Anyone bought a cheaper Tuscan - what problems??

[da_murphster]

Another "should I bu a TVR Qu"!!

The more homework I do ont his the more I want a Tuscan - am aware of the potential pitfalls etc.

There are several Tuscans with under 30k, recent rebuild (within 2 years) and Nitrons, prob 2000/2001 - going for under £16k - this is exactly what I would be considering when I come to buy.

My qu - has anyone on here bought a similar Tuscan?
Any suprise costs?
Satisfied?

Help appreciated! Still keep but wary of falling into the money pit with a TVR!

Help appreciated!

[syko]

The general rules apply:

If you can't afford an expensive one, you certainly can't afford a cheap one. Really.

You must have a slush fund of around 3-4K a year to keep it in top nick. And the money WILL get spent, believe me.

That said, a couple of things to look out for, which if present, will be a bonus:
- rebuilt within the pat 18 months
- new clutch within the last 10,000 miles.
- absolutely faultless servoce history.

Above this, choose a colour and spec combo which you really like and want. No point getting a technically good car if it's not the colour you absolutely adore. It is a thing of passion, and if you really love the look and the drive of the thing, you will have no problem throwing money at it.

Welcome to the better half of the universe.

Edited by syko on Tuesday 19th June 13:01

[Ticker]

Hi,

I bought a 2000 Tuscan just over 12 months ago, with 25k on the clock, although from James Agger. Never looked back, only spends are servicing, suspension upgrade and pretty bits, NO issue whatsover with anything on the beastie. Warm it up properly and enjoy

I wish I had bought one years ago, the thing is awesome!!

Go on, you know u want to!!

Dave

[TOV!E]

I dont know where this 3-4k a year comes from, i have had 4 tuscans over the last 5 years, i do about 18,000 a year it them and the most i have ever spend in a year is £1500 this was a 12,000 service (main dealer) with new front tyres and pads,Plus i average 5 track days a year, just warm them up and you should have no problems, just use the bloody thing and DONT leave it in a garage to rot............................

[flyingjase]

TOV!E said:

I dont know where this 3-4k a year comes from, i have had 4 tuscans over the last 5 years, i do about 18,000 a year it them and the most i have ever spend in a year is £1500 this was a 12,000 service (main dealer) with new front tyres and pads,Plus i average 5 track days a year, just warm them up and you should have no problems, just use the bloody thing and DONT leave it in a garage to rot............................

Don't you have to rough them up for that price though???!!!!!

Seriously, I agree. I've spent slightly more than you but not £3-4k per year.

In the words of Nike, Just Do It!!

[syko]

TOV!E said:

I dont know where this 3-4k a year comes from, i have had 4 tuscans over the last 5 years, i do about 18,000 a year it them and the most i have ever spend in a year is £1500 this was a 12,000 service (main dealer) with new front tyres and pads,Plus i average 5 track days a year, just warm them up and you should have no problems, just use the bloody thing and DONT leave it in a garage to rot............................

I suppose I was being over-cautious for the newbie.

The main message is- GET ONE. But be careful, and prepared for costs.

You will absolutely love the car.

[da_murphster]

Hmmmm.....really getting mixed messages.

I can cope with £2k a year or so (used to spend that on my old car in bits and bobs)

Could even possible cope with a one off £4k - would obviously rather not though

But £4k annually is a bit scary!

Is it just a matter of sheer luck? Would consider either buying privately (not usually a fan) or using one of these "source me a car" services - "findasportscar.co.uk" was recommended but now doesnt seem to work.

I am struggling to see the advantage of spending £20k for a Tuscan over a £15k one - accepting that it will take some time to find one with FSH, rebuild, nitrons etc.

Am I being naive? Looking for a car I can actually use, track and assume it will get to the end of whatever journey I start!

Are these not cars that you can drive across Europe in etc for danger of being stranded?

(Also i apologise for my appalling written initial post!

[JamesSim]

Hi Ben,
I've spent on average just over 1k per year on mine and that's over nearly 5 years now, most of my highest costs were in the first year, and now I need a new clutch which isn't that bad, I know that it's only done 22k but 16k of them were at real town driving of anything between 10-30mph so not bad in reality.
Saying that I would still like to have a few bob in reserve in the first year of ownership, best car that I have ever had the pleasure off, and I mean pleasure.

Best regards,

James Sim.

[H10TVR]

Hi Ben,

Thought you might be interested; my costs for the last year (12 months):

6 month oil service (TVR Dealer) £293.75

Full 6000k service (Tvr Dealer) £648.00 (no adjustments required)

Engine mount seal replacement (TVR Dealer)£201.01

Independent Warrant £1200 9alternative as others suggest keep a slush fund for any major problems)

Insurance Tusacan 4.0 (2002) aprox 5000miles a year £548.00

(needs crankshaft iol seal cost aprox £300 (TVR Dealer)and I might change the windscreen washers as there's a little ruston them Leven about £60,and refurb wheels about £120.00)

Oil aprox £70 (may be a bit less)

other sundries coolant etc (over and above service) £50

no rebuild yet (just under 18k miles) no new clutch or sign of needing either.

Warmed up to 70 c before giving it any revs..........

so cost this year (excluding tax, petrol and insurance) £2342.76

obviousley I have not need tyres or any major fixes this year.

Hope thats useful

[Russtheracer]

Here's some numbers for you, bought the Car in Sept 06 - Mk1 2000(red rose)11k FTVRSH Cascade Blue

Purchase £17,250

Running costs to date:

Service May 07 £1890, Engine rebuild £4700

Two new tyres S03 Bridgestone £340

Misc

Oil £55, Wipers blades £20, Battery £71,
Wheel refurbs £240, Car Cover £55, Other £100

Insurance £643, Tax £175

Grand Total £8189 + Car £17250 - £25439

I'm i "Mad" Oh No, when start her that noise sends shivers down my spine, when i drive her i can't stop smilling.

Best advice i can give you is if all of the above has been done, and you can buy a beast under £18k you've got a bargain

Good luck with your search

[Jay Ayegees]

Interesting point to ponder -

does a recent engine rebuild increase the value?

If as I suspect the answer is No then shouldn't all potential purchasers only buy Tuscans with recent engine rebuilds.

Jay

[so called]

I picked up a 2000 Tuscan 4lt for 12,995 (70,000 miles) last October.
I was looking at 2000/1 for around 19k but went for the cheeper one.
Required work was;
Engine rebuild 5,700
Various electrics 2,700
Service bonnet respray 300
two tyres 300
Total for repairs;- 9,000

Total with car price;- 22,000
She is running like a dream looks and sounds fantastic. Totally happy with her.

I considered that if I had shelled out 19k or so for a newer one then I might still have to shell out on engine etc.

So I went the low purchase price route, did my repairs and so hope for the next year to be relatively low cost tlc and service. (maybe new shocks)

Good luck

By the way she had had a lot of maintenance work done the previous year, new clutch etc so I think that most main work is now done.

And for anyone interested, one engine rebuild at approx 35,000 miles so now 2 at 70,000.