Tamora or Tuscan convertible?
Discussion
Afternoon. I'm a newcomer to the TVR fold. As a bit of background, I'm a possible convert from Porsche - but have decided that there are just too many of them around now. I'm thinking about either a late model Tamora or Tuscan convertible. It'll be used regularly, including a short commuting run (but a country backroads, rather than city, commute). Any thoughts on pros and cons from current owners?
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Well, as Tamora owner, I would recommend a ....................
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Wait for it..
Tamora
Seriously, it is horses for courses and personally I think it comes down to your preference for styling and size.
Although a lot of people would say that the Tamora is the best out-of-the-box TVR you can get, and if you can find one with a 4.0l engine.....
I'm sure many, many people will add their two penneth worth.
...............
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Wait for it..
Tamora
Seriously, it is horses for courses and personally I think it comes down to your preference for styling and size.
Although a lot of people would say that the Tamora is the best out-of-the-box TVR you can get, and if you can find one with a 4.0l engine.....
I'm sure many, many people will add their two penneth worth.
but either cars are worth the money.Thanks. Mention's been made of the engine ... I remember "back in the day" that there were issues with the TVR 6 cylinder engine when it was launched. Were those satisfactorily resolved in later cars? I ask only because I see discussion on here of what seem to be late-ish T350s and Tuscans (2004, 2005) going in for re-builds. I know that such issues are down to luck-of-the-draw, but are the later engines, generally, more reliable?
I love the Tamora, the styling is an aquired taste to some, but in my view they are fantastic, however...
If it was a straight choice it would be a Tuscan 'vert everday of the week and twice at a weekend. Mine does everything I always wanted from a sports car, fast, stunning looks, loud, practical and just bloody good fun.
Paul
If it was a straight choice it would be a Tuscan 'vert everday of the week and twice at a weekend. Mine does everything I always wanted from a sports car, fast, stunning looks, loud, practical and just bloody good fun.
Paul
Under the covers, all the 'T' cars are more similar than they are different. The Sagaris and Tuscan II had an improved geometry and, apparently, better handling. Otherwise the differences are mostly the engine and the exterior.
Yes, as far as anyone can tell, engines from mid 2004 (even late 2003 in some reports) seem to be more reliable, though a rebuilt earlier engine may well be just as reliable. There are no guarantees though, so you'll want a warranty or a savings account. As far as I can tell they both amount to about £1000 p.a.
The biggest difference is the appearance, and you'll have to make your own decision there. For me, the Tamora was a bit of an ugly duckling, improving with later changes but never quite getting there. Your opinion could well be different.
The other differences, 3.6, 4.0, 4.0S, different differentials, etc. may sway you, but there are only really a handfull of either car to choose from, so your 'on paper preference' may not be available.
hth
Yes, as far as anyone can tell, engines from mid 2004 (even late 2003 in some reports) seem to be more reliable, though a rebuilt earlier engine may well be just as reliable. There are no guarantees though, so you'll want a warranty or a savings account. As far as I can tell they both amount to about £1000 p.a.
The biggest difference is the appearance, and you'll have to make your own decision there. For me, the Tamora was a bit of an ugly duckling, improving with later changes but never quite getting there. Your opinion could well be different.
The other differences, 3.6, 4.0, 4.0S, different differentials, etc. may sway you, but there are only really a handfull of either car to choose from, so your 'on paper preference' may not be available.
hth
After my 1998 Chimaera, I bought a new 2005 Tamora. After 4 years of (almost) trouble free motoring, I changed to a 2006 Tuscan 2 convertible. The Tuscan is more comfortable, has more torque and a better ride quality, but the Tamora was slightly rawer, and possibly more fun. Both refresh the parts that porkers cannot reach!
It's my opinion only, and I don't mean this in a negative way, that the Tuscan is more of a tourer - and I know, no TVR is really such!
But more attention seems to have been given to looks and interior styling; they are prettier, and lend themselves much more to being a garage queen. You have to say that the looks of the Tamora are a bit Marmite compared to the universal praise given to the Tuscan.
On that note, it seems to me that the Tamora is more about a driven car than a looked at car. It seems a better, more compact package.
I've driven both but only owned the Tamora. And while I would undoubtedly love to have a Tuscan S II Convertible on the drive and mooching about at car shows and meetings, I would prefer to be driving the Tamora hard (well, what passes for hard in my limited ability).
Both are bloody lovely cars, and with a 4.0l engine in the Tamora you get the same power/torque package as the Tuscans. But to me, Tuscan = middle aged golf player, Tamora = hooligan.
All IMHO of course.
So, are you a middle aged golf player or a hooligan?
But more attention seems to have been given to looks and interior styling; they are prettier, and lend themselves much more to being a garage queen. You have to say that the looks of the Tamora are a bit Marmite compared to the universal praise given to the Tuscan.
On that note, it seems to me that the Tamora is more about a driven car than a looked at car. It seems a better, more compact package.
I've driven both but only owned the Tamora. And while I would undoubtedly love to have a Tuscan S II Convertible on the drive and mooching about at car shows and meetings, I would prefer to be driving the Tamora hard (well, what passes for hard in my limited ability).
Both are bloody lovely cars, and with a 4.0l engine in the Tamora you get the same power/torque package as the Tuscans. But to me, Tuscan = middle aged golf player, Tamora = hooligan.
All IMHO of course.
So, are you a middle aged golf player or a hooligan?
TVR_owner said:
T40ORA said:
But to me, Tuscan = middle aged golf player, Tamora = hooligan.
Well it seems my wife is a hooligan and I'm a middle aged golf player...not sure which to take that, but I think you're about right in terms of describing the cars. OK, a middle aged golf playing race driver.... Better? 
T40ORA said:
TVR_owner said:
T40ORA said:
But to me, Tuscan = middle aged golf player, Tamora = hooligan.
Well it seems my wife is a hooligan and I'm a middle aged golf player...not sure which to take that, but I think you're about right in terms of describing the cars. OK, a middle aged golf playing race driver.... Better? 
t!Chris71 said:
This is interesting. I could have sworn I head somewhere that the Tuscan - at least in its earlier incarnation - was trickier on the limit than the other T cars (Tamora included)? Probably another TVR myth, but I thought the Tamora was supposed to be somewhat more forgiving?
The mk1 is, certainly on the original suspension set up!Zippee said:
Chris71 said:
This is interesting. I could have sworn I head somewhere that the Tuscan - at least in its earlier incarnation - was trickier on the limit than the other T cars (Tamora included)? Probably another TVR myth, but I thought the Tamora was supposed to be somewhat more forgiving?
The mk1 is, certainly on the original suspension set up!Of course no two road tests will reach the same conclusion, but the Tamoras and T350s always seemed to be painted as quite sweet handlings car (for unfettered 350+bhp rear wheel drive missiles).
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