Need advice about Tuscans!

[big lee]

I have just been to see a Tuscan and need advice.

There a few little concerns and I am wondering how important they are.

*There is a very small crack at the bottom of the bonnet, near number plate. (I am not too worried about the look as you hardly notice it, but is it a problem?)

*Where the roof attaches to the car it has worn away the paint from fitting and removing and marked into the metal. (This doesn't look TOO noticable but i thought it could rust, but wasn't sure what metal it was)

*The intrier has a few slightly brownish marks around the edges of the carpet, maybe sun, dirt or glue, is this a problem? (blue carpet)

*Also the rear windows is a little worn from boot.(are these replaceable at reasonable price?)

I really would like any advice on these and any other matters i should be wary of, this would be the first tvr I would have owned. It is a very good pricedue to a few scratches and wheel curbing, so is it a bargain, or dud?

I'm going back again Tues, to decide!

thanks in advance,


Lee.

[jvr]

I think you need to view some past forums on Tuscans on the more pressing issues.Read them,understand them,then go and buy one.

[0to60]

hi Big Lee, cant help you with what you are askin, but can say, always see you parked up at monkeys forehead

[big lee]

Monkeys?

I'm the manager there! I'm not just an alcamoholic!

[Mustang Baz]

big lee said:

I have just been to see a Tuscan and need advice.

There a few little concerns and I am wondering how important they are.

*There is a very small crack at the bottom of the bonnet, near number plate. (I am not too worried about the look as you hardly notice it, but is it a problem?)

*Where the roof attaches to the car it has worn away the paint from fitting and removing and marked into the metal. (This doesn't look TOO noticable but i thought it could rust, but wasn't sure what metal it was)

*The intrier has a few slightly brownish marks around the edges of the carpet, maybe sun, dirt or glue, is this a problem? (blue carpet)

*Also the rear windows is a little worn from boot.(are these replaceable at reasonable price?)

Lee - these are all relatively minor items of trim/bodywork; far more important in my view is to get a good, potentially independent, opinion on the internals/other and to get a feel for how well the car has been treated and serviced in its life. Has the engine been rebuilt, and if not, how many miles has it on it? Has it had its clutch replaced recently? Fully serviced and warmed up properly? Geometry sorted? Any problems with the cooling system/radiator? There is no need to rush in currently with the market as it is, and it really will pay dividends doing the research, test driving several, and getting a feel for the nuances of the car. It takes time - but make sure you give yourself plenty of it.

Your queries;
Bonnet - likely to be a minor fibre glass crack where someone has backed into the car previously. Rarely a major issue and the crack is unlikely to "grow" in size.
Carpet marks - likely to be dried out glue. A highly common issue, and a variety of ways to remove. However, if embedded into the carpet fibres, it tends to be a larger challenge.

The price may well be good, not because of the cosmetic issues such as wheel curbing, but possibly something more significant. Seriously, take your time and you will build up a huge amt of knowledge to give you confidence going into the purchase decision. Final query - are you getting a warranty with the car/if not, consider purchasing a TVR Approved 1 yr warranty, which are independent from TVR the company and ARE generally still paying out on claims.

[toobin]

Hmmm I bought mine with no little niggles in my mind. If you can live with the flaws and still feel that it is value for money then go for it. If you are going with the heart rather than the head then have a look at a few more before you take the leap. More than welcome to survey mine to give you an idea of whats what if you like.

[big lee]

thanks for the help.

it has had an engine rebuild, just had the clutch done.

i wonder, has anyone got a tuscan that is in a condition that it should be running well that is not far from me that would let me see and hear it?

i live near j13 on the m25.

also, is there someone (company) that i can pay to do a full check on it?
it is just about to go through an mot in the next couple of days, but i want a proper check done?

thanks again,


Lee.

[big lee]

also, why is it that they may need these engine rebuilds?

and is it normal to have had the clutch done after 20k?

cheers,


Lee.

[dumbfunk]

Hi Lee

Start here and read everything. Tuscans are incredible cars and even with a significant contingency fund could possibly the performance bargain of the decade but you need to go into ownership fully prepared.


df

[Mustang Baz]

big lee said:

also, why is it that they may need these engine rebuilds?

and is it normal to have had the clutch done after 20k?

Lee.

- Rob Ingleby (see various threads on PH) does independent checks on cars per my posting yesterday; good peace of mind, but the only thing I think he may struggle to comment on is the engine health/longevity itself.
- Engine rebuilds - so much information/non-information in Pistonheads here that it pays to read many threads to get an understanding. This has not only affected Tuscans, but other (primarily speed six) models as well.
- Not necessarily normal, but there are a lot of us who have needed new clutches/parts of clutches between 10-25k miles.

Are you thinking of purchasing a 1yr warranty? May be worth thinking about if you want some comfort, although at £1.3k plus the cost of an inspection and anything which may need setting right, it is not necessarily cheap.

[toobin]

big lee said:

thanks for the help.



i live near j13 on the m25.
,


Lee.

Junction 24 if you are interested. Mine is a 2000 W Crystal topaz with recent engine rebuild (Nov) and clutch (Jan). having been on many TVRCC meets I would say that it is a good example of the year. More than welcome to come over for a peep.

[big lee]

thanks very much toobin, i think thts a bit farfor me to get at the moment, as i'm working all the time, day and night!

appriciate the offer tho!

[glow worm]

Don't rush into anything..the trouble is TVR and the Tuscan in particular is such a beautiful car you heart will rule your head, goto a TVRCC meet and discuss speed sixes with their owners. You may be lucky and get a good one, but like most things you get what you pay for...a bad one can finish up costing you a lot of money, the trouble is you'll still love it.

[justinbaker]

Good idea, get one of the lads (or lasses) in here to go with you. I have a steathascope for listening to the valve clearances you could borrow.

[big lee]

I made an offer on the car yesterday, if he excepts i will pick it up tuesday!

thanks for all your advice.