Thinking about a tuscan
Discussion
Hi All,
Stirrings in my tummy precipitate this post. I'm musing on getting a tuscan & was interested in hearing some thoughts.
Firstly however, I don't think it would be with me that long at the moment, maybe for spring/summer - so I'm thinking about trying to get one at a good price, that should run well for the summer & be sellable when the time comes for a sensible drop - I'm hoping a £2K spread may be possible. That said, I may end up keeping it for ages, who knows, but at this instant I'm thinking a bit shorter term, summer toy, but it needs to be 'right' or I won't do it (i.e. I have to love the colour :-/)
http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...
This one looks very nice in the flesh, I love cascade blue but I fear it's pretty strong money. The paint condition is really not bad, but there are things marks here and there and a chunk out the nose which is, as I understand it, hard to touch up with this paint type. The chassis looks like it could do with some attention - it is very local to me though. I really like cascade blue....
http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...
This one looks pretty stunning too, halcyon blue is an interesting colour - the milaege is the obvious detractor here - I'm trying to work out what that means for the car though? Obviously the seat could do with a recon, but if the engine is replaced, the gearbox holds up and the chassis is alright, does mileage really matter? How do bushings/suspension etc.. hold up over the years? I'd have thought this would have had most replaced. In fact, I think this looks lovely, I've not seen it though.....
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
this one looks not bad, to be honest its the condition/price ratio that attracts. The colour isn't what I normally jump towards, but it definitely looks OK to me. 1/3 the miles of the previous offering, not as exciting though ....
Save for webmart, ebay, PH and autotrader should I scout anywhere else? Am I being mad contemplating running one for the summer? Surely I could chop out if I stepped out at a discount...? Some of these cars are earlier than others, I undrestnad that factors in values & handling. From what I gather, some spacers and a geo and early cars should be a bit better on that front, so I do I need concern myself by limiting myself to any age range, at the moment I'm assuming a good price and careful and I may be OK....
TIA
Stirrings in my tummy precipitate this post. I'm musing on getting a tuscan & was interested in hearing some thoughts.
Firstly however, I don't think it would be with me that long at the moment, maybe for spring/summer - so I'm thinking about trying to get one at a good price, that should run well for the summer & be sellable when the time comes for a sensible drop - I'm hoping a £2K spread may be possible. That said, I may end up keeping it for ages, who knows, but at this instant I'm thinking a bit shorter term, summer toy, but it needs to be 'right' or I won't do it (i.e. I have to love the colour :-/)
http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...
This one looks very nice in the flesh, I love cascade blue but I fear it's pretty strong money. The paint condition is really not bad, but there are things marks here and there and a chunk out the nose which is, as I understand it, hard to touch up with this paint type. The chassis looks like it could do with some attention - it is very local to me though. I really like cascade blue....
http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...
This one looks pretty stunning too, halcyon blue is an interesting colour - the milaege is the obvious detractor here - I'm trying to work out what that means for the car though? Obviously the seat could do with a recon, but if the engine is replaced, the gearbox holds up and the chassis is alright, does mileage really matter? How do bushings/suspension etc.. hold up over the years? I'd have thought this would have had most replaced. In fact, I think this looks lovely, I've not seen it though.....
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
this one looks not bad, to be honest its the condition/price ratio that attracts. The colour isn't what I normally jump towards, but it definitely looks OK to me. 1/3 the miles of the previous offering, not as exciting though ....
Save for webmart, ebay, PH and autotrader should I scout anywhere else? Am I being mad contemplating running one for the summer? Surely I could chop out if I stepped out at a discount...? Some of these cars are earlier than others, I undrestnad that factors in values & handling. From what I gather, some spacers and a geo and early cars should be a bit better on that front, so I do I need concern myself by limiting myself to any age range, at the moment I'm assuming a good price and careful and I may be OK....
TIA
Edited by stuthemong on Tuesday 28th February 09:53
Not going to be much help, but I'd go for the halcyon blue one - looks lovely! (the reflex one does too) New (I'm assuming) TVR Power engine with warranty is highly appealing, interior a little worn however if the chassis and running gear are in good order I think it's great value. Always a risk of something big going wrong, but that's something you have to live with for most Tuscans. At least the engine should be sound.
Being on the cheap side I think it might be easier to shift in the future too, but then again who knows.
Being on the cheap side I think it might be easier to shift in the future too, but then again who knows.
Might have to bite the bullet and sell mine this year 
Kids learning to drive etc means a complete rethink of the family fleet, I need a Tuscan level of performance daily driver and although I can use the Tusc in the winter my mileage will mean the car is being serviced every 3 months.
Kids learning to drive etc means a complete rethink of the family fleet, I need a Tuscan level of performance daily driver and although I can use the Tusc in the winter my mileage will mean the car is being serviced every 3 months.How about this one? http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3514877.htm Later model and less mile than the one at Offord (not a garage I'm a fan of despite living 3 miles away).
Zippee, that one does look nice, but I think they'll want near asking & a 5 yr service gap is a little wide by even diesel mondeo metrics!
I guess buying at the lower end will be easier to get out of, so I'm definitely thinking 15 as as high as I want to go, unless it's got a 3 yr power warranty on it, in which case I can go up as it will be easy to sell
I guess buying at the lower end will be easier to get out of, so I'm definitely thinking 15 as as high as I want to go, unless it's got a 3 yr power warranty on it, in which case I can go up as it will be easy to sell
Edited by stuthemong on Tuesday 28th February 15:22
stuthemong said:
Zippee, that one does look nice, but I think they'll want near asking & a 5 yr service gap is a little wide by even diesel mondeo metrics!
Good point, I only glanced at the servicing and didn't spot the MOT only part of it.Edited by stuthemong on Tuesday 28th February 15:22
Zippee - Thanks for suggesting my car.
Stuthemong - Don't let the service history put you off, you want a car that's just had a full 12k service and tappets done by a known specialist, as this means they know the condition of the engine internals. (And you won't easily find a sweeter engine than this one.) Plus I bought this one on findasportscar.com 's recomendation. But; and to the point of this post; if you do buy a Tuscan, you will find it difficult to sell in the autumn/winter time, so you perhaps want to consider keeping it for a year and selling it next spring. Good luck.
Stuthemong - Don't let the service history put you off, you want a car that's just had a full 12k service and tappets done by a known specialist, as this means they know the condition of the engine internals. (And you won't easily find a sweeter engine than this one.) Plus I bought this one on findasportscar.com 's recomendation. But; and to the point of this post; if you do buy a Tuscan, you will find it difficult to sell in the autumn/winter time, so you perhaps want to consider keeping it for a year and selling it next spring. Good luck.
Stu, regarding the colour...
I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
PascalBuyens said:
Stu, regarding the colour...
I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
I have a touchup pen for mine I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
But my local bodyshop (they paint Ginetta G60's) also said the same about reflex paintI don't know if it helps but www.carandclassic.co.uk is a good site. good luck with your search. best regards Doug
PascalBuyens said:
Stu, regarding the colour...
I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
That... and the fact that your tuscan moves so fast people probably cant even tell what colour it is anyway....I was told too that the Chameleon Blue would be impossible to touch up. When I had to have the boot repainted due to someone putting a scratch in it, the paint shop guy said it was one of the easiest colours ever, as he didn't have to match the paint (changes colour anyway).
So I'm tempted to say if you like Reflex/Cascace/Chameleon colours, just go for it
Thanks for the other suggestions peeps - the Halcyon atlantis one does look interesting on paper, I must say.....
The high mileage blue one is like Triggers broom 
Mine is just about to hit 60k but has pretty much been totally renovated, not much is old stuff on a car with mileage plus it will have had its problems sorted long long ago.
Its always funny how 60k on an m3 is considered low yet on a tvr is high even though its still well below average.
Mine is just about to hit 60k but has pretty much been totally renovated, not much is old stuff on a car with mileage plus it will have had its problems sorted long long ago.
Its always funny how 60k on an m3 is considered low yet on a tvr is high even though its still well below average.
Yes it is high, but only the odometer reading, i'd bet that most of the parts which would need replacing have been replaced.
Mine has got (afaik) original diff and box still. They feel good to me and have been told they are still good. The boxes on these are very good strong boxes. I think bushes have been changed as they are all good with no play, i have changed lots and lots of random parts, not so much because they were damaged but because i like shiny things
Its a tough one because that car is 13.5k or so. but it comes with a few miles.
You could buy one with a quarter of the miles for maybe 3k more BUT it won't have had a quarter of the parts changed meaning potential big bills ahead so its almost horses for courses really. Thats the way i look at mine.
You could buy a 'mint' car for 16k then need clutch, engine rebuild, suspension and you've done 8k straight away, thats before all the random things which add up to another chunk.
Mine has got (afaik) original diff and box still. They feel good to me and have been told they are still good. The boxes on these are very good strong boxes. I think bushes have been changed as they are all good with no play, i have changed lots and lots of random parts, not so much because they were damaged but because i like shiny things
Its a tough one because that car is 13.5k or so. but it comes with a few miles.
You could buy one with a quarter of the miles for maybe 3k more BUT it won't have had a quarter of the parts changed meaning potential big bills ahead so its almost horses for courses really. Thats the way i look at mine.
You could buy a 'mint' car for 16k then need clutch, engine rebuild, suspension and you've done 8k straight away, thats before all the random things which add up to another chunk.
Why the anger, robseagul? Searching is half the fun!
M3jappa - you are indeed correct. My main fear is licking one up that needs an engine rebuild. Clutches/boxes/suspension etc can all happen but they are much less worrisome - id expect at least one £1k failure - but a 7ker would be disastrous :-/
M3jappa - you are indeed correct. My main fear is licking one up that needs an engine rebuild. Clutches/boxes/suspension etc can all happen but they are much less worrisome - id expect at least one £1k failure - but a 7ker would be disastrous :-/
m3jappa said:
Yes it is high, but only the odometer reading, i'd bet that most of the parts which would need replacing have been replaced.
Mine has got (afaik) original diff and box still. They feel good to me and have been told they are still good. The boxes on these are very good strong boxes. I think bushes have been changed as they are all good with no play, i have changed lots and lots of random parts, not so much because they were damaged but because i like shiny things
Its a tough one because that car is 13.5k or so. but it comes with a few miles.
You could buy one with a quarter of the miles for maybe 3k more BUT it won't have had a quarter of the parts changed meaning potential big bills ahead so its almost horses for courses really. Thats the way i look at mine.
You could buy a 'mint' car for 16k then need clutch, engine rebuild, suspension and you've done 8k straight away, thats before all the random things which add up to another chunk.
The more I drive my Mk.1 and the more I read on here of Speed 6 woes and electrical gremlins, the more I convince myself that the above is true!! The later cars have the material and design mods to the engine. Without doubbt this improved the engine no end. The Tuscan is seen as a bad buy with miles on it - yet you can see Sags (at STR8 Six and Fernies with + 40K miles) fetching more than £30-£35K.Mine has got (afaik) original diff and box still. They feel good to me and have been told they are still good. The boxes on these are very good strong boxes. I think bushes have been changed as they are all good with no play, i have changed lots and lots of random parts, not so much because they were damaged but because i like shiny things
Its a tough one because that car is 13.5k or so. but it comes with a few miles.
You could buy one with a quarter of the miles for maybe 3k more BUT it won't have had a quarter of the parts changed meaning potential big bills ahead so its almost horses for courses really. Thats the way i look at mine.
You could buy a 'mint' car for 16k then need clutch, engine rebuild, suspension and you've done 8k straight away, thats before all the random things which add up to another chunk.
They are meant to be driven - use them. As M3 says, most of the usual items will have been replaced on a 60K miler.....at least at those miles, it says that it has spent more time on the road than in a repair garage!!!
Nick
Edited by nawarne on Wednesday 29th February 09:36
Although the 'high' miles thing might not be an issue in reality if its had a lot of work, surely the issue is if the OP is intending to sell it relatively soon is it going to appeal to other prospective buyers?
Personally I'd go for one which is going to appeal to the most people, ie sensible miles (by tuscan standards), a non offensive colour and with a decent history.
Personally I'd go for one which is going to appeal to the most people, ie sensible miles (by tuscan standards), a non offensive colour and with a decent history.
Very true and tbh I reckon once the OP has bought one he'll not want rid anyway!
There do appear to be a few cars that have stuck around the classified for a while though which would influence my purchase. Think the one at power has been up for a a while and there was that yellow car that was for sale for ages.
Peronally I think there a proper under valued car and don't see why prices are where they are esp in light of the increases the likes of griffs and sags have seen (possibly slightly biased though!)
There do appear to be a few cars that have stuck around the classified for a while though which would influence my purchase. Think the one at power has been up for a a while and there was that yellow car that was for sale for ages.
Peronally I think there a proper under valued car and don't see why prices are where they are esp in light of the increases the likes of griffs and sags have seen (possibly slightly biased though!)
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