S series as everyday car?....

[Dave_H]

Well the bugs hit me, I cant take it anymore, I need help from you all... I'm thinking of replacing my everyday car (Rover 220 GSi - yawn) for preferably an S3 with the fog lamps in the valence, I'd like a Griff but I dont want to sell my other car so the budget won't streach to that, but please 'S' owners don't think I'm compramising, I really do love the S series!! I've researched loads in books/road tests etc, and spent much time reading all the comments on here, and I like what I've learnt so far, but how about you guys that run an 'S' every day? My current budget does not stretch to a V8 'S' without selling the other car, so that's not an option, not that I don't find the V6 very interesting - I do. I've done 27k miles as every day driving in the Rover in the last 2 years, and I do all my own servicing (oil change every 5k etc) and as my other car is 30 years old, I'm not scared of car DIY.I've got a big garage so it would be covered overnight (I've heard stories about them being left to the elements) Anyone see any pitfulls in my plan? Any good/bad experiences? Insurance?, I'm 31, clean licence, but only a years NCB (the other car's a classic) Any replys good/bad would be most helpfull. Many thanks, Dave Haggett (WanttobeTVRowner) Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 05:16 Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 05:17

[Dave_H]

Thanks for the replys so far, Roy, the ford running gear is a selling point to me, my logic is if it can haul a barge of a Granada about it can't be that stressed in a small car built with GRP/spaceframe chassis. the independant sprung rear is also a plus point - my other car's a highly tuned MGB GT, great car but the 'cart-like' live rear axle can give 'interesting' moments. but too much has been done to make me part with it. Nice pic of your car by the way. Alison, thanks, I've seen your black S3 on rattys site, very nice. I'm trying to swing finances to keep the Rover as well for those boring practical bits like taking junk to the dump etc, plus although it's only a modern it is I.M.O. a really good car, it's not your run of the mill tartan rug on back seat model. But this is the year I add an S to the garage, that's for sure!! I guess I just want to have my cake and eat it. Any more tales of woe/joy anyone?

[Dave_H]

quote:The faults are all listed in Steve Heath's book. Older S3C's can legally have the 2 cats removed (replacements are around £500 each!). Can't think why you have not done it already.

Sorry Roy, forgot to mention, the removal of the cats sounds a real sensible mod, even better if on some (later) S3Cs' it's legal. Steve Heaths book is already on order - from what I've learnt it's the bible for most older Tivs. You last quote "Can't think why you have not done it already" You have hit the nail on the head there Roy! Back to the job plan/finance/calculator.... Please keep your comments comming, good, or bad. Much thanks, Dave. Edited by Dave_H on Friday 26th January 22:17

[Dave_H]

quote:You sounds perfectly equipped to handle the S. I'd even tempt fate and the wrath of the other TVR owners to suggest that perhaps the S is the more reliable of all the models I know, I know, the lack of power means nothing gets stressed... [/quote Cheers Dave, I've followed your S4's (nice looking car Buy the way history - via Pikeynet.com etc.. I've convinced myself this is the year I get one!! Cheers, Dave.

[Dave_H]

Cheers everyone, I didnt think Neils would hang about for long. I'm still trying to re-think finances to keep my everyday hack as in the last week I've needed a hatchbach several times, and no, the missis has an MX5 so I can't play that card! A change in finances is on the cards however, so I'm still in in the running, might just have to wait a month or so. All your feedback has been really encouraging, Thanks, Dave.

[Dave_H]

quote:But watch out for the pedal boxes. Some S3/4s were built with the pedals closer to the seats for our vertically challenged friends.

Is this not adjustable? (I do mean via the aid of spanners)is it not just that the pedal box is located further back, or is it down to the pedal length? Edited by Dave_H on Friday 2nd February 20:19

[Dave_H]

Cheers Roy, I'll make sure I find one that fits me.