovely Chim for this. 2 years absolutely trouble free enjoyment and the V8 are the main things holding me back...
It's October 2006 so a late car with 8k milkes only and full history with just him as the ONE owner.
Very unusually for a targa it also has factory air-conditioning and leather upgrades in the interior. He has the original build spec from the factory which details options selected & final costs.
Here it is...
http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/classifieds/classifi...
I last saw the car on Sunday and am having a huge battle with myself as to whetehr to sell my lovely Chim for this. 2 years absolutely trouble free enjoyment and the V8 are the main things holding me back...
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