Hello, new poster here - advice on TVR Tuscan
Discussion
Hi,
I'm thinking of buying a TVR but I don't really know much about them! A friend of mine recommended joining this site so I hope you can offer some advice.
I'm looking to buy 2002 Tuscan. What I wanted to know - how practical is this car, yearly service costs etc...
People tell me this car is unreliable, but a lot of dealers are offering 1 or 2 years warranty with it - so wouldn't this be good enough to ease my mind of any TVR issues/faults?
Essentially, could I get 30k miles out of it over 2 years (warranty period) with no hassle?
As said before, I know nothing about TVRs so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
I'm thinking of buying a TVR but I don't really know much about them! A friend of mine recommended joining this site so I hope you can offer some advice.
I'm looking to buy 2002 Tuscan. What I wanted to know - how practical is this car, yearly service costs etc...
People tell me this car is unreliable, but a lot of dealers are offering 1 or 2 years warranty with it - so wouldn't this be good enough to ease my mind of any TVR issues/faults?
Essentially, could I get 30k miles out of it over 2 years (warranty period) with no hassle?
As said before, I know nothing about TVRs so any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Use the search function and spend some time reading up on them.
Yes they cost to run and service properly, most warranties aren't worth the paper they are written on.
They are great cars but you need to know what you are letting yourself in for. Too many people by them only to sell them 6 months later due to not wanting to spend on the upkeep.
Yes they cost to run and service properly, most warranties aren't worth the paper they are written on.
They are great cars but you need to know what you are letting yourself in for. Too many people by them only to sell them 6 months later due to not wanting to spend on the upkeep.
I've only done about 100 miles in my car since I got it last month, so can't really offer much advice!
However, I doubt you'd get 30,000 miles out of a Tuscan without having to replace some parts. Clutch comes to mind (£1300), and some people have had to rebuild their engines at under 30k miles from new (£6000-£7000). Also services are every 6000 miles or 12 months and cost maybe £400, or £700 for the 2year/12k mile service, so you'd be looking at maybe £3000 on servicing in that time. http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/servicing.php
Not trying to put you off, I'd highly recommend one but you do need to be aware that even if nothing goes wrong they are not cheap to maintain.
There's lots of useful information here http://mytuscan.co.uk/index.php
However, I doubt you'd get 30,000 miles out of a Tuscan without having to replace some parts. Clutch comes to mind (£1300), and some people have had to rebuild their engines at under 30k miles from new (£6000-£7000). Also services are every 6000 miles or 12 months and cost maybe £400, or £700 for the 2year/12k mile service, so you'd be looking at maybe £3000 on servicing in that time. http://www.tvrpower.co.uk/servicing.php
Not trying to put you off, I'd highly recommend one but you do need to be aware that even if nothing goes wrong they are not cheap to maintain.
There's lots of useful information here http://mytuscan.co.uk/index.php
mikelknight said:
Essentially, could I get 30k miles out of it over 2 years (warranty period) with no hassle?
I would suggest they are more a weekend toy, and to use everyday as plenty have, you need deep pockets and possible a runabout for when thinks go wrong.There has been an article in Sprint frorm a guy who ran a Tamora (same basic engine) to over 100k miles but that too needed a re build.
If some of the figures mentioned for servicing etc have made you suck through your teeth dont get one.
I always believe the best way to describe any cars reliability is in terms of how predictable its reliability is.
Run a BMW/Audi etc every day and your likely to spend between £300-£1000 per year
Run a later model TVR and you're likely to spend any where from £1000 to £7000 per year. Some owners only have to spend reasonable amounts, some do not.
Buying on condition and getting a report can minimize the risk but it can't guarantee lower bills. Over 30K miles you'll do 5 services = £2500-£3500 alone.
Warrenties may not cover everything and may have a maximum amount per claim - read the fine print.
HTH
Run a BMW/Audi etc every day and your likely to spend between £300-£1000 per year
Run a later model TVR and you're likely to spend any where from £1000 to £7000 per year. Some owners only have to spend reasonable amounts, some do not.
Buying on condition and getting a report can minimize the risk but it can't guarantee lower bills. Over 30K miles you'll do 5 services = £2500-£3500 alone.
Warrenties may not cover everything and may have a maximum amount per claim - read the fine print.
HTH
Don't let the scare mongers warn you off - plenty of happy people on here.
Just bear in mind that if you just aimlessly 'wander' into TVR ownership you are likly to have a shock.
As mentioned - spend some time sitting reading all the posts on here - I read back about 6 months!
If that sounds too much like hard work / effort...then the others are probably right that this is not the car for you.
Happy Tuscan owner.
Just bear in mind that if you just aimlessly 'wander' into TVR ownership you are likly to have a shock.
As mentioned - spend some time sitting reading all the posts on here - I read back about 6 months!
If that sounds too much like hard work / effort...then the others are probably right that this is not the car for you.
Happy Tuscan owner.
mikelknight said:
Essentially, could I get 30k miles out of it over 2 years (warranty period) with no hassle?
Thanks
Yes, but 'with no hassle' is not the same as 'without spending money'. TVRs cannot be run cost effectively 'on the cheap'. Based on your predicted mileage of 15k pa and depending on your age/insurance, I'd say budget for ca. £2.5k + fuel and you'll be laughing. Actually if you buy the Tuscan and have to sell your house to run it, you'll still be smiling Thanks
I have not been owning my Tuscan for long, but I would say sum it up as going out with a supermodel girl-friend. She is high maintenance with cost, time and care. But fantastic fun and give you so much pleasure if you look after her. Also you will get lots of envy eyes too, but she will also attract lots of unwanted attention - just like lots of men trying to chat up her in a club while you leap to the gents for a split second. Forget it if you want her do your daily ironing and washing up.
So what do you want!?!?
So what do you want!?!?
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