Faults:

A great sporty car.

If you look to buy a TR7 you should try and obtain a vehicle with a good body.

Many of the panels are readily available, however panel prices can be very expensive.

Even some repair panels for the floor which are fairly small in size can be expensive.

I have some panels to replace and some floor work to carry out.

Headlamp problems are owners biggest problem, getting them to work properly or even at all..!

General Comments:

Nice and quick for it's age, an 80's car.

Suspension issues need addressing with the TR7. They tend to be a little 'loose' on the back end. Uprated suspension bushes can fix this problem.

Up rate the suspension with replacement shock absorbers and road springs.

Faults:

I've had so many parts replaced it's hard to list them all. However this should be set aside against the fact that the car was 14 years old when I got it (now over 25) and not looked after particularly well.

In that time I've had a re-con engine & 5 speed gearbox, up-rated brakes & suspension (a must in my opinion), clutch and a fuel tank.

My only real gripe is the electrics - any electrical problems are an absolute nightmare to resolve, and the location of the fuse box (at the back of the glove compartment, accessible from inside only) was the brainchild of someone who would take the vehicle to a garage to have a brakelight bulb replaced.

General Comments:

Though I've had many things replaced and upgraded the car is cheap to run with plenty of new (and used) parts available. The cost of spares is surprising as they are usually much cheaper than comparable parts on newer vehicles.

The TR7 is never going to 'burn-off' and mildly hot 16v car, however it's torque through the gears will surprise many as you out-accelerate them up the hills.

Inside it's pretty comfortable and the rest plate for your clutch foot is welcome. Headroom could be a problem if you like your seat up-right - I'm a shade over 6ft and find my hair rubs on the lining if the seat is upright... this isn't a problem though as I like a relaxed driving position.

When considering running costs it's worth bearing in mind that any repairs help retain or increase the value on a vehicle that doesn't depreciate.

Insurance is also very cheap - less than £120 for fully-comp on an unlimited mileage, agreed value policy.

Faults:

The clutch failed after one month of ownership.

Rust has started to come though on the front wheel arch.

General Comments:

Converted to full TR8 specification by S&S preparations in 1997.

Lovely colour - Bordeaux Red with tan interior.

It's very loud, with twin stainless steel exhausts.

I keep forgetting to put my foot all the way down, when I do - whoosh.

Faults:

Water pump.

Blown up engine.

Points, points, points!

General Comments:

I bought the car as a running wreck in 1996 and have spent the last four years renovating it. Everything has been renewed from the wheels to the roof with a bare metal respray in between. Apart from blowing up the engine on the M2 in Kent shortly after I bought it, the car has been very reliable and a pleasure to drive which I do every day.

Faults:

Head gaskets.

Rust.

Water pumps seize and destroy engine.

General Comments:

Put on a 16 valve head and scare hot hatches.

Alternatively, put in a Rover V8 and scare Porsches!

Faults:

Rust, rust, rust.

Inadequate maintenance by Previous Owner meant that the gearbox needed replacing. Electrics can be erratic if you do not periodically check out connections.

General Comments:

Lots of scope for modernisation. Easily available electronic ignition and suspension improvements bring it to the 90s. New panels etc are cheap & common so rust is not such a problem.

Expect to spend a little but often on maintenance.

Good fun at a low price.

Faults:

Nothing mechanical, but you can spend lots of money on 'rolling upgrades' - new bushes, new roof.

Basically, you can run them cheap, but to keep them 'on the ball' costs lots of money.

General Comments:

The last 'fully British' mass-produced sports car!

Slap in a 4.6 litre V8 and have fun.