Thinking about buying a Tuscan!
Discussion
Hi, i'm new to this forum, i currently own a series 1 Elise, but am looking to change in the next few months, i've been looking at series 2 Elises, but have always liked Tuscans. However i don't really know anyone that owns one, and have heard they are very expensive to run. I was just wondering if people could give me some details of their own thoughts and experiences of TVR ownership!
and cool board 
Hi James
We can all only speak from our own experiences (although there are many on here who are happy to do otherwise) and these are mine.
I purchased a new Tuscan in January 2003. It is by far the most awesome beast that I have ever owned and I love it so much that I am probably going to replace it next March with another one.
The build quality was far better than I expected and miles better than new Jags and a new Range Rover that I have had previously. During the past two years I have experienced only a very few minor faults, all of which have been rectified immediately by my dealer. The engine is sweet and the performance is astonishing. The car is totally individual with superb styling and a presence like no other. Park it next to almost anything and I guarantee most of the attention will be given to the Tuscan.
Aside from the issues of insurance which you will already be familiar with from your Elise, running costs are as you would expect from a high performance sports car (major service C£1000). Fuel economy depends on how you drive it but I chastise myself if I get more than 19.
I would be happy to answer any ownership related queries if you want to email me. There are also people on here like James Agger who specialises in sourcing TVR's if you don't want a new one and Joospeed who is the technical guru. There is also a Tuscan Owners Group on Yahoo.
Paul
We can all only speak from our own experiences (although there are many on here who are happy to do otherwise) and these are mine.
I purchased a new Tuscan in January 2003. It is by far the most awesome beast that I have ever owned and I love it so much that I am probably going to replace it next March with another one.
The build quality was far better than I expected and miles better than new Jags and a new Range Rover that I have had previously. During the past two years I have experienced only a very few minor faults, all of which have been rectified immediately by my dealer. The engine is sweet and the performance is astonishing. The car is totally individual with superb styling and a presence like no other. Park it next to almost anything and I guarantee most of the attention will be given to the Tuscan.
Aside from the issues of insurance which you will already be familiar with from your Elise, running costs are as you would expect from a high performance sports car (major service C£1000). Fuel economy depends on how you drive it but I chastise myself if I get more than 19.
I would be happy to answer any ownership related queries if you want to email me. There are also people on here like James Agger who specialises in sourcing TVR's if you don't want a new one and Joospeed who is the technical guru. There is also a Tuscan Owners Group on Yahoo.
Paul
Had an S1 Elise, now have a Tuscan. Would never buy another Elise, but WOULD buy another Tuscan. The Elise was a great car - reliable, cheap to run, nimble, etc. but it really is a "toy". You couldn't go away for more than a couple of days in it, it was unpleasant to do long high-speed runs in, it lacked "poke" about 60-70, etc.
The Tuscan, on the other hand, can take two of you across the continent in comfort for a goot fortnight or so, is much nicer to sit in, has all the performance you'll ever need, great handling (if you get Nitrons fitted/get one that's been set up right), and is generally a more "grown up" car.
It will cost more to run the Tuscan though. Fuel bills, insurance, tyre bills, servicing costs, etc... they'll all add up to a significant amount more. The only thing I'd be careful about is making sure you buy one that's had any necessary engine work carried out, so you don't get stung for that bill. If you can't afford the running costs, don't stretch yourself, as it's a great way of growing to hate owning a car. But if you can afford it, it's a great car to own.
Summary: I'm glad to have owned both, and wouldn't have it any other way. I bought the Elise when I could afford to run that, and I've bought the Tuscan when I could afford to do the same with that.
The Tuscan, on the other hand, can take two of you across the continent in comfort for a goot fortnight or so, is much nicer to sit in, has all the performance you'll ever need, great handling (if you get Nitrons fitted/get one that's been set up right), and is generally a more "grown up" car.
It will cost more to run the Tuscan though. Fuel bills, insurance, tyre bills, servicing costs, etc... they'll all add up to a significant amount more. The only thing I'd be careful about is making sure you buy one that's had any necessary engine work carried out, so you don't get stung for that bill. If you can't afford the running costs, don't stretch yourself, as it's a great way of growing to hate owning a car. But if you can afford it, it's a great car to own.
Summary: I'm glad to have owned both, and wouldn't have it any other way. I bought the Elise when I could afford to run that, and I've bought the Tuscan when I could afford to do the same with that.
If you've had an Elise, then maybe it is time for something completely different?
For what it is worth, when I tried a S2 Elise it seemed slow and thrashy compared to my recently departed Turbo Esprit, which itself feels slow and thrashy compared to any modern TVR.
Have you considered a RV8 TVR? Much more containable running costs compared to a Tuscan, more reliable, less depreciation, nicer noise, proper convertible.....
For what it is worth, when I tried a S2 Elise it seemed slow and thrashy compared to my recently departed Turbo Esprit, which itself feels slow and thrashy compared to any modern TVR.
Have you considered a RV8 TVR? Much more containable running costs compared to a Tuscan, more reliable, less depreciation, nicer noise, proper convertible.....
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