T350 or Cayman S

[ScottyCarney1]

I know this has probably been discussed to death but I would really like some advice!

I have always loved TVR especially the T350C and I know not much compares. Just a couple of questions as it will be a 350 or cayman (would much prefer the 350!)

I will look at spending around £23500 and would like one with the 2004 onwards mods. Is this a reasonable figure?
Also can you get continental headlights for the T350 and if so where and how much?

I know the reliability isn't up there with the Cayman however I understand that with the correct care and attention then the T350 isn't to bad?? Has anyone known of a car to do high mileage without needing a rebuild?

Also this will be my only car although I walk to work so only really used on the weekends etc but I do visit my parents 240 miles away about once a month, would a T350 be pratical for this?

Sorry for all the questions but some guidance would be appreciated from people who live with the 350 everyday! thanks.

[T350 Al]

ScottyCarney1 said:

I will look at spending around £23500 and would like one with the 2004 onwards mods. Is this a reasonable figure? - A quick look at the classifieds says yes!

Also can you get continental headlights for the T350 and if so where and how much? Never heard of them, but haven't taken her abroad yet. Someone else may be able to answer.

I know the reliability isn't up there with the Cayman however I understand that with the correct care and attention then the T350 isn't to bad?? - Look after it well and it'll look after you.

Has anyone known of a car to do high mileage without needing a rebuild? - There are a few S6 units above 50k without rebuilds if memory serves. Seem to recall a S6 over the 100k barrier, but think it might've had one rebuild. Again, other may know better.

Also this will be my only car although I walk to work so only really used on the weekends etc but I do visit my parents 240 miles away about once a month, would a T350 be practical for this? - Yup! The wife and I used to use ours for commuting from Bristol to Portsmouth return every other week and it never missed a beat. You can get a fair amount of luggage in the back if you pack carefully and aren't fussed on having a view out the rear!

Sorry for all the questions but some guidance would be appreciated from people who live with the 350 everyday! thanks.

A T350 can be used as a daily driver and we did just that for a while. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again if we needed to!

Best of luck with the decision!

[ScottyCarney1]

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah I have seen a few posts where people use them as daily drivers and it's just me so space isn't really an issue.

I am more than happy to give it a rebuild if required however I would not want to do many! costs etc....

Any assistance from anyone about the continental lights would be great, maybe I will do a new post with this as a heading!?

Also has anyone had any dealings with SSCC TVR in North Yorkshire as they are close to me, just wondered if they are any good or one to avoid, thanks.

Edited by ScottyCarney1 on Tuesday 5th January 18:59

[grumbledoak]

That price should get you a good one, and post 2004 (some from 2003) seem to be reliable enough if looked after.

Not sure about 'continental' headlights, but we did over 3,000 miles in continental Europe with only beam deflectors. No issues.

240 miles is a great journey; they are surprisingly good and comfortable GT cars despite the 'raw' image. If she really doesn't move for four weeks at a time you'll probably want a battery conditioner or equivalent, but mostly for peace of mind: mine has certainly lasted eight weeks and started first time.

Best of luck in your search.

[TVRUnoficialBlog]

I think they're uncomparable (. I'd choose the T350 because it can give you more emotions: lighter, more powerful, wilder... If you're looking for extreme sensations I'd suggest the TVR.
(by the way: I work for a Porsche paper magazine ;-)).

[Waitey]

Scott where are you? I'm in Driffield near York ish.

If you want to look round a T350 with an impartial owners opinion of it, feel free to come see me.

I use mine as a main car and have done 7k in 5 months give or take.

Edited by Waitey on Thursday 7th January 14:05

[TGJR]

£23500 will get a very nice T350 or a high mileage, lower spec Cayman. I have owned a Tamora (similar drive to a T350) and Cayman S and there is no arguing that the Cayman is a better engineered, more refined and more poised sports car.

I'd go for the T350

[ScottyCarney1]

Thanks for that guys, yeah I am swaying towards the T350.

I live in Riccall (about 15mins from York city centre) but I am working away at the moment and won't be back in the country until June. Just trying to find out what I can about the car and start looking at the options ready for when I get back.

It would be great to speak to someone who owns one though so maybe I will take you up on the offer when I get back. Especially as you use it everyday. Thanks.

[Waitey]

No problem Scott. I'll be in Le mans with it mid June though.

Also I can't reccommend Selby TVR more for servicing!

Edited by Waitey on Saturday 9th January 16:11

[ScottyCarney1]

No worries mate well I will be back around the 20th June looking to get one in July (the sooner the better) so maybe the end of June when you are back.

Enjoy Le Mans!

[Dr John]

ScottyCarney1 said:

I will look at spending around £23500 and would like one with the 2004 onwards mods. Is this a reasonable figure?
I'm not looking at prices at the moment so I don't know.

Also can you get continental headlights for the T350 and if so where and how much?
Took the t350 to Chamonix last summer. Great trip, performance awsome, lotts of attention. Didn't bother with lights as the standard headlamps are about one candle power, however I understand that from behind you can loosen the retaining screws and turn the whole lamp about 20 degrees anticlockwise to get a RHD pattern.

I know the reliability isn't up there with the Cayman however I understand that with the correct care and attention then the T350 isn't to bad?? Has anyone known of a car to do high mileage without needing a rebuild?
Now done over 36k. No rebuild yet! Only major problem was a new clutch at about 30k and a new set of shocks. Am only on 2nd set of tyres (getting low now).

Also this will be my only car although I walk to work so only really used on the weekends etc but I do visit my parents 240 miles away about once a month, would a T350 be practical for this?
Yes! Use mine almost every day when there isn't lying snow!

Sorry for all the questions but some guidance would be appreciated from people who live with the 350 everyday! thanks.

I'm in Harrogate so if you fancy a beer and a chat when you're back and the weather is better then give me a call.

John

[Blown2CV]

if you find anyone in the tvr forum recommending a porsche i would be very surprised. Maybe you would get a more balanced view in general gassing?

[Cerberus90]

With regards to the mileage/rebuild thing, there was a Tamora, which has the same 3.6 speed six engine, that did over 100k miles, pretty sure it didn't have a rebuild.

As long as you look after it, its fine. Let the oil warm up etc, don't be an idiot driving it etc. Make sure to run it atleast once a week if possible, especially in the winter.

[kevin63]

I have driven both T350c and Cayman S and there is no contest, T350 every time. Boring v superb you takes your choice.

[TGJR]

kevin63 said:

I have driven both T350c and Cayman S and there is no contest, T350 every time. Boring v superb you takes your choice.

Porsche Cayman S boring???? I can only assume you have not driven one. Looks aside they are one of the best balanced sports cars I have driven. In a nutshell, superb.

They do lack the grunt of a T350 and in my opinion the TVR looks better. Lets not mention build quality. All in all both are great cars. I've owned 3 TVR's and 6 Porsches and love both marques. Try them and see which suits you and you will find that neither are boring.

[kevin63]

I had a Caymen S for a while and then sent it back, I hated the thing.

[Zippee]

TGJR said:

kevin63 said:

I have driven both T350c and Cayman S and there is no contest, T350 every time. Boring v superb you takes your choice.

Porsche Cayman S boring???? I can only assume you have not driven one. Looks aside they are one of the best balanced sports cars I have driven. In a nutshell, superb.

They do lack the grunt of a T350 and in my opinion the TVR looks better. Lets not mention build quality. All in all both are great cars. I've owned 3 TVR's and 6 Porsches and love both marques. Try them and see which suits you and you will find that neither are boring.

I agree, the Cayman is fantastically well balanced but no-where near as fast (though I've only driven the 2.7) trouble is it just doesn't feel as special to be in as the T350. It's very well built and the interior is solid, comfy and everything perfectly placed but the whole package is just that bit too perfect.
For an everyday sportscar the Cayman would win hands down but for a weekend fun car for me its the TVR everytime as it's just that bit more way out and different despite its foibles!