Thinking of Tuscan ownership
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
2.Does the roof leak?
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
Thanks for your help!
I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
2.Does the roof leak?
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
Thanks for your help!
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
I'd go with Power myself - just cause Dom takes more pride in his work/is infinitely more helpful.
2.Does the roof leak?
Not if your seals are ok (not very pricey to fix)
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
Can use it fine assuming you don't drive with a club foot =p If you don't respect the car/power especially in those conditions then yes you will not have a good time.
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
It's fine - if you are considering it as a daily driver (implied by weather question) then you are probably better leaving it to dry outdoors than getting it wet and then parking it in a garage anyway.
Op - as it sounds like you are right at the beginning of your search, I would suggest a leisurely trawl back through the Tuscan forum and read any threads that look like they might be informative. I learnt a lot this way when I started looking. Took me ages.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild from TVR power or racing green?
Proof of a FULL rebuild is very necessary IMHO unless you are buying a very late car. Some people will claim a rebuild when in fact only some head work has been done. TVR Power or Str8six would be at the top of my personal list of rebuilders. My personal experience is with TVR Power and I am very happy with them.
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine has new seals and doesn't but some will leak I suppose.
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
Driven with sense, any TVR is fine. If I was going to use one as a daily commuter I would look at winter tyres. Not sure if available in suitable sizes though.
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
It wouldn't worry me. I'd invest in a cover that just covers the top of the car. This would provide enough protection when not in use.
TVRs are not cheap to run but then again they are simple cars. To me a modern complex car e.g. BMW or Merc or Audi have the potential to serve up massive repair bills and keep on doing so. I would be more fearful of my wallet if I drove an M3 or M5 than I would a Tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild from TVR power or racing green?
Proof of a FULL rebuild is very necessary IMHO unless you are buying a very late car. Some people will claim a rebuild when in fact only some head work has been done. TVR Power or Str8six would be at the top of my personal list of rebuilders. My personal experience is with TVR Power and I am very happy with them.
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine has new seals and doesn't but some will leak I suppose.
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
Driven with sense, any TVR is fine. If I was going to use one as a daily commuter I would look at winter tyres. Not sure if available in suitable sizes though.
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
It wouldn't worry me. I'd invest in a cover that just covers the top of the car. This would provide enough protection when not in use.
TVRs are not cheap to run but then again they are simple cars. To me a modern complex car e.g. BMW or Merc or Audi have the potential to serve up massive repair bills and keep on doing so. I would be more fearful of my wallet if I drove an M3 or M5 than I would a Tuscan.
Are you thinking about one as a daily driver or a 2nd car?
When I bought mine, I considered getting rid of my other car but glad I didn't in the end. Whilst the Tuscan is drivable every day, I'm quite happy I don't have to rely on it 100% of the time as there have been occasions where the odd problem arises and I'm uncomfortable driving it until sorted.
You could also have a run of bad luck (which most owners seem to experience one day - I lost my clutch followed soon after with my steering rack giving up) where you could be left carless for a while.
Finally, if I drove the Tuscan every day, I'm certain it wouldn't feel quite as special as it does to me now. Even though I do use it 75% of the time.
Anyway, they're awesome machines and good luck with whatever you go for.
When I bought mine, I considered getting rid of my other car but glad I didn't in the end. Whilst the Tuscan is drivable every day, I'm quite happy I don't have to rely on it 100% of the time as there have been occasions where the odd problem arises and I'm uncomfortable driving it until sorted.
You could also have a run of bad luck (which most owners seem to experience one day - I lost my clutch followed soon after with my steering rack giving up) where you could be left carless for a while.
Finally, if I drove the Tuscan every day, I'm certain it wouldn't feel quite as special as it does to me now. Even though I do use it 75% of the time.
Anyway, they're awesome machines and good luck with whatever you go for.
Gravenhurst said:
Hi Everyone,
I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
Just like the posts above I would get one with a TVR Power or st8six rebuild or get a engine newer than 2004 which will mean a Tuscan MK2. Not all SP6 engines on early Tuscans have required to be rebuilt but factor in £7-8k if it needs one. My advise would be to pay a little bit more for a car that has had one by the above companies and remove the worry.
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine didn't but again roof seals arent expensive.
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
Not for me, but then I'm in Scotland we have a lot of snow and ice and I wouldn't risk it.
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
I wouldnt worry anymore than if I had spent £20k on any other carof this type but I would prefer it to be in a garage so will the insurance company.
Thanks for your help!
I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
Just like the posts above I would get one with a TVR Power or st8six rebuild or get a engine newer than 2004 which will mean a Tuscan MK2. Not all SP6 engines on early Tuscans have required to be rebuilt but factor in £7-8k if it needs one. My advise would be to pay a little bit more for a car that has had one by the above companies and remove the worry.
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine didn't but again roof seals arent expensive.
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
Not for me, but then I'm in Scotland we have a lot of snow and ice and I wouldn't risk it.
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
I wouldnt worry anymore than if I had spent £20k on any other carof this type but I would prefer it to be in a garage so will the insurance company.
Thanks for your help!
My Replies
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green? TVR Power will inspect an engine and sell you a warranty, so you need to have a rebuild done unnecessarily, not all rebuilds are the same, you need to know what the rebuild involved. I looked at a car with a ST8Six rebuild, after calling Jason all it has done was 1 cam shaft and a couple of followers on the instruction of a warranty company
2.Does the roof leak? mine didn't
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no? used mine in the wet and ice. Light right foot is the key to a long life, dont put power down until all wheels are pointing in the same direction, avoid putting power down with 1 rear wheel on manhole cover or white line
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it? garage is best, or a good cover, I wouldnt leave mine outside but plenty do
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green? TVR Power will inspect an engine and sell you a warranty, so you need to have a rebuild done unnecessarily, not all rebuilds are the same, you need to know what the rebuild involved. I looked at a car with a ST8Six rebuild, after calling Jason all it has done was 1 cam shaft and a couple of followers on the instruction of a warranty company
2.Does the roof leak? mine didn't
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no? used mine in the wet and ice. Light right foot is the key to a long life, dont put power down until all wheels are pointing in the same direction, avoid putting power down with 1 rear wheel on manhole cover or white line
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it? garage is best, or a good cover, I wouldnt leave mine outside but plenty do
Gravenhurst said:
Hi Everyone,
I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
2.Does the roof leak?
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
Thanks for your help!
I think you have now got a pretty good steer of your queries. Mine has an engine rebuilt by Str8six. as long as the engine has been rebuilt by the reputable TVR specialists whom have been named here in serveral occasions already. Don't forget they need to be look after by the mechanical sympathetic owners too - warm up properly and checking oil etc. My roof doesn't leak either, but then I never leave it outside for a long period of time. Always garaged or parked under a roof. Try to keep the car on dry miles only, obviously it is not always possible when you take the car out for a long touring. Any cars are just as capacable as the drivers make out of it. I have seen a 4x4 landrover ended up in a ditch on an icy road...so what can I say!?!? The car can certainly live outside. I hear many owners here have been managing it quite well. The point is, how well do you want to look after your TVR. To me they need to be loved, and taking a good care of. The mixture of sun and rain would kill anything other than plants. I had to put off to buy a TVR for 2 years, because i want the car to live in a garage. TVRs are something really special to me, something with soul and personality, unique history and heritage. Yes, they have 4 wheels and an engine getting you from As to Bs but they are definitely not a normal German/ Janpanese box that you drive normally. But then these are just my humble opinions reflecting what the car means to me.I’m currently thinking very hard about getting a mk1 Tuscan or a griffith 500 (ive put the same post up on the griff forum) and have a few questions about the tuscan.
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
2.Does the roof leak?
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
Thanks for your help!
1.The speed six engine is not known to be the most reliable engine, would you recommend getting one that’s had an engine rebuild? Is it better to have had a rebuild form TVR power or racing green?
Best to get one with a rebuild. My was rebuilt by Str8six about 35,000 miles ago and still going strong
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine leaks throught the back window and sometimes the drivers side window in heavy rain
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
You can use then in the snow, rain and ice if you are careful. But you may want to put heavy items in boot to help traction
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
You should beable to keep a Tuscan outside but best to buy a car cover.
Best to get one with a rebuild. My was rebuilt by Str8six about 35,000 miles ago and still going strong
2.Does the roof leak?
Mine leaks throught the back window and sometimes the drivers side window in heavy rain
3.Are they at all useable in wet or icy conditions or is that a big TVR no no?
You can use then in the snow, rain and ice if you are careful. But you may want to put heavy items in boot to help traction
4.At the moment I don’t have a garage just off road parking is this ok for the Tuscan or would you recommend against it?
You should beable to keep a Tuscan outside but best to buy a car cover.
Thanks for all your help!
I Guess the next step will be a test drive to see what i love more the Griffith or the Tuscan.
If i go for the Tuscan ill try and get one with a rebuild or include the cost of one in my budget.
What are everyone's views on the Standard Mk1 vs The Tuscan S? I think The spoiler on the S spoils (hmm is that why they call them spoilers) the lines slightly
I Guess the next step will be a test drive to see what i love more the Griffith or the Tuscan.
If i go for the Tuscan ill try and get one with a rebuild or include the cost of one in my budget.
What are everyone's views on the Standard Mk1 vs The Tuscan S? I think The spoiler on the S spoils (hmm is that why they call them spoilers) the lines slightly
I prefer the Mk1 (cleaner shape) but it is a personal thing.
The car will at some stage need a rebuild if it hasn't had one. This is a constantly changing environment and there are a number of options. There are different levels of rebuild as well to be considered. However mine has not gone after 3 years and is still running on sintered cams.
Just out of interest I also run an M3 and it is absolutely bomb proof, the engine is fantastic and the driving experience the very best I have experienced. It is one of the fatest point to point cars I have been fortunate to own.
Other areas to check are chassis, brakes (expensive on the front) and electrics.
The car will at some stage need a rebuild if it hasn't had one. This is a constantly changing environment and there are a number of options. There are different levels of rebuild as well to be considered. However mine has not gone after 3 years and is still running on sintered cams.
Just out of interest I also run an M3 and it is absolutely bomb proof, the engine is fantastic and the driving experience the very best I have experienced. It is one of the fatest point to point cars I have been fortunate to own.
Other areas to check are chassis, brakes (expensive on the front) and electrics.
I have used mine in all weathers, just remember what it is and there isn't a problem. (Not to say you can't get caught out)
There is a leak point on the front doors where the trim ends, but have used it in truly awful weather and it was fine.
I keep mine in a garage, but the cars that cause problems are generally the ones not used IMHO
PS they are fantastic and I couldn't do without mine........
There is a leak point on the front doors where the trim ends, but have used it in truly awful weather and it was fine.
I keep mine in a garage, but the cars that cause problems are generally the ones not used IMHO
PS they are fantastic and I couldn't do without mine........
Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff