cerbera to t350, what do i need to look for?
Discussion
hi everyone, just sold the cerbera and considering a t350 circa 2004, i'm well versed in tvr's (3 cerbera, 2 chimera and 2 wedges), just wanted any advice on what i should be looking out for.
are the engines and clutches and slave cylinders any better?
any desirable options to look for?
is there much between the coupe and targa other than looks?
when veiwing a car is access to areas under the bonnet restricted unless you start get the tools out?
any advice most appreciated
are the engines and clutches and slave cylinders any better?
any desirable options to look for?
is there much between the coupe and targa other than looks?
when veiwing a car is access to areas under the bonnet restricted unless you start get the tools out?
any advice most appreciated
The Russian's quality improvements were coming in around then, so get the latest one you can. You can access the engine bay just fine, but you cannot see any of the engine component quality improvements that way.
From (late night) memory your visual clues would be:
Boot opening button is under the boot lid, so it doesn't rust.
Indent under the boot glass so you can open it.
The glovebox stays shut.
You'll likely get a mix of the newer features in 2004; e.g. you probably won't get the roller-blind luggage cover. There were also different seats, again probably too late for a 2004 car.
Try a search; I'm sure we've had this before, and I'm also fairly sure I've given a longer list in the past...
hth
From (late night) memory your visual clues would be:
Boot opening button is under the boot lid, so it doesn't rust.
Indent under the boot glass so you can open it.
The glovebox stays shut.
You'll likely get a mix of the newer features in 2004; e.g. you probably won't get the roller-blind luggage cover. There were also different seats, again probably too late for a 2004 car.
Try a search; I'm sure we've had this before, and I'm also fairly sure I've given a longer list in the past...
hth
Go on condition and history first rather than age and mileage, but you are right to look at a 2004 car on as these had a few little changes that make living with them a bit better....as above recess to open boot, sun visors, luggage cover....The bonnet openes as a 'normal' car. Latch inside car then opens up from the screen.
The targa is as rigid as the coupe so no body flex...it all depends on your preference really as there is nothing between them. I love the T350T for looks and it greats having the panels off.
Do your homework and you will not regret it.
The targa is as rigid as the coupe so no body flex...it all depends on your preference really as there is nothing between them. I love the T350T for looks and it greats having the panels off.
Do your homework and you will not regret it.
Targa and Coupe are no different apart from the roof panels and an additional structural bar between them (not sure if this makes any difference to the drive). One thing to watch is the actual build date of your car - many cars stood in showroms for a while. IMO the important trim/feature changes which happened by May 2004 (my car build date) were:
- indent in boot under rear screen to help opening
- improved glovebox lid closing design
- improved fuel filler (2 screws can be seen in outer ring)
- sun visors (not that useful - you know TVRs)
- early 2005 they changed the speakers from 2 rear/0 front to 1 rear/2 front - you lose the small storage pocket in the boot if so
- If Targa then they made a big improvement to the panel latches to cut out whistling
- Luggage cover (which includes a panel across the car to stop things flying through and hitting you)
I'm sure there is more, I will edit if I remember...
In late 2004/early 2005 they added an additional coolant header tank to the OS inner wing
The very latest cars may have Tuscan style seats and no chrome instrument stalk covers.
Basically, a T350 should feel tight and rattle free. It should feel like you're driving a new car, they are that good. If anything feels slopping or worn then have a closer look. Like any TVR buy on condition and how the owner treats it.
- indent in boot under rear screen to help opening
- improved glovebox lid closing design
- improved fuel filler (2 screws can be seen in outer ring)
- sun visors (not that useful - you know TVRs)
- early 2005 they changed the speakers from 2 rear/0 front to 1 rear/2 front - you lose the small storage pocket in the boot if so
- If Targa then they made a big improvement to the panel latches to cut out whistling
- Luggage cover (which includes a panel across the car to stop things flying through and hitting you)
I'm sure there is more, I will edit if I remember...
In late 2004/early 2005 they added an additional coolant header tank to the OS inner wing
The very latest cars may have Tuscan style seats and no chrome instrument stalk covers.
Basically, a T350 should feel tight and rattle free. It should feel like you're driving a new car, they are that good. If anything feels slopping or worn then have a closer look. Like any TVR buy on condition and how the owner treats it.
Edited by Targarama on Thursday 8th October 10:24
The revisions mentioned above actually came into play in mid 2003 (my last T350 had all of them and was registered in July 03 for example)
The coolant header tank mod was also not carried out on all vehicles. It was also an addition/retro fit to some cars with over heating problems. My current car was built and registered for TMS TVR in 05 and doesn't have it.
As already mentioned go by condition and how the owner treats it. You can judge a lot by the sellers character too!!
If you aren't mechanically minded an independant inspection is well worth it.
The coolant header tank mod was also not carried out on all vehicles. It was also an addition/retro fit to some cars with over heating problems. My current car was built and registered for TMS TVR in 05 and doesn't have it.
As already mentioned go by condition and how the owner treats it. You can judge a lot by the sellers character too!!
If you aren't mechanically minded an independant inspection is well worth it.
1: Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
2: Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
3: Make sure it is/was over serviced by a proper TVR sevice centre
4: As Targ said check build date against regestered date
5: Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
6: Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
7: When veiwing make sure the engine is cold
8: Ask for it to be started up then ask for it to be revved to 5000RPM
9: If the owner does that walk away if he doesn't and it ticks all the boxes offer 2500K less market value
and shake hands
10: ENJOY
Easy as that.
2: Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
3: Make sure it is/was over serviced by a proper TVR sevice centre
4: As Targ said check build date against regestered date
5: Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
6: Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
7: When veiwing make sure the engine is cold
8: Ask for it to be started up then ask for it to be revved to 5000RPM
9: If the owner does that walk away if he doesn't and it ticks all the boxes offer 2500K less market value
and shake hands
10: ENJOY
Easy as that.
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Not sure if I agree with the above...Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
These cars change hands regularly as they are specialist cars so most surely have more than one owner....Condition and history far more important than owners for me....within reason that it.
As with any cars they are built to be driven and I would much prefer a car that has been used all year.
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:28
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:29
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Disagree with this, I am looking to buy one soon and I certainly wont expect it to be as clean underneath as on top. I'm reliably informed these cars run better and are more reliable for longer periods if they are used. Not moth balled away in garages for weeks on end. Also disagree about the 1 owner cars being easier to sell on. There has been a 1 owner spectraflair red rose 350C in the classifieds for weeks, amd IMO at ba very reasonable price. Its just what a propective owner is looking for when they come to buy. From what ive gathered make sure its well serviced, cared for, excellent condition and the onwer treats it well.Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Personally I dont think salt agrees with TVR chassis unless it cleaned often
These cars change hands regularly as they are specialist cars so most surely have more than one owner....Condition and history far more important than owners for me....within reason that it.
As with any cars they are built to be driven and I would much prefer a car that has been used all year.
Andyt25 said:
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Not sure if I agree with the above...Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
These cars change hands regularly as they are specialist cars so most surely have more than one owner....Condition and history far more important than owners for me....within reason that it.
As with any cars they are built to be driven and I would much prefer a car that has been used all year.
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:28
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:29
If it is not clean underneath then its not as you say "cared for, excellent condition and last owner treats it well" If a car is prepared properly over wintering is fine and it will start and run as reliable as a car driven through the depths of winter.
Dan225 said:
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Disagree with this, I am looking to buy one soon and I certainly wont expect it to be as clean underneath as on top. I'm reliably informed these cars run better and are more reliable for longer periods if they are used. Not moth balled away in garages for weeks on end. Also disagree about the 1 owner cars being easier to sell on. There has been a 1 owner spectraflair red rose 350C in the classifieds for weeks, amd IMO at ba very reasonable price. Its just what a propective owner is looking for when they come to buy. From what ive gathered make sure its well serviced, cared for, excellent condition and the onwer treats it well.Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Dan225 said:
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Disagree with this, I am looking to buy one soon and I certainly wont expect it to be as clean underneath as on top. I'm reliably informed these cars run better and are more reliable for longer periods if they are used. Not moth balled away in garages for weeks on end. Also disagree about the 1 owner cars being easier to sell on. There has been a 1 owner spectraflair red rose 350C in the classifieds for weeks, amd IMO at ba very reasonable price. Its just what a propective owner is looking for when they come to buy. From what ive gathered make sure its well serviced, cared for, excellent condition and the onwer treats it well.Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
I also use my cars all year round. My old Chim which is now 12 years old I used in all weathers. When I sold her last year the chassis was absolutely original and solid! As long as they are cleaned and prepped on a regular basis there is nothing to be scared of! I'd ratehr drive mine over winter and keep it running than pack it away letting seals etc dry out!
As for a clean garage - again what does this matter? My garage is a tip, on the other hand my car is pampered and in fantastic condition, your generalisations really don't suit every situation...
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Whilst I (sort of) appreciate what your trying to say I have to admit that I disagree. Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
I am the 3rd owner of my car yet I did a lot of research into the two previous owners and was happy with the history. When buying again would I go for a one owner car? Answer is no/i don't care as long as I know it was treated well.
I agree that the cars almost must be garaged but please... The floor clean enough to eat dinner off? My garage is obsessively tidy but I am never gonna eat my dinner off it as its a garage floor for gods sake where the car sits and I'm afraid its my car that gets all the love and attention!
If you prefer to not use the car in winter that's fine but trust me you are missing out and I seriously recommend you try using it. Not in the snow etc... But these cars are as much fun in the wet than the dry, and to only buy a car used in the dry IMHO is plain stupid as these cars DO perform much better when used regularly and not tucked up in a garage all their lives.
And regarding underneath, all I can say is WHY? Not even going to warrant a response to this as its a car FFS - drive it and forget about underneath. Mine is checked almost monthly when its in the garage for little bits of tinkering.
stub101 said:
IMHO is plain stupid as these cars DO perform much better when used regularly and not tucked up in a garage all their lives.
What do you base that on? I never use my TVR in winter because I don't have to. It runs better now than when I bought it 3 1/2 years ago, that's because it gets the proper start ups and has the proper 6K and 12K services on time not milage. I don't go for the "Interim/cheap" services.What is not good for it is a lot of short runs. Not storage if you know how to do it properly.
Stub101 said:
But these cars are as much fun in the wet than the dry, and to only buy a car used in the dry IMHO is plain stupid as these cars DO perform much better when used regularly and not tucked up in a garage all their lives.
I think you may have misunderstood me. Its the salt that stops me winter driving not water. I have just come back from Spa and was chucking it down. Getting back on thread my opinions are what I would look for when purchasing a TVR.T450t said:
Stub101 said:
But these cars are as much fun in the wet than the dry, and to only buy a car used in the dry IMHO is plain stupid as these cars DO perform much better when used regularly and not tucked up in a garage all their lives.
I think you may have misunderstood me. Its the salt that stops me winter driving not water. I have just come back from Spa and was chucking it down. Getting back on thread my opinions are what I would look for when purchasing a TVR.
t to do with use and I get tired of hearing it. I've just resigned myself to thinking its an excuse to own a stter (it's filthy but it gets used...)Zippee said:
Dan225 said:
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
Disagree with this, I am looking to buy one soon and I certainly wont expect it to be as clean underneath as on top. I'm reliably informed these cars run better and are more reliable for longer periods if they are used. Not moth balled away in garages for weeks on end. Also disagree about the 1 owner cars being easier to sell on. There has been a 1 owner spectraflair red rose 350C in the classifieds for weeks, amd IMO at ba very reasonable price. Its just what a propective owner is looking for when they come to buy. From what ive gathered make sure its well serviced, cared for, excellent condition and the onwer treats it well.Make sure the first owner kept it in a garage you could eat dinner off the floor
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Make sure its as clean underneath as it is on top
I also use my cars all year round. My old Chim which is now 12 years old I used in all weathers. When I sold her last year the chassis was absolutely original and solid! As long as they are cleaned and prepped on a regular basis there is nothing to be scared of! I'd ratehr drive mine over winter and keep it running than pack it away letting seals etc dry out!
As for a clean garage - again what does this matter? My garage is a tip, on the other hand my car is pampered and in fantastic condition, your generalisations really don't suit every situation...
gilbo said:
The revisions mentioned above actually came into play in mid 2003 (my last T350 had all of them and was registered in July 03 for example)
.......
As already mentioned go by condition and how the owner treats it. You can judge a lot by the sellers character too!!
If you aren't mechanically minded an independant inspection is well worth it.
I agree on both counts. My Nov 03 T350 has those revisions. And although I can appreciate why people would want to garage the car for the winter, I believe its a mechanical item that is designed to be used. .......
As already mentioned go by condition and how the owner treats it. You can judge a lot by the sellers character too!!
If you aren't mechanically minded an independant inspection is well worth it.
Andyt25 said:
T450t said:
Make sure your the second owner over that it will get hard to sell on
Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
Not sure if I agree with the above...Make sure the owner did not use it during winter as the chasis powder coating on modern TVR'S could have
been better
These cars change hands regularly as they are specialist cars so most surely have more than one owner....Condition and history far more important than owners for me....within reason that it.
As with any cars they are built to be driven and I would much prefer a car that has been used all year.
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:28
Edited by Andyt25 on Thursday 8th October 20:29
ok guys, great points from everyone. high ownership is common on sports cars and not a great concern to me, a 1 owner car has usually had the money spent on it considering that they would have paid around £40,000-£50,000 (i'm guessing) but then again they generally bought them as toys and if you've every seen the way my boys treat their toys!! you can tell alot from the present owner and what they've done or spent, in the long run its the condition of the car that counts. went to look at one yesterday (54 reg 350c) 15,000 on the clock, clutch replaced 2k ago, just had a bottom end rebuild by racing green (seems odd as i thought it was the top ends that usally needs rebuilding) but is due its first 1000mls service, they also replaced the ecu is this common? i spoke to racing green and they said the warrany for the work was not transferrable to a new owner wich seem a bit odd, probably won't use them for anything in the future!! also needs 2 rear tyres and some new pads, usual stone chipping to the front, there is some water damage to the passenger door card as he decided to use the local polish car wash with their pressure washers 
silly boy. it has all the extra add ons of a later car and is probablly the cheapest on the market, but could be cheaper! so its had the money spent on it and the major and expensive work has been done, it just needs a little more love.
one thing i was going to ask is do most of you guys work on your own cars or do you always use a garage?
silly boy. it has all the extra add ons of a later car and is probablly the cheapest on the market, but could be cheaper! so its had the money spent on it and the major and expensive work has been done, it just needs a little more love.one thing i was going to ask is do most of you guys work on your own cars or do you always use a garage?
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