Opinion on buying Mk1 or Mk2 ?

Opinion on buying Mk1 or Mk2 ?

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Imran_M

Original Poster:

36 posts

259 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Hi there, Ive been a member on these forums for many years now, originally as a schoolboy fan of the Tuscan. Now I am in the privileged position to actually consider buying one! (Big smile on my face even just typing that). This is something on the 'bucket list' that has to be done before my wife and I think about having a second child.

I have had a look on the forums at the buying guides (although the one at the top of the forum doesnt link directly to the sections like Interior etc??) and now having a real tussle about what to think about buying. Basically, I have always loved the look of the Mk1 Tuscan, thats the car I promised myself I would buy but the Mk2 has developed interior but the looks dont catch my eye as much as the Mk1.

I know that the general rule is that the cars got better the later they were made (and obviously the TLC that the owner gives) but my question is should I opt for the Mk1 and fulfil the schoolboy crush or Mk2 which sounds like it drives better overall? The car would be a 3rd vehicle for weekend fun. With values pretty strong just now, Im guessing as long as its condition and history is good then it should be a winner, but I keep wondering how different and noticable the drive would be between the two? Ive only driven a Mk1 once for about 3 mins at city centre crawl so not a true test.

Any advice on Mk1 v Mk2? thanks very much from an excited potential owner.

Edited by Imran_M on Tuesday 29th September 11:21

Englishman

2,215 posts

209 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Don't be in any doubt, the Mk2 is the 'better' car. By that I mean overall quality, engine reliability and handling in particular.

But it has lost the truly original design of the Mk1 - from the pepper-pot grill to the totally unique instrument binnacle.

Taste is a personal thing, but to quote my wife who loves the Mk1 grill and interior, I thought the Mk2 was a Porsche the first time I saw it. She particularly doesn't like the flared-in lights or grill. Others will think totally the opposite.

From a value perspective, the Mk2 will cost more, probably over £30K, but will most likely go up in value more too given rarity and quality.

You will get a top quality, sorted, Mk1 for low to mid £20K's and is likely to hold its value at least providing you look after it.

Whichever you get both will fulfill your need as a great weekend car. Suggest you go to see and drive both before you decide.

Milky400

1,960 posts

177 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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At the end of the day it is down to personal opinion, for me its the Mk1. i did consider a Mk2 (infact its come back up for sale) but it was all a little dull for me.

reliability and driveability can be massively improved on the Mk1 so i would go with your heart and pick the one you prefer. Dont be swayed by people on here as we all have our "OWN" opinions and everyone is different. i always preferred the Mk1 so thats what i went for, the handling and performance is perfectly adequate for me as i dont drive the nuts off of it. As for reliablity, with its engine rebuild, its not once let me down (touch wood).

So as said, go for what "YOU" want

pac1uk

268 posts

190 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Agree its very much a personal choice. For me I prefer the MK1 e.g. the interior looks more bespoke with Brass dials and trim

Agree with the comments on handling, you need to be giving it a lot of beans to loose it. Like most things can be improved by spending money.

Buy on condition, a well looked after and maintained one is worth the extra. A bad one can be a money pit.

They cost more to run than the Chimaera / Rover V8 based cars.



PGNCerbera

2,926 posts

165 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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for me the MK1 is a far better looking car. Yes, the MK2 out of the box is a superior car but a tweaked MK1 would be my choice every day of the week.

Enjoy the search. Tuscans are epic cars!

Walford

2,259 posts

165 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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Some Facts
Most people want to buy a car with a TVR Power or Straight6 engine
Most people run aftermarket coilovers (i like nitrons)
No cars are on the geo settings they left the factory with,
(setup has a massive effect on how a Tuscan feels)
So your down to the dash and the grill, good luck

Speed 3

4,483 posts

118 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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I too prefer the looks of the Mk 1 over the Mk 2 so that influenced my choice most. The late cars are better built but after 10+ years that is now getting diluted. The main benefit SHOULD be a better engine spec from build as those are the engine batches that have given good service in T350/Tam/Sag without the rebuild rates of early Tuscans and Cerbs. My 2004 is one of the last Mk1's and going strong with 55k on it. All the other oily bits and cosmetics can be refreshed according to acquisition price and budget. The Mk2 will always have a rarity value, especially the vert but I think in time the purity of the Mk 1 and dwindling numbers will see it do alright on value.

Given your location you need to put some miles in to see a decent selection. Price can vary enormously according to "What spec/history" and "Who from"



Edited by Speed 3 on Tuesday 29th September 18:08

ackbullchang

270 posts

209 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
quotequote all
Walford said:
Some Facts
Most people want to buy a car with a TVR Power or Straight6 engine
Most people run aftermarket coilovers (i like nitrons)
No cars are on the geo settings they left the factory with,
(setup has a massive effect on how a Tuscan feels)
So your down to the dash and the grill, good luck
Is it not also a fact that the mk2 has a slightly slower steering rack? I've never driven a mk2, but I do love the razor sharp turn in and feel of my mk1.

Imran_M

Original Poster:

36 posts

259 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
quotequote all
Walford said:
Some Facts
Most people want to buy a car with a TVR Power or Straight6 engine
Most people run aftermarket coilovers (i like nitrons)
No cars are on the geo settings they left the factory with,
(setup has a massive effect on how a Tuscan feels)
So your down to the dash and the grill, good luck
When you mention a straight6 engine, are you meaning Str8six the company? As in the rebuild that they do?

Sagi Badger

588 posts

192 months

Tuesday 29th September 2015
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MK1.

It is the original hooligan, the MK2 is a just little bit odd looking to me and slightly diluted.

I remember the first Tuscan I saw, it was in Battersea Park, it was black. My kids were young and wandered off, I was unaware of their escape as I was distracted peering through the window. I realised the kids were missing and ran around, rounded them up and dragged them back to the car. They were too young to appreciate it, I was too skint to buy one. I never thought I would get to own a TVR.

What I remember most of all was the interior and how there were no marks or clues as to what the controls were for and the brackets, just visible, that held the lower dash. These brackets follow the same pattern as the front grill, who else would think of this and who else would bother to make something so perfect and part hide it. The detail was clearly inspired by someone's desire to create a car with personality that required exploration and with the controls unlabelled, a memory to avoid error when driving. The way out exterior is always going to get attention, the same attention can be held when puzzled individuals ask what the controls are for and if the interior is original design.

I love mine, it is modified heavily and has lost the grille but only to allow more air to the rad. When I park it in the garage I always look at the brackets below the dash just as I climb out, they're fantastic. Whatever you decide it will cost money to run properly so be prepared for that. Enjoy.

J




Speed 3

4,483 posts

118 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Imran_M said:
When you mention a straight6 engine, are you meaning Str8six the company? As in the rebuild that they do?
That's right, Str8Six do warrantied rebuilds of the Speed 6 engine and are well regarded (although absolutely the top prices in the game). Also consider the Racing Green rebuilds with FFF head although that is is a signifcant mod from standard and not cheap. Plenty of threads on its merits. Other indies (and owners) can do rebuilds using good components but they don't warranty like PP & Str8Six. Yer pays yer money and takes yer choice. As much documentation and wide reputation for the maintainers/owners is what's important at this age even if it is warrantied.

so called

9,074 posts

208 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Never really liked the pepper pot grill of my first, a Mk1 Tuscan.
For me the car I wanted most was a Convertible which I got hold of in 2009 after writing off the Mk1 frown
I'm a very proud owner.

Which ever you go for you will love it but I would follow your heart and find a good Mk1.

ukdj

1,004 posts

183 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Speed 3 said:
That's right, Str8Six do warrantied rebuilds of the Speed 6 engine - Other indies (and owners) can do rebuilds using good components but they don't warranty like PP & Str8Six. Yer pays yer money and takes yer choice. As much documentation and wide reputation for the maintainers/owners is what's important at this age even if it is warrantied.
Have first hand knowledge that the Str8Six warranty is only any good if the company honour it, and can point you in the direction of several very unhappy customers - two sides to every story and all of that, knowing what I do now I would not pay the premium prices they charge for the "peace of mind" the warranty is supposed to provide.

I'm not saying dont touch a str8six rebuild, just dont pay over the odds for or rely on a warranty as a security blanket.

And to answer your original question, mk1 for me purely based on the styling - but it is what you want from the car that matters, so only you can weigh up the pros and cons offered here and make an informed decision.

Edited by ukdj on Wednesday 30th September 09:21

Billiam

135 posts

121 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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Sagi Badger said:
MK1.

It is the original hooligan, the MK2 is a just little bit odd looking to me and slightly diluted.
Could not have put it better myself ! Adore the Tuscan and i fell in love with the Mk1 for a reason.. Ended up with a 2001 Mk1 S - was not a big fan of the spoiler but i have quickly gotten past that and prefer the rear lights setup..

Whatever you buy you will be happy (just do your homework) and depending on where your located, definately suggest going along to some local meets etc and getting some more information and see some in the fibreglass.. I cant comment on the difference between a 2001 model vs a 2004 for example as i have only driven mine but i love the lunacy, older cars will have had a lot of the basic handling mods etc done by now (id expect) so just buy a car thats been worked on and you will never look back, just like me ! biggrin

Imran_M

Original Poster:

36 posts

259 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
quotequote all
ukdj said:
Have first hand knowledge that the Str8Six warranty is only any good if the company honour it, and can point you in the direction of several very unhappy customers - two sides to every story and all of that, knowing what I do now I would not pay the premium prices they charge for the "peace of mind" the warranty is supposed to provide.

I'm not saying dont touch a str8six rebuild, just dont pay over the odds for or rely on a warranty as a security blanket.

And to answer your original question, mk1 for me purely based on the styling - but it is what you want from the car that matters, so only you can weigh up the pros and cons offered here and make an informed decision.

Edited by ukdj on Wednesday 30th September 09:21
I am assuming the warranty that is provided by these places is only valid for that particular garage? Ie You couldnt claim a warranty issue at Hexham for a car bought from Str8Six?

so called

9,074 posts

208 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
quotequote all
Imran_M said:
I am assuming the warranty that is provided by these places is only valid for that particular garage? Ie You couldnt claim a warranty issue at Hexham for a car bought from Str8Six?
Correct. You can't really expect, say Str8six covering repair costs at another place. They could get very ripped off.

ukdj

1,004 posts

183 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
quotequote all
so called said:
Imran_M said:
I am assuming the warranty that is provided by these places is only valid for that particular garage? Ie You couldnt claim a warranty issue at Hexham for a car bought from Str8Six?
Correct. You can't really expect, say Str8six covering repair costs at another place. They could get very ripped off.
Yes & No - If engine rebuild was done at str8six with 12,000 miles or 1 year cover whichever comes first and vehicle sold before either expires then you may well be able to make a claim on the warranty, check the small print to make sure it is transferable on sale/purchase and for any other clauses which could void a claim.

of course all a completely moot point if the garage refuses to honour the warranty even if it is valid!

Speed 3

4,483 posts

118 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
quotequote all
Most of the opinions so far have been from Mk 1 owners who have on the whole been happy with their choice. What's not particularly suprising is that there is a much smaller population of Mk 2 owners so you could wait a while for their comments (or car availability if that is your preference). I can't find anyone who has owned both (according to their PH profiles at least) although I know a few who have gone for the Full Convertible Mk2/3 after the Targa Mk1. Not sure how much influence the hoop/weight difference has, probably not a great deal. There are only a couple of Mk2's on PH classifieds and you are looking at close to £40k for those. If your budget does indeed stretch that far then go for one of those if you think its worth it. On the whole though I think there's better choice and value in the Mk 1 if you like the looks. My recommendation would be, if your budget was say £25k or so, go for a car around the £20k mark then you have a fighting fund to self insure against engine probs that can be used for tailoring it to your colour requirements if it remains unspent. You shouldn't be paying quite that for a car that still needs suspension sorting (unless a recent engine rebuild is priced in). Revised dampers and full Geo shouldn't set you back more than a couple of grand. Go on condition & history rather than getting hung up on miles - TVR's are better behaved regularly used than stood still.

PGNCerbera

2,926 posts

165 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
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ackbullchang said:
Is it not also a fact that the mk2 has a slightly slower steering rack? I've never driven a mk2, but I do love the razor sharp turn in and feel of my mk1.
I'd agree on this. The MK1 steering is awesome. I certainly prefer it to my Cerbera.

PGNCerbera

2,926 posts

165 months

Wednesday 30th September 2015
quotequote all
ukdj said:
Have first hand knowledge that the Str8Six warranty is only any good if the company honour it, and can point you in the direction of several very unhappy customers - two sides to every story and all of that, knowing what I do now I would not pay the premium prices they charge for the "peace of mind" the warranty is supposed to provide.

I'm not saying dont touch a str8six rebuild, just dont pay over the odds for or rely on a warranty as a security blanket.

Edited by ukdj on Wednesday 30th September 09:21
on the flip side, I too have first hand knowledge of their warranty.

I had a Tuscan from str8six and the engine went. They sent over a trailer the following day, called me a few days later with the bad news and then a few weeks later returned the car with a new engine. All under warranty and no fuss or debate. I have had TVR's for several years now, all warranted under Str8six - I can be pedantic and a bit of a pain in the ass re my cars but every small issue they resolve and sort without quibble. I would say Str8six are the best garageI have dealt with over the years of buying cars and wasting money!

You will never please all the people, all the time, same with my business, but Str8six has a stellar reputation for a reason. Even before I bought my first TVR I must have spoken to every garage, enquiring about cars, asking silly questions and even then, Str8six (and James Agger) stood out.