Looking for a T350 as an everyday car
Discussion
I am in the market for a car and I'm seriously thinking of a T350.
Only snag is, I would have to use it as my only car, so need to rely on it probably 5 days out of 7.
I don't have a long commute to work - 10 miles and I wouldn't be stuck in much traffic during that time (although I would probably drive more than 10 miles, just because!).
Do you think it's feasible that the T350 would be OK?
I used to have a 5.0 Chim and that never let me down once (well the engine didn't), but I am partly concerned about relying on the SP6 engine.
Obviously I will read all I can on the forums, but would be interested if any of you use yours for everyday use and also if anyone knows of anything about any of the classified cars that are up for sale then that would be helpful.
Only snag is, I would have to use it as my only car, so need to rely on it probably 5 days out of 7.
I don't have a long commute to work - 10 miles and I wouldn't be stuck in much traffic during that time (although I would probably drive more than 10 miles, just because!).
Do you think it's feasible that the T350 would be OK?
I used to have a 5.0 Chim and that never let me down once (well the engine didn't), but I am partly concerned about relying on the SP6 engine.
Obviously I will read all I can on the forums, but would be interested if any of you use yours for everyday use and also if anyone knows of anything about any of the classified cars that are up for sale then that would be helpful.
Go for it Ian! My circumstances were identical to yours - only car, 10 mile commute, and traded up to T350 after four trouble-free years in the Chim. I had the T350 for almost three years and it never let me down (well, starter motor once, and jammed seat-belt another time, but that's not bad going). It was also used as the family car for weekends and holidays. Just need to keep them regularly serviced (6 monthly for me), check levels weekly, and endure the warm up routine no matter how close the tailgaters get! You really shouldn't worry.
tobeee said:
Go for it Ian! My circumstances were identical to yours - only car, 10 mile commute, and traded up to T350 after four trouble-free years in the Chim. I had the T350 for almost three years and it never let me down (well, starter motor once, and jammed seat-belt another time, but that's not bad going). It was also used as the family car for weekends and holidays. Just need to keep them regularly serviced (6 monthly for me), check levels weekly, and endure the warm up routine no matter how close the tailgaters get! You really shouldn't worry.
Agreed. I ran a S6 Cerb for a year as a daily driver, nearly 15,000 miles, short, long, dry, rain, all sorts, never a problem.When I bought my T350 exactly 3 years ago it was my only car and I had a similar 7 mile commute to work. The car was absolutely fine apart from the original battery dying one morning, and I always ensured it was warmed up properly and just kept on top of servicing. I did this for 18 months and then changed jobs where I didn't have a commute.
At the same time I ironically got a second car as a daily runaround which admittedly is much more suited to very short journeys, but these cars are made fir driving and not sitting in a garage! In a typical week which involves a commute where do you spend most of your time? I would guess commuting - so why not be in the TVR having fun instead of a cheap banged up runaround...
In 3 years I have now done 24000 miles which included commuting and about 5500 miles touring round Europe which was amazing, and I can safely say the best motoring I have ever experienced.
I might have to sell it due to another house purchase and to say I am gutted is a total understatement!!!
At the same time I ironically got a second car as a daily runaround which admittedly is much more suited to very short journeys, but these cars are made fir driving and not sitting in a garage! In a typical week which involves a commute where do you spend most of your time? I would guess commuting - so why not be in the TVR having fun instead of a cheap banged up runaround...
In 3 years I have now done 24000 miles which included commuting and about 5500 miles touring round Europe which was amazing, and I can safely say the best motoring I have ever experienced.
I might have to sell it due to another house purchase and to say I am gutted is a total understatement!!!
Excellant - thanks for the advice guys.
I live in a city center, so parking is all on street (hence me selling anything decent that I've owned before), but I have just got an option to rent a garage close by. I don't want to run 2 cars because of onstreet parking, residents permits, time restictions etc.
Apart from which if I have a T350 I really don't think I will want to drive anything else. If I really get fed up of having fun driving, then I'll borrow the girlfriends car ;-)
NB Is anyone familiar with this car:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1865831.htm
I'm a bit concerned the chap has only had the car for 3 months, he seems very honest in his description, but may not know much about the car if he's not had it long! Should I spend more money for a 2005 version? or does 2004 have most of the improvements to the engine etc.?
I live in a city center, so parking is all on street (hence me selling anything decent that I've owned before), but I have just got an option to rent a garage close by. I don't want to run 2 cars because of onstreet parking, residents permits, time restictions etc.
Apart from which if I have a T350 I really don't think I will want to drive anything else. If I really get fed up of having fun driving, then I'll borrow the girlfriends car ;-)
NB Is anyone familiar with this car:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1865831.htm
I'm a bit concerned the chap has only had the car for 3 months, he seems very honest in his description, but may not know much about the car if he's not had it long! Should I spend more money for a 2005 version? or does 2004 have most of the improvements to the engine etc.?
Ian187 said:
Excellant - thanks for the advice guys.
I live in a city center, so parking is all on street (hence me selling anything decent that I've owned before), but I have just got an option to rent a garage close by. I don't want to run 2 cars because of onstreet parking, residents permits, time restictions etc.
Apart from which if I have a T350 I really don't think I will want to drive anything else. If I really get fed up of having fun driving, then I'll borrow the girlfriends car ;-)
NB Is anyone familiar with this car:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1865831.htm
I'm a bit concerned the chap has only had the car for 3 months, he seems very honest in his description, but may not know much about the car if he's not had it long! Should I spend more money for a 2005 version? or does 2004 have most of the improvements to the engine etc.?
It looks like a nice car although you are looking at a pretty high mileage without any history of a rebuild and this is reflected in the price (i.e. it would be prudent to budget for an engine rebuild). I live in a city center, so parking is all on street (hence me selling anything decent that I've owned before), but I have just got an option to rent a garage close by. I don't want to run 2 cars because of onstreet parking, residents permits, time restictions etc.
Apart from which if I have a T350 I really don't think I will want to drive anything else. If I really get fed up of having fun driving, then I'll borrow the girlfriends car ;-)
NB Is anyone familiar with this car:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1865831.htm
I'm a bit concerned the chap has only had the car for 3 months, he seems very honest in his description, but may not know much about the car if he's not had it long! Should I spend more money for a 2005 version? or does 2004 have most of the improvements to the engine etc.?
I think the car listed in the link below is a real option..If you can ignore the mileage, this car has had some great upgrades / money thrown at it, and an engine rebuild by one of the best in the game.
This car is pretty good value and the price has been dropped considerably.
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1606602.htm
Edited by PipeNslippers on Friday 29th October 11:53
Yes you can use a T350 every day.
The black one you linked to below looks like a lovely car. However, alarms bells ring in my head due to the fact that you are looking at the cheapest ones for sale. Does this mean you are stretching yourself financially? These cars cost £2,000 a year to run and if you skimp on maintenance they will end up costing you more.
In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
The black one you linked to below looks like a lovely car. However, alarms bells ring in my head due to the fact that you are looking at the cheapest ones for sale. Does this mean you are stretching yourself financially? These cars cost £2,000 a year to run and if you skimp on maintenance they will end up costing you more.
In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
Go for it Ian,
I use mine every day and after 9 months it has never let me down once.
It's a great conversation opener with clients as well.
Servicing isn't cheap and it likes "V Power", but it makes the drive to and from work, something to look forward to.
I had a Griffith for 10 years and that never let me down either.
Just don't skimp on the servicing and take it to someone who knows and understands TVR's and check all the levels at least weekly.
I had a Porsche Cayman for a while and it was so boring to commute in, as it felt like a well finished Golf GTI, whilst the TVR is just magic.
Do it and you won't regret it !!
I use mine every day and after 9 months it has never let me down once.
It's a great conversation opener with clients as well.
Servicing isn't cheap and it likes "V Power", but it makes the drive to and from work, something to look forward to.
I had a Griffith for 10 years and that never let me down either.
Just don't skimp on the servicing and take it to someone who knows and understands TVR's and check all the levels at least weekly.
I had a Porsche Cayman for a while and it was so boring to commute in, as it felt like a well finished Golf GTI, whilst the TVR is just magic.
Do it and you won't regret it !!
Targarama said:
Yes you can use a T350 every day.
In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
Thanks Targarama for the advice, I should be OK affording the T350, my budget for a car is actually around £25K before I was looking at a range of cars (although I'd obviously prefer to pay less).In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
I ran a 911 before so I'm fairly familiar with how much they can cost to run, but thanks for the advice.
Ian187 said:
Targarama said:
Yes you can use a T350 every day.
In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
Thanks Targarama for the advice, I should be OK affording the T350, my budget for a car is actually around £25K before I was looking at a range of cars (although I'd obviously prefer to pay less).In summary, can you afford to run a T350?
I ran a 911 before so I'm fairly familiar with how much they can cost to run, but thanks for the advice.
Ian187 said:
I am in the market for a car and I'm seriously thinking of a T350.
Only snag is, I would have to use it as my only car, so need to rely on it probably 5 days out of 7.
I don't have a long commute to work - 10 miles and I wouldn't be stuck in much traffic during that time (although I would probably drive more than 10 miles, just because!).
Do you think it's feasible that the T350 would be OK?
I used to have a 5.0 Chim and that never let me down once (well the engine didn't), but I am partly concerned about relying on the SP6 engine.
Obviously I will read all I can on the forums, but would be interested if any of you use yours for everyday use and also if anyone knows of anything about any of the classified cars that are up for sale then that would be helpful.
I found this link very useful when I was buying mine...Only snag is, I would have to use it as my only car, so need to rely on it probably 5 days out of 7.
I don't have a long commute to work - 10 miles and I wouldn't be stuck in much traffic during that time (although I would probably drive more than 10 miles, just because!).
Do you think it's feasible that the T350 would be OK?
I used to have a 5.0 Chim and that never let me down once (well the engine didn't), but I am partly concerned about relying on the SP6 engine.
Obviously I will read all I can on the forums, but would be interested if any of you use yours for everyday use and also if anyone knows of anything about any of the classified cars that are up for sale then that would be helpful.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... T350
the jollyrodger said:
myself, i would be l;ooking for lower miles on a car, esp when theres no re-build done....
Yeah I guess if there's been no rebuild, then you've got to keep some money aside just in case! I would prefer a car with low mileage, especially because I'm planning to use it as my only car, so I will be adding significantly to it's mileage. Only problem is there are not that many T350's for sale :-)
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