Looking to buy 1st TVR - Tamora or Tuscan?
Discussion
Hi, I am new to all this, had a crazy idea that I would like to achieve one of my childhood dreams and buy a TVR. I have done some research but would like some sagely advice on what is going to be my best choice and what the pitfalls are.
I have looked at many TVR's (mostly online) and have narrowed my choice down to either a Tuscan or a Tamora (I would love a T350 but can't afford one). The Tam seems to be winning in my heart and I actually quite like that rear end but is it really the @soft option@ when it comes to TVR ownership? I am likely to need to keep the car outside - should I expect it to leak? If so would a Tuscan be better? If I am looking for one what should I avoid or look for when inspecting the car. All suggestions will be greatfully received.
PS I am no mechanic but live close to a TVR service spcialist.
I have looked at many TVR's (mostly online) and have narrowed my choice down to either a Tuscan or a Tamora (I would love a T350 but can't afford one). The Tam seems to be winning in my heart and I actually quite like that rear end but is it really the @soft option@ when it comes to TVR ownership? I am likely to need to keep the car outside - should I expect it to leak? If so would a Tuscan be better? If I am looking for one what should I avoid or look for when inspecting the car. All suggestions will be greatfully received.
PS I am no mechanic but live close to a TVR service spcialist.
Having just driven back from Milton Keynes at half eleven at night with the roof down on a warm Summer night I can heartily recommend a Tamora ; and I didn't even have the roof right down 
It's quite special and I don't think, a soft option - not sure any of the T cars are. Tuscs look great. Tough but fun decisions for you ahead Tony Gilbert has some nice cars and a good chap.
It's quite special and I don't think, a soft option - not sure any of the T cars are. Tuscs look great. Tough but fun decisions for you ahead Tony Gilbert has some nice cars and a good chap.Edited by Mr M on Friday 29th June 00:34
You definitely need to try both as they're very different- I had my heart set on a Tuscan and went to the dealer to buy one, but ended up with a tamora. I then ended up selling it and buying a cerb but that's a different story!
I felt the tamora was much better put together than the Tuscans I tried, which felt a bit more like kit cars - the tamora just felt a bit smoother and more modern. To me it's not quite as raw as a Tuscan (though Its all relative!) but it meant I used it more and also felt more comfortable pushing it harder!
They're great cars and I'm sure youll enjoy either - spend a few days reading both forums, try a few examples of each and I expect you'll fall for one over the other!
Dom
I felt the tamora was much better put together than the Tuscans I tried, which felt a bit more like kit cars - the tamora just felt a bit smoother and more modern. To me it's not quite as raw as a Tuscan (though Its all relative!) but it meant I used it more and also felt more comfortable pushing it harder!
They're great cars and I'm sure youll enjoy either - spend a few days reading both forums, try a few examples of each and I expect you'll fall for one over the other!
Dom
as has been said, you need to drive both and then decide. I drove a Tuscan (a fair few years ago!) and found it fairly harsh to drive, but the Tamora was much smoother. The performance difference is fairly slight I would suggest, but I think I would be fair is saying that the Tamora is a better handling car.
Not sure there would be much difference between them regarding the living outside.
Not sure there would be much difference between them regarding the living outside.
Tuscan is a great looking car and the fact the roof and back window comes out is a bonus, I liked driving mine with the rear window out and roof either on or off, If you drove it hard with the rear window and roof on and put the drivers window down there was a good chance the rear window would blow out!. But get the roof of and listen to that engine and exhaust note 
Carbon Company rear cans or similar are a must for a Tuscan, Pops and Bangs were incredable. I did find it a bit of a handfull and never really ever had the confidence to give it the full BHoona certainley not on a twisty road. Mine was on standard set up with regard to shocks and springs so I would look for one that has had them upgraded if not put it down as a must do if you get one. I would not hesitate to get another one. But I would be looking for one with a recent rebuild to the SP6 having just forked out for one on my Cerbera but be prepared to pay premium for one that has had this done.
I have never had a Tamora or driven one but I see plenty of people saying that it is a great handling car and as FAST as a Tuscan as they share the same SP6 engine of wjich there are two types 3.6L or 4.0L although I kinda get the feeling the Tamora was only available in 3.6 guise, some one will correct me on this im sure.
Take your time, buy on condition and service history and prepare yourself for the 1 hour pint of milk run!! which ever way you go both cars will give you an experience unlike any other out there!!
Carbon Company rear cans or similar are a must for a Tuscan, Pops and Bangs were incredable. I did find it a bit of a handfull and never really ever had the confidence to give it the full BHoona certainley not on a twisty road. Mine was on standard set up with regard to shocks and springs so I would look for one that has had them upgraded if not put it down as a must do if you get one. I would not hesitate to get another one. But I would be looking for one with a recent rebuild to the SP6 having just forked out for one on my Cerbera but be prepared to pay premium for one that has had this done.
I have never had a Tamora or driven one but I see plenty of people saying that it is a great handling car and as FAST as a Tuscan as they share the same SP6 engine of wjich there are two types 3.6L or 4.0L although I kinda get the feeling the Tamora was only available in 3.6 guise, some one will correct me on this im sure.
Take your time, buy on condition and service history and prepare yourself for the 1 hour pint of milk run!! which ever way you go both cars will give you an experience unlike any other out there!!
Thanks to everyone so far, I am really excited about finally getting a chance to buy into the marque, all I seem to hear about is how much fun all the cars are 
Is there a good thread out there for common expensive faults that I should try look out for when inspecting/testing a car? How much should I budget - car - ironing out the 
s - servicing etc. I am not planning upgrading the car to be the fastest on the road/track, not even sure if I even want to do track but I am sure that everyone says that before they buy and then... 
Is there a good thread out there for common expensive faults that I should try look out for when inspecting/testing a car? How much should I budget - car - ironing out the s - servicing etc. I am not planning upgrading the car to be the fastest on the road/track, not even sure if I even want to do track but I am sure that everyone says that before they buy and then... Edited by crazyidea on Saturday 30th June 22:08
I don't own either, but have noticed that most TVR's have a heavy clutch - mine in my Chimaera (ducks to avoid the manure being thrown at his head) certainly is, and can be quite tiring in traffic. Apparently it is because it is a single plate clutch.
One of the selling points of the Tamora is that it has a much lighter clutch pedal, due to it being a double clutch. So you might feel more like driving it in every situation.
Also, if you have a petite better half whom you might want to drive and enjoy it with you, you might bear this in mind. My 8 stone other half has driven my Chimaera......once. No problem with seat position etc, just hated the clutch, and she's no weakling, we both ride and she can grip a horse much better than I can.
So like the guys above, I say take the cars for a drive, see which you like best, but bear in mind how the clutch feels.
Why did I buy a Tadday, not a Tamora? £10,000 budget.
One of the selling points of the Tamora is that it has a much lighter clutch pedal, due to it being a double clutch. So you might feel more like driving it in every situation.
Also, if you have a petite better half whom you might want to drive and enjoy it with you, you might bear this in mind. My 8 stone other half has driven my Chimaera......once. No problem with seat position etc, just hated the clutch, and she's no weakling, we both ride and she can grip a horse much better than I can.
So like the guys above, I say take the cars for a drive, see which you like best, but bear in mind how the clutch feels.
Why did I buy a Tadday, not a Tamora? £10,000 budget.
Servicing costs: http://www.matsmithsportscars.com/servicing/
Common faults - take a week's holiday and read Pistonheads throughly or pop into a TVR specialist like Mat and have a half hour chat with him
Only thing I know about the higher performance engines - try to get one that has already had a rebuild, because they mostly seem to need one sooner or later, its a major expense, and the best rebuilds come with fantastic warranties (some as good as three years or 100,000 miles). It usually says in the ad if they have had a rebuild. DON'T be put off by the phrase "had a full engine rebuild at 24,000 miles".....it's a definite positive.
Common faults - take a week's holiday and read Pistonheads throughly or pop into a TVR specialist like Mat and have a half hour chat with him
Only thing I know about the higher performance engines - try to get one that has already had a rebuild, because they mostly seem to need one sooner or later, its a major expense, and the best rebuilds come with fantastic warranties (some as good as three years or 100,000 miles). It usually says in the ad if they have had a rebuild. DON'T be put off by the phrase "had a full engine rebuild at 24,000 miles".....it's a definite positive.
Sorry to monopolise - other common problems are Cat C or D damage due to over-enthusiastic former owners, so HPI check is important, and chassis condition - the fibreglass bodies don't rust, but the chassis does, expensively, so get it up on a ramp, or get a professional to check it.
It's not a diesel rep-mobile, so servicing is both important and every 5 or 6k miles.
Cannot speak for you, but my one track session to date with my car was SOOOOOOOO much fun. These cars were built for track use, but it needs to be set up correctly, correct tyre pressures, wheels properly aligned, decent tyres. You still won't be the fastest thing on a twisty track, Caterhams and GT3s will leave you for dead, but its a blast nevertheless. Going again as soon as the helmet i have ordered gets here. You can get track day insurance at most track days, or have it built into your classic TVR policy, which was the cheapest insurance I found. Adrian Flux and Mannings offer good cover, and there is a list of all insurers on Pistonheads
It's not a diesel rep-mobile, so servicing is both important and every 5 or 6k miles.
Cannot speak for you, but my one track session to date with my car was SOOOOOOOO much fun. These cars were built for track use, but it needs to be set up correctly, correct tyre pressures, wheels properly aligned, decent tyres. You still won't be the fastest thing on a twisty track, Caterhams and GT3s will leave you for dead, but its a blast nevertheless. Going again as soon as the helmet i have ordered gets here. You can get track day insurance at most track days, or have it built into your classic TVR policy, which was the cheapest insurance I found. Adrian Flux and Mannings offer good cover, and there is a list of all insurers on Pistonheads
madbadger said:
Tuscans get a bit more attention despite being a bit slower, worse handling and not as convertible, so unless you are a massive poser then Tam. 
Had a earley Tuscan 4.0 in uprated, almost Red Rose spec (brakes, suspension ) for 2 years, Had my 2003 Tamora for 7 years now, because its the most sorted convertible/Targa available IMO, terrific value compared to other Tivs, very very underrated, TVRs best kept secret, enough said, suns out little "Tammy", the hair dressers TVR is sat there i`m off out
My first TVR was a Tamora. Loved it.
I now have a Tuscan. Love it too.
I knew I wanted a TVR at the time but, like you, didn't know the pros and cons of each. So here's my suggestion, borne out of personal experience...
I recommend you head along to your local TVR CC meet and speak to owners, look at the cars, listen and I'm sure some of the members will take you out for a drive in their pride and joy. Talk to them about their cars' personalities and foibles then decide which suits you best.
How often will you really have the roof off?
What sort of driving will you be doing: twisty roads on a Sunday morning or fast A-roads and towns?
What is your budget? Honestly. Consider upfront purchase and running costs.
I wanted a chuckable car that wouldn't bite me if I wasn't paying 100% attention all the time.
I wanted a proper convertible (ruled out T350)
I figured that I would be the performance limiting factor in the car so a 3.6 would do me fine.
But, for me, the deciding factor was the general consensus that a Tamora with well sorted geometry on 16" wheels is easily the most predictable / surefooted / neutral handling of the T cars.
Done deal. I bought a Tamora. A great car. And so under-rated (which can be good or bad, depending on whether you're buying or selling!)
In fairness, the 16" wheels don't look as good as 18s, but I wanted the confident drive over the looks.
So why the Tuscan now?
I sold the Tamora when I moved job and handed back my sensible company car. I thought a Cayenne S would combine the best of both. It nearly did. But the running costs were hideous. So I bought one of the last S2000 GT100 cars. It was fun. Could use it every day. But it wasn't a TVR. Not even close. So now I have a Tuscan S. And, you know what, if I hadn't already done the Tamora thing I probably would have bought a Tamora (for reasons noted above). But, as it happens, I'm chuffed to bits with my Tuscan. I guess I'm veering more towards road presence than chuckability these days....
In summary: in terms of running costs / hassles there's not much to draw between them.
So go with your heart. You'll know what's best for you when you see it.
BUT NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE.
Unless you take an expert along with you. The risks of getting over-excited and ignoring warning signs is just too high.
Hope this helps.
N.
I now have a Tuscan. Love it too.
I knew I wanted a TVR at the time but, like you, didn't know the pros and cons of each. So here's my suggestion, borne out of personal experience...
I recommend you head along to your local TVR CC meet and speak to owners, look at the cars, listen and I'm sure some of the members will take you out for a drive in their pride and joy. Talk to them about their cars' personalities and foibles then decide which suits you best.
How often will you really have the roof off?
What sort of driving will you be doing: twisty roads on a Sunday morning or fast A-roads and towns?
What is your budget? Honestly. Consider upfront purchase and running costs.
I wanted a chuckable car that wouldn't bite me if I wasn't paying 100% attention all the time.
I wanted a proper convertible (ruled out T350)
I figured that I would be the performance limiting factor in the car so a 3.6 would do me fine.
But, for me, the deciding factor was the general consensus that a Tamora with well sorted geometry on 16" wheels is easily the most predictable / surefooted / neutral handling of the T cars.
Done deal. I bought a Tamora. A great car. And so under-rated (which can be good or bad, depending on whether you're buying or selling!)
In fairness, the 16" wheels don't look as good as 18s, but I wanted the confident drive over the looks.
So why the Tuscan now?
I sold the Tamora when I moved job and handed back my sensible company car. I thought a Cayenne S would combine the best of both. It nearly did. But the running costs were hideous. So I bought one of the last S2000 GT100 cars. It was fun. Could use it every day. But it wasn't a TVR. Not even close. So now I have a Tuscan S. And, you know what, if I hadn't already done the Tamora thing I probably would have bought a Tamora (for reasons noted above). But, as it happens, I'm chuffed to bits with my Tuscan. I guess I'm veering more towards road presence than chuckability these days....
In summary: in terms of running costs / hassles there's not much to draw between them.
So go with your heart. You'll know what's best for you when you see it.
BUT NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE.
Unless you take an expert along with you. The risks of getting over-excited and ignoring warning signs is just too high.
Hope this helps.
N.
Edited by BeillyNoy on Monday 2nd July 09:18
Thanks again for all the great advice, I have looked at the servicing link - £300-£500 servicing sounds better than I thought! Does buying from a dealer eg Tony Gilbert make sense for any warrenty that they may offer over buying from a private sale. I have a budget that I would like to keep to and obviously if the car costs lots to keep on the road/get right then it means I would have less ££ to buy with. I have only recently been looking into this so any idea which way prices are moving at the moment and what I realistically should be looking to pay?
PS I cant believe that I was censored in my last post for saying ironing out the... !!!!
PS I cant believe that I was censored in my last post for saying ironing out the... !!!!
Agreed, basically same chassis, same basic layout on early T cars, few tweeks, 3.6 or 4.0 engine, electric PAS pump (easy change), and a conv or targaIf we ran Tuscans on 16's what would they handle like ?
Just depends what you like the look of or the feel of. ( I do prefer the dash I think in function but not looks)
Walford said:
These posts are hilarious
its the same car, with different bumpers and roof
maybe spring and damper rates were tweaked but most of
these cars now have aftermarket dampers on
its the same car, with different bumpers and roof
maybe spring and damper rates were tweaked but most of
these cars now have aftermarket dampers on
Walford said:
These posts are hilarious
its the same car, with different bumpers and roof
maybe spring and damper rates were tweaked but most of
these cars now have aftermarket dampers on
Walford: are you thinking of Tamora -v- T350?its the same car, with different bumpers and roof
maybe spring and damper rates were tweaked but most of
these cars now have aftermarket dampers on
By most accounts early Tuscans had VERY direct steering. I was told that Tuscan and Tamora had different levels of tune of the engines. And anyone who sits in both will spot the very different instrumentation and the girth of the column between their legs [snigger].
Edited by BeillyNoy on Monday 2nd July 09:16
BeillyNoy said:
I Consider upfront purchase and running costs.
I wanted a chuckable car that wouldn't bite me if I wasn't paying 100% attention all the time.
I figured that I would be the performance limiting factor in the car so a 3.6 would do me fine.
A Tamora with well sorted geometry on 16" wheels is easily the most predictable / surefooted / neutral handling of the T cars.
In fairness, the 16" wheels don't look as good as 18s, but I wanted the confident drive over the looks.
In summary: in terms of running costs / hassles there's not much to draw between them.
BUT NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE.
Unless you take an expert along with you. The risks of getting over-excited and ignoring warning signs is just too high.
Somewhat paraphrased to ssave me the time of writing exactly the same thing. I wanted a chuckable car that wouldn't bite me if I wasn't paying 100% attention all the time.
I figured that I would be the performance limiting factor in the car so a 3.6 would do me fine.
A Tamora with well sorted geometry on 16" wheels is easily the most predictable / surefooted / neutral handling of the T cars.
In fairness, the 16" wheels don't look as good as 18s, but I wanted the confident drive over the looks.
In summary: in terms of running costs / hassles there's not much to draw between them.
BUT NEVER BUY THE FIRST ONE YOU SEE.
Unless you take an expert along with you. The risks of getting over-excited and ignoring warning signs is just too high.
A well sorted Tamora is a phenomenal car. The few Tuscans (1 and 2s)I have taken out feel like they have a good deal more roll in them, as well as feeling a bit more happy to switch ends.
And they are cheap!
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