Please convince me
Discussion
Story so far. A while back I test drove a Tamora, thought it was okay but quite twitchy, especially on dual, motorway. Then had a go of a T350 which was a vast improvement, the tam was about 18 months old but the T was new so that may explain part of the differnce. More recently had a test drive of a Tuscan Convertible and was very impressed, another level up again, easier to drive, no rattles, all in all a great car. So far, so good.
But then I read the forums and I have to be honest, I start to worry. I won't bore you all with the usual reasons because you know them better than me. Best is Lady Topaz with the 'Year in a Tuscan S2', brilliant! (Lady T,is December due soon? Anything I should know about before I hand over, or not, my hard earned?)
I do not want to keep going back with niggly things, let alone breaking down. I know you get a three year warranty but even so, it would really p--s me right off!
I need a car that I can be reasonably sure will get me to Tuscany and back at least once a year. Is this that car? (A Tuscan in Tuscany, got to be done !)
At the moment TVR are doing deals up to December 31st, i.e. £5000 off an 'S' which is not to be sniffed at so this has to be 'my time'.
Both dealers I have been talking to assure me that these cars are very reliable with none having gone back to them yet, for anything other than one owner induced problem.
So, anybody out there who is running a Tuscan 'S' Convertible, what do you honestly think. Am I needlessly worrying or, should I stay clear?
I will never buy a Porsche, second hand Ferrari was a posibility but also a bloody big liability so no.
Sorry for the boring length of this post but I need to know because I really want one!! Honestly!!!
Vince
But then I read the forums and I have to be honest, I start to worry. I won't bore you all with the usual reasons because you know them better than me. Best is Lady Topaz with the 'Year in a Tuscan S2', brilliant! (Lady T,is December due soon? Anything I should know about before I hand over, or not, my hard earned?)
I do not want to keep going back with niggly things, let alone breaking down. I know you get a three year warranty but even so, it would really p--s me right off!
I need a car that I can be reasonably sure will get me to Tuscany and back at least once a year. Is this that car? (A Tuscan in Tuscany, got to be done !)
At the moment TVR are doing deals up to December 31st, i.e. £5000 off an 'S' which is not to be sniffed at so this has to be 'my time'.
Both dealers I have been talking to assure me that these cars are very reliable with none having gone back to them yet, for anything other than one owner induced problem.
So, anybody out there who is running a Tuscan 'S' Convertible, what do you honestly think. Am I needlessly worrying or, should I stay clear?
I will never buy a Porsche, second hand Ferrari was a posibility but also a bloody big liability so no.
Sorry for the boring length of this post but I need to know because I really want one!! Honestly!!!
Vince
Ok - here's my take as a current Tuscan owner and it is not for sale therefore this message is not a "sales aid."
1. Had a Porsche for 2 years - several niggles with roof and trim. No mechanical problems but whole car was a bot boring and had no "tingle" factor whatsoever.
2. Changed to a Chimaera. Had this for 2 years and did trips to South of France and Northern Italy. Travelled about 8K miles and ZERO claims on warranty. No breakdowns.
3. Changed to a Tuscan early this year (ex Lady T). 5K miles now including trips to France (and one planned for this weekend). ZERO claims on warranty. No breakdowns.
If you can get £5K off a new S, then sign your order now. It is the best value for money on the HUGE GRIN
scale.
GO FOR IT
1. Had a Porsche for 2 years - several niggles with roof and trim. No mechanical problems but whole car was a bot boring and had no "tingle" factor whatsoever.
2. Changed to a Chimaera. Had this for 2 years and did trips to South of France and Northern Italy. Travelled about 8K miles and ZERO claims on warranty. No breakdowns.
3. Changed to a Tuscan early this year (ex Lady T). 5K miles now including trips to France (and one planned for this weekend). ZERO claims on warranty. No breakdowns.
If you can get £5K off a new S, then sign your order now. It is the best value for money on the HUGE GRIN
scale. GO FOR IT
I can only talk about my experience of our September 2005 built Tamora. We are absolutely delighted with the car, so much so that if business continues to go well we will probably move to a Tuscan Convertible next year or a Sagaris the year after.
If you were still interested in a Tamora I would suggest you go and have a drive in a 2005 model (As you did with the T350), I would never describe our car as twitchy. My partner on a number of occassions last year felt our new boxster start to twitch in the early mornings, however he has not once mentioned the same thing happening with the Tamora.
Now onto build quality. I think the point you have made about build quality is very true. The car has covered 3K miles in just over 2 months. In that time it has been in the garage twice, once was for the service and a few warranty items and the 2nd time was to attend to some warranty items unfortunately not fixed the first time around. I must stress that the list was significantly shorter. It is going back into the garage again next Monday, but this time for 1 warranty item and for a wheel to be refinished after I curbed it. I most certainly don't see it as a pain and my own dealer like many others has a transporter and delivers and collects.
In comparison our 2004 Boxster spent at least 4 times in the garage in a 4 month period and was on a recover truck at least twice.
My advice is if you like the car then go and buy it and enjoy it.
If you were still interested in a Tamora I would suggest you go and have a drive in a 2005 model (As you did with the T350), I would never describe our car as twitchy. My partner on a number of occassions last year felt our new boxster start to twitch in the early mornings, however he has not once mentioned the same thing happening with the Tamora.
Now onto build quality. I think the point you have made about build quality is very true. The car has covered 3K miles in just over 2 months. In that time it has been in the garage twice, once was for the service and a few warranty items and the 2nd time was to attend to some warranty items unfortunately not fixed the first time around. I must stress that the list was significantly shorter. It is going back into the garage again next Monday, but this time for 1 warranty item and for a wheel to be refinished after I curbed it. I most certainly don't see it as a pain and my own dealer like many others has a transporter and delivers and collects.
In comparison our 2004 Boxster spent at least 4 times in the garage in a 4 month period and was on a recover truck at least twice.
My advice is if you like the car then go and buy it and enjoy it.
As per the other replies you have received go ahead and buy.
I am on my third Tuscan a mark II but not the convertible.
It went back to the dealer last week for the second time,the first being for its 1000 mile service and this time for 6000 mile service and some warranty rectification work. These are mainly minor electrical,trim and paintwork items but have been OK to live with for 6 months.
Go into your purchase accepting that they are not perfect,but that for the money you are spending they are fantastic grin enducing machines and you will not reget it.
We have taken all three tuscans and the griff before them to France and they have proved to be reliable and entertaining,they do seem to be best if they are used and not left in the garage.
If you do go ahead I hope you get as much pleasure from the Tuscan and the TVR mob as we have over the last 10 years.
Kevin
I am on my third Tuscan a mark II but not the convertible.
It went back to the dealer last week for the second time,the first being for its 1000 mile service and this time for 6000 mile service and some warranty rectification work. These are mainly minor electrical,trim and paintwork items but have been OK to live with for 6 months.
Go into your purchase accepting that they are not perfect,but that for the money you are spending they are fantastic grin enducing machines and you will not reget it.
We have taken all three tuscans and the griff before them to France and they have proved to be reliable and entertaining,they do seem to be best if they are used and not left in the garage.
If you do go ahead I hope you get as much pleasure from the Tuscan and the TVR mob as we have over the last 10 years.
Kevin
You Live ONCE,
If you're thinking about anything, do it.
As a Grandad twice over, I want to Max it with my kids, Grandkids and Wife ALL the time, I have every intention of, "whilst my limbs will take it" doing everything my mentors have done for me.
Tuscan's do it for me, in the same way as excitement does it for my Grandkids, "we just wet ourselves".
Best Regards,
James Sim.
If you're thinking about anything, do it.
As a Grandad twice over, I want to Max it with my kids, Grandkids and Wife ALL the time, I have every intention of, "whilst my limbs will take it" doing everything my mentors have done for me.
Tuscan's do it for me, in the same way as excitement does it for my Grandkids, "we just wet ourselves".
Best Regards,
James Sim.
I have had two, a 2003 Tuscan and a 2005 Tuscan 2. No engines problems whatsoever with either car. I have run in both cars myself and have meticulously warmed them both up. Once warmed up I have driven them both in the style of a getaway driver. I did 2000 miles around France in the T2 this summer without a hint of a hiccup.
I know of a number of other people who have had multiple speed6 engined cars without any engine problems at all.
As James said you have one life so you have to make the best of it. The cars are a thrill a minute and give you a buzz everytime you get in them. It sounds like you are buying a new one so you will get the full 3 year warranty anyway if you are worried, and the peace of mind of knowing that you have run in and warmed up the car.
I have been coming on here for 3 years during which time there have been a notable number of people (no names no pack drill
) who have been whinging on about wanting a Tuscan or a Sag or a T350 or a Tamora but who won't take the plunge because they are worried about reliabilty issues. Their gravestones will probably say If Only ...........
Meanwhile a large number of us have been
and 
.
I know of a number of other people who have had multiple speed6 engined cars without any engine problems at all.
As James said you have one life so you have to make the best of it. The cars are a thrill a minute and give you a buzz everytime you get in them. It sounds like you are buying a new one so you will get the full 3 year warranty anyway if you are worried, and the peace of mind of knowing that you have run in and warmed up the car.
I have been coming on here for 3 years during which time there have been a notable number of people (no names no pack drill
) who have been whinging on about wanting a Tuscan or a Sag or a T350 or a Tamora but who won't take the plunge because they are worried about reliabilty issues. Their gravestones will probably say If Only ........... Meanwhile a large number of us have been
and . Oh stop your moaning and just go for it.
You only live once.
My T350 has easily been the best TVR I have owned (400SE, Griff500, 450 SEAC) - sure there are little niggles (all very easy to solve) but I just start her up and it all disappears.
Just don't expect perfection from a TVR and you won't be disappointed
You only live once.
My T350 has easily been the best TVR I have owned (400SE, Griff500, 450 SEAC) - sure there are little niggles (all very easy to solve) but I just start her up and it all disappears.
Just don't expect perfection from a TVR and you won't be disappointed
"As a Grandad twice over, I want to Max it with my kids, Grandkids and Wife ALL the time, I have every intention of, "whilst my limbs will take it" doing everything my mentors have done for me".
James - looks like I might have a contender for the oldest
Tuscan driver??? Don't the insurance companies just love us "oldies". Off to France with the Tuscan for the weekend - again. Must remember that although the boot is huge (it's fine wine time), the ground clearance under the C Cans is not!!
James - looks like I might have a contender for the oldest
Tuscan driver??? Don't the insurance companies just love us "oldies". Off to France with the Tuscan for the weekend - again. Must remember that although the boot is huge (it's fine wine time), the ground clearance under the C Cans is not!! 
jamessim said:
You Live ONCE,
If you're thinking about anything, do it.
As a Grandad twice over, I want to Max it with my kids, Grandkids and Wife ALL the time, I have every intention of, "whilst my limbs will take it" doing everything my mentors have done for me.
Tuscan's do it for me, in the same way as excitement does it for my Grandkids, "we just wet ourselves".
Best Regards,
James Sim.
James - one of the most inspiring / 'spot on' posts I've ever read.
Over the last few years I've seen all manner of bad things happening to my family and it's taught me some pretty valuable lessons!! Mostly - get out there and do it now and have a bloody good time while you're at it!!!!
Respect
Pete
unrepentant said:
I have been coming on here for 3 years during which time there have been a notable number of people (no names no pack drill
Meanwhile a large number of us have been
Well said! Coming to the end of my first year of ownership, after a pretty rocky year...... engine - warrantee
ecu - warrantee
throttle boddies - warrantee
driveshaft - warrantee
exhaust - ouch, pocket
two services, pocket
plus&leads, pocket
few misclaneous
10,000 miles, been to France(Le Mans) Belgium(Spa) and Ireland(south coast, west coast and Dublin)
Would I sell it - absolutely no chance, this car is the only thing I've come across that make me laugh out loud and giggle like a kid every time I drive it.
Buy one whilst you have the chance - it's that simple!
Vinnie
I took the plunge 7 mths ago and despite a lot of problems (see my profile) and engine issues (www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=197620&f=152&h=0), I still do not regret things. My patience has been severely tested, and per my dealer, I have had a bad patch of luck, but am continuing to look forward to good weather and open roads. Everyone I know thinks I am nuts, but I am still v pleased I have the oppportunity to experience the Tuscan as an owner. It has character in spades - something lacking nowadays in many things.
I took the plunge 7 mths ago and despite a lot of problems (see my profile) and engine issues (www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=197620&f=152&h=0), I still do not regret things. My patience has been severely tested, and per my dealer, I have had a bad patch of luck, but am continuing to look forward to good weather and open roads. Everyone I know thinks I am nuts, but I am still v pleased I have the oppportunity to experience the Tuscan as an owner. It has character in spades - something lacking nowadays in many things.
I have had a Tuscan 4.0 X reg for two years. It is a beautiful car and makes Porker and other drivers green with envy, particularly if they spent 2 X what the Tuscan was when new. I've even caught a young italian guy photographing it and lamenting that he'd never seen anything so gorgeous. It is stunningly, wickedly, quick and I grin so hard my head nearly falls off.
Now the bad bit. It needed to go to Blackpool for an engine rebuild because of a dodgy camshaft within 10 months of me getting it and despite being under warranty that and 24K service cost approx £4k. Therafter about a week after running it in the clutch fell to pieces but Racing Green collected, put in a new clutch, and redelivered for £40.00 to the delivery driver. It now uses no oil and has been an absolute blast with no significant problems all this year.
My tips are: buy a Tuscan, always warm it up properly, check oil and water every long trip or each week, get a road angel, drive it at least every week, and ensure you get a warranty when you buy. Oh! and send Martin at Racing Green a Christmas card. The guy is a walking TVR encyclopedia.
PS. Mine is definately not for sale
Happy motoring
Now the bad bit. It needed to go to Blackpool for an engine rebuild because of a dodgy camshaft within 10 months of me getting it and despite being under warranty that and 24K service cost approx £4k. Therafter about a week after running it in the clutch fell to pieces but Racing Green collected, put in a new clutch, and redelivered for £40.00 to the delivery driver. It now uses no oil and has been an absolute blast with no significant problems all this year.
My tips are: buy a Tuscan, always warm it up properly, check oil and water every long trip or each week, get a road angel, drive it at least every week, and ensure you get a warranty when you buy. Oh! and send Martin at Racing Green a Christmas card. The guy is a walking TVR encyclopedia.
PS. Mine is definately not for sale
Happy motoring
I had the same worries you have before I took the plunge.So far I have had a Tuscan series 1 and now a T350.
Each has had some minor niggles but never let me down.The build on the T350 is better than the series 1 as is the handling but I have driven a series 2 Tuscan and it was even better than the T350-they really are comng on nicely.
Nows a great time to by a Tuscan-the warranty will cover any problems and I you will have such a good time driving and owning the car.
Each has had some minor niggles but never let me down.The build on the T350 is better than the series 1 as is the handling but I have driven a series 2 Tuscan and it was even better than the T350-they really are comng on nicely.
Nows a great time to by a Tuscan-the warranty will cover any problems and I you will have such a good time driving and owning the car.
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