What Tuscan to buy??
What Tuscan to buy??
Author
Discussion

cobra289

Original Poster:

54 posts

257 months

Sunday 21st May 2006
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I want to buy a Tuscan, and I think an 'S'. I've had a new Griff & 5.0 Chim many years ago. I've seen Tuscans advertised from £ 17k upwards, many having had engine rebuilds recently with now only 2or 3 k miles after the rebuild. Is that a good buy, because its had all potential probs sorted??

Oh, what to buy? Low mileage obviously. Budget sort of 25k.

Is a 4ltr an S; and is an S much quicker? I hear nitron shocks are a must.

I spend 90% of my time in Italy, where there is an excellent TVR servicing facility, so no worries there.

Is there any Tuscan that should be avoided? Bad years, etc. Or are they all good now? I will do a fair mileage in it at v. high speeds. Is there anything in particular to avoid or look out for?

Sorry, lot's of questions, but if you're new to Tuscan's there really is alot of different opinions out there!! But I'm not put off by the critics, I'd just like some experienced help.

I've seen the other thread but it doesn't really answer my questions.

Thanks guys.

Sam

>> Edited by cobra289 on Sunday 21st May 19:26

dealmaster

243 posts

249 months

Sunday 21st May 2006
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I bought my 4.0 a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. I have driven many performance cars in the past, but this is just wicked! It is quite scary at times and mine is'nt even an "s".

Took me a whole year to pluck up the courage, wish I had taken the plunge sooner.
It's a buyers market at the moment so plenty out there. Most have had a rebuild at some point although a car which has'nt had one can be fine.

Good luck with the search!

cobra289

Original Poster:

54 posts

257 months

Sunday 21st May 2006
quotequote all
What year is it, did it have a rebuild, anything else usful??

beano500

20,854 posts

299 months

Sunday 21st May 2006
quotequote all
It is a difficult decision.

I'd go for the history, history and history on any specific cars...

As for "S" or not to "S": well my car is a Red Rose and the previous owner was sure that on the road it was quicker than a standard model. But, you know, it's all relative... they're all relatively light cars with loads of punch and I don't really think that a few bhp will make any significant difference to the superb driving experience....

The design is about a decade forward from the RV8 cars, and, while it's not perfect, it shows enough.

I think I'd stick with my own rules, which always were to know about as much about the car you're about to buy as possible.... it doesn't mean that you're immune from any problems, but it does mean you're going in with open eyes...

dealmaster

243 posts

249 months

Sunday 21st May 2006
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Mines a 2001 Y with 36k on the clock. As far as the previous owner was aware it did not have a rebuild. I spoke with a number of TVR speciaists who all agree that not all Tuscans had to have the rebuild (replacement follwers). You can write to TVR to establish as to if the car has had one. They still use the old fashioned paper filing system so expect to wait a few weeks! especially now with all the TVR troubles.

The Speed 6 is an engine that needs to be used. As long as the engine gets a good chance to heat up to operating temp before giving it some welly and the car has a good service history you should be fine.

Try and speak with the garage who have been looking after the car. They are normally always keen to answer any questions. I paid well under book price for mine thus leaving a good few grand spare for unexpected probs.

cobra289

Original Poster:

54 posts

257 months

Monday 22nd May 2006
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Thank you guys, you've been both very helpful. Dealmaster, 2001 with 36k; I'm impressed. It just proves what I thought; they are not nearly as bad as most people make them out to be & I'm going to start some serious looking.

basil brush

5,527 posts

287 months

Monday 22nd May 2006
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I'd just add that, from my experience, the cars are much better when used regularly and can need some miles on (20k+) for any potential problems to come to light.