Struggling to buy a Tuscan

[saulk]

I've been searching for a Tuscan for a bit now and am really struggling to find one that I really like. A car with an engine rebuild is a must and preferably air-con. I have looked at loads now, I have looked on the obvious sites and joined TVRCC, does anyone have anymore suggestions or is anybody selling one in the near future? Also many cars now have had a few owners - would being the 5th owner of a 5 y/o car put you off?

Thanks in advance

[Mustang Baz]

Saulk - minor point, but on air-con, I would perhaps look at cars without. This was a major point for me when I bought 3 yrs ago, but in the end, decided against a/c and have not found it an issue onr all but perhaps 1 or 2 days.

[tuscandom]

another option is to buy a salvage one and do it up to your own spec.
e.g.paint colour,engine rebuild,clutch,gearbox, etc etc.you will spend the same money but have exactly what you want.

[saulk]

Thanks for the replies,

I couldn't bring myself to buy a salvage car even though you may get a good deal. I have looked at one car without air con which I do like but still want to look around.

[James_Surridge]

I will be in this exact position next year (another thread to follow) .

I have seen loads for sale and will join the TVRCC soon. Keep me posted!

[Whitey]

what is it you dont like about the cars you are looking at apart from too many owners? If I was buying another one at the moment, they usually seems to be a couple of nice ones for sale most of the time.

5 owners in 5 years would put me off, I would rather buy from someone who has owned for 2 years or more and has some decent history and knowledge of the car, and you know they have looked after it.

[tobeee]

When I had my Chim I saw loads of Tuscans that I thought would be ideal if I could sell mine. Once I'd sold, I saw nothing I wanted! Psychological difference I guess. I'll never know though, as I changed my plans and bought a T350 instead - saw loads that suited me, and I just bought the best one I could find within my tight timescale!

[TOV!E]

The only thing about the aircon is it is a big sticking point IF you ever go to trade it in, the first thing a dealer will ask is, does it have aircon. I agree with whitley on the other points and pistonheads is the first place to look for your tuscan,

Edited by TOV!E on Thursday 1st November 21:57

[Lucozade]

TOV!E said:

The only thing about the aircon is it is a big sticking point IF you ever go to trade it in, the first thing a dealer will ask is, does it have aircon. I agree with whitley on the other points and pistonheads is the first place to look for your tuscan,

Edited by TOV!E on Thursday 1st November 21:57

Agreed. Get one with air-con. Much easier to sell on. IMHO.

[Avalanche]

I would certainly be looking at this one if I were buying again

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/258604.htm

[blade1000]

IMO amount of owners doesn't really bother me, its a fact with most cars that you look after them for the first year more than in successive years - cleaned every week, maintenance checks and general tlc, after that things get overlooked, although i bet tvr owners care for their cars more than anyone no matter how long they've owned it! my point being a car with a new owner once a year is not the end of the world, alot of people need to get a 'fix' and then move on, if you've ever owned a superbike or any bike you'll know what i mean, i get through them every 6 months! but not because there is anything wrong.

[dc53]

Email me. I have one for sale, you wont get a better one for the year, and it was rebuilt 2000 miles ago (and was run-in properly!)

[WISHY]

Owners wouldnt bother me too much if i was intending to keep it however a/c would. I def think it is must but again only my opinion!

[blade1000]

A/C is a huge must, just sold a 2 year old mini which didn't have aircon, had to drop the price by £1000 in the end.... had about 30 calls in 1 week, nearly all vanished when they realised no A/C, didn't realise it was such a huge problem until then

[Mustang Baz]

Interesting responses here and almost all for air-con; somewhat different to when similar posts/queries were posed here about 3 yrs ago when I was about to purchase mine. I agree the benefits are great and it will likely impact my resale values/options, but given that I don't intend to sell and use it most every day without worrying about it being fitted, it has not been an undue concern personally.

[TOV!E]

Mustang Baz said:

Interesting responses here and almost all for air-con; somewhat different to when similar posts/queries were posed here about 3 yrs ago when I was about to purchase mine. I agree the benefits are great and it will likely impact my resale values/options, but given that I don't intend to sell and use it most every day without worrying about it being fitted, it has not been an undue concern personally.

I agree 100% with you, i was lucky when i brought mine it had aircon thrown in the new price deal, but i have never used it, i just lower the roof.

[saulk]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Tuscan Six]

You'd be crazy to buy a Tuscan without air-con IMHO! If you do any miles with the roof on and it is above 15c outside. Also on-selling one will be a pain without aircon.

[so called]

I never had A/C in my Chimaera and found it a bit of a problem in the summer.
I dont have it in my Tuscan either, but the much better ventilation system has ment I didnt have a problem this year.
It was a real pleasure driving around Belgium and France this summer with the rear screen out. A/C never crossed my mind.

And not forgetting the bad effect A/C has on fuel economy, added weight what with the A/C unit and all that copper pipework and dare I say reliability.

[GJL]

I am going to stick my oar in and will probrably get lots of abuse for it !
Firstly, you need to decide a few things about your Tuscan. Get a piece of paper and write a list of pros and cons of owning a Tuscan. Then a list of the essential things YOU require. Will you be keeping the car for a long time? If so, the residual value will drop and hence the difference you lose if it has no air con when selling it on will have reduced accordingly. People are telling you that you wont get as much for one with no A/C, therefore you will be able to buy a newer one for the same money, or a cheaper one of the same age, just because it has no A/C.
Many TVRs have had lots of owners and often the newer and more expensive cars are bought by people who do not understand the marque, have owned mass produced cars (BMWs etc), circumstances change and they find they can afford a TVR, like the look and think its cool to have something different. The older models may have had a few owners in the first years, but usually get bought by someone who has some knowledge, is adept with a spanner and will look after the car lovingly.
Engine rebuilds? Take your chance I think ! Buy one with a rebuild and you should be OK, but if it hasn't been looked after, warmed up etc, you may end up with problems anyway. I bought one with a rebuild at about 20k, it has now done 42K and all is well, but I always knew that I would have to have an "engine fund" always available just in case (this could be wise for all Sp 6 owners).
you could always buy a car with no rebuild at good money and use the saving as ayour "engine Fund". there is a low mileage 2003 model at good money on Pistonheads. It should have a tidy body and interior and providing you allow for the worst you can't be disappointed.
remember that owning a Tuscan is great fun, so don't let the little details of tomorrow spoil your enjoyment today.
There, I've said it!