TVR Tuscan: PH Buying Guide
Summer temptation beckons in the shape of some classic Blackpool rock
Spectacular looks, spectacular pace ... just spectacular!
Search for TVR Tuscans here
After Smolensky took control of TVR, the Tuscan was facelifted for 2005, with these cars easily identifiable by their twin headlights in place of the three front lights per side of Mk1s. The Mk2 Tuscans come with a 4.0-litre engine that was revised with 350bhp yet gave the same performance as the Mk1, while the S retained 400bhp and identical performance to the Mk1 model.
A handful of Tuscan 3 models were made with a redesigned dash, which are also sometimes referred to as 'wavy dash' models. This dash style was also used in the Tuscan Convertible, which did away with the targa roof arrangement of earlier Tuscans in favour of a removable roof panel and folding rear section. This model has twin roll hoops behind the seats.
Go in with your eyes open and you'll be fine
The good news is prices for Tuscans are on the up, so expect to pay from £15,000 for a well cared for example with average miles. A late Mk2 in immaculate condition will set you back up to £25,000.
Owner's view:
"Living with a Tuscan can be a love hate thing! Depending on the state of the vehicle at time of purchase, mechanical issues tend to get sorted out reasonably easily although they may eat into the budget."
Tuscanite
Buying Guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling chassis
Body
Interior
Search for TVR Tuscans here
Check the paperwork and ensure everything between the number plates has been replaced by a specialist with after market parts
Whoever said that the reputation was undeserved...?
I have to add that after the Wheeler Dealers episode where they had to replace the chassis on a not that old Cerb due to body rot, I am actually a bit surprised that the used TVR market didn't take a kicking as buyers ran to the hills.... But Trevors will probably always be considered as awesome as they are bonkers and those that survive in good order probably are destined to become more valuable as they become rarer.
te...If you buy well these are not the financial/ reliability/ oversteer disaster often spouted about. Mine was terrific, didn't need £2k p/a for maintenance and never broke down. Oh and they'll do 25mpg all day long if you're cruising.
If you don't like attention from strangers then avoid.
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Whoever said that the reputation was undeserved...?
I have to add that after the Wheeler Dealers episode where they had to replace the chassis on a not that old Cerb due to body rot, I am actually a bit surprised that the used TVR market didn't take a kicking as buyers ran to the hills.... But Trevors will probably always be considered as awesome as they are bonkers and those that survive in good order probably are destined to become more valuable as they become rarer.
If you want a classic performance car that can literally look like it rolled out of the factory last year, a TVR is hard to beat.
I'd rather weld up a cheap tubular chassis and get a materially perfect GRP bodytub resprayed than try to achieve a similar quality end result with a normal car.
Not being defensive or ought - I genuinely see that as a major TVR advantage and although you hear loads of warnings, sorting out a chassis really isn't that big a deal.
I accept that the money will sting if it fails an MOT for that reason, but the car is easily salvageable and will be worth more after. If your similar valued SL55 AMG or DB7 fails due to corrosion underneath you'll either end up with something worth the same or less for having patched it up underneath, or end up scrapping the car.
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