Tuscan opinions
Discussion
I'm completely uninitiated with TVR as a brand - never even sat in one. I am however considering putting a fun car back on the driveway. Saw this locally
https://www.usedcarsni.com/2002-TVR-Tuscan-4-0-Spe...
I'm vaguely aware of chassis and engine issues but this one looks cheap (and rough inside), how badly is it likely to bite financially?
Tell me it's a terrible idea!
https://www.usedcarsni.com/2002-TVR-Tuscan-4-0-Spe...
I'm vaguely aware of chassis and engine issues but this one looks cheap (and rough inside), how badly is it likely to bite financially?
Tell me it's a terrible idea!
Don't know what you expect from your post - or a TVR?
I suggest you read through the Tuscan forum on here?
Perhaps get along to your local TVR club meet - there is a NI region. You can get contact details for the regional organiser from the web page.
Posting here is really like asking Mr. Putin what he thinks of Russia?
It's definitely a love/hate relationship with these cars. When they are going well, it's hard to stop the smile on your face!! You need to have some ability with the spanners, else you need a generous wallet!
We're all fans, so you will get a skewed response.
BEWARE! if the car advertised looks as well cared for as the pictures suggest, then you will be smitten, even if you have just a small amount of petrol in your veins!
I'd suggest that at 69K miles the early Speed 6 engine issues have been addressed.
Nick
I suggest you read through the Tuscan forum on here?
Perhaps get along to your local TVR club meet - there is a NI region. You can get contact details for the regional organiser from the web page.
Posting here is really like asking Mr. Putin what he thinks of Russia?
It's definitely a love/hate relationship with these cars. When they are going well, it's hard to stop the smile on your face!! You need to have some ability with the spanners, else you need a generous wallet!
We're all fans, so you will get a skewed response.
BEWARE! if the car advertised looks as well cared for as the pictures suggest, then you will be smitten, even if you have just a small amount of petrol in your veins!
I'd suggest that at 69K miles the early Speed 6 engine issues have been addressed.
Nick
It's cheap but the location will be part of that. If you think the interior looks tired be prepared for a shock, it looks perfectly fine to me and in keeping with the mileage, better than many in fact I'd say. They don't age well, you will see many worse.
Looks pretty in the pictures, complete lack of any useful info in the advert doesn't speak volumes for the seller's technique - history is everything especially engine and chassis. Well worth a punt at that price though.
Looks pretty in the pictures, complete lack of any useful info in the advert doesn't speak volumes for the seller's technique - history is everything especially engine and chassis. Well worth a punt at that price though.
Sold my car a few years ago with 86,000 miles and 13 years of ownership. Used as main car for 6 years averaging between 6000 - 9000 miles a year then as a second car 3000 - 4000 miles a year (unless broken). The last year was particularly bad with 3 breakdowns requiring recovery. I used the car almost every week, most weeks of the year including winter.
Unfortunately the car was not reliable enough to do the miles I want to which is why I sold it. The new owner drives a tenth of the miles I covered in a year. The Tuscan is the greatest car I have ever owned and the longest I have every owned a car for. If it remained reliable would have kept it for the rest of my life.
How many miles a year do you intend to drive in the Tuscan?
If you intend to do a lots of miles suggest finding a car that has been restored. There are currently several threads in the forum of Tuscan restorations. This car will probably be fine for occasional use.
Unfortunately the car was not reliable enough to do the miles I want to which is why I sold it. The new owner drives a tenth of the miles I covered in a year. The Tuscan is the greatest car I have ever owned and the longest I have every owned a car for. If it remained reliable would have kept it for the rest of my life.
How many miles a year do you intend to drive in the Tuscan?
If you intend to do a lots of miles suggest finding a car that has been restored. There are currently several threads in the forum of Tuscan restorations. This car will probably be fine for occasional use.
I bought my first Tuscan, a year 2000 model, in 2006 with 70k miles.
It had had a factory rebuild at 35k and yes, it needed another one as soon as I bought it.
The point being that a factory rebuild is not necessarily good.
Indy rebuilds are better. Straight6, TVR Power etc.
After the initial rebuild expenses, I used it as my daily driving back and to to Germany for work and loved every minute of it until it got written off in 2009.
It was reliable and great fun.
I bought my current Tuscan Convertible in 2009, which I love, and have taken it 30k to around 87k miles in the past 14 years.
It's been to German, Spain and/or Portugal every year between 2009 and 2018 but had a lot less since Covid.
Still love it.
It had had a factory rebuild at 35k and yes, it needed another one as soon as I bought it.
The point being that a factory rebuild is not necessarily good.
Indy rebuilds are better. Straight6, TVR Power etc.
After the initial rebuild expenses, I used it as my daily driving back and to to Germany for work and loved every minute of it until it got written off in 2009.
It was reliable and great fun.
I bought my current Tuscan Convertible in 2009, which I love, and have taken it 30k to around 87k miles in the past 14 years.
It's been to German, Spain and/or Portugal every year between 2009 and 2018 but had a lot less since Covid.
Still love it.
Phil_D said:
If you want a drive in one to compare and contrast I’m based just outside Belfast. Have a number of TVR’s including a Tuscan (mk2 s)
Flipping yes please!! A look around or a passenger ride would be more than generous 
Will try fire you an email or suchlike, think I encountered your Cerbera thread on RMS whilst browsing
Edited by Fattyfat on Wednesday 12th April 22:25
Had a look at the car from my original post today - a brief 20 minute look non the less. What an impressive looking thing, a lot of wow factor for the uninitiated!
According to the sales guy, and I was straight up honest that I was primarily tyre kicking today, the car was taken as a trade in some time ago and they've been happy for it to sit in the showroom among a few other toys they have in stock. It's now time for it to go but I reckon it's had little or no use since 2019. I guess Covid etc wiped 2 years and its rarity in these parts explain the down time.
I've no frame of reference as of yet but the bodywork looked good and better than I expected given the mileage. Wheels have been refinished and wear matching Michelins. The interior could benefit from a new carpet set (sun bleached and some wear) the seats have had a combination of repair and re-upholstering. Difficult to tell about the chassis but there is mention of outriggers being done quite recently. Dealer was happy, if i give them a little notice, to pop it on the lift for my own through inspection.
They kindly sent me the service history via email and the car certainly has had money spent. Loads of servicing, rebuilt engine to factory spec and new clutch at 29K, although that's 17 years ago. Valve clearances done 2k ago, new brakes all round 8k ago. Loads of other bits and pieces invoiced as well from a specialist over here
What now? Well the price is firm as they state they're now below cost and it's been made clear its a buyer beware sale so some cahoonies required on my part. I know we can argue the legality of that but I see their point of view. My budget would be pretty much maxed at 20k which would leave no immediate slush fund for issues.
I'm going to take Phil up on his very kind offer of a look at his Tuscan S and that'll give me a baseline to work from. I can then go for a proper look armed with some more knowledge. Admittedly the Speed Six lump is my primary concern
Bottom of the market car with a few miles but good history, would a nice Chim 'fit' me better and be less troublesome, sound better? A few have mentioned it'd likely be fine for occasional use but i'd like a commuter for the better weather, something that can do a roadtrip or 3 and handle the occasional burst from the right foot.
Worst of all, the missus thinks it looks awesome
According to the sales guy, and I was straight up honest that I was primarily tyre kicking today, the car was taken as a trade in some time ago and they've been happy for it to sit in the showroom among a few other toys they have in stock. It's now time for it to go but I reckon it's had little or no use since 2019. I guess Covid etc wiped 2 years and its rarity in these parts explain the down time.
I've no frame of reference as of yet but the bodywork looked good and better than I expected given the mileage. Wheels have been refinished and wear matching Michelins. The interior could benefit from a new carpet set (sun bleached and some wear) the seats have had a combination of repair and re-upholstering. Difficult to tell about the chassis but there is mention of outriggers being done quite recently. Dealer was happy, if i give them a little notice, to pop it on the lift for my own through inspection.
They kindly sent me the service history via email and the car certainly has had money spent. Loads of servicing, rebuilt engine to factory spec and new clutch at 29K, although that's 17 years ago. Valve clearances done 2k ago, new brakes all round 8k ago. Loads of other bits and pieces invoiced as well from a specialist over here
What now? Well the price is firm as they state they're now below cost and it's been made clear its a buyer beware sale so some cahoonies required on my part. I know we can argue the legality of that but I see their point of view. My budget would be pretty much maxed at 20k which would leave no immediate slush fund for issues.
I'm going to take Phil up on his very kind offer of a look at his Tuscan S and that'll give me a baseline to work from. I can then go for a proper look armed with some more knowledge. Admittedly the Speed Six lump is my primary concern
Bottom of the market car with a few miles but good history, would a nice Chim 'fit' me better and be less troublesome, sound better? A few have mentioned it'd likely be fine for occasional use but i'd like a commuter for the better weather, something that can do a roadtrip or 3 and handle the occasional burst from the right foot.
Worst of all, the missus thinks it looks awesome
It’s a cheap Tuscan, but sounds like there’s a genuine reason why it’s cheap rather than being offloaded due to problems.
You’re going to need a couple of K per year for running costs. When was the last service time wise? Any more than 18 months (many would say 12) and you’ll need to get it done immediately so that will be £500-1k depending on what’s found/needed.
Maybe worth paying a pro to inspect prior to buying but I know what’s taking you over budget.
You should look to buy the model you really want…as there’s a big chance of buyers regret next time you see that model out and about!
You’re going to need a couple of K per year for running costs. When was the last service time wise? Any more than 18 months (many would say 12) and you’ll need to get it done immediately so that will be £500-1k depending on what’s found/needed.
Maybe worth paying a pro to inspect prior to buying but I know what’s taking you over budget.
You should look to buy the model you really want…as there’s a big chance of buyers regret next time you see that model out and about!
Hi, I too would suggest that £250 for an inspection would be worthwhile - and arrange that for a day when it can be put on the ramps.
Another option would be to contact the TVRCC Region(s) (NI and the Republic both have fairly active membership) and ask someone there to inspect with yourself?
My car, a 2004 Tuscan S, had a Str8Six engine rebuild in 2010/2011 at around 50K miles. Nine years, and another 50K miles later, it was on the dyno at Surrey Rolling Road and made 412.9 bhp/380 ft.lbs. The straight six engine, once fettled with decent quality components is pretty robust.
Good luck.
Nick
Another option would be to contact the TVRCC Region(s) (NI and the Republic both have fairly active membership) and ask someone there to inspect with yourself?
My car, a 2004 Tuscan S, had a Str8Six engine rebuild in 2010/2011 at around 50K miles. Nine years, and another 50K miles later, it was on the dyno at Surrey Rolling Road and made 412.9 bhp/380 ft.lbs. The straight six engine, once fettled with decent quality components is pretty robust.
Good luck.
Nick
The dealer sounds straight if they're willing to get it on ramps for you and the feedback seems quite in depth. Body and paint look good in the pictures.
It seems a good indication the owner has spent money where it's needed if there are matching Michelin PS4s all round. Not a guarantee but they could have gone for much cheaper tyres.
As others have said the interior doesn't look too shabby and if the carpets have faded it'll give you an excuse to change the colour
A few questions for the dealer:
If it has been sitting around such a long time why was it MOTd last November?
If the tappets have been done then who by? If they have the experience to do that job plus balance the throttles there's a chance they know the cars history, I can't think there are too many places over there that would do it. If the owner has brought it over here then another good indication it's been well looked after.
For some wriggle room you could either ask for a little off the asking price or get them to fix the drivers window. Shouldn't be too big a job to do if you're ok with the spanners as long as the guide is in decent condition.
As you've had a generous offer to see another owners car, I reckon it would be worth having him along to hear the car start from cold, and then come out on a road test if allowed. Definitely worth a good pub lunch
I hope all works out as it seems to have more positives going for it.
It seems a good indication the owner has spent money where it's needed if there are matching Michelin PS4s all round. Not a guarantee but they could have gone for much cheaper tyres.
As others have said the interior doesn't look too shabby and if the carpets have faded it'll give you an excuse to change the colour
A few questions for the dealer:
If it has been sitting around such a long time why was it MOTd last November?
If the tappets have been done then who by? If they have the experience to do that job plus balance the throttles there's a chance they know the cars history, I can't think there are too many places over there that would do it. If the owner has brought it over here then another good indication it's been well looked after.
For some wriggle room you could either ask for a little off the asking price or get them to fix the drivers window. Shouldn't be too big a job to do if you're ok with the spanners as long as the guide is in decent condition.
As you've had a generous offer to see another owners car, I reckon it would be worth having him along to hear the car start from cold, and then come out on a road test if allowed. Definitely worth a good pub lunch
I hope all works out as it seems to have more positives going for it.
s6boy said:
The dealer sounds straight if they're willing to get it on ramps for you and the feedback seems quite in depth. Body and paint look good in the pictures.
It seems a good indication the owner has spent money where it's needed if there are matching Michelin PS4s all round. Not a guarantee but they could have gone for much cheaper tyres.
As others have said the interior doesn't look too shabby and if the carpets have faded it'll give you an excuse to change the colour
A few questions for the dealer:
If it has been sitting around such a long time why was it MOTd last November?
If the tappets have been done then who by? If they have the experience to do that job plus balance the throttles there's a chance they know the cars history, I can't think there are too many places over there that would do it. If the owner has brought it over here then another good indication it's been well looked after.
For some wriggle room you could either ask for a little off the asking price or get them to fix the drivers window. Shouldn't be too big a job to do if you're ok with the spanners as long as the guide is in decent condition.
As you've had a generous offer to see another owners car, I reckon it would be worth having him along to hear the car start from cold, and then come out on a road test if allowed. Definitely worth a good pub lunch
I hope all works out as it seems to have more positives going for it.
To answer a few of the previous posts - It seems a good indication the owner has spent money where it's needed if there are matching Michelin PS4s all round. Not a guarantee but they could have gone for much cheaper tyres.
As others have said the interior doesn't look too shabby and if the carpets have faded it'll give you an excuse to change the colour
A few questions for the dealer:
If it has been sitting around such a long time why was it MOTd last November?
If the tappets have been done then who by? If they have the experience to do that job plus balance the throttles there's a chance they know the cars history, I can't think there are too many places over there that would do it. If the owner has brought it over here then another good indication it's been well looked after.
For some wriggle room you could either ask for a little off the asking price or get them to fix the drivers window. Shouldn't be too big a job to do if you're ok with the spanners as long as the guide is in decent condition.
As you've had a generous offer to see another owners car, I reckon it would be worth having him along to hear the car start from cold, and then come out on a road test if allowed. Definitely worth a good pub lunch
I hope all works out as it seems to have more positives going for it.
Bearing in mind, in NI at least, there was MOT exemptions during covid and unfortunately MOT history checking isn't as comprehensive as it is on the mainland, don't list advisories for a start. I reckon the dealer took the car in sometime in late 2019, just months before the proverbial hit the fan. We have a pass in late 2018 at 66K, then a couple of fails, I guess the dealer did some remedial work during that time, I'm sure they'll be happy to clarify when I view again next week. It passed in Nov 22. Car was serviced at that time too and had a new radiator in Dec.
Previous work is all from a specialist called Torqueflyte but I believe they've wound the TVR side of things up. Obviously I'll need to figure that out as if the car would have to travel annually to England for anything above routine servicing that would be a serious ballache. Cars don't scare me but there's enough folklore around the speed six that, well you know...
Hopefully Phil_D can guide me on that when I chat to him next week, Don't know the fella (yet) but I'll owe him lunch either way
I think the photos are older as the car is cleaner than I expected, Really should have taken a few pics. Electrics not yet tested so I can't comment on that drivers side window.
I may well take a chance on this car, decide increase my budget or look at the Chimaera as was my original line of attack. 4 star classics have a Crystal Topaz example that caught my eye, might not be much better than the one I'm viewing though!
Couple of questions for anyone still reading lol
1. Weather proofness - If I do buy, this might have to live outside some of the time and our weather is kinda wet. Do these leak as badly as I'm expecting?
2. Fuel - I'm guessing 97ron or better only? If i got caught out do they dislike 95 ron? Is E10 a problem? I'm guessing 15mpg is probably good going?
3. Storage - I've a garage which is full of 'things' Anyone use an outdoor carcoon? Otherwise I'll be begging the MIL to use her garage
4. Performance - Anything modern you'd compare it too?
Cheers, FF
Fattyfat said:
What now? Well the price is firm as they state they're now below cost and it's been made clear its a buyer beware sale so some cahoonies required on my part. I know we can argue the legality of that but I see their point of view. My budget would be pretty much maxed at 20k which would leave no immediate slush fund for issues.
Honestly, this sounds like a bad idea. These cars don't like to sit, so buying one that's been sitting, from someone that knows little about them, with no comeback and no money to sort anything sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Even if nothing goes wrong immediately, you'll still expect a chunky bill at its next service, if you stick it into a specialist and intend to take a no expenses spared approach to maintenance. It will inevitably needs things attending to. My recent major service was 1.7k and that was with nothing major - the service itself, a boot lock, a couple of hoses, a couple of engine mounts, few other bits and pieces. That's on a well looked after car that had a major service two years before and a minor service the year before.
I'd buy a cheaper Chimaera and keep a few grand for inevitable issues that need sorting myself.
PrinceRupert said:
Honestly, this sounds like a bad idea. These cars don't like to sit, so buying one that's been sitting, from someone that knows little about them, with no comeback and no money to sort anything sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
Even if nothing goes wrong immediately, you'll still expect a chunky bill at its next service, if you stick it into a specialist and intend to take a no expenses spared approach to maintenance. It will inevitably needs things attending to. My recent major service was 1.7k and that was with nothing major - the service itself, a boot lock, a couple of hoses, a couple of engine mounts, few other bits and pieces. That's on a well looked after car that had a major service two years before and a minor service the year before.
I'd buy a cheaper Chimaera and keep a few grand for inevitable issues that need sorting myself.
There's money but the bank manager AKA 'er indoors' might get pissy if I suddenly had to spend 5 or 6k sorting issues. Couple of grand a year maintenance isn't terrible, all things considered.Even if nothing goes wrong immediately, you'll still expect a chunky bill at its next service, if you stick it into a specialist and intend to take a no expenses spared approach to maintenance. It will inevitably needs things attending to. My recent major service was 1.7k and that was with nothing major - the service itself, a boot lock, a couple of hoses, a couple of engine mounts, few other bits and pieces. That's on a well looked after car that had a major service two years before and a minor service the year before.
I'd buy a cheaper Chimaera and keep a few grand for inevitable issues that need sorting myself.
This is merely an exercise on a car that is local, Chim is still on the radar truth be told, as is some other more conventional options.
Cheers, FF
Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff