Reliability? Aaaahhhhhh...

Reliability? Aaaahhhhhh...

Author
Discussion

littlest-hobo

Original Poster:

6 posts

254 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
I know, I know, it's an old and no doubt now extremely boring thread that SURELY everyone knows the answer to...except me. Why not humour me all the same.
I'm about to embark on the very slightly scary ownership of a Tuscan and was wondering if, from a reliabilty point of view, I should try for a particular year/date. High or mid miles? The younger the better I guess? (The car that is). I'm now having recurring dreams about giant Finger-Followers which can't be a good sign.
Guide me, oh wise Tuscanians.
BJTK.

plotloss

67,280 posts

271 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
The younger the better is the golden rule...

Matt.

Beano500

20,854 posts

276 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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plotloss said: The younger the better is the golden rule...

Matt.


Wasn't that a hit for Gary ?

IMHO it is not simply a case of the younger the better - whilst this might have some validity for build quality and build niggles, the running in and warm up procedures are at least as vital. bear in mind there's a thread somewhere around here (called "Mileage" I 'spect!) with comments on some cars that have passed 40k quite happily.

plotloss

67,280 posts

271 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
Very true, I was just accounting for the fact that the Speed Six lumps that had substandard components through no fault of TVR's were generally speaking in the early cars.

This is not to say that there are no good early cars more of a caveat emptor.

Matt.

21TVR

655 posts

257 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
As mentioned countless times Research is the key, research and patience, and it helps if you slam your fingers in draw hard as well!!

All the info you need is on this site in the FAQ's and previous posts, take it steady and just build up your knowledge

Sorry there's no quick answer to this one. After all is said and done, if you buy one, well then you will be a born again Tuscaneer as soon as you start driving it!! (it's a luurve thang)

sp

robkola

1,589 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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If it's had more than one re-build and full recent service (and some ddecent miles under belt) I'd go for that. Look at latest Sprint:

3 year old - 15K milage - factory maintained (might have some very good data here!!) only 26K!

girlracer

442 posts

256 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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Yep, my recently aquired (£27k) baby is a 9000 mile car, full TVR dealer service, rebuild 4 months ago (at 8000 miles, so new engine run in just complete and ready to go! ). But the confidence booster for me was hiring Rob Ingleby (www.findasportscar.co.uk) to check the car out for me. He spent a good few hours driving it and poking around underneath it. He has nothing to gain by recommending a car he's not 100% confident with, (you actually pay him to view a selection, and then come back to you with a short list) so a thumbs up from him made my decision very easy. Speak to him. Best £500 you could spend if you don't wanna end up with a Friday afternoon car.

ajvmoore

170 posts

280 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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Whilst I kind of agree that 'the younger the better' will be good, lots of fixes from the early cars, but I do not go for the 'lower mileage' is best - whilst recently sort of trying to sell my car, (which I am not doing) buyers were worried that the car had been on track a lot, and that it has done 27k mls. During this time, the engine did go - 21500 mls, new components fitted and should be like a new car in this respect. Four sets of suspension bushes (like to keep Mr Sloppy away) four new sets of disks, speedo cable updated, clutch, flywheel, uprated coil fitted, no leaks after rework to new door caps, - loads more too - point is, that on my car, any 'built in' weaknesses from when it first left the factory have been discovered, and fixed.Full geometry by Micheldevers, to the best considered settings. Why is my car not as good a proposition as one which has been coseted and never stretched its legs? - I did have a buyer turn up with the asking price in cash, so no sour grapes here - it was at that moment that I realised I would be a fool to let it go.

littlest-hobo

Original Poster:

6 posts

254 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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Thanks GirlRacer, a damn fine idea. I'll give him a ring, let him crawl about for me and then when the engine inevitably blows up within a couple of thousand miles, I won't feel as if it was entirely my fault.
Seriously though, cheers, that will set my overactive bad-scenario thoughts to rest.
BJTK

littlest-hobo

Original Poster:

6 posts

254 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
Oh, and thanks averyone else...!

robkola

1,589 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
Like any TVR - low mileage spells too much idleness . . and for a 3-year old Tuscan with about 5K and NO re-builds - I would personally steer clear - but what do I know - my Chimaera's been near perfect - maybe toooo perfect (!)

robkola

1,589 posts

265 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
quotequote all
Yes yes - I know a Chimaera isn't the same as a Speed Six . . . ok ok ok.

Girlracer - yours is a fine example - so I will keep an eye on the progress of your motor.

lady topaz

3,855 posts

255 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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Also a lot depends on how much dosh you have to spend.INMO unless buying new dont be conned into paying extra for someone elses fancy colours or accessories as these are just add ons. A late model with full history and low mileage should be the best bet. Whatever you will not be disappointed. Good luck!

girlracer

442 posts

256 months

Wednesday 12th March 2003
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You're welcome littlest-hobo. I wiped out my savings to get this car, so I had to be pretty sure it would not disappoint!

Incidentally, it has warranty until April, afterwhich Mole Valley (who have serviced the car since new) are going to let me extend the warranty, because they know the car and know the previous owner looked after it. This was all suggested and arranged by Rob Ingleby too.





>> Edited by girlracer on Wednesday 12th March 23:13