Start of the search - and nearly stopped shaking!
Discussion
Prof_D said:
In the long search for my first Tuscan I took a test drive at TVR Manchester today - I think I have just about stopped shaking from a test drive in the wet! 
TVR do get a slating from the other dealerships though (Merc, Porsche etc.), is the reliability really that bad?
Congrats on surviving your test drive!
Don't worry about the trash that other (i.e. German or Japanese) car vendors talk about TVR. Fact of the matter is that they're just jealous. None of them have anything that can even come close to the TVR for sheer adreneline. I heard one person describe driving a TVR as "horizontal bungee-jumping". And that isn't far off.
Also, I've driven a Tuscan in the wet and it isn't really scary so long as you respect it. Is there a chance that your test vehicle was in need of some better tires or perhaps a little suspension adjustment?
Are there some bad examples out there? Sure. But there are many good ones as well. I think you'll find that TVRs are more reliable than Ferraris and Lambos used to be not that very long ago.
Just go into ownership with your eyes open and you'll be fine. All the standard advice about buying cars goes at least double for a TVR...
1. Try several before you even think about buying.
2. Line up a shop to do the work before you buy and talk to them about typical costs.
3. BEFORE you buy, you MUST get your prospective purchase inspected by someone who knows these cars WELL.
4. Don't neglect them or they will make you crazy. That means don't skimp on service and don't leave it for weeks between drives. Many of the people I hear who have the nicest things to say about TVR's reliablity are the people who drive them every day or close to it. If you want a car that you're going to run for a few thousand miles a year by taking it out on occasional weekends, look elsewhere.
Here's a suggestion: there are several places from whom you can hire TVRs (including the Tuscan) for a weekend, a whole week or as long as you like. It might be worth the investment to see what it is like to live with the car for something longer than a test-drive.
There is a very good buyers guide on the Tuscan Owners group.
Driving in the wet is something you get used to very quickly. No sudden movements is the key as far as I am concerned. You need to respect the power the car has and the long throttle travel helps control the car too. You can have a bit of fun too
Don't worry about the reliability thing. Yes they go wrong but every car does and what would you expect the rival dealers to say - they want your sale too.
Bob
Driving in the wet is something you get used to very quickly. No sudden movements is the key as far as I am concerned. You need to respect the power the car has and the long throttle travel helps control the car too. You can have a bit of fun too
Don't worry about the reliability thing. Yes they go wrong but every car does and what would you expect the rival dealers to say - they want your sale too.
Bob
Just buy it - you wont regret it.
Get an extended warranty if second hand, service it properly and look after it - and dont listen to the sceptics. My Tuscan is more reliable than my mates 3 series and another mates Golf .... and it is a bit more fun to drive
It is just your "Donald Duck" if you get a bad one ... and if you are covered with warranty etc you should be fine - having owned Lotus' and TVRs now for nearly five years and driving them as my first car I can honestly say that Ive had v few reliability issues - but what I can say is that Ive had a pure blast !
Money well spent methinks. If I had listened to the doubters I would have probably went down das German route (BM, TT, etc)
Go on - you know it makes sense .....
Get an extended warranty if second hand, service it properly and look after it - and dont listen to the sceptics. My Tuscan is more reliable than my mates 3 series and another mates Golf .... and it is a bit more fun to drive
It is just your "Donald Duck" if you get a bad one ... and if you are covered with warranty etc you should be fine - having owned Lotus' and TVRs now for nearly five years and driving them as my first car I can honestly say that Ive had v few reliability issues - but what I can say is that Ive had a pure blast !
Money well spent methinks. If I had listened to the doubters I would have probably went down das German route (BM, TT, etc)
Go on - you know it makes sense .....
Prof_D said:
Thanks for the advice guys. I am looking at a 2001 model (after reading the reports that they were much improved after 2000).
sorry to pour cold water on things but I did love my Tuscan to drive no doubts there, but there is always that thought in your mind something is going to fall off/ stop working soon and cost you a fortune, and it usally does. Find a good dealer was my main problem, find the wrong one and it will be the most infuriating waste of money you will ever have the misfortune of owning.
>> Edited by vindaloo on Wednesday 8th October 12:26
Prof_D said:
In the long search for my first Tuscan I took a test drive at TVR Manchester
vindaloo said:
Find a good dealer was my main problem, find the wrong one and it will be the most infuriating waste of money you will ever have the misfortune of owning.
If you're looking in the Manchester area and want to buy through a dealer I'd thoroughly recommend Mike Clarke at H L Gorner. I've had nothing but first class service from him and everyone else at Gorners. IMHO it is rare to find a dealership that is so dedicated to customer satisfaction and prepared to do far more than the bare minimum. Don't buy a TVR without going to see him first.
I'm going to Gorners open day (night) on the 15th October. I'm sure they'd give you a warm welcome, some Lancashire Hotpot and a test drive if you fancy coming along too. The details are on the PH calendar or email me if you want to know more.
Jo
That's exactly what every sane person wants to do on a Wednesday evening isn't it!? 
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