Reliability

TVR ownership is a more involving experience than for a run of the mill production car. TVR's are hand built and therefore vary in build quality. You'll be told of many horror stories concerning their unreliability, but you'll have to judge for yourself. The 'S' being largely built of Ford running gear could probably be considered one of the more reliable models in the TVR range. Having said that, many TVR owners use their cars daily, so don't be put off too easily. 

Costs

As far as the expense of owning an 'S' is concerned, I've certainly spent more money running other cars than my TVR. Parts are not expensive (for a performance car), and are generally easy to come by. Insurance is a obviously high, but with some research that can be reduced dramatically. The V8 models are obviously more expensive to run than the V6's.

Practicality

Well, it's a TVR. Strictly a two seater, with a large shelf and a smallish boot. It can be driven in traffic, it can be driven on a motorway, but it's most at home on an empty winding road at speed.

If you're concerned about petrol consumption, then you shouldn't be buying a TVR. The car begs to be driven hard and loud.

Oh... and don't try driving TVR's in the snow! My first attempt at driving fast in the wet almost ended in disaster. Coming off a roundabout at a speed the car became unbalanced and was heading sideways towards a nice man in a Vectra. An overcorrection the other way convinced me of my need to understand the cars handling better, and I proceeded at a sedate pace. I now drive like an old lady when it's wet!