A week in a Tuscan
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Discussion

flasher

Original Poster:

9,289 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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As most of you are aware My T350 decided to throw it's toys out of the pram last week and after much investigation it needed a new injector and other minor work. I should be getting it back in the next couple of days or so, but while they were sorting it TMS kindly lent me their Tuscan demo car for the week....

I had often thought about getting a Tuscan and had come close to ordering one on several occasions. One of the main things that had put me off was the fact that I had been in an early one and was distinctly worried about some of the build quality in that particular car, compared to the car I had at the time (a cerbera). I also didn't like the fiddly interior and the dash layout, which, lets face it, isn't easy to read at the best of times.

I was eagerly awaiting the Tuscan arriving on Monday so I could give an assessment based on everyday ownership rather than just a hurried test drive. My first impressions were good, it sounded awesome burbling away on the drive...

I couldn't wait to get up on Tuesday for the commute into the office and left much earlier than normal so I could take my favourite cross country route into work. One thing I noticed straight away was the cars urgency and huge low down torque, quite different to my T350 and indeed my old Tamora and more like my old Cerb.

The next thing I noticed was the reaction of the public. This car turns EVERY head. The looks I've had (particularly from the opposite sex) are like nothing I've encountered before.... I have had almost every girl in the office wanting a trip for lunch, I've been wolf whistled and I even had a lady offer to let me "shag her on the bonnet" last night!!!

Back to the car...

It definitley feels quicker than the T350 and tamora in a straight line, but through the corners it feels slightly unstable in comparison, but still very good. It's definitley not as nimble and feels heavier and bigger to drive. With the centre roof section out the buffeting is quite bad above a certain speed () but when you take the rear screen out it's a lot better.

It's certainly quieter inside than the T350 with the roof on, but the exhaust is far deeper and more bellowing, it pops and bangs on the overrun and people are looking round to see what the noise is before you get to them!!

To sum up, I'd like one of each, the Tuscan for posing with the roof off and motorway cruising with the roof on and the T350 for track days and long journeys on winding A roads.

If only I could have both....

tuscan_s

3,173 posts

297 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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A very good summing up Flasher.

I feel that the handling could be a bit sharper and will be investing in some new Öhlin shocks in the foreseeable.

Sports pipes make all the difference and it now sounds like an evil b'stard as well as looking like one!

PS, I haven't had anyone offering to shag me on the bonnet but if I do....

luca brazzi

3,982 posts

289 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Interesting write up Flash.

Not that I like posing of course, but you are so right about everyone looking....and looking before you arrive....its just grrrrrreat!!!

Steve

apache

39,731 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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yeah, it did that for me too, (apart from the bonnet shag bit)a very rewarding driving experience, steering is so direct compared to anything else and it does shift when it comes 'on cam' The exhaust caused a booming noise at certain revs and the instrument binnacle looked poorly put together but other than that we loved it.

nicholasblair

4,111 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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I must get one and quickly

shnozz

30,147 posts

295 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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andy - you have really screwed up my head now! I was toying with the idea of a Tuscan recently and thought sticking it on the mortgage in view of the fact i am remortgaging anyway. I decided it was a stupid idea, keep the S3, buy a winter everyday car and get sorted in the new house.

I am now thinking differently again! I dont want to test drive one cos i know what would happen then....

apache

39,731 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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shnozz said: andy - you have really screwed up my head now! I was toying with the idea of a Tuscan recently and thought sticking it on the mortgage in view of the fact i am remortgaging anyway. I decided it was a stupid idea, keep the S3, buy a winter everyday car and get sorted in the new house.

I am now thinking differently again! I dont want to test drive one cos i know what would happen then....



mate, do it before they ban it

MikeyT

17,887 posts

295 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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apache said:'on cam'


Can someone explain what this means, I've seen it written lots of times and often thought

When yer getting one then Pete?

shnozz

30,147 posts

295 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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mate, do it before they ban it




when my sale goes through it leaves me with only £36k. Sell my S in addition and it would still mean a deposit of £10k - £12k on the new place and an early Tuscan. Its just not quite possible

Beano500

20,854 posts

299 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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tuscan_s said:

PS, I haven't had anyone offering to shag me on the bonnet but if I do....


Hmm! On the earliest ones I've seen I notice that the fit of the (half) bonnet seems a bit suspect. I have also read about bonnets lifting up when being driven

Is it a question of build quality - or does a certain amount of bonnet-shagging produce this result?

Tuscan Research Department of Surrey

stubbini

105 posts

281 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Mmmm. Hoping to join the merry band of Tuscaneers very soon...

robkola

1,589 posts

288 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Thought that you may have to indulge in some protracted foreplay whilst waiting for said bonnet to cool down or it's blisters time!

flasher

Original Poster:

9,289 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Nothing beats a nice warm bonnet mate!!!

flasher

Original Poster:

9,289 posts

308 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
quotequote all
Mind you I do know a bloke who works for TVR that had some fun with a bird in a Cerbera......

You know who you are.....

Alf Essex

1,467 posts

285 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Good assessment Flash!

Went to country pub last Sunday, and over a few hours was joined by a Porsche & Noble who decided to park next to mine. Everyone going into and out of said pub went straight for the Tuscan and ignored the other two. All the girlies went wild over it when they walked past.

Says it all really. Although ain't had any 'offers' of the kind you have had recently...but working on it

Alan.

salty-nlv

438 posts

283 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Thank god I pick mine up this weekend then after that descrption, can't wait, especially with the sun shining outside..

Now do you have the details of that bonnet bird?? I may just swing by if it's close

qualityscrew

503 posts

287 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Have worn the bonnett out on mine - had to order a new car!

Seriously - that one 'innocent' line could do more for Tusacn sales than anything! I can see queues forming at the dealers right now.........

ehasler

8,576 posts

307 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Phew! Glad I got my order in before the rush starts!!

spudsgriff

37 posts

292 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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We are open weekdays 8.30 - 6 and weekends aswell.
10% deposit on order and all the tea you can drink !!


>> Edited by spudsgriff on Thursday 27th March 14:04

ehasler

8,576 posts

307 months

Thursday 27th March 2003
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Hmm - just wondering if it was possible to get Armourfend extended all the way up the bonnet?