LookIng at my first TVR!
Discussion
Morning all!
First an introduction. My name is Calum, I'm 23, live in Edinburgh, and currently the owner of a Pistonheads Carpool'd 2004 5.7V8 LHD Corvette C5. Prior to this my driving experience was conducted entirely in MR2 mk2s, or SW20s, since 17. So I'm a RWD sports car kinda guy!
I've had the Corvette for just over a year now. It's been a spectacular car, fit for everything. It's done 2000 miles through Europe, it's been to Applecross, it's done 800 miles in one day. Likewise I've used it for running to the shops. Really a cracking, underrated car. But now my appetite for fast cars has reared its head again and I'm thinking it might be time to make a huge mistake and swap! I'm really keen on the Mk1 TVR Tuscan and have been doing some research. I've met a bunch of TVR Scotland guys just yesterday who were helpful and friendly. I've also seen a local car and talked with the owner. As yet I haven't had the fortune of a trip out in one nor a drive in one, so although I'm pretty sure it's the next car for me... I don't know for sure yet!
If anyone here has any advice for what to look for when buying, where to buy from / where not to, what spec items are important, what to notice on a test drive, and anything else useful I'd really appreciate it. Just any general advice!
Would help if anyone could point out any adverts that look like promising cars.
Also feel free to post pictures of your Tuscans. Love a bit of inspiration!
First an introduction. My name is Calum, I'm 23, live in Edinburgh, and currently the owner of a Pistonheads Carpool'd 2004 5.7V8 LHD Corvette C5. Prior to this my driving experience was conducted entirely in MR2 mk2s, or SW20s, since 17. So I'm a RWD sports car kinda guy!
I've had the Corvette for just over a year now. It's been a spectacular car, fit for everything. It's done 2000 miles through Europe, it's been to Applecross, it's done 800 miles in one day. Likewise I've used it for running to the shops. Really a cracking, underrated car. But now my appetite for fast cars has reared its head again and I'm thinking it might be time to make a huge mistake and swap! I'm really keen on the Mk1 TVR Tuscan and have been doing some research. I've met a bunch of TVR Scotland guys just yesterday who were helpful and friendly. I've also seen a local car and talked with the owner. As yet I haven't had the fortune of a trip out in one nor a drive in one, so although I'm pretty sure it's the next car for me... I don't know for sure yet!
If anyone here has any advice for what to look for when buying, where to buy from / where not to, what spec items are important, what to notice on a test drive, and anything else useful I'd really appreciate it. Just any general advice!
Would help if anyone could point out any adverts that look like promising cars.
Also feel free to post pictures of your Tuscans. Love a bit of inspiration!
Start here and head off in all the directions linked:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
You also need to spend time in the Speed Six Engine forum to check all the facts/opinions on this unique engine.
Also check out the "mytuscan" website.
Key issues:
Engine build date and/or rebuild date & spec
Suspension geometry from build and mods post build
Don't worry about pure mileage, later higher mileage car better than low mile early car in both above issues. History is everything with TVR's - better a full file of invoices from someone else's cash spent than an apparently problem free stamped up service book.
Talk to as many owners as you can and if you're serious, check as many cars as you can.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
You also need to spend time in the Speed Six Engine forum to check all the facts/opinions on this unique engine.
Also check out the "mytuscan" website.
Key issues:
Engine build date and/or rebuild date & spec
Suspension geometry from build and mods post build
Don't worry about pure mileage, later higher mileage car better than low mile early car in both above issues. History is everything with TVR's - better a full file of invoices from someone else's cash spent than an apparently problem free stamped up service book.
Talk to as many owners as you can and if you're serious, check as many cars as you can.
Hi Callum,
You need to get out and look at several cars. In my experience they vary enormously in condition and history and you can't judge what they are like from photos. You also need to drive one to see if they are for you as to me they are 'hyper alert' which means you've really got to concentrate when you're driving them. (You'll probably need to visit a dealer to do this with an appointment). If you use the search function on the forum you can look at buyers guides plus these links might be helpful:
http://www.mytuscan.co.uk/tuscan.php
http://www.varleyhyd.com/FJ062.asp#Jacking
The main issues with the cars are the engine - especially if it's not properly warmed through before really using the revs. If you jump in and nail it from cold expect a big bill. Some of the issues relate to the design and some to the quality of the components. Many cars will have had engine rebuilds but unless they were fairly recent rather than early in the cars life problems can still remain. Having said that there are many cars with significant mileages that haven't had rebuilds. If the worst happens you're looking at a £6K upwards bill with people like TVR Power.
Clutches don't like being held down at traffic lights of being dumped for fast getaways. Treated with respect they can last many miles - but the slave cylinder is not accessible without dropping the gearbox so if either it or the clutch goes it makes sense to replace both.
Specialist/main dealer history is important - they are specialist cars that your local 'Fred in a shed' might not understand and store up trouble.
They are also quirky in terms of electrics which can give you a frustrating time if you are unlucky. They are not mass produced fully developed and sorted cars from huge global companies - they were hand built by blokes in Blackpool...
You might also want to look at paint finishes/colours as some of the extremes are almost impossible to get touched in/repaired now without a full respray.
You need to get out and look at several cars. In my experience they vary enormously in condition and history and you can't judge what they are like from photos. You also need to drive one to see if they are for you as to me they are 'hyper alert' which means you've really got to concentrate when you're driving them. (You'll probably need to visit a dealer to do this with an appointment). If you use the search function on the forum you can look at buyers guides plus these links might be helpful:
http://www.mytuscan.co.uk/tuscan.php
http://www.varleyhyd.com/FJ062.asp#Jacking
The main issues with the cars are the engine - especially if it's not properly warmed through before really using the revs. If you jump in and nail it from cold expect a big bill. Some of the issues relate to the design and some to the quality of the components. Many cars will have had engine rebuilds but unless they were fairly recent rather than early in the cars life problems can still remain. Having said that there are many cars with significant mileages that haven't had rebuilds. If the worst happens you're looking at a £6K upwards bill with people like TVR Power.
Clutches don't like being held down at traffic lights of being dumped for fast getaways. Treated with respect they can last many miles - but the slave cylinder is not accessible without dropping the gearbox so if either it or the clutch goes it makes sense to replace both.
Specialist/main dealer history is important - they are specialist cars that your local 'Fred in a shed' might not understand and store up trouble.
They are also quirky in terms of electrics which can give you a frustrating time if you are unlucky. They are not mass produced fully developed and sorted cars from huge global companies - they were hand built by blokes in Blackpool...
You might also want to look at paint finishes/colours as some of the extremes are almost impossible to get touched in/repaired now without a full respray.
Thank you for the replies gents. I shall reread and digest.
Incidentally after posting this I read the four page topic linked. Useful & contained some good info. I've also sat and read through the buyers guide check box thing which has served to highlight a number of potential problem areas! I'll certainly take it with me when I get serious about a purchase. I would have to sell the Corvette or otherwise trade it in at a garage.
Quick Q - I've noticed a number of odd Tuscan adverts. I'm not well enough versed in the Tuscan world yet to identify any oddities. There are a few cars very very keenly priced - circa 12.5k, less than 14-15k at any rate. I note these are private sales vs most cars being dealer sales. Is this sometbing to worry about or an opportunity that could be worth seizing...? This would of course leave more in the bank for a potential repair bill.
Secondly I've noted a number of cars advertised on pistonheads from the Netherlands. Any comments...?
I plan first of all to visit a little green number being sold up in Dundee. I've been in contact with TVR Ecosse who are selling it and a viewing is being arranged. It's the first car for sale I will have viewed so I'll try and keep the sensible hat on...
Incidentally after posting this I read the four page topic linked. Useful & contained some good info. I've also sat and read through the buyers guide check box thing which has served to highlight a number of potential problem areas! I'll certainly take it with me when I get serious about a purchase. I would have to sell the Corvette or otherwise trade it in at a garage.
Quick Q - I've noticed a number of odd Tuscan adverts. I'm not well enough versed in the Tuscan world yet to identify any oddities. There are a few cars very very keenly priced - circa 12.5k, less than 14-15k at any rate. I note these are private sales vs most cars being dealer sales. Is this sometbing to worry about or an opportunity that could be worth seizing...? This would of course leave more in the bank for a potential repair bill.
Secondly I've noted a number of cars advertised on pistonheads from the Netherlands. Any comments...?
I plan first of all to visit a little green number being sold up in Dundee. I've been in contact with TVR Ecosse who are selling it and a viewing is being arranged. It's the first car for sale I will have viewed so I'll try and keep the sensible hat on...
ah the 'pass of the cows' to applecross! that would be fun in a Tuscan,the turning circle isn't that great though.but a pint in the applecross inn is a great reward.
I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
Speed 3 said:
Key issues:
Engine build date and/or rebuild date & spec
Suspension geometry from build and mods post build
Don't worry about pure mileage, later higher mileage car better than low mile early car in both above issues. History is everything with TVR's - better a full file of invoices from someone else's cash spent than an apparently problem free stamped up service book.
Talk to as many owners as you can and if you're serious, check as many cars as you can.
I'd agree with some of that (no offence intended) as it's broadly correct...Engine build date and/or rebuild date & spec
Suspension geometry from build and mods post build
Don't worry about pure mileage, later higher mileage car better than low mile early car in both above issues. History is everything with TVR's - better a full file of invoices from someone else's cash spent than an apparently problem free stamped up service book.
Talk to as many owners as you can and if you're serious, check as many cars as you can.
Definitely look at a few cars to get a good idea of what is "good" or "bad".
Reams of invoices, or explanations of service history are better than stamps.
But,
1. I have early Tuscan (one of the first) and it went on for 50k miles before the head gasket went... at that point I could have fixed just that but bit the bullet as plenty of other bits were tiring by that point. When I bought mine, the price was right and it served me for many years before it needed major surgery, and had the HG not popped I may have had another few years out of it.
2. Several years ago I swapped my leaking factory shocks for Nitrons. I actually found the factory shocks to be a more enjoyable ride... although not as reliable. Most you will look at will have had aftermarket suspension, but some may not, and if the OE kit is still serviceable it isn't always a bad thing.
Ultimately buy on condition - of the engine, and of the chassis. Anything else will not cost as much to put right!
benny4x said:
ah the 'pass of the cows' to applecross! that would be fun in a Tuscan,the turning circle isn't that great though.but a pint in the applecross inn is a great reward.
I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
I assure you the turning circle in a Corvette can't be any better!! A bit of power oversteer does the trick...!I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
Thrilling is exactly the word I want to describe my next car.
UpTheIron said:
'd agree with some of that (no offence intended) as it's broadly correct...
Definitely look at a few cars to get a good idea of what is "good" or "bad".
Reams of invoices, or explanations of service history are better than stamps.
But,
1. I have early Tuscan (one of the first) and it went on for 50k miles before the head gasket went... at that point I could have fixed just that but bit the bullet as plenty of other bits were tiring by that point. When I bought mine, the price was right and it served me for many years before it needed major surgery, and had the HG not popped I may have had another few years out of it.
2. Several years ago I swapped my leaking factory shocks for Nitrons. I actually found the factory shocks to be a more enjoyable ride... although not as reliable. Most you will look at will have had aftermarket suspension, but some may not, and if the OE kit is still serviceable it isn't always a bad thing.
Ultimately buy on condition - of the engine, and of the chassis. Anything else will not cost as much to put right!
Thanks for your advice. I think I've done all the reading I can do before getting out and tasting the reality of the car. As for the purchase-car, it seems like you'd all suggest a heavy investigation of the paperwork and rebuild history. I have seen numerous cars advertised with 'rebuilt 2009' or something similarly vague. But others with clearly staged 'rebuilds', with citations of various things almost always including headgaskets (these are a particular weak point?) replaced at various times. Here's an example:Definitely look at a few cars to get a good idea of what is "good" or "bad".
Reams of invoices, or explanations of service history are better than stamps.
But,
1. I have early Tuscan (one of the first) and it went on for 50k miles before the head gasket went... at that point I could have fixed just that but bit the bullet as plenty of other bits were tiring by that point. When I bought mine, the price was right and it served me for many years before it needed major surgery, and had the HG not popped I may have had another few years out of it.
2. Several years ago I swapped my leaking factory shocks for Nitrons. I actually found the factory shocks to be a more enjoyable ride... although not as reliable. Most you will look at will have had aftermarket suspension, but some may not, and if the OE kit is still serviceable it isn't always a bad thing.
Ultimately buy on condition - of the engine, and of the chassis. Anything else will not cost as much to put right!
a. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (note various things replaced but doesn't mention 'rebuild' explicitly. Keenly priced. Does that imply a problem? I would consider mileage possibly too low but I know these are almost always weekend cars. I also dislike the photographs and the advert. I would view, but skeptically.)
b. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (this car makes no mention of any replacement components, nor rebuild. On the other hand the mileage is what I would consider indicative of respectably high rather than extortionate or indicating lack of use. Personally, would not buy this car)
c. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (Expensive. Explicitly mentions rebuilds at TVR Power and work at Str8six. That sounds good to me.)
Could any of you take a moment to pass comment on these three classifieds. I've picked out three fairly distinct adverts. I am not saying I would buy any of these three - I just want to know what you see in these advertisements. If you can make any judgments at all from so little information, that is.
synXero said:
Thanks for your advice. I think I've done all the reading I can do before getting out and tasting the reality of the car. As for the purchase-car, it seems like you'd all suggest a heavy investigation of the paperwork and rebuild history. I have seen numerous cars advertised with 'rebuilt 2009' or something similarly vague. But others with clearly staged 'rebuilds', with citations of various things almost always including headgaskets (these are a particular weak point?) replaced at various times. Here's an example:
a. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (note various things replaced but doesn't mention 'rebuild' explicitly. Keenly priced. Does that imply a problem? I would consider mileage possibly too low but I know these are almost always weekend cars. I also dislike the photographs and the advert. I would view, but skeptically.)
b. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (this car makes no mention of any replacement components, nor rebuild. On the other hand the mileage is what I would consider indicative of respectably high rather than extortionate or indicating lack of use. Personally, would not buy this car)
c. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (Expensive. Explicitly mentions rebuilds at TVR Power and work at Str8six. That sounds good to me.)
Could any of you take a moment to pass comment on these three classifieds. I've picked out three fairly distinct adverts. I am not saying I would buy any of these three - I just want to know what you see in these advertisements. If you can make any judgments at all from so little information, that is.
First one: It’s a very early car so would be suspicious about the engine. Replacement cylinder head sounds a bit odd – it’s the valvetrain that goes, unless that’s what the seller really means. Unless the work was done by one of the 3 reputables (TVR Power, Str8Six, Racing Green) then it is a big gamble. Factor in a full engine rebuild and the underpinnings corrosion and it becomes a £20k + car which is a lot for a very early one even assuming the paint & interior are decent. Also curious about the description as an R – that doesn’t exist. I would need to see all the paperwork to even begin to consider it.a. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (note various things replaced but doesn't mention 'rebuild' explicitly. Keenly priced. Does that imply a problem? I would consider mileage possibly too low but I know these are almost always weekend cars. I also dislike the photographs and the advert. I would view, but skeptically.)
b. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (this car makes no mention of any replacement components, nor rebuild. On the other hand the mileage is what I would consider indicative of respectably high rather than extortionate or indicating lack of use. Personally, would not buy this car)
c. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (Expensive. Explicitly mentions rebuilds at TVR Power and work at Str8six. That sounds good to me.)
Could any of you take a moment to pass comment on these three classifieds. I've picked out three fairly distinct adverts. I am not saying I would buy any of these three - I just want to know what you see in these advertisements. If you can make any judgments at all from so little information, that is.
Second one: higher miles indicate a reasonable engine, quite surprising on an X plate unless it’s had unpublished work done. Chameleon paint is great but if it needs any work it’s virtually impossible to match per panel and a full respray at £1000/litre is very expensive (assuming you don’t change the colour). Also curiously described as an S but lacking a rear spoiler and has low lights – I’ve never seen one like that although stand to be corrected that TVR did actually make a few like that. Again need to check the history file although does seem to be a bit more cherished than the first.
Third one: hefty price but assuming that early TVRP rebuild is sound then would be fine and looks pretty immaculate. Has a non-standard front splitter which undoubtedly helps handling but wasn’t fitted to non-S cars at build. Not sure if a 2002 has the later wishbones which help also handling. Probably a bit of negotiating room on that price but if that’s your budget it opens up a whole host of options if you can be patient and diligent.
This is your benchmark:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
Speed 3 said:
This is your benchmark:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
She's looooovely. Shame I'm not in a position to buy right now, really. Cracking benchmark like you say. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
Knowing what i know, which is probably as much as one can know without actually owning one i probably wouldnt even look at a tuscan priced under 15k unless it was very close to me. Cheaper to buy than an old ferrari but they can be just as much of a money pit. Still a super car that requires supercar like levels of attention and bills to keep it going.
Edited by lotus83 on Thursday 6th November 07:44
Speed 3 said:
This is your benchmark:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
The RG warranty is comprehensive. 12 months bumper to bumper.http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
L
lotus83 said:
Knowing what i know, which is probably as much as one can know without actually owning one i probably wouldnt even look at a tuscan priced under 15k unless it was very close to me. Cheaper to buy than an old ferrari but they can be just as much of a money pit. Still a super car that requires supercar like levels of attention and bills to keep it going.
Isn't that a bit assumptive, not all 15k cars are dogs....Edited by lotus83 on Thursday 6th November 07:44
boardinscotland said:
So Calum after your wee run today is the vette up for sale.
G
Absolute blinder of a day out!G
Edited by boardinscotland on Friday 7th November 21:31
I have summarised that, whilst it's a great car, I just can't follow up the Corvette with a Z4M. On the contrary... I so could have a TVR Tuscan. Wow. What a machine. Booked in for a test drive on Monday. How's that for keenness?
Vette isn't up for sale yet, though. I think I'll hold onto it through winter and register my interest in a Tuscan with people like Hexham Horseless Carriages, and perhaps let them do some digging for a great car. I'll need to look into valuations of the Corvette private sale vs. dealer trade in as well of course. Lots to do before I get my own.
Unless an Exige S2 can really tempt me away, I think it's very likely my next car is going to be a Tuscan.
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