Potential Tamora owner
Discussion
Hi Guys,
After some buying advice on Tamoras.
I’ve been wanting a TVR for years now, and am in a position where I can get one to enjoy over the summer.
Budgets around 16-18k, but obviously ideally the lower end. Maintenance costs aren’t really an issue, but I’m a little worried by the prospect of engine rebuilds on the earlier models.
So when looking to buy what are the key points I should be looking for. Chances are I’ll settle on something like…
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2398202.htm - Yeah I know this one’s rebuilt, but a fair few pre-05s in the classifieds aren’t. Is it a sure thing the pre-05 S6 engines will let go?
How about this… http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2611485.htm Cat D, but at that price, very tempting.
Also, throughout the summer, I expect it’ll get pretty regular use – maybe not full on daily driver, but certainly most days of the week. I expect a lot of the time in summer it’ll be the only car available. Aside from petrol (ran an RX7 daily for 3 years, so used to that), is this a recipe for disaster? Commute is around 15 miles, I’ll be taking the longer route when the suns out!!
My mind’s working like this – “do it, it’ll be fine, buy FTVRSH from a specialist with warranty and you’ll be laughing all the way to the petrol pumps. Do it, the drive to Le Mans would be awesome! Stop posting on PH and DO IT!”
Someone tell me I’m not insane to be considering this…
I should probably add, I am sort of considering a Chim as an alternative, seems to make more sense when using the head instead of the heart. But there’s just something about Tamoras.
After some buying advice on Tamoras.
I’ve been wanting a TVR for years now, and am in a position where I can get one to enjoy over the summer.
Budgets around 16-18k, but obviously ideally the lower end. Maintenance costs aren’t really an issue, but I’m a little worried by the prospect of engine rebuilds on the earlier models.
So when looking to buy what are the key points I should be looking for. Chances are I’ll settle on something like…
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2398202.htm - Yeah I know this one’s rebuilt, but a fair few pre-05s in the classifieds aren’t. Is it a sure thing the pre-05 S6 engines will let go?
How about this… http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2611485.htm Cat D, but at that price, very tempting.
Also, throughout the summer, I expect it’ll get pretty regular use – maybe not full on daily driver, but certainly most days of the week. I expect a lot of the time in summer it’ll be the only car available. Aside from petrol (ran an RX7 daily for 3 years, so used to that), is this a recipe for disaster? Commute is around 15 miles, I’ll be taking the longer route when the suns out!!
My mind’s working like this – “do it, it’ll be fine, buy FTVRSH from a specialist with warranty and you’ll be laughing all the way to the petrol pumps. Do it, the drive to Le Mans would be awesome! Stop posting on PH and DO IT!”
Someone tell me I’m not insane to be considering this…
I should probably add, I am sort of considering a Chim as an alternative, seems to make more sense when using the head instead of the heart. But there’s just something about Tamoras.
As a Tamora owner I would be biased, but having also owned a Chimaera, the two are leagues apart (but I do miss the V8 rumble). To me everything about the Tamora is better, a much more mature design, it handles better, the acceleration is awesome, it sounds great (minus the rumble).Marmite looks to some, but I think they look great.
Engine wise I went for as later a model as I good (2005 in my case), others on here probably have more knowledge than me, but post 2003 the engines were much better. Just go through the warming up procedure (plenty of posts on this, but basically keep it under 2k revs until warm) and you should be fine. Not sure personally about a 15 mile run to work, mine normally takes around 5 or 6 miles to warm up, might be worth thinking about a dog car for the commute.
You're right to go for one with a good history, via a dealer or direct is obviously up to you. There's a fairly good choice around at the moment.
So you're not insane (unless the rest of us already are), you won't regret it. Pic of mine below to wet your appetite.
Engine wise I went for as later a model as I good (2005 in my case), others on here probably have more knowledge than me, but post 2003 the engines were much better. Just go through the warming up procedure (plenty of posts on this, but basically keep it under 2k revs until warm) and you should be fine. Not sure personally about a 15 mile run to work, mine normally takes around 5 or 6 miles to warm up, might be worth thinking about a dog car for the commute.
You're right to go for one with a good history, via a dealer or direct is obviously up to you. There's a fairly good choice around at the moment.
So you're not insane (unless the rest of us already are), you won't regret it. Pic of mine below to wet your appetite.
This type of question has been asked many times.. and the answer in this forum is always Do It !! But, with ur eyes wide open. I bought T350 as first TVR and used as daily driver approx 12k miles per year, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I now have short 15 mile commute and that is just enough for engine to warm up properly and I wish I worked further away !!
I have to make excuses to go places for a drive...
Don't think they are cheap to run like a BMW 330ci for example... you will find things need fixing, especially niggles if you use every day, and service every 6k is a bit more expensive than a lot of cars... some parts are expensive.. e.g. disks and pads.
I think if u find one that has had a high quality rebuild e.g TVR Power, and other mods like improved suspension and new clutch for example, that would be best. Even some late models have needed rebuild.
Just my opinion after 4 years of daily use. Hope it helps.
I have to make excuses to go places for a drive...
Don't think they are cheap to run like a BMW 330ci for example... you will find things need fixing, especially niggles if you use every day, and service every 6k is a bit more expensive than a lot of cars... some parts are expensive.. e.g. disks and pads.
I think if u find one that has had a high quality rebuild e.g TVR Power, and other mods like improved suspension and new clutch for example, that would be best. Even some late models have needed rebuild.
Just my opinion after 4 years of daily use. Hope it helps.
GlennT,
That looks gorgeous!
Chameleon green ?
There are a couple in that colour at dealers at the moment, can't make my mind up which to try for.
£20K, 17,000 miles, 2 owner
£19K, 40,000 miles, 4 owner
Very similar spec, same age 2004
Anyone have any thoughts on the above prices ?
The 17K miles one would be a real push for me, can't help thinking the other may be slightly over priced ?
Rather annoyingly the 2nd was up for private sale which I missed
That looks gorgeous!
Chameleon green ?
There are a couple in that colour at dealers at the moment, can't make my mind up which to try for.
£20K, 17,000 miles, 2 owner
£19K, 40,000 miles, 4 owner
Very similar spec, same age 2004
Anyone have any thoughts on the above prices ?
The 17K miles one would be a real push for me, can't help thinking the other may be slightly over priced ?
Rather annoyingly the 2nd was up for private sale which I missed
Edited by tvrloon on Wednesday 23 March 13:42
Getsis said:
My buying advice is "Buy one" the prices have been creeping up! longer you wait the more you are going to pay.
By the way the first car in your post has a post 2003/2004 front end and it's a 2002 car !!!!
Well that's another convincer... lack of depreciation! By the way the first car in your post has a post 2003/2004 front end and it's a 2002 car !!!!
Edited by Getsis on Wednesday 23 March 14:28
Interesting point about that first one I posted. I'll be consulting the wisdom of PH before parting with any cash.
Hi TVRLoon
Thanks. I would say 23k miles difference and only an extra grand. I know which one I'd go for, but I like my motors with low mileage. Mine had 6500 when I bought it last year, nearly on 8000 now. I would go for it.
At todays prices you could have quite a few years of enjoyment with little or no depreciation. But remember they do cost a few quid to maintain through the year.
Thanks. I would say 23k miles difference and only an extra grand. I know which one I'd go for, but I like my motors with low mileage. Mine had 6500 when I bought it last year, nearly on 8000 now. I would go for it.
At todays prices you could have quite a few years of enjoyment with little or no depreciation. But remember they do cost a few quid to maintain through the year.
There's a couple for sale at Tony Gilbert cars.
Both 2002 models, both GTS blue, both around 15k, one with 37k miles and one with 52k.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2632149.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2535560.htm
I've heard very good things about Tony Gilbert, but what are people's opinions on these particular cars?
Both 2002 models, both GTS blue, both around 15k, one with 37k miles and one with 52k.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2632149.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2535560.htm
I've heard very good things about Tony Gilbert, but what are people's opinions on these particular cars?
.Ive had a chimeara,cerbera and t350 which is basically a tamora with a roof. My advise is get one before prices go up. Ive seen the one at stepen james motors and its a very nice car, I also drove the blue one that he has got also a very nice car. If you like the Tamora buy the tam as you will always regret it every time you see one. I dont regret the chim and cerb but I could have saved myself a fortune and just got the t350 first. Buy wisely and you wont regret it
I'm in a similar place- looking for a Tamora but still cautious of the rebuild scenario. That said, my Tuscan always served me well. Anyway, anyone know of engines going bang AFTER a rebuild? Or the reliability mods tend to put paid to that?
And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
This one certainly looks in excellent condition and has a rebuild. I think you could probably bring that colour up even better as well. It's a nice combination with the interior. Depends whether you wish to have the later lights though.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2518412.htm
> And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
I doubt it
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2518412.htm
> And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
I doubt it
Edited by Mr M on Wednesday 23 March 19:03
Thanks for the advice guys, exactly what I needed!
As above - has anyone heard of rebuilds (from reputable garages) going bang?
Mr M - I was looking at that one earlier, looks promising, I may take a look at it over the weekend.
As above - has anyone heard of rebuilds (from reputable garages) going bang?
Mr M - I was looking at that one earlier, looks promising, I may take a look at it over the weekend.
Mr M said:
> And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
I doubt it
Practicality is way down the list of priorities! I doubt it
Edited by cocopop on Wednesday 23 March 19:10
Some good advice on here already. I went through the same dilemma last year, and I would advise looking at and driving a few before making up your mind. I ended up seeing 4 in different parts of the country to find the one I have now.
There seems to be a lot said about rebuilds and I only know what I've read - that later cars are better, but there seem to be no guarantees as there are early cars that have done 50k+ without rebuilds, and later cars that have done lower miles with rebuilds. If going for one with a rebuild I would say look for a more recent full rebuild by one of the well known sources like TVR Power or STR8 Six. Early rebuilds by the factory seem to be less reliable and some have been done more than once.
Also, as mentioned look for condition, full service history, plenty of receipts etc and if it has had items like clutch, alloy rad replaced etc.
Alternatively if you find the perfect car (like I did) without a rebuild then go for it, treat it well re warming up, checking fluids etc, and keep in the back of your mind it may need a rebuild at some point in the future but at least you can get it done by a reliable source.
As these cars don't seem to be depreciating (prices seem a little higher than when I was looking last year), a 5k rebuild spread over 2 years is only £2.5k per year, which is less than annual depreciation on most modern cars.
Oh, and just get one they are great, so here's another gratuitous pic to make you want one
There seems to be a lot said about rebuilds and I only know what I've read - that later cars are better, but there seem to be no guarantees as there are early cars that have done 50k+ without rebuilds, and later cars that have done lower miles with rebuilds. If going for one with a rebuild I would say look for a more recent full rebuild by one of the well known sources like TVR Power or STR8 Six. Early rebuilds by the factory seem to be less reliable and some have been done more than once.
Also, as mentioned look for condition, full service history, plenty of receipts etc and if it has had items like clutch, alloy rad replaced etc.
Alternatively if you find the perfect car (like I did) without a rebuild then go for it, treat it well re warming up, checking fluids etc, and keep in the back of your mind it may need a rebuild at some point in the future but at least you can get it done by a reliable source.
As these cars don't seem to be depreciating (prices seem a little higher than when I was looking last year), a 5k rebuild spread over 2 years is only £2.5k per year, which is less than annual depreciation on most modern cars.
Oh, and just get one they are great, so here's another gratuitous pic to make you want one
Edited by garreth64 on Wednesday 23 March 19:53
DeadeyeD said:
I'm in a similar place- looking for a Tamora but still cautious of the rebuild scenario. That said, my Tuscan always served me well. Anyway, anyone know of engines going bang AFTER a rebuild? Or the reliability mods tend to put paid to that?
And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
Carry bags clubs packed separately yes , trolley bags no . If you want the car you will make them fit or buy a bag that does .And finally, with the roof off and in the boot, can I still fit 2 sets of golf clubs in there....?
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