Faults:

Original engine had in-warranty head gasket trouble. Put in new short block at 100,000 miles. Fine since.

AC compressor (York) seems to have shorter life than expected. But easy to replace.

General Comments:

1980 30th Anniversary Edition bought new in 1982 from leftover stock at a Jag dealer. Just celebrated its own 30th year with new paint and collector plates.

Faults:

The problems from the stock TR-7 were minor, actually, I was glad that the small stuff went instead of the big things.

I expected to change a few bulbs and screws here and there, but the most surprising thing was that the car was holding together very well.

I replaced the bad seals and headlights, but that's all really. I did run into brake lock up because the calipers froze due to rust. It was my bad though.

General Comments:

NOTICE: This car I have had for most of the time was my own conversion to a Wankel Rotary twin turbo engine. I did own the original car for about 10,000 miles though.

This TR7 originally came with the 2.0 DHC 4 cylinder engine mounted on a 5 speed transmission. It was a drop top, which I later customized to a targa top.

The best part about this car, is that you are not worried about dinging it here or there, because it's already old. You drive it how it's supposed to be driven, you jump in and have fun. This car is a great daily commuting car as well because of the gas mileage. I drive slow in the city so maybe the numbers are off compared to others.

If anyone is looking for cheap, sharp, fun little project, the TR-7 is right for you.

With the stock engine I was quite impressed at the quickness and the sound, with a custom exhaust and ports it sounded great.

I also got around town with it @ an average of 34 MPG High 41 Low 21. After I converted the car to the Rotary engine I dropped to about 24.

Total amount of money spent, $3,800 on paint, engine and transmission ($2,500) and other minor parts to make it great.

This is the most fun car I have owned ever! Even without the rotary engine I recommend to anyone who wants to have a thrill car.

Stats: With the RX7 twin turbo unit, I ran 0-60 in 4.9 sec vs. 9, 284 hp vs. 107, and 161 mph vs. 126 mph. (Location where tested is undisclosed)

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:

Since I bought the car I have only had to replace some rubber and suspension parts that the previous owner had neglected to do. Does leak a drop or two of oil on my garage floor, but I aim to try and correct that with some new gaskets.

General Comments:

Car starts every time, performs very well for a 2.0L four, sounds great with the muffler/rear resonator setup, still turns heads for a 20 year old convertible. Fun to drive, and handles great.

Faults:

Uh, brakes, radiator, heater radiator, bushes all round the car, all rubber stuff, gaiters.

General Comments:

Great look, great fun.

Unfortunately they stopped making it 18 years ago.

Faults:

Nothing really, I'm about the 4th owner, and I haven't been all that sure about the maintenance before me. But, the car has been rather reliable; the only bits I have had to pay attention to are the normal consumables one would expect in a nearly 20 year old car....

General Comments:

A great looking, fun car. The TR8 has some more horsepower and is faster in the top end, but the TR7 is reasonably quick and very nimble around the twisties. Classic roadster with a modern edge. Just too little too late to save Triumph, or we could be getting new ones even today....

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.