Can a T350 be a daily driver?

[Dr_Rick]

So, ruminating about the next car. Always like left field steeds; had a Lotus Elise S, a D90, an S4, currently have a Lexus ISF.

Thinking about a TVR as the next car, but it would be a daily driver. Currently 60 miles a day, but I may relocate office, which would be a walk only.

Can't stretch to a Sagaris (but would love one), something about the back end of a Tamora doesn't sit right for me, Cerbera was my first love of TVR having seen on at a car sow somewhere, a T350 appeals.

So could it be done?

[Dr_Rick]

rev-erend said:

Hi

I used my T350 everyday for a year.

12K miles in one year.

It has many advantages like the image, driving experience, good attention, tuneful exhaust (sports exhaust is compulsory), the odd fun road, most are actually too crowed to overtake anyone, so ultimately it can be frustrating.

There is a negative side: ride is harsh for everyday, fuel cost, servicing is frequent at 6k miles and servicing is expensive, low ride height is annoying day to day (kerbs are high), I was less inclined to use it at weekends and enjoy those less crowed roads, for the laydees getting in and out in a skirt can be a challenge to their dignity

Overall its well worth it - go for it

Fair enough. I did 18k in a year between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the Lotus. And right now I've got a 5.0 V8 so fuel expenses aren't unusual. Hadn't realised the 6k intervals for servicing. Is it possible to do that at home?

[Dr_Rick]

Well my current (daft) situation is that I drive for call it an hour from Edinburgh to just outside Glasgow, past our Edinburgh office. No public transport between home and the Glasgow office but I'd put my case for working from Edinburgh. So not a problem really.

That aside, and I know these cars are effectively hand built (I've had an MGB) but how reliable are T350's? I've seen the stories of Cerbera body off rebuilds, but are these slightly later cars the same? My current Lexus ISF is practically bombproof.

[Dr_Rick]

Yeah, the carbon offsetting thing has kind of passed me by (despite working for an environmental regulator). Current garage is a Disco 4 (pre stop-start) and the aforementioned 5.0 petrol ISF.

Not sure I could make the move to a Zoe.

[Dr_Rick]

Ta.

Interesting that the majority of the words suggest yes, but the poll currently sits erring towards no.

By way of my being able to do it. I ran the Elise S for 18k in a year, including over the winter. I only bottled it on a single day due to icy roads

[Dr_Rick]

leef44 said:

Ah, you got there before me. Yes these cars are generally happier when being used regularly but obviously not short stop start journeys. Everything just loosens up and works better when used. The only downside I would say is the heat: engine bay getting too hot and cabin too hot when sitting in traffic.

See, there I'm on a winner - I live in central belt Scotland so cool ambient temps work both for me in the cabin and intakes for power.

Other than that, I like a car that makes a statement. The alternative being considered at the moment is a Lotus Exige S.

My current steed is a Lexus ISF which makes the noises and goes like the clappers, but is very understated. I've seen people turn round to look for the source of the noise and look right past the black four door saloon car. Can't see that happening with either a TVR or a Lotus.

Edited by Dr_Rick on Monday 10th April 15:01

[Dr_Rick]

I think I'm going to chicken out. I think the 6k service intervals could get a little wearing if I'm doing that 2 or 3 times a year.

[Dr_Rick]

Its OK. I'll probably be going for an Exige S, to follow the Elise S I had a couple of years ago.

[Dr_Rick]

My current steed...



Not an Exige, but a mighty capable GT. I know it's not the supercharged one, but pockets are only so deep. Maybe in the fullness I'll be able to move on to a 400.

Winter tyres might still apply to me too though!