Tuscan Engine Rebuilds - Dilemma!!

[cam6]

I am now in a dilemma as to whether to take the plunge and opt for TVR ownership before kids come into the equation!! I currently own a Porsche Boxster S which has been a good car and have had a Lotus & an M3 previously and i reckon i have one more two seater left in me yet until i get bullied by the mrs into producing some minors!
The choices i have are either to stump up a wad of cash and go for either a Ferrari F355, TVR Sagaris or a Porsche 911 C4S, or i can keep my money in my pocket and opt for a 2nd hand TVR. On the 2nd hand TVR issue i always come back to the Tuscan after looking at Cerbera's & T350's as i think the shape & presence is just fantastic. The only niggling doubt in my mind is one that troubles many people on this forum - Engine Rebuilds!!!
I understand that they can vary from car to car and i dont have any reservations about buying one that has had one, if recent all the better for my worrying problem. BUT, after reading one topic on this forum a member suggested using www.autoprotect.net for a warrenty with a maximum of £5000 for around £600. My concerns are does this actually cover you for an engine rebuild? After reading the print it doesnt cover for wear & tear, design faults & normal deterioration - Does this include TVR's problem with the Speed Six? Can anyone help with the issue of having this piece of mind without getting stung by dealer prices? HELP!!

[ezerew]

I've just purchased a 2001 Tuscan and it's had two engine rebuild both were covered by auto protect. If you want more information I suggest you talk to one of the guys at TVR Barnet.

[cam6]

Well that puts my mind at rest a little bit. I will give them a ring to find out what level of warrenty is needed in order to cover for this eventuality. I do have some other questions that you may be able to help with. The other choice i have to make is Tuscan or Tuscan S?? Is there much difference in them or with a RR conversion are they similar? Does a RR conversion class as an engine rebuild when looking at adverts? When did they finally improve the Chassis - Was it on the mk2 model or were improvements made before then? What changes were made at 2001 when i hear the model was improved?

[ezerew]

My knowledge on such things is very limited however if you search your various topics on this forum you will find all you need.

[Tusker]

My Feb 2005 rebuild (broken finger follower) was not covered by RAC Warranty as their loophole department claimed wear & tear on a 9000 engine! No payout.

[cam6]

Oh dear, trust the RAC to find a helpful loophole to avoid a payout. I have had bad experiences with warrenty before on my M3 which is why i wanted to know about the Autoprotect plan. The reply from the other forum member put my mind at rest regarding this and i will look into ownership now. I have the tricky decision to make now on whether to go for a std tuscan, red rose conversion or tuscan s?? May take a few test drives to iron out that debate. Just out of interest how much does an engine rebuild cost? Are there any other things i should beware of apart from ensuring the example has a spotless service history?

[JR]

cam6 said:

Just out of interest how much does an engine rebuild cost?

From what I can gather £3K to £12K. Also have a read: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=1&f=152&t=252912&h=0

[yzf1070]

cam6 said:

Are there any other things i should beware of?

Don't expect it to be as reliable or trouble free as I suspect your Boxter S was/is. DO however expect it to accelerate like nothing you have ever owned before..... It will be so much faster than your Boxter S and will attract a lot more attention parked up and respect on the road (I guess its a combo of the British built thing and they are fairly rare....).

On a serious note.....The Tusc is a quirky car, windows can play up, the roof seals can leak, the rear window can rattle, the various sensors (speed, water temp, oil pressure and temp) can fail....but all easily fixed and relatively cheap if you are capable of doing it yourself. DO try and avoid a flat battery.....get an accumate trickle charger if the cars garaged. Thats the negative done with....
The positive...... I guarantee nothing else will give you the same open top performance grin/fun factor for your wonga.....

Personnally....get a later S they are indeed a beast.

Good luck
G

[gruff500]

Tuscan is such an evocative driving experience, think you are making a wise choice - after all you only live once!!

As for reliability? Well I've had an S1 which was a shambles, a 1998 Griff 500 which required two engine rebuilds and numerous visits to the garage in 14 months of ownership, and now a 03 Tuscan. I've had the Tuscan for a year and it has been completely reliable aside from a new Speedo sensor covered under garage warranty.

If you go for a car under 5 years old you can buy a TVR approved Wear and Tear warranty (following inspection) from a main dealer garage for circa £1350. This covers the engine completely as well as clutch (£1200) and brakes etc. Well worth it for peace of mind driving and renewable every year until the car is >5 years old. I'm touching a big piece of wood here, but so far my Sp6 has been far more reliable than my 5L V8!!!!

Hope that helps

[cam6]

Thanks for all the help & advise in what has turned from a worry, into a confirmation of purchase!! I will now set about finding the best motor & warrenty package and post when i purchase my new toy. Looking more like i will go for the 'S' model - If you are going to do it, you might as well go the whole hog and scare yourself silly!! I have always bought the range topper in the cars i have owned and never regretted paying slightly more for the pleasure, i'm sure this will be the same! Any 'S' Owners who have some advise of what to check for then please get in touch. Test drives here we come!!!!