Refurb versus Buying New
Discussion
It looks likely that it's going to be some time before a new factory built Tuscan will see the light of day and given the heavy depreciation new and nearly new cars seem to have suffered (and please don't let's turn this into a "depreciation" thread). Currently early cars seem to be available at great prices so I'm looking at buying an early car and investing heavily to bring up to a standard at least as good as a new one for far less money. Actually I'm not too fussed about the Mk2 styling but it would be interest to get a perspective from potential "new car" buyers.
We all acknowledge that TVR makes a lot of compromises in its design and manufacture of cars. This is completely understandable but I reckon that current values mean that this exercise would enable me to apply better engineering to key areas without making the overall cost prohibitive. I'm budgeting £15k for the car and £20k for the upgrades.
Apart from obvious cosmetic stuff, the main area of focus will be engine, chassis, suspension, brakes and steering. I'll be looking at existing solutions as well as pursuing my own solutions - advice on the preceived "best" formula would be appreciated.
Is this realistic?
How do you think a "reconditioned" car would be valued in the market place (although, given the amount of work I doubt I'd ever sell it
)? I guess the answer will depend on how good a job is done 
We all acknowledge that TVR makes a lot of compromises in its design and manufacture of cars. This is completely understandable but I reckon that current values mean that this exercise would enable me to apply better engineering to key areas without making the overall cost prohibitive. I'm budgeting £15k for the car and £20k for the upgrades.
Apart from obvious cosmetic stuff, the main area of focus will be engine, chassis, suspension, brakes and steering. I'll be looking at existing solutions as well as pursuing my own solutions - advice on the preceived "best" formula would be appreciated.
Is this realistic?
How do you think a "reconditioned" car would be valued in the market place (although, given the amount of work I doubt I'd ever sell it
)? I guess the answer will depend on how good a job is done I nearly didn't get a MkII versus updating my Mk1.
I would say, if you get one with good trim (roof fit in particular seems to vary on the earliest cars I've seen), put some money aside for the engine (I would budget for a cam/follower replacement, including a strip clean any swarf out, upgrade to latest S spec. if it's not a red rose), replace the suspension immediately with Nitrons/Ohlins etc., replace the engine mounts, and you're probably there already. Oh, the NXT speakers are very nice in the MkII.
www.tvrpower.co.uk/sp6.RR.php
Cheers,
Andy.
I would say, if you get one with good trim (roof fit in particular seems to vary on the earliest cars I've seen), put some money aside for the engine (I would budget for a cam/follower replacement, including a strip clean any swarf out, upgrade to latest S spec. if it's not a red rose), replace the suspension immediately with Nitrons/Ohlins etc., replace the engine mounts, and you're probably there already. Oh, the NXT speakers are very nice in the MkII.
www.tvrpower.co.uk/sp6.RR.php
Cheers,
Andy.
Edited by andyvdg on Sunday 25th February 09:22
An up-graded MK1 will just be easier to sell on later, but the value will not really go up that much. I spent quiet a lot on my MK1 to try and keep it up-dated, but in the end did not get any more for it, although had the pleasure of driving a very well sorted car.
Unless you really prefer the MK1 style for £35K you could get a standard 2006 model with low mileage & the possibility of a warranty? and that would benefit from having all the six years of Tuscan build/development which would include engine,chassis,steering & suspension.
Best thing is if possible go to a dealer & drive both.
Unless you really prefer the MK1 style for £35K you could get a standard 2006 model with low mileage & the possibility of a warranty? and that would benefit from having all the six years of Tuscan build/development which would include engine,chassis,steering & suspension.
Best thing is if possible go to a dealer & drive both.
Hmmm.
Has anyone actually looked at the list of work on there?
We all know that to make more power, you simply need to get more fuel and air in and more exhaust gas out. Simple on a turbo car, just wind up the boost and fit a bigger exhaust (up to limits of fuelling capacity etc etc).
On a n/a car, its a bit more tricky. To get more fuel and air in, you essentially need bigger cams and then simply the capacity to rev it harder and adjust compression, fuel and ignition timing. The list of mods on there looks damn expensive for essentially making the same engine rev higher with some bigger injectors and remapped ecu...? For 4grand, using the same pistons, conrods, crank, head etc with just some balancing and porting, i'd be feeling robbed.
Just my 2c...
Has anyone actually looked at the list of work on there?
We all know that to make more power, you simply need to get more fuel and air in and more exhaust gas out. Simple on a turbo car, just wind up the boost and fit a bigger exhaust (up to limits of fuelling capacity etc etc).
On a n/a car, its a bit more tricky. To get more fuel and air in, you essentially need bigger cams and then simply the capacity to rev it harder and adjust compression, fuel and ignition timing. The list of mods on there looks damn expensive for essentially making the same engine rev higher with some bigger injectors and remapped ecu...? For 4grand, using the same pistons, conrods, crank, head etc with just some balancing and porting, i'd be feeling robbed.
Just my 2c...
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