Elise to Tamora ... Costs & Reliability?

[Ikemi]

I was browsing through the PH Classifieds section, as I'm sure many of us do, looking for interesting metal to pass the time ... I've always had a soft spot for TVR cars, but due to my age, insurance has been an issue on anything that isn't a classic Wedge!

I was surprised to see how much second hand Tamora's have dropped in price, in that there are a few kicking about in the £14-15K region. I was also quite surprised by the fact that Admiral have quoted me an additional £500 on my current policy, which even though is quite a bit extra, doesn't seem too bad when you consider the additional cubic capacity, cylinders and power!

However there are a couple of things that worry me ... I'm sure it's a case of bad news travels, whereas happy owners stay quiet ... Similar to head gasket failure on the K-Series engine, which so far (touch wood) I haven't experienced in over 60,000 miles of S1 & S2 Elise ownership. Is the Speed Six engine really that unreliable? Considering some of the advertisements state 'rebuilt' engines, I'd hate to be hit with a £4-5K bill in the near future!

Is it a case of continuous usage and allowing the engine to warm up properly before spirited driving, which will help lessen the chance of the engine failing? Are there any signs to look out for that may indicate a rebuild is required?

I'd plan to use the Tamora on a daily basis (10-14K miles per year). How much should I budget to run the car? Any potentially large bills that may occur? Servicing costs?

I have to admit, one of the main attractions is the noise that the Tamora creates Do they pop and bang on over run as standard or would I need to look at sports exhausts + decat/sports cat? Anyone else moved from an Elise to a Tamora/T350?

Any information would be great!

Cheers!

[shep1001]

Ikemi said:

I was browsing through the PH Classifieds section, as I'm sure many of us do, looking for interesting metal to pass the time ... I've always had a soft spot for TVR cars, but due to my age, insurance has been an issue on anything that isn't a classic Wedge!

I was surprised to see how much second hand Tamora's have dropped in price, in that there are a few kicking about in the £14-15K region. I was also quite surprised by the fact that Admiral have quoted me an additional £500 on my current policy, which even though is quite a bit extra, doesn't seem too bad when you consider the additional cubic capacity, cylinders and power!

However there are a couple of things that worry me ... I'm sure it's a case of bad news travels, whereas happy owners stay quiet ... Similar to head gasket failure on the K-Series engine, which so far (touch wood) I haven't experienced in over 60,000 miles of S1 & S2 Elise ownership. Is the Speed Six engine really that unreliable? Considering some of the advertisements state 'rebuilt' engines, I'd hate to be hit with a £4-5K bill in the near future!

Is it a case of continuous usage and allowing the engine to warm up properly before spirited driving, which will help lessen the chance of the engine failing? Are there any signs to look out for that may indicate a rebuild is required?

I'd plan to use the Tamora on a daily basis (10-14K miles per year). How much should I budget to run the car? Any potentially large bills that may occur? Servicing costs?

I have to admit, one of the main attractions is the noise that the Tamora creates Do they pop and bang on over run as standard or would I need to look at sports exhausts + decat/sports cat? Anyone else moved from an Elise to a Tamora/T350?

Any information would be great!

Cheers!

I would say budget 4K running costs per year for tax/insurance/service (every 6000 miles)based on 12-14k year estimate. The S6 can be a money pit but buy a well looked after car/engine and continue to be mechanically sympathetic until the engine is upto temp plus service it as required and it should serve you well.

Clutch & master cyclinder will rob you about £1100 when its time to change & a new ally rad about £700 (open nose so prone to puncture a little more) New boots are about £120 a corner. Throttle body mod is needed when they wear badly costing about £600. HT leads and coil pack can also fail with age at about £50/80 to get replaced whilst engine mounts can also fail with time at about £125 each

Not sure about anything else as I have only ever needed a new rad, engine mount on the OS and my throttle bodies sorting inthe last two years!

Std exhaust is a bit rubish for bangs and pops. I keep my cats in and have Racing Green 'Super sport' bang cans on the back. They sound like a scudd attack on the over-run. Cats out is a little OTT - remember you want to drive it every day!

Shep

[Mr M]

> Do they pop and bang on over run as standard

I've a standard exhaust. It does pop higher up the rev range (5-6k) after lifting off the gas, but from the drivers seat it sounds more like a slap than say the AJP V8 which is more gutteral, but it does have great low frequency rumbles all the time and is wonderful through the tunnels as you'd expect. I'm sure you'd enjoy it as standard, but it's horses for courses in the noise department.

[shep1001]

Mr M said:

> Do they pop and bang on over run as standard

I've a standard exhaust. It does pop higher up the rev range (5-6k) after lifting off the gas, but from the drivers seat it sounds more like a slap than say the AJP V8 which is more gutteral, but it does have great low frequency rumbles all the time and is wonderful through the tunnels as you'd expect. I'm sure you'd enjoy it as standard, but it's horses for courses in the noise department.

Yes it should pop and bang at about 3K on the overun. Standard is good until you try a sports exhaust then nothing else will do. The noise at full throttle is epic and the bangs add to the grin factor.

Shep

[Mr M]

That's interesting Shep. Mine doesn't. At least I don't think it does - perhaps that's but low frequency noises I'm hearing - I don't know. Do get a slap if it's higher up the revs though. I'm quite happy with mine as it is, but out of curiosity, are there any youtube snippets out there of said system ?

[shep1001]

Mr M said:

That's interesting Shep. Mine doesn't. At least I don't think it does - perhaps that's but low frequency noises I'm hearing - I don't know. Do get a slap if it's higher up the revs though. I'm quite happy with mine as it is, but out of curiosity, are there any youtube snippets out there of said system ?

No slap with mine. Utube clips are never very good but there are several out there if you search under TVR. If you fancy a trip over to Dunstable I will take you out in mine, not sure where you are in the hearts/beds area.

Shep

[TVRWazzock]

I'm staying quiet

[Mr M]

Thanks Shep. It's ok as I'm quite happy with mine as is. Have heard a few on youtube though there aren't that many vids about of Tams

Ian - why are you staying quite ?

PS apologies for thread hijack. Must try not to.

Edited by Mr M on Thursday 1st July 12:50

Edited by Mr M on Thursday 1st July 12:52

[Zippee]

Mr M said:

That's interesting Shep. Mine doesn't. At least I don't think it does - perhaps that's but low frequency noises I'm hearing - I don't know. Do get a slap if it's higher up the revs though. I'm quite happy with mine as it is, but out of curiosity, are there any youtube snippets out there of said system ?

The standard exhaust (obviously very similar to my 350) will overun around 300rpm but its more a muted phutt than an actual bang. When I changed to my JP the difference was instantly noticeable both from inside and out, however I actually prefer it in cabin, the standard exhaust was a bit bassy inside and the JP seems to have cured this. The noise internally is not much louder than standard, just different. Externally though it's in a different league.
If you ever want a listen just let me know.

[Mr M]

Cheers. Mind you I did hear you go past a couple of weeks ago.

Edited by Mr M on Thursday 1st July 15:43

[TVRWazzock]

Mr M said:

Thanks Shep. It's ok as I'm quite happy with mine as is. Have heard a few on youtube though there aren't that many vids about of Tams

Ian - why are you staying quite ?

PS apologies for thread hijack. Must try not to.

Edited by Mr M on Thursday 1st July 12:50

Edited by Mr M on Thursday 1st July 12:52

Cos I'm a happy owner

[extremekiter]

My Sagaris pops and bangs like a bh and thats why i love her to bits!!!! TVR v Elise, simply no comparson. But i would say that hey!!! TVRers im sure if went to a Elise would miss the raw noise and event of a TVR. I love the Exige i have to say but dont think i could do it as i love the noise and i really dont know of any other car that makes this RAW noise! Just my opinion.....drining a TVR is an event. Simple!!!

Justyn

[Spoonman]

Personally, I wouldn't want to use the Tamora as an everyday car. Aside from the costs (even a great example, - as opposed to one from the lower end of the price bracket - will need big money spending on it before too long), getting in and driving the TVR for mundane stuff will lessen the experience when you get a nice, warm day and simply go out for a thrash. Or maybe I'm just getting old...

[parvs]

I went from an Elise to an exige s (from new) then to a sagaris. All used as daily drivers as
well as a 2500 mile road trip in the TVR recently.

In terms of handling I don't believe any of the tvrs I've driven even remotely compare to a lotus, but the nothing really does. The sagaris has been unpredictable, unreliable and has cost a fortune (twice that of the lotuses), I'm too scared to take it on track and thrash it, it leaves oil stains on the drive. The most recent service has been two weeks away (and still counting, but at least another week) and will cost ?
It irritates people that I work with, and the neighbours, whenever I park and leave it I'm worried. Don't even mention petrol.

Every time I get in I worry if it will start, but it always does and then oh do I love it. The noise, the power, the looks is utterly utterly addictive. It turns getting milk from down the road into a joyous event (what's that dear? You need teabags? I'll just pop out and get them.....what do you mean I was gone for an hour last time?)

It just humbles everything else on the road, the handling is 90% of a lotus (which is still much much better than almost anything). I just can't see myself selling it. If you ever regret buying one just get in it, look around you, you don't even have to turn the key to love it, they are things of beauty.

Even after 2500 miles and five hours of the last stint of a road trip I lasted about fifteen mins before I was back in!
Ok I'll stop now....

[d18mca]

If your daily route is stop start driving,the TVR would be an expensive proposition, and not that enjoyable.
If you have a decent distance to travel on interesting and relatively traffic free roads,then yes if you account for much larger fuel bills.

Clutch wear can vary from 6kmiles (town only driving)to 20k+miles open road use.
Rear Tyres ,depending on how much fun you intend having may only last one year given your intended mileage.Fronts maybe1-2 years..
I use my Sagaris as my main car all year(including a couple of track days),but my driving is all social and not usually in heavy town traffic.


The driving experience with a speed six engine is immense,but not cheap.
Good luck

[W111AAM]

I did exactly that, well almost. Went from a VX220 to a Tamora. I think £4k a year is a little strong (although if your counting fuel in there maybe not!!)

I kept quite a detailed log of everything I spent on mine so please look at my profile for a full breakdown of the running costs. Got stung in Italy for a new clutch, but ignoring that, I had a great time with mine. Would happily have another although if I go down the TVR route again I think it will have to be a Tuscan 2 Convertible.

[geoffphead]

Use it every day, if you are worried about fuel economy and costs dont buy a TVR. Spend it on a Porker or a beemer but and its a HUGE one you will miss out on the best (IMHO)driving experience money can buy .
The car will love being driven every day,buy on condition not miles or age there are plenty of garage queens that will cost you loads as soon as you use regularly. I dont buy into the if i only use it once a week it will be special, It is an event every time you fire her up.

BUY one and enjoy a very special car

Geoff

[MattyB_]

W111AAM said:

I kept quite a detailed log of everything I spent on mine so please look at my profile for a full breakdown of the running costs. Got stung in Italy for a new clutch, but ignoring that, I had a great time with mine. Would happily have another although if I go down the TVR route again I think it will have to be a Tuscan 2 Convertible.

Ah, finally someone who kept a log, thanks - interesting reading. Seems its just regular small-ish bills rather than occasional big ones, as many people have said.

[sibo99]

im the same as parvs./. had mk1 elise then exige now sagaris

that friken elise almost sent me bankrupt, new engine,clutch,exhast,new front clam(hit in car park),starter motor ,battery and much more in 3 years.
exige= nothing but tyres in another 3 years.
sag = only 2 months old 2000 miles done so too early.
just saying its down to the individual car.but go for it, imagine if u hadent taken the plunge and bought the lotus you would never have known how a car is meant to go.

if only there was a car that handles like a lotus,fits in the garage like a lotus,looks like a tvr,sounds like a tvr and is built by the japanesse wit a 5 yr warranty eh

[parvs]

I think 4k a year is probably about right if you're using it regularly. I've had my sagaris 6 mths and it's easily cost 2k not including insurance or petrol.