Thinking of buying a Tamora or T350

[steve5]

Hi all, I am thinking of buying a Tamora or a T350 soon and was hoping that some members on here can offer some tips/advice.
I have heard a few stories that the engines can give trouble?
Any advice really appreciated, i really love the Tamora and am prepered for the exp insurance, but maybe not a engine rebuild etc.

Thanks
Steve

[Skipe]

Hi Steve,

Have a look at the thread search there are lots of these that have been answered in really good detail.

In summary most people will say just go for test drives, find the right car that has been well looked after (warmed properly etc) and make sure you are going in with your eyes open.

There are lots of thread's and info on here, wiki's on the cars and there's also a Speed 6 engine forum too.

Oh and it's mandatory to post pics when you get it!

[Mattt]

I was thinking about this the other day, there are lots of these threads, and although there's a FAQ post, it's not a Wiki and not updated.

I've transferred the contents to the Wiki, please can people add/amend as and when they think of anything useful.

[OatSy]

If it's your first TVR then buy from a reputable dealer for a little peace of mind. Or if your not in a rush go to TVR local meets and talk to owners face to face about the dilemas of owning a hand built car who will be more than happy to share their views and knowledge. A TVR is NOT for everyone! as you will soon notice that there are many low milage cars with quite a few owners on the log book. Sometimes the dream is better than reality when it comes this particular Marque. Fortunately for me and many others it's still alive

Good luck and take your time.

[tobeee]

I did all the worrying before I bought my first tiv (Chimaera) but it never let me down, and when I bought my second (T350) the reliability truly didn't even cross my mind. That one never let me down either. I am prone to a bit of worry, so was quite surprised at myself! Buy one as soon as you can, and love it as much as you can before something requires you to move on (new baby was the only reason for me!).

[Diablos-666]

tobeee said:

I did all the worrying before I bought my first tiv (Chimaera) but it never let me down, and when I bought my second (T350) the reliability truly didn't even cross my mind. That one never let me down either. I am prone to a bit of worry, so was quite surprised at myself! Buy one as soon as you can, and love it as much as you can before something requires you to move on (new baby was the only reason for me!).

yep - what he said! I just recently purchased my first TVR - wanted to get it before I had any commitments and I'm so glad I did. She's with the dealer at the moment getting some mods done and I miss her! Not the same knowing she's not in my garage.
Get yourself one - life is too short!

HTH

[TVR nut]

What they said

Stop thinking, just start looking and buy one, you'll never regret it. Go for a test drive and you'll fall in love with them, i did.

I just can't explain the joy mine brings me, even on her bad days

[Templedog]

Just do it. Look at a few, you'll soon get a feel for which ones are good 'uns, and which ones aren't. When you find one you like, try to find someone with a bit of experience to check it over for you before you dive in. I got my Tam in April and haven't stopped grinning, or driving it . In fact it's my fault it's raining. I upped the mileage allowance on the insurance 3 weeks ago and it has pd down ever since

Edited by Templedog on Tuesday 10th August 21:55

[aaronc]

I recently acquired one and love it and so far been more reliable than other german cars that Ive owned!

[nightSpirit]

all the newer owners have the energy to post!

had my tam overa month..never had the roof on.

it is such an experience and imo humbles true supercars with its presence, you wont regret getting one its a great car a real road race car.

if youre in surrey area let me know and come for a look

[5tevo]

As above really, 6 months in and not let me down on occasional use, buy with your head and you can't go wrong.

I wanted a T350 but fell in love with the Tam I bought on site, she also feels less claustrophobic due to the lack of roll cage or roof as I too rarely have it on.

Awesome machines!!

[mycroft]

16 months Its mine , all mine , you can't have it .

[TVRWazzock]

After 4 years and 10 months of Tamora ownership, and only 2 monthly payements left on my 5 year loan, then she will be all mine, mine, mine, mine, mine

[Mr Whippy]

I'm sure there is a thread somewhere on this with the details, but...

Is the 3.6 S6 in the Tammy chocolate? Or is it just an engine that if it's been looked after should run and run, and if it's been absused it might cause problems?

I take it by the Tammy run of cars/engines they had fixed fundamental flaws in them?


It's the only thing really still putting me off buying one.

A nice black one for £13,500 ish on the classifieds right now, looks bloody ace!

Dave

[clive f]

I`ve had my t350 for a little while now and its a brilliant car, when I was looking and sussing out the pro`s and cons of the speed 6 engine, I was told to look at cars from 2003 upwards and the engines should have had the upgrades done on the top ends, I`m no expert, and dont want to upset anyone with an older speed 6 engined car, and I bet there are many who have had no problems whatsoever, but ask around with the people who specialise in these cars and get a bit of free advice.

[garreth64]

clive f said:

I`ve had my t350 for a little while now and its a brilliant car, when I was looking and sussing out the pro`s and cons of the speed 6 engine, I was told to look at cars from 2003 upwards and the engines should have had the upgrades done on the top ends, I`m no expert, and dont want to upset anyone with an older speed 6 engined car, and I bet there are many who have had no problems whatsoever, but ask around with the people who specialise in these cars and get a bit of free advice.

I have been keeping my eye on Tams for sale for a while as hoping to get one next year, and am wondering if this would account for the big price differentials?

Currently in the classifieds there are several 2002 cars for around £13-£14k, but then there is a big jump to 2004 onwards cars that are mostly £19-£23k.

I'm hoping to get one, run it for a couple of years, and I know I will suffer some depreciation but I don't want to lose £8k+ in 2 years so need to find the sweet spot to get a good car but with minimum depreciation.

[Mr Whippy]

garreth64 said:

clive f said:

I`ve had my t350 for a little while now and its a brilliant car, when I was looking and sussing out the pro`s and cons of the speed 6 engine, I was told to look at cars from 2003 upwards and the engines should have had the upgrades done on the top ends, I`m no expert, and dont want to upset anyone with an older speed 6 engined car, and I bet there are many who have had no problems whatsoever, but ask around with the people who specialise in these cars and get a bit of free advice.

I have been keeping my eye on Tams for sale for a while as hoping to get one next year, and am wondering if this would account for the big price differentials?

Currently in the classifieds there are several 2002 cars for around £13-£14k, but then there is a big jump to 2004 onwards cars that are mostly £19-£23k.

I'm hoping to get one, run it for a couple of years, and I know I will suffer some depreciation but I don't want to lose £8k+ in 2 years so need to find the sweet spot to get a good car but with minimum depreciation.

Ah that is interesting.

Hmmmm.

Is it not possible I wonder to upgrade an early engine before it's failed for a lot less than the cost of a full rebuild?

I can't believe it's still such an unknown quantity. I read about 10 threads at the weekend but it still didn't clear up exactly what the problem was, when it ended, or how you can pre-emtively fix it or spot it.

Perhaps buying a warranty that is good for these cars/engines, or buying a car with a rebuilt warranty engine, or buying from a dealer with a good warranty, is the only way to be sure it won't hurt?


Considering the issues around these engines and no clear info in black and white, I'd avoid later cars too as they might still pop, and aim for any age car with a rebuilt engine under warranty! If those rebuilding them can offer 3yrs and ulimimted miles on a car driven like TVR's are then they must have good faith in them being good engines!

Dave

[C3BER]

garreth64 said:

clive f said:

I`ve had my t350 for a little while now and its a brilliant car, when I was looking and sussing out the pro`s and cons of the speed 6 engine, I was told to look at cars from 2003 upwards and the engines should have had the upgrades done on the top ends, I`m no expert, and dont want to upset anyone with an older speed 6 engined car, and I bet there are many who have had no problems whatsoever, but ask around with the people who specialise in these cars and get a bit of free advice.

I have been keeping my eye on Tams for sale for a while as hoping to get one next year, and am wondering if this would account for the big price differentials?

Currently in the classifieds there are several 2002 cars for around £13-£14k, but then there is a big jump to 2004 onwards cars that are mostly £19-£23k.

I'm hoping to get one, run it for a couple of years, and I know I will suffer some depreciation but I don't want to lose £8k+ in 2 years so need to find the sweet spot to get a good car but with minimum depreciation.

Watch those prices because there going up and not just because of summer (what summer).

[Zippee]

C3BER said:

garreth64 said:

clive f said:

I`ve had my t350 for a little while now and its a brilliant car, when I was looking and sussing out the pro`s and cons of the speed 6 engine, I was told to look at cars from 2003 upwards and the engines should have had the upgrades done on the top ends, I`m no expert, and dont want to upset anyone with an older speed 6 engined car, and I bet there are many who have had no problems whatsoever, but ask around with the people who specialise in these cars and get a bit of free advice.

I have been keeping my eye on Tams for sale for a while as hoping to get one next year, and am wondering if this would account for the big price differentials?

Currently in the classifieds there are several 2002 cars for around £13-£14k, but then there is a big jump to 2004 onwards cars that are mostly £19-£23k.

I'm hoping to get one, run it for a couple of years, and I know I will suffer some depreciation but I don't want to lose £8k+ in 2 years so need to find the sweet spot to get a good car but with minimum depreciation.

Watch those prices because there going up and not just because of summer (what summer).

I agree. I purchased my 54 plate T350 in October 2008 with 8500 miles on the clock for 21k, I could achieve that today with 20k on the clock and in fact was offered more than this a year ago whilst at a show.

[Mr Whippy]

Gahhh stop saying it

There were about four nice Tams for sale on PH classifieds in ~ Dec/Jan 09 for around £12,000. I so wish I had bought now as they have just gone up and up since then for similar spec cars

Guess I'll just have to save up more hehe.

Dave