What's owning a Tuscan like?
Discussion
Ours is a 2003 non s and has done 50,000 miles without a rebuild, it's been across Europe 5 times, four times to the Alps with our crazy friends 
and a couple of track days. Sometimes we do think of selling it but the next time you take it out you know you can't.
T350 is very nice but no roof! Driving a Tuscan with the roof off is so much nicer than roof on...
The clutch has just gone for the second time but first one at 7500 miles so second ones not done too bad, there will always be something not working but as long as you drive it regularly then they don't often let you down. If you buy one a trickle charger is essential!
Good luck
and a couple of track days. Sometimes we do think of selling it but the next time you take it out you know you can't.T350 is very nice but no roof! Driving a Tuscan with the roof off is so much nicer than roof on...
The clutch has just gone for the second time but first one at 7500 miles so second ones not done too bad, there will always be something not working but as long as you drive it regularly then they don't often let you down. If you buy one a trickle charger is essential!
Good luck
If the engine's been rebuilt by Dom in 06 then it should be fine. Dom can and will put a warranty just on the engine if you get him to inspect it and he's happy with the internal's (i.e. he's satisfied that it's been looked after).
Calvin Morgan is the 2nd RO for the TVRCC Berkshire region, and runs www.wiltonmorgan.co.uk alongside his Dad. They are approved TVR power service agents so if you do find a car, and are worried about the engine, then get Dom to warranty it, and be safe in the knowledge that there's someone local to service it.
Coming from a BMW (something i know a lot about), then likely you'll love the TVR for it's rawness/looks/sound/character, but go in eyes wide open and don't expect BMW build quality. I think the main issue is that a lot of us actually enjoy working on them so the niggles can seem like an endless list, however I can only think of 1 time in 4yrs that mine wasn't working well enough just to go out for a blast!
Definitely drive a few as they can feel very different. The Tamora i drove was very very well planted and I prefer the interior layout to a mk1 Tuscan, however others feel the total opposite. Go sit in a few, test drive as many as possible, and I think it'll be an easy choice of whether they are for you. The majority love them, but for some people they're just not into it.
Personally they've got under my skin so much that I can't see me ever not owning one!
Calvin Morgan is the 2nd RO for the TVRCC Berkshire region, and runs www.wiltonmorgan.co.uk alongside his Dad. They are approved TVR power service agents so if you do find a car, and are worried about the engine, then get Dom to warranty it, and be safe in the knowledge that there's someone local to service it.
Coming from a BMW (something i know a lot about), then likely you'll love the TVR for it's rawness/looks/sound/character, but go in eyes wide open and don't expect BMW build quality. I think the main issue is that a lot of us actually enjoy working on them so the niggles can seem like an endless list, however I can only think of 1 time in 4yrs that mine wasn't working well enough just to go out for a blast!
Definitely drive a few as they can feel very different. The Tamora i drove was very very well planted and I prefer the interior layout to a mk1 Tuscan, however others feel the total opposite. Go sit in a few, test drive as many as possible, and I think it'll be an easy choice of whether they are for you. The majority love them, but for some people they're just not into it.
Personally they've got under my skin so much that I can't see me ever not owning one!
Bought my Mk1 Tuscan S in 2012, it replaced a very reliable and immaculate yellow Chimaera (presently for sale at James Agger).
The car has been a joy to drive, it has plenty leg room (I'm 6'3'), is comfortable in heavy traffic, sounds tremendous, goes like a train when required and turns heads everywhere it goes. Yes they are prone to the odd gremlin but at the end of the day many are 12-16yrs old - get them serviced properly and they shouldn't let you down.
While my intention is to have the car for many years to come an attractive aspect for any potential buyer should be that they are appreciating rather than depreciating - look after it and you'll get your money back (and maybe some more).
In terms of what to buy? my car is a 2003 with no rebuild, I bought it privately and probably took a slight leap of faith -however that said I did my homework and if you check the classifieds you'll see many cars from 2002/3 onwards have not had rebuilds, I guess just be careful and if the car or seller doesn't feel right then walk away.
If you do decide to take the plunge I'm sure you won't regret it....
The car has been a joy to drive, it has plenty leg room (I'm 6'3'), is comfortable in heavy traffic, sounds tremendous, goes like a train when required and turns heads everywhere it goes. Yes they are prone to the odd gremlin but at the end of the day many are 12-16yrs old - get them serviced properly and they shouldn't let you down.
While my intention is to have the car for many years to come an attractive aspect for any potential buyer should be that they are appreciating rather than depreciating - look after it and you'll get your money back (and maybe some more).
In terms of what to buy? my car is a 2003 with no rebuild, I bought it privately and probably took a slight leap of faith -however that said I did my homework and if you check the classifieds you'll see many cars from 2002/3 onwards have not had rebuilds, I guess just be careful and if the car or seller doesn't feel right then walk away.
If you do decide to take the plunge I'm sure you won't regret it....
Don't discount private sale cars. Bought my first Tuscan from a well respected dealer and within 60 miles it was smoking like a gooden. After many weeks of arguing and travelling to and from doms, the dealer finally offered a refund but no reimburse for my time, this was however after legal action was discussed. Remarkably the day I returned it he tried selling it back out to a guy that very afternoon, who luckily got in touch with me prior. There were also many other issues hidden away that were potentially lethal according to anther well respected engine rebuilder who worked on it and took the time to contact me after finding out is bought it. The dealer Was told all this and as said still tried to sell it on. It has since been sold on and hope the work was done prior to this, but I doubt it. I'd never trust this dealer again with my money or my life.
Ended up buying a supurb 2002 car privately for very good money. As for rebuilds, mine was done late 06/07 by power and it's absolutely spot on according to the TVR specialist that services it.
I soon learnt my lesson and that's after 10 years of TVR ownership. Eyes wide open check the history and you'll be fine, just enjoy the. Rather than worrying when it will breakdown.
In my 12 years of TVR's I've had 4 newish Volvos, 3 had terminal issues. 2 Freelanders one of which was brand new and we gave it back to the dealer after its 3rd clutch in 6kmiles. An evoque which broke down and a mondeo which to be fair is on 150k and is faultless (touch wood). The chimeara let me down once which was a starter motor and again touchwood, the Tuscan has been a joy to own.
One final point, you mentioned investment... These are not investments in my eyes, if used which they will need to be. Although the value of mine has increased £????'s I will have spent near on that on running the car over the past few years. But what I have got out of it has been years on fun and all for very little expense, pointless having the money in the bank earning 0.3%.
Stop posting on here and just buy one and enjoy it......
Ended up buying a supurb 2002 car privately for very good money. As for rebuilds, mine was done late 06/07 by power and it's absolutely spot on according to the TVR specialist that services it.
I soon learnt my lesson and that's after 10 years of TVR ownership. Eyes wide open check the history and you'll be fine, just enjoy the. Rather than worrying when it will breakdown.
In my 12 years of TVR's I've had 4 newish Volvos, 3 had terminal issues. 2 Freelanders one of which was brand new and we gave it back to the dealer after its 3rd clutch in 6kmiles. An evoque which broke down and a mondeo which to be fair is on 150k and is faultless (touch wood). The chimeara let me down once which was a starter motor and again touchwood, the Tuscan has been a joy to own.
One final point, you mentioned investment... These are not investments in my eyes, if used which they will need to be. Although the value of mine has increased £????'s I will have spent near on that on running the car over the past few years. But what I have got out of it has been years on fun and all for very little expense, pointless having the money in the bank earning 0.3%.
Stop posting on here and just buy one and enjoy it......
Edited by Milky400 on Wednesday 3rd February 07:17
anyone know this car?
Hoping to go view this weekend.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Unless that has had some upgrades and an engine rebuild (or its known to good by a specialist) then this is way too strong a price. The advert is light on info, but unless its a hidden gem there are much better cars on the PH classifieds for the same sort of money.
Unless it was an amazing deal I would buy from a private enthusiast or specialist dealer only. Looking at their stock list the Tuscan looks to be way out of their norm.
Buying from a specialist doesn't guarantee zero hassle, but it does improve the odds of a good experience.
Unless it was an amazing deal I would buy from a private enthusiast or specialist dealer only. Looking at their stock list the Tuscan looks to be way out of their norm.
Buying from a specialist doesn't guarantee zero hassle, but it does improve the odds of a good experience.
Company for the blue one never got back to me.
hoping to view this on the weekend. Looks spot on to me. Clearly an enthusiastic owner, had the power rebuild. Perfect colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
hoping to view this on the weekend. Looks spot on to me. Clearly an enthusiastic owner, had the power rebuild. Perfect colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
That looks very smart and suitably cherished. I wouldn't stress too much about the missing early history if its HPI clear. The engine rebuild is the critical thing. The only alarm bell for me would be the 'smart repair' paintwork. You may have to live with that as flip paint is nigh on impossible to do a local remedy AFAIK, its a full respray job at over a grand a litre ! If you could get that price down a wee bit it would be worth every penny IMHO. More likely to be closer to £30k from one of the primary dealers.
Hi all,
Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
^ You'll kick yourself 
PH is short for Pistonheads... i.e the classifieds on this site (go to the main homepage then there's links at the top) are a good place to keep an eye out for cars advertised.
Sometimes it's also worthwhile once you're in a position to buy, to put a wanted advert or thread on here as you may get some people who haven't advertised yet but are willing to consider serious buyers.
Take a look through the mytuscan.co.uk site as well as there's some good info on there.
Welcome to the madhouse
PH is short for Pistonheads... i.e the classifieds on this site (go to the main homepage then there's links at the top) are a good place to keep an eye out for cars advertised.
Sometimes it's also worthwhile once you're in a position to buy, to put a wanted advert or thread on here as you may get some people who haven't advertised yet but are willing to consider serious buyers.
Take a look through the mytuscan.co.uk site as well as there's some good info on there.
Welcome to the madhouse
dennispearce said:
Hi all,
Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
Hi Dennis,Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
PH = PistonHeads, in other words: this website
At home we went from an MGB to a TVR Tuscan, it's a perfect step up in the sportcarrange. The only two things to know are one, the performance is in a totally different league so take some time to get used to the huge amount of performance. Secondly, costs are also a little step up so make sure you can at least spend 1k a year on service costs. Oh and last, make sure you buy a good one!
Just do it, you won't regret it, you will love it!
dennispearce said:
Hi all,
Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
This coming Thursday is the TVRCC Oxford meet, I would like to say mine will be there but most likely it will be still be being worked on (upgrade not repairs) but there maybe another turn up. Come along, we are a friendly lot. Been reading this thread with great interest as I too would like to buy a Tuscan but need to sell my MG B first to make room for a Tuscan. It will probably be in the spring.
In a previous posting Nr Chips mentions PH as a possible source to look for one, in fact this is the snippet :- "Best places are on PH, the TVRCC website, and Autotrader." Being new to TVR,s could someone explain what is PH please ?
Thanks
Dennis
Guys, thanks for the enthusiastic replies. A fabulous welcome and yes Mr Chips, I do feel a plonker.
Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
dennispearce said:
Guys, thanks for the enthusiastic replies. A fabulous welcome and yes Mr Chips, I do feel a plonker.
Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
Roughly whereabouts are you in Oxfordshire?Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
Company for the blue one never got back to me.
hoping to view this on the weekend. Looks spot on to me. Clearly an enthusiastic owner, had the power rebuild. Perfect colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Did you look at this purple Tuscan ? Does look very smart
hoping to view this on the weekend. Looks spot on to me. Clearly an enthusiastic owner, had the power rebuild. Perfect colour combo.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Did you look at this purple Tuscan ? Does look very smart
Green Fly said:
dennispearce said:
Guys, thanks for the enthusiastic replies. A fabulous welcome and yes Mr Chips, I do feel a plonker.
Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
Roughly whereabouts are you in Oxfordshire?Chris, as you are aware the MGB could not knock the skin off of a rice pudding let alone outstrip a Nissan Micra for performance, but you don,t buy it for that reason, unlike a Tuscan, which is in a league of its own regarding looks and performance.
I have already joined the TVR Club and will be coming to the Oxford meets, but my wife has just come out of intensive care last week and requires a bit of nursing from me, so cannot make it to the next meet, but thanks for the offer.
I belong to a couple of forums for different things but have yet to find one as enthusiastic and welcoming as you guys.
Thanks
Dennis
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