In the market for a Tuscan or maybe 350T

[philip600]

Hi again,

Well I've taken a deposit on my Lotus Esprit ( I'm going to miss her ! ) but now in the market for a Tuscan or possibly a 350T although I'd prefer a targa & they're a bit out of my price range ( £ 22k ish )
I've been reading the buying guides etc so next I need to go & see a few.
If anyone is thinking of selling theirs or knows of a good one for sale, please let me know.

Cheers, Phil.

[ChazUwe]

Welcome to the possible world of TVR ownership, you will no doubt love it! You are correct in that you would be unlikely to get a T350C for anywhere near that price currently and definitely not a T350T. If you have been lurking for a while you will have seen them increase considerably in price over the last 6 months especially.

You might be able to pick up a MK1 Tuscan or perhaps a Tamora? Although at your price point they are unlikely to have had an engine rebuild so you might want to bear in mind this might be a possible future cost £6k+ (especially if an early Tuscan as later engines are generally thought to be more reliable following various factory improvements). Be sure to do lots of research and buy on condition and good history!

Good luck in your search

[philip600]

Cheers,
I may be going to look at an 04 Tuscan, I don't believe it's had an engine work, is this less likely to have the common issues with it being a later car ?
Phil.

[ChazUwe]

There is no set date when things improved, it seems like things evolved over time...... Generally though 03 onwards are often thought to be better with 04 and 05 even better. The key thing with the speed six's (so that is the Tamora's, Tuscans, later Cerbera's, T350s and the Sagaris) is that they have been looked after by the owner and are serviced by specialists as per the schedule (particularly the 12000 mile services as these include tappet check/adjustments). They are not like a normal car where you can do minimal checks between services. Mine is a second car and I do all the main fluid level checks on every trip! That might be a little over kill though

[Zippee]

My 350 (Chaz is right about them being out of budget BTW) is a 54 plate and had a very healthy engine. What let go was the chocolate half time bearing which collapsed, dropping the timing chain and lunching the engine. If you can find one that's had that replaced with the uprated bearing (a £1500 engine out job to do) then that will be a great plus point if you can't get a recent engine rebuild. Also worth noting to ensure any rebuilt engine has also had that bearing replaced.

[philip600]

Cheers for the info, excuse my ignorance but where is the half time bearing ? If the engine has had a top end rebuild would this normally be replaced ?
Phil.

[ChazUwe]

Zippee has now got me worried about my half time bearing!!! Are there any obvious signs/noises?

[nrick]

Noisy at tickover, should be picked up at service. I think there is now an updated version

[ChazUwe]

Noisy at tick over, will have to have a listen next time she is out!

Phil, have you considered a Tamora? Seen some competitively priced ones, even from some of the specialists?

This one for example:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Edited by ChazUwe on Sunday 30th August 17:09

[so called]

My understanding is that 2004 cars onwards have few engine issues. Smalenki stopped production for a short period to sort out some of the issues.
My 2006 Tuscan is on ca. 70k now.

Edited by so called on Friday 4th September 15:33

[philip600]

Hi, just an update really. I've now driven a couple of Tuscans & decided they are maybe not the car for me. They look gorgeous but suspect it maybe the digital dash, no offense to you Tuscan owners but I think I prefer the old fashioned analogue dials.
I then went to test drive a Cerbera speed 6 & think maybe these suit me better. Loved the interior & having thought about it I've probably taken the roof panel off my Esprit maybe 3 or 4 times in the 4 years I owned her & when I did my Wife usually moaned it was too cold or her hair was getting tangled ( I know some would say get rid of the Wife ! )
So with that in mind I've put a deposit on the Cerbera, going to see her again on Sunday for another inspection & drive but if all goes I'm going to take the plunge.
I'd like to thank you for all your advice, mush appreciated.
Phil.

[dodgepot]

Which Cerb did you go for?

Whereabouts in the north east are you?

I'm in Sunderland with a Griff

cheers
Mark

[philip600]

Hi, rather not say which one at the moment, don't want to temp fate, will post up here once the deal is done.
I live near Redcar. Love the Griffith, my mate has a 4.3.
Phil