Advice from TVR owners please.. (cant post in TVR yet!)

[Billiam]

Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by, new member here hence this post is not in TVR sorry... basically i am looking to buy my first Trevor.. I am looking to get a Mk1 Tuscan, preferably a Tuscan S but thats budget permitting

Seems prices are currently on the up and so now seems a good time to buy, especially as summer should hike them further ? I know its not a car for the feint hearted but thats exactly why i want one.. but i digress, budget wise im limited to 20k so anywhere from 17/19 would be nice for some change to chuck at insurance etc

I have seen quite a few around but maybe i wont get an S for less than 20/24k as the few i seen sub 20k are quite high on milage etc but there are a few tempters.. i will post some below and anyone who can give any input on the history or know previous owners etc i would really appreciate anything you can share..

http://www.tvr-webmart.co.uk/tvr_full_advert.asp?a...

Liked this one, good colour combo but age of advert leads me to believe its likely gone, i havent tried to make any contact yet as id rather speak to some people within the TVR community before i start viewing etc.. milage was a bit of downer though - am i being to fussy ?

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

Another i really liked, its a bit pricey but maybe i could stretch but realistically - how much wiggle room will i get on a car like that ? What would be a suggested bid to make on this.. and also does anyone know the dealership ? Not being a TVR specialist, should i not even consider ?? Also i did wonder is the milage that low because its spent most its life in the garage needing repairs !

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C461065

Last but not least.. history states one of the (if not the) first S to be produced from the factory.. i like that appeal, it has a story (if true) and so has history, might add some value in the future (not that i ever plan to sell) ! It says well known car - anyone who can verify this please ?? Its a good price and maybe i could get it down to 18 or 19k but then waxoil worries me (can often do more harm than good!) and milage seems pretty good, afterall il only be doing a few thousand a year at best so wont be rocketing up..

Any input is appreciated, from TVR input to just saying hello - feel free to post. And if anyone knows someone potentially selling - please get in touch I dont know if im expecting to much, or if i should only consider buying from someone like racing green or str8six so i get a warranty etc ? I dont doubt a standard Tuscan is more than enough power for me but i like the idea of future value accumulating as a backup plan !

Thanks in advance.. mouths watering at the thoght already and i cant wait to put it in the garage until that first warm spring day when she beckons me for that first proper blast !!

[Northernchimp]

Higher mileage and engine rebuild is better than low mileage as the engines were volatile. One with a recent clutch is even better as this is a four figure job. Otherwise, lowest number of owners, choose a normal-ish colour, only buy a car with a fully documented history and don't buy anything too heavily modified. You buy these with the intention of keeping them forever but it's rarely the case, so you need to think about resale.

Also, don't be scared to buy privately - its usually a good 20-30% cheaper and as long as the seller seems legit and they can tell you the history of the car and back it up with documents then it's not that risky.

Edited by Northernchimp on Friday 7th February 23:02

[MethylatedSpirit]

as someone already said, these cars like to be used. Higher mileage cars are likely to have had a rebuild and other issues sorted.

Chassis work can be expensive, don't know if it's less common than the grif/chim but can set you back £1500+

Take someone who knows the cars well when you go to view, I went to view a chimaera for someone which was listed for a very high price and was low mileage; I pulled what used to be metal from the chassis, the coolant was bone dry, serviced 3 times since the mid 90's, cheap tyres and it was covered in swirl marks! So no, low mileage isn't the be all and end all.

Edited by MethylatedSpirit on Friday 7th February 23:57

[so called]

I'm on my second Tuscan having killed the first one.
The early engines ie. pre 2004 had material issues.
Before 2004, any rebuilds done by the factory had the same bad stuff put back in.
Indy shops like Str8six etc started doing correcting the issues and at the same time the factory did the same post 2004.

[Billiam]

Thanks for the input guys.. everything is much appreciated. I would indeed agree low owners and well documented history is for the best and FSH from a specialist is a must !

I think to realistically get what i want though, im going to have to stretch my budget as there is not many Tuscans around that i like in my current range so maybe a trip to the bank on tues and i can push for a 2003/2004 S for around 25k

This little number from Racing Green looks lovely..

http://www.racinggreentvr.com/car-sales/TVR-Tuscan...

And it matches the rest of my fleet being black !! lol

[Axionknight]

That is lovely but they are wanting top, top dollar for it, but if you are happy paying the premium, which in the case of buying a TVR I think is understandable (if it's justified of course).

Cracking choice of motor! <3

[Don1]

RG will sell you a good car, but you will pay for it. They also make an amazing engine - mine is running over 440bhp from a 4 litre engine.
These cars work best when used, there is a T350 with over 200,000 miles on it. So all good on that score.
Tuscans of that age... Look at the chassis, especially the outriggers. Also, the handling isn't the best without modification.... Sharp and snappy would be a good description.

The best rebuilders out there are in my opinion, in no order, TVR Power, Str8-Six and Racing Green. You will hear bad things about everyone, just go with your gut. Reselling, James Agger has a great reputation.

Does that help?

[Billiam]

Thank you Axion - i did indeed think it was top end on price but i fear prices are climbing fast ! I remember maybe just a couple years ago when you could pick up a damn fine Tuscan for 15k ! Or maybe i was dreaming as i only windowshopped.. but thank you, they do seem cracking cars - and barring an Enzo Ferrari which is a 'tad' out of my price range ! lol its my favourite looking motor.. ever !

And Don.. that kinda straigh 6 milage does fill me with confidence sir, thank you ! I fully intend on using the car as often as i can.. oh and TVR power are the other of the 'big three' i couldnt remember, thank you !! Although dissapointed with their website - only 1 car UTD and for sale, the rest are marked as sold.. so why are they still there one wonders !! Just plain lazy.. which annoys me lol so was deffo helpful thanks

But i fear like you both touch upon, top dollar is what you need to spend really.. maybe i could get that S for around 23k if im lucky but if not a standard Tuscan thats had alot spent will be the option.. that or wait and save !! My problem is, i want it.. now lol even though i couldnt drive it.. i cna look at it and drool, thinking its mine.. all mine !!

[so called]

The Speedsix engine is brilliant once rebuilt with the improvements so general rule look for a car that's had a post 2004 rebuild.

[Billiam]

I did read a late rebuild is better and to reiterate as mention earlier, clutch being done is a good sign..

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Good price for 50k miles on an S but one gets the impression it would need work.. i dont think it would get me home 220 miles away.. idk why jus being a private sale etc but its just doesnt list enough information for my liking..