Faults:

The first problem (at about a week old) was a growling noise that the dealer could not find. I later discovered it was the air conditioning compressor screws loosening and letting the pulley rub against the mount.

Within about two months almost everything was acting up except the German brand radio.

By about the sixth month the car would not run due to electrical and fuel problems. The local dealer's mechanics were unable to repair anything under warranty.

General Comments:

Mine was a white convertible with a tan interior, the first TR-7 in town. The cost was expensive at $10,000.00, but my wife and I liked buying new cars a couple times a year.

The TR-7 ran great at first, and it was relatively peppy compared to our MGA, MGBs, and MGB-GTs. The handling was good at high speed, and I was pleased with the Goodyear tires (1979 still had bad memories of exploding Firestones).

I loved the styling, and the interior was more comfortable than our home chairs. I still think it was the best looking car I have ever owned.

Faults:

Number 2 plug and lead shot. Needs new shockers and bushes all round & carbies rebuilt.

General Comments:

I wanted one of these since I was about 15.

I love the look of these cars. Think 1970's rock god. I fully expected that when I first started it up it would automagically grow me sideburns, crank up Led Zep on the radio and take me to the great ocean road at great haste.

A pleasure to drive.

Faults:

Had to replace my gas tank.

Had to take the dashboard apart to redo the wiring.

Replaced the head.

Redid the brakes front and back.

General Comments:

My car is not the best looking car, but it sure is great on gas.

I like that its the only TR7 I have seen on the road, make my car one of a kind.

The only draw back is finding use parts around here.

Faults:

Electrical problems seem to be common in the 5 TR7's that I have owned over the years, The dash switches by design are problematic, but easily dismantled and repaired. The brake switch failed also and was easy to remove and repair. Simply by cleaning the contacts and retensioning them, a dab of dielectric grease and back in service. Age also seems to have a negative effect on the grounding points on the body. The same cleaning treatment seemed to eliminate any further issues.

General Comments:

The car in short is a wonderful to drive. It handles well, has a responsive throttle is very forgiving for the novice driver and can be a challenge to the expert when driven to the limit. Parts are readily available and upgrades to the engine and suspension are abundant as well. I have a 16V variant also that is a BLAST. It has lots of room and the controls are in easy reach.

Faults:

Unexplainable electrical problems.

Never ending exhaust leaks.

Runs horrible at idle.

Hood opens only when it feels like it.

Finding the new fuel leaks is a weekly chore.

General Comments:

Unlike other Tr7 cars I have seen, mine managed to make it all these years with the same headgasket it came with from the factory.

The little car never has any drivetrain problems and the original interior and body is near flawless.

I must say that the Tr7 is beautiful inside and out, but don't let the style and looks fool you! These cars demand full time attention and if you can't work on it yourself you will go broke at a rapid rate of speed.

The reliability of the Tr7 is very questionable, just about every owner of a Tr7 will not deny the problems with the Tr7. One thing for sure, Triumph owners are loyal to their cars and if you are a true sports car lover its easy to get hooked in.