Tuscan w or x reg To buy or not to buy
Discussion
I'm seriously thinking of purchasing a TVR Tuscan. I have a budget of approx £20k but have read some very nasty stuff regarding them blowing up and £8k repair bills. Can anyone help with my dilemma. I dont want to buy my dream car, only to regret it.
>> Edited by diggerjohno on Thursday 2nd February 17:55
>> Edited by diggerjohno on Thursday 2nd February 17:55
There is a Speed Six Engine Forum here:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=152&h=0
and also a Tuscan forum here:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=5&h=0
I suspect a MOD will move this to the latter anyway shorty.
A search through the archives of either will result in a loads of information (but probably unfortunately no definitive answer).
They are lovely cars but do your research here and go in with eyes open. There is also a new approved warranty scheme now so you can buy with more confidence.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=152&h=0
and also a Tuscan forum here:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?f=5&h=0
I suspect a MOD will move this to the latter anyway shorty.
A search through the archives of either will result in a loads of information (but probably unfortunately no definitive answer).
They are lovely cars but do your research here and go in with eyes open. There is also a new approved warranty scheme now so you can buy with more confidence.
Hi and welcome.
There are many opinions on the speed six engine. Here is mine.
As an owner of a 2000 (W) Tuscan 4.0l i can confirm that it is the most ball bustingly amazing car to drive. Seat of the pants, indecent acceleration combined with head turning looks. I love mine and have never regreted buying her. However there are some issues and this is my theroy on life.
1. They are cheap at the momment, so spend some time and get a bargain with loads of history.
2. Buy one that has had a rebuild some time after 2002. The rebuild should be by TVR Power.
3. Dont waste money on a warranty BUT put £4000 aside for the possibility that it might need another rebuild. The cost of a warranty will soon add up to this value but with the risk that it might not pay out at all.
4. Use indepndant mechanics for servicing (such as TopCats) and get the valve clearances adjusted regularly. Budget about £1500 per year for servicing and tyres. (mileage dependant of course).
5. Have the suspension replaced with an adjustable system (nitrons etc. cost about £1200 and transforms the handling)
6. Drive her really hard and ENJOY. As Swiss Tony would say, 'its like making love to a beautiful woman..........'
7. Go into TVR ownership with you eyes open. This is a big boys toy that will, on occasion, have a big boys bill to go with it. HOWEVER, with proper research and a bit of luck you can reduce the risk hugely.
There are many opinions on the speed six engine. Here is mine.
As an owner of a 2000 (W) Tuscan 4.0l i can confirm that it is the most ball bustingly amazing car to drive. Seat of the pants, indecent acceleration combined with head turning looks. I love mine and have never regreted buying her. However there are some issues and this is my theroy on life.
1. They are cheap at the momment, so spend some time and get a bargain with loads of history.
2. Buy one that has had a rebuild some time after 2002. The rebuild should be by TVR Power.
3. Dont waste money on a warranty BUT put £4000 aside for the possibility that it might need another rebuild. The cost of a warranty will soon add up to this value but with the risk that it might not pay out at all.
4. Use indepndant mechanics for servicing (such as TopCats) and get the valve clearances adjusted regularly. Budget about £1500 per year for servicing and tyres. (mileage dependant of course).
5. Have the suspension replaced with an adjustable system (nitrons etc. cost about £1200 and transforms the handling)
6. Drive her really hard and ENJOY. As Swiss Tony would say, 'its like making love to a beautiful woman..........'
7. Go into TVR ownership with you eyes open. This is a big boys toy that will, on occasion, have a big boys bill to go with it. HOWEVER, with proper research and a bit of luck you can reduce the risk hugely.
Thanks Guys. There is so much information on this site. Hats off to the people who make it happen. I am def. going to purchase a Tuscan and will post a picture asap. Going to take my time and be careful. It seems to go against everything i have ever been told re: going for a rebuild, but the evidence is plain to see. Any last tips you can offer? What sort of extras were available?
Above posts cover the essence very well. I would add the following:
1.Rebuilt one preferable, but NOT essential. Yes they DO blow up. DO get an AA top-of-the-range cover, WITH the breakdown repair warranty (£500 towards anything they can't repir by the roadside- very useful just in case)
2.Get one in a colour combo you like: They really really are very individual cars and the ones with daft or garish colour combos may be cheaper but will get on your nerves afetr a while.
3. ESSENTIAL:
Have about £3-4K per year set aside to keep it o n the road.
Do NOT have it as your only car.
A Full service history.
No accidents.
A garage, OR off-road parking with a car cover (the RAC car cover at Argos for £20 is great!).
Haggle with the seller; get at least £1000 off the asking price. For a fee of £500 I can do the haggling for you.
Adopt the 'scary hero nutter' personality type.
PREFERABLE:
A warranty.
Not used for track days.
Carbon or blue flame exhaust cans. Yum!
Join a local TVR car club meet, and go on a tunnel run.
UNNECESSARY:
A TVR Dealer Service history: the independent specialists are often cheaper and just as good. A decent stereo- either none at all OR a total mindblower will do- no middle ground with a Tuscan.
1.Rebuilt one preferable, but NOT essential. Yes they DO blow up. DO get an AA top-of-the-range cover, WITH the breakdown repair warranty (£500 towards anything they can't repir by the roadside- very useful just in case)
2.Get one in a colour combo you like: They really really are very individual cars and the ones with daft or garish colour combos may be cheaper but will get on your nerves afetr a while.
3. ESSENTIAL:
Have about £3-4K per year set aside to keep it o n the road.
Do NOT have it as your only car.
A Full service history.
No accidents.
A garage, OR off-road parking with a car cover (the RAC car cover at Argos for £20 is great!).
Haggle with the seller; get at least £1000 off the asking price. For a fee of £500 I can do the haggling for you.
Adopt the 'scary hero nutter' personality type.
PREFERABLE:
A warranty.
Not used for track days.
Carbon or blue flame exhaust cans. Yum!
Join a local TVR car club meet, and go on a tunnel run.
UNNECESSARY:
A TVR Dealer Service history: the independent specialists are often cheaper and just as good. A decent stereo- either none at all OR a total mindblower will do- no middle ground with a Tuscan.
POORCARDEALER said:
Haggle with the seller; get at least £1000 off the asking price. For a fee of £500 I can do the haggling for you.
Adopt the 'scary hero nutter' personality type.
£500 fee...wot a bargain
I'm glad you agree
I could, for a slightly higher fee, have the thing stolen. Let's say £20,000?
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