About To Buy ( last minute worries)

[angel88]

hi all

im new here and new to the tvr world. but i am however jumping in the deep end an gettin a tuscan for my daily driver woooohooooo.

my only worry is some cars for sale with no proof of rebuild up to 20kmiles mark.

should this put me off buying the car or is it ok as long as all pressures are ok and engine does what it still should quietly without smoking and knocking.

ive had a tiger kitcar before as a daily driver so im no stranger to niggles.

its more the engine worry for me.

i also used to race motorbikes so i know enough about warming up engines etc once i have purchased it.

guess im just a bit nervy at the mo. lol

thanks john

[RM75]

Well, my engine has done nearly 49k miles since it was rebuilt by TVR in 2002. The last service showed signs of wear but no imminent failure. So the mileage you mention isn't necessarily a problem.

HOWEVER! - I've seen posts on here from people who have bought cars and found within a week that the engines need rebuilding. Fine if that's covered under warranty, but very expensive if a private sale!

[angel88]

will probaly be a 2001 car around 20-30 miles...well that my budget.

but alot of adverts dont have rebuilds done.

as a rule should i not touch them or as long as they are looked after and warmed up is it ok.

[m0ssy]

angel88 said:

will probaly be a 2001 car around 20-30 miles...well that my budget.

but alot of adverts dont have rebuilds done.

as a rule should i not touch them or as long as they are looked after and warmed up is it ok.

Not necessarily the case.

What maybe an idea is if the owner has been taking it to a reputable TVR Centre for servicing and maintenance they will have records of what the Cam looks like, valve clearances tappet adjustment records, state of shims etc

If you trust the servicing garage they use they will hold info on the engine.

I say this as I would have no problem you talking to my garage and asking info on valve clearances, state of the cams shims etc if I was selling as have absolute confidence in an engine that has not been rebuilt with 17k on the clock.

Just an idea... not sure if many will agree or would use this info in a sale...

Edited by m0ssy on Wednesday 18th November 10:45

[Chewitt]

if you can contact the garage where it was last serviced ask them - ask the brains on here if the garage are any good!
or take it to one for a "once over" worth spending money on here- a rebuild doesn't mean you say bye to engine issues, not having a rebuild doesn't mean its about to implode. There are lots of different experiences on here and there are always going to be more "I've had a problem" posts than " I have no problems" - so the issues can seem more prevalent than they really are.

no doubt as its PH someone will say I'm being naive - but I've owned a 964, Z3M, Lotus Esprit all with a reputation for engine issues.......in specialist circles but (maybe luckily) not in my case.

PPC in melton mowbray (no idea where you are) used to do a "lets have a butchers" on a Saturday morning.

Also watch for clutch "feel" they shouldn't be massively stiff!- check for chassis condition too

all tuscans are beautiful to look at, don't be swayed by colour or pretty factor!


I bought the third one I looked at mostly due to impatience and gut feeling - Paul at PPC said I'd "got a good car" once he'd had a look although he did say it had the stiffest clutch ever!! although it took a service and a new clutch before he got used to the colour and then said it is a "very good car"!!!!.

Gut is a useful ally but not as good as a specialist.

all my 2p worth