Opinion on buying Mk1 or Mk2 ?
Discussion
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'm sure I've read somewhere that this is a mis-conception. The Mk 2 has more turns lock to lock (presumably revised bump stop position) but the rack ratio is exactly the same. Can anyone confirm ?It simply comes down to taste and budget, as with most things. I always wanted a Griffith as a teenager, and when I finally came to being in a position of buying a TVR, bought a Tuscan MK3, since I wanted the full convertible. However, subsequently bought a Griffith too 
All the cars have their own characteristics, and uniqueness, there are clearly more choices with the MK1, so you are more likely to find a combination to suit your taste and budget. With the MK2/3 you are more restricted
Happy hunting!
All the cars have their own characteristics, and uniqueness, there are clearly more choices with the MK1, so you are more likely to find a combination to suit your taste and budget. With the MK2/3 you are more restricted
Happy hunting!
Have driven a sorted mk1, own a mk2. Don't linke the pepper pot grill on mk1 but like the front lights. Prefer the the rear on mk2, I like the brass on the mk1 interier but the quality on a whole felt very poor compared to the mk2. When I was looking I was looking at both.. Had mine coming up 6 years and is always 100% reliable. I can drive it at 80 mph with only two fingers on the wheel, couldnt do that on the mk1. There will always be more mk1 owners express their opinion as there are more mk1s! So If you can, try both.
All Tuscan's are easy on the eye, but there's something Bat s
t Crazy about the original Mk1's.
And with that spoiler free silhouette and indicators in the back window they are the best looking interpretation IMO.
They also happen to be the least expensive at present.
My Mk1 (4.0 with close ratio box a 3.73 Diff) is as quick as i'll ever need it to be , and with 255 section tyres all round - allied to Mk1 steering geo - it's ahem.. "exciting" to drive
.
Great cars.
t Crazy about the original Mk1's.And with that spoiler free silhouette and indicators in the back window they are the best looking interpretation IMO.
They also happen to be the least expensive at present.
My Mk1 (4.0 with close ratio box a 3.73 Diff) is as quick as i'll ever need it to be , and with 255 section tyres all round - allied to Mk1 steering geo - it's ahem.. "exciting" to drive
.Great cars.
Agree with all that has been said,down to a matter of design and taste ,I love the Great White shark look of the front end of mine and her arse ,however it is the wonderful MK1 interior that I miss in my Mk2 and you do spend most of your time in the cabin,though no doubt a lot outside just looking at her lol.
Having driven both they are quite similar to drive, the steering does feel slightly slower on the mk2 but not sure whether it's that noticeable unless you drove them back to back. My mk2 is certainly still a very quick rack and be hustled through the twisty roads with minimal input.
Either way you wouldn't feel you have a "lesser" car with either option especially if you upgrade the nitrons or similar.
Styling wise for me, the mk2 wins hands down as it looks more fluid and the lines are certainly easier on the eye. However the roll hoop mounted indicators on the mk1 are a thing of both genius and beauty and if I could I would fit these on the mk2 every day of the week.
I found the mk1 interior a little bit empty, while the mk2 feels more cosy and snug. They both look unique though.
Pricing has strengthened significantly on the mk1 recently but there are still decent cars to be had for just sub 20k. Equally the mk2/mk3 full convertibles have jumped significantly which leaves the normal mk2 which has risen a bit but I think will see a further price rise over the coming year to a stable high 30s/low 40s. The day's of a good mk2 for sub 25k are gone in my view.
If it was my money, it'd be a close call between a mk2 or a very decent late mk1, and it would just be down to which styling you prefer.
Either way you wouldn't feel you have a "lesser" car with either option especially if you upgrade the nitrons or similar.
Styling wise for me, the mk2 wins hands down as it looks more fluid and the lines are certainly easier on the eye. However the roll hoop mounted indicators on the mk1 are a thing of both genius and beauty and if I could I would fit these on the mk2 every day of the week.
I found the mk1 interior a little bit empty, while the mk2 feels more cosy and snug. They both look unique though.
Pricing has strengthened significantly on the mk1 recently but there are still decent cars to be had for just sub 20k. Equally the mk2/mk3 full convertibles have jumped significantly which leaves the normal mk2 which has risen a bit but I think will see a further price rise over the coming year to a stable high 30s/low 40s. The day's of a good mk2 for sub 25k are gone in my view.
If it was my money, it'd be a close call between a mk2 or a very decent late mk1, and it would just be down to which styling you prefer.
I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone for their helpful points of view, some good opinions on some of the pros and cons between both models. It's pretty clear to me that both are pretty astonishing cars really.
After much thought, I've decided I will likely be satisfying the craving that I had since school, and look for a nice Mk1. In fact,
I found one that I REALLY liked and planned to go and see it tomorrow for a closer look and test drive, but found out somebody had literally put a deposit down the day before! Heartbroken
Ah well that particular car wasn't to be but I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a good condition and good history model... If any of you guys some across some nice examples please let me know. The search continues...
After much thought, I've decided I will likely be satisfying the craving that I had since school, and look for a nice Mk1. In fact,
I found one that I REALLY liked and planned to go and see it tomorrow for a closer look and test drive, but found out somebody had literally put a deposit down the day before! Heartbroken
Ah well that particular car wasn't to be but I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a good condition and good history model... If any of you guys some across some nice examples please let me know. The search continues...
Speed 3 said:
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'm sure I've read somewhere that this is a mis-conception. The Mk 2 has more turns lock to lock (presumably revised bump stop position) but the rack ratio is exactly the same. Can anyone confirm ?Or should I correct that to Mk1 to Tuscan convertible ( which I assume is the same as the Mk2).
Have owned my MK2 for over 7 years and love it. Went for the later model for peace of mind both reliability and handling wise.
I actually prefer the look of the MK1 front end. Had a neighbour who brought one of the first brand new and always drooled when I walked past.
Agree that most MK1's have probably had engine and suspension work by now so my paranoia would be less if buying now.
That said my Tuscan is a lovely relaxing drive for longer journeys / weekends with the misses or a snarling beast (loud cans of course!) when out for a hoon. Has never let me down, and generally been a joy to own.
As everyone has said, not the cheapest to run and maintain even without issues so make sure you leave some funds available for that.
I actually prefer the look of the MK1 front end. Had a neighbour who brought one of the first brand new and always drooled when I walked past.
Agree that most MK1's have probably had engine and suspension work by now so my paranoia would be less if buying now.
That said my Tuscan is a lovely relaxing drive for longer journeys / weekends with the misses or a snarling beast (loud cans of course!) when out for a hoon. Has never let me down, and generally been a joy to own.
As everyone has said, not the cheapest to run and maintain even without issues so make sure you leave some funds available for that.
Have owned my MK2 for over 7 years and love it. Went for the later model for peace of mind both reliability and handling wise.
I actually prefer the look of the MK1 front end. Had a neighbour who brought one of the first brand new and always drooled when I walked past.
Agree that most MK1's have probably had engine and suspension work by now so my paranoia would be less if buying now.
That said my Tuscan is a lovely relaxing drive for longer journeys / weekends with the misses or a snarling beast (loud cans of course!) when out for a hoon. Has never let me down, and generally been a joy to own.
As everyone has said, not the cheapest to run and maintain even without issues so make sure you leave some funds available for that.
I actually prefer the look of the MK1 front end. Had a neighbour who brought one of the first brand new and always drooled when I walked past.
Agree that most MK1's have probably had engine and suspension work by now so my paranoia would be less if buying now.
That said my Tuscan is a lovely relaxing drive for longer journeys / weekends with the misses or a snarling beast (loud cans of course!) when out for a hoon. Has never let me down, and generally been a joy to own.
As everyone has said, not the cheapest to run and maintain even without issues so make sure you leave some funds available for that.
Gotta be Mk1, that grill and open lights. Not to mention the high level indicators 
As plenty have said most MK1's are sorted now with new suspension, geo, rack spacers etc so they are a lot less frightening to drive.
What's your budget?
Mines in the classifieds if you'd like to have a look
As plenty have said most MK1's are sorted now with new suspension, geo, rack spacers etc so they are a lot less frightening to drive.
What's your budget?
Mines in the classifieds if you'd like to have a look
davidsc said:
Gotta be Mk1, that grill and open lights. Not to mention the high level indicators
As plenty have said most MK1's are sorted now with new suspension, geo, rack spacers etc so they are a lot less frightening to drive.
What's your budget?
Mines in the classifieds if you'd like to have a look
I agree, the Mk1 is my original schoolboy crush so think it will probably be that model. Just seen your car, it's lovelyAs plenty have said most MK1's are sorted now with new suspension, geo, rack spacers etc so they are a lot less frightening to drive.
What's your budget?
Mines in the classifieds if you'd like to have a look
Edited by Imran_M on Friday 16th October 11:46
Had both a cat C Mk1 bought at the bottom of the market and a Mk1 convertible.
I love them both, the vert is far more accomplished as a vehicle. It is better screwed together, the dash is more normal and it is a great tourer. I like the fact both cars didn't have the big spoilers, There isn't much between them to drive, the Mk1 had Gaz golds, the vert has the std touring suspension. The engine in the MK1 was still running its sintered cams at 40k, the vert has done 63k on its original engine, there is no doubt the later engines are better.
There are a number of detail changes on the vert that makes it more pleasant and more reliable, loom, engine, dash. You can tell that things are just better like the trim, is it 3 times better I have no idea, but it is the right colour orange for me
Any question just ask me.
I love them both, the vert is far more accomplished as a vehicle. It is better screwed together, the dash is more normal and it is a great tourer. I like the fact both cars didn't have the big spoilers, There isn't much between them to drive, the Mk1 had Gaz golds, the vert has the std touring suspension. The engine in the MK1 was still running its sintered cams at 40k, the vert has done 63k on its original engine, there is no doubt the later engines are better.
There are a number of detail changes on the vert that makes it more pleasant and more reliable, loom, engine, dash. You can tell that things are just better like the trim, is it 3 times better I have no idea, but it is the right colour orange for me
Any question just ask me.
I do like the Vert and MK2/3 front light set up I must admit. However I much prefer the original bum, clean lines and uncompromising, beautiful
As said style can't be taught or judged and thank god we all have different tastes
For me I was scared of buying MK1 due to the issues everyone is aware of but in the end I have just bought one as it was my initial reaction of my own taste. (engine rebuilt though;))
It may be sensible to go for reliability and future value etc and don't get me wrong I like the MK2 and even more like its reliability and in some ways it is probably a better car but it was the MK1 that popped my heart out! and thats what car love is all about, what gets your heart going, otherwise you'll always be drooling over someone else's even if it is in some ways inferior. also the MK2/3 price tags are whoa!!!! scary. (for me anyway) Just my opinion.
Mine;
As said style can't be taught or judged and thank god we all have different tastes
For me I was scared of buying MK1 due to the issues everyone is aware of but in the end I have just bought one as it was my initial reaction of my own taste. (engine rebuilt though;))It may be sensible to go for reliability and future value etc and don't get me wrong I like the MK2 and even more like its reliability and in some ways it is probably a better car but it was the MK1 that popped my heart out! and thats what car love is all about, what gets your heart going, otherwise you'll always be drooling over someone else's even if it is in some ways inferior. also the MK2/3 price tags are whoa!!!! scary. (for me anyway) Just my opinion.
Mine;
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