What will I be getting myself into?
Discussion
I'm here in the US. Proud owner of a Dare Ginetta G4. I refer to her as my mistress as she is very needy--but when she is running right, there is nothing better to drive.
I've been patiently waiting for the Tuscan to be legal to come to the US. I'm trying to decide if I'm nuts or, if it is time for my patience of 25 years to be finally rewarded. My questions:
1) Assuming I drive it like a sane person 99% of the time, drive dry days over 35 degrees Fahrenheit will the Tuscan be needy?
2) Something goes wrong (since it is 25 years old)...are parts in the unobtainium category?
3) Day to day parts--brakes, oil filter, belts--easily accessible?
4) It will likely sit for 4-5 months of winter. Will reawakening the Tuscan be a level 2 stress event?
Thoughts welcome!
I've been patiently waiting for the Tuscan to be legal to come to the US. I'm trying to decide if I'm nuts or, if it is time for my patience of 25 years to be finally rewarded. My questions:
1) Assuming I drive it like a sane person 99% of the time, drive dry days over 35 degrees Fahrenheit will the Tuscan be needy?
2) Something goes wrong (since it is 25 years old)...are parts in the unobtainium category?
3) Day to day parts--brakes, oil filter, belts--easily accessible?
4) It will likely sit for 4-5 months of winter. Will reawakening the Tuscan be a level 2 stress event?
Thoughts welcome!
I'm not a mechanic by any stretch, however after owning a Tuscan for nearly 10 years I will try and give some pragmatic advice. But ultimately it depends on your intended mileage and usage.
1) Dry days are good. I don't think the high temps will be an issue mechanically, however the cabin gets hot at milder times so A/C sounds like a must for your climate. 20-25 degrees is ideal as you can get the roof off!
2&3) Unlike Ferrari's, Porsche, Maserati's etc of similar age, parts are reasonably priced and available... in the UK. Remember some parts are common with other mainstream models. I would suggest having a crash kit of some type for common consumables and a good contact in the UK and local to you. However , electrical issues, immobiliser, interior switches could become difficult to remedy.
TVR's are lightweight and don't go through stuff like pads, disc, tyres too often.
4) Battery charger is a must. TVR's don't like to be unused. In my experience, when I left mine unused for 5 months I had a power steering leak. So I suggest try and start up, drive around the block until engine is up to temp once every 3-4 weeks over winter if possible.
Buy a good one that prepared well, with recent service and consumable changes, plan preventative maintenance and enjoy! The Tuscan is an incredible machine.
1) Dry days are good. I don't think the high temps will be an issue mechanically, however the cabin gets hot at milder times so A/C sounds like a must for your climate. 20-25 degrees is ideal as you can get the roof off!
2&3) Unlike Ferrari's, Porsche, Maserati's etc of similar age, parts are reasonably priced and available... in the UK. Remember some parts are common with other mainstream models. I would suggest having a crash kit of some type for common consumables and a good contact in the UK and local to you. However , electrical issues, immobiliser, interior switches could become difficult to remedy.
TVR's are lightweight and don't go through stuff like pads, disc, tyres too often.
4) Battery charger is a must. TVR's don't like to be unused. In my experience, when I left mine unused for 5 months I had a power steering leak. So I suggest try and start up, drive around the block until engine is up to temp once every 3-4 weeks over winter if possible.
Buy a good one that prepared well, with recent service and consumable changes, plan preventative maintenance and enjoy! The Tuscan is an incredible machine.
Edited by Mouse Rat on Sunday 1st March 19:24
I'm just getting to the end of a DIY full nut and bolt rebuild of my Tuscan after 24 years of ownership.
There are a few parts that are no longer available, e.g AP front brake calipers, steering rack & column, brake servo, but most parts are or there's an alternative, e.g the clutches being made by Powers Performance etc. As said, this is in the UK.
If you want an idea of parts availability have a look at the Motaclan website, as they took on the TVR stock of parts and supply contracts when TVR ceased. Also there's a parts wiki at the top of the Tuscan forum page where you can get the part numbers and alternatives if you want to check local options.
There are a few parts that are no longer available, e.g AP front brake calipers, steering rack & column, brake servo, but most parts are or there's an alternative, e.g the clutches being made by Powers Performance etc. As said, this is in the UK.
If you want an idea of parts availability have a look at the Motaclan website, as they took on the TVR stock of parts and supply contracts when TVR ceased. Also there's a parts wiki at the top of the Tuscan forum page where you can get the part numbers and alternatives if you want to check local options.
Edited by Basil Brush on Monday 2nd March 09:31
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