Tuscan...HELP!

[aseccomb1]

I am a prospective Tuscan buyer, and a TVR virgin. I love the way they look, and drive. BUT i need the car to get me to work at 5.30 in the morning, and live a decent drive from a main dealer. What is the real truth about reliability. The odd rattle i can deal with, but breakdowns and non starting i cannot. My M3 is due a change and i am desperate to avoid a Porsche but if Tuscans really are unreliable you would all be doing me a massive favour by puttiing me off...although clearly i don't want to be!
Also, what should i pay for a 2002 4.0 with air con and sub 8K from a dealer with a warranty... i have about 32k to spend...... any advice good and bad is hugely appreciated...

[mr2dave]

I don't know about a Tuscan, but i had similar concerns about changing from an ultra reliable MR2, to an old TVR 400SE, and apart from a few rattles, it's fantastic.

I think all you need to remember is, that these cars are quite highly strung, but, if you look after them (e.g. servicing on the dot, let the engine warm thoroughly before thrashing, etc..) and use it frequently, there is no reason why it shouldn't be as dependable as anything else on the road.

plus it'll put a bigger grin on yer face than any old porker will.......

>> Edited by mr2dave on Tuesday 30th December 23:14

[ncs]

Another way to find out would be to go to your local TVRCC meet & ask lots of questions.
Thats what I did & everyone was very helpfull.

I see youre London based, if its south of the river why not come to have a chat with our mob. We have lots of Tuscan owners who will be able to give you untold amounts of advice.

Drop me a line via my profile if youre interested.

Nick
RO-SE London & NW Kent TVRCC

[mike s]

Get a Griff LE, And you get to have the Rover V8.

[simpo two]

mike s said:

Get a Griff LE, And you get to have the Rover V8.

The man wants a Tuscan!
I'm not an owner myself but received wisdom says that if it's an earlier one, make sure the engine has has the necessary work done. After that they seem to be OK. But shouldn't this be in the Tuscan forum?

[chim_girl]

2002 Tuscan RR. Reliable as the sun, starts in the cold, rain and the wind. It gets driven everyday and is as reliable as the BMW.

I've had a couple of niggles with wind noise but I've had far more problems with the (18 month old) BMW than I've had with the Tiv.

Get one!

[Bob the Planner]

Mine is a 2001 with 13k on the clock. Currently doing about 1k a month with the odd tweak required but as mentioned highly strung. Sort the problems as they occur and it should not be a problem. It will cost more tham a beemer but then there is the grin factor and the pose factor as well. Try a couple and see if it suits - if you get out the car grinning from ear to ear practice as much as possible as it will last for years.

As Nick has suggested its worth going to a TVRCC meeting and talking to a few owners. I'm sure some one would take you for a trundle. If you are down in Dorset contact me via the profile if you want a passenger seat blatt.

Bob

[T115CAN]

I've had my Little Pink Mnonster for 4 months now and wouldn't be without him. Funnily enough I had an MR2 for almost 7 years before that and when I started prattling on about getting a Tuscan, everyone was telling me that I should stick with the MR2 cos of the relaiability factor. Trust me, when you get your new baby, you won't care about the reliability factor (I've already had a couple of niggly little problems) cos I'm in the same boat (or TVR) as you ie, get up to go to work at 6 every morning, he's my only car and even though my nearest dealer is Henley, I prefer to take him back to Castle in Stanstead where he was born.
Hope you decide to take the plunge and get as much fun out of it as I have and even though I've only had him a short time, I dont regret one penny or one second of it and am sure I never will.

[TEXET]

I've a 2002 Tuscan which has had a few minor niggles but has remained v reliable. Previously had BMs and Porkers which were not without their problems. The Tuscan is a soulful car which I'm sure you will enjoy, as to what to pay you need to speak to a man called JIGS - very knowledgeable

[plipton]

Why not read the profiles of a few owners to get a good feel for the reliability. My 2002 car has had a few niggles but is absolutely f***ing fabulous.

StGeorge is selling his due to redundancy - it's minter in a lovely colour and has been reliable save for a dodgy timing chain (replaced at the factory recently). An absolute bargain at £22000. See ads section

[ascender]

Just IMO, I wouldn't have a TVR as your only car if you absolutely need to rely on it every day of the year. I know you can't rely on any make of car 100%, but in my experience I wouldn't risk it on a Tiv. How about a cheaper Tiv and a 2nd car - cheap and reliable hatch or a bimmer?



-Mike.

[theblacktuscks]

I have a Tuscan S built in November 2001. Done 14,000 miles had a couple of minor niggles with the speedo (dodgy sensor on rear axle) and a dodgy drivers side window sensor. All very minor stuff. On the upside you will get a massive factor and driving to work at 6am when there's damn all traffic must be a plus especially when the weather is a tad warmer. If you don't go for it you'll always wonder "Should I..."

[swast4]

My advice is buy the Tuscan and buy a second car. I have had a cerb for 3 1/2 years and my Tuscan for a couple of months. Hardly driven the Tuscan yet re wheather but the Cerb wasn't the most realable. It cost me £25k for 2001 Tusca 1 owner 15k miles and £1100 for a 9 year old Golf with all the toys and £250 insurance a year(for the golf), hasn't missed a beat and it keeps the salt and the unneccassary miles of my Tuscan.