Chimaera to Tuscan
Discussion
I'm looking to move on from my Chim and want to both stay with TVR and keep the roof-off option. I love the looks of the Tuscan, so, come January, I will be looking to do the swap.
My Chimaera has been pretty reliable, nothing major has broken (forthcoming chassis work aside) and that has allowed me to put some nice upgrades on, so, if the money would now need to be spent on maintenance of a Tuscan instead then it's available. But I still want the Tuscan to be reliable (hopefully as reliable as the Chim) and not leave me stranded (when it would be put up against a wall and shot!).
Simplistically, the choices I have are to go for: -
a) a 2000/2001 model for around mid-teens and keep a good pot of money in reserve
b) a 2003 model for late teens early 20's with a smaller pot
c) a series 2 2005 model for mid-20's or so with no reserve for a couple of months.
I've read the excellent buyers guide and seen a lot of words around the reliability of engines and clutches and to go for a rebuild if possible, but does this apply equally for a 2005 car as it would for a 2000 car? Would a 'cheap' 2000 car with, say, one of those new FFF engine from RG be a better bet than a low mileage series 2 or would that cost not be worth the return?
Also, are there models to avoid or to specifically go for – 3.6, 4.0, S or not?
What are the 'character features' of the Tuscan – like, do they: -
Although it will be a 2nd car, if I use it anything like I use the Chimaera, I'll still be averaging about 12000 miles a year in all weathers in it – and it will be kept outside.
The alternative is a Maserati Spyder – a little bit of a different beastie!!
My Chimaera has been pretty reliable, nothing major has broken (forthcoming chassis work aside) and that has allowed me to put some nice upgrades on, so, if the money would now need to be spent on maintenance of a Tuscan instead then it's available. But I still want the Tuscan to be reliable (hopefully as reliable as the Chim) and not leave me stranded (when it would be put up against a wall and shot!).
Simplistically, the choices I have are to go for: -
a) a 2000/2001 model for around mid-teens and keep a good pot of money in reserve
b) a 2003 model for late teens early 20's with a smaller pot
c) a series 2 2005 model for mid-20's or so with no reserve for a couple of months.
I've read the excellent buyers guide and seen a lot of words around the reliability of engines and clutches and to go for a rebuild if possible, but does this apply equally for a 2005 car as it would for a 2000 car? Would a 'cheap' 2000 car with, say, one of those new FFF engine from RG be a better bet than a low mileage series 2 or would that cost not be worth the return?
Also, are there models to avoid or to specifically go for – 3.6, 4.0, S or not?
What are the 'character features' of the Tuscan – like, do they: -
- leak inside
- smell musty
- have a boomy cabin on long motorway run
- how frequently do rear windows really pop out with the targa off
- have a ride quality that turns kidneys to blancmange
Although it will be a 2nd car, if I use it anything like I use the Chimaera, I'll still be averaging about 12000 miles a year in all weathers in it – and it will be kept outside.
The alternative is a Maserati Spyder – a little bit of a different beastie!!
Ubernoober said:
What are the 'character features' of the Tuscan – like, do they: -
I have a 2001 Tuscan 4.0- leak inside
- smell musty
- have a boomy cabin on long motorway run
- how frequently do rear windows really pop out with the targa off
It does not leak so no musty smell inside. (apart from when i'm in it that is)
The cabin is not boomy on long trips on the motorways
Never had the rear window "blow" out with the roof off and I have hit three figure speeds
Macey
Well here is my views. I know someone who bought a brand new BMW and the car went wrong after only 50 odd miles from the showroom, so anything could happen. I would put some money at your back pocket just in case. There is a myth that 3.6 is more reliable than 4.0 engine. I am sure everyone here would agree that it is all depended how the engine is being looked after and maintained. In terms of car choices, I strongly think it is all depended on your driving style for choosing model and engine. In my opinion, I think the standard one is fast and powerful enough for day to day driving. I am not exactly Michael Schumacher, so not sure if I can gain much by having an S model even on a track. I ride motorbike myself and all bikers would tell you that the capability of the rider is better than any modifications of the machine itself. In fact the S tunning suggests more stress to the engine really. I have test driven both MK 1 and 2 cars. The MK2’s are smoother and easier to drive than the MK1’s. My view is TVR is a driver’s car, if you want an easy car to drive then look elsewhere. I actually prefer the grunt and the raw characteristic of the MK1 cars and I do prefer the look of the older models too.
I personally won’t leave any TVR’s outside if avoidable, they are a lovely piece of engineering and design and should be looked after and give them respect. They are hand-made cars after all, so not every car is the same. One does something and other may not. I am sure you have heard all these electrical issue and frankly they are not exactly Japanese cars, so...
In terms of boomy cabin, well it depends how do you define boomy. They are not quiet for sure and I thought that is what people go for, me at the very least. I personally won’t take the chance of having the roof off and leave the rear screen in. If they do go, you may not be able to retrieve it and you may even scratch the boot lid too, expensive risk to take!!
You cannot worry too much to own a TVR, it will take away the joy of the ownership. Go and enjoy yourself, take it as it comes and deal the issues as part of the fun (not easy sometimes). As Jeremy Clarkson said “it is a marmite car, you either love it or hate it!”.
I personally won’t leave any TVR’s outside if avoidable, they are a lovely piece of engineering and design and should be looked after and give them respect. They are hand-made cars after all, so not every car is the same. One does something and other may not. I am sure you have heard all these electrical issue and frankly they are not exactly Japanese cars, so...
In terms of boomy cabin, well it depends how do you define boomy. They are not quiet for sure and I thought that is what people go for, me at the very least. I personally won’t take the chance of having the roof off and leave the rear screen in. If they do go, you may not be able to retrieve it and you may even scratch the boot lid too, expensive risk to take!!
You cannot worry too much to own a TVR, it will take away the joy of the ownership. Go and enjoy yourself, take it as it comes and deal the issues as part of the fun (not easy sometimes). As Jeremy Clarkson said “it is a marmite car, you either love it or hate it!”.
Try this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/408379.htm
It's been up for sale for 6 months.. Offer £27,500 and see what he says.
It's been up for sale for 6 months.. Offer £27,500 and see what he says.
I have a 2001 4.0l. Bought it in January this year for £16k and 17,000 miles on the clock. For the first 9 months it never let me down, only me leaving the lights on and draining the battery caused a problem.
I bought this particular car because it had a rebuild and a clutch slave cylinder replacement completed so was hedging my bets on a big outlay for repairs. My clutch let go the other week, not sure if it's the slave again or the clutch itself this time, will find out after Christmas when it goes in for the work.
I also spent just over £1000 on a service in July, it was a 12k service with a replacement throttle cable, repaired LCD dash, tappets adjusted and new tyre along with the garage's fuel for picking the car up, (I live in Carnoustie, garage is in Blackpool).
As for living with the car, I don't find it noisy at all all thing's considered, even with the top off hence why i'm going for a de-cat and CCC's. Find the car very comfy to drive even on long journeys, (the drive home from it's service for instance), and get out feeling as fresh as when i got in.
Mine does leak slightly but only when I haven't put the rear screen in properly and I wash it, again all my fault so no funny smells.
Mines is a second car as well but I have a habit of walking past the daily drive and taking it instead. They run better when used often anyway.
All in all, it's cost me a bit to run so far and i've got another bill on the horizon but it's not too bad. You have a Tiv already so know what they can be like.
There will be people that come on here and say buy as new a one as you can afford but there are plenty of earlier ones out there that are as good, if not better due to upgrades, work already carried out.
My advice, look at lot's and pick the one that ticks the most boxes.
I bought this particular car because it had a rebuild and a clutch slave cylinder replacement completed so was hedging my bets on a big outlay for repairs. My clutch let go the other week, not sure if it's the slave again or the clutch itself this time, will find out after Christmas when it goes in for the work.
I also spent just over £1000 on a service in July, it was a 12k service with a replacement throttle cable, repaired LCD dash, tappets adjusted and new tyre along with the garage's fuel for picking the car up, (I live in Carnoustie, garage is in Blackpool).
As for living with the car, I don't find it noisy at all all thing's considered, even with the top off hence why i'm going for a de-cat and CCC's. Find the car very comfy to drive even on long journeys, (the drive home from it's service for instance), and get out feeling as fresh as when i got in.
Mine does leak slightly but only when I haven't put the rear screen in properly and I wash it, again all my fault so no funny smells.
Mines is a second car as well but I have a habit of walking past the daily drive and taking it instead. They run better when used often anyway.
All in all, it's cost me a bit to run so far and i've got another bill on the horizon but it's not too bad. You have a Tiv already so know what they can be like.
There will be people that come on here and say buy as new a one as you can afford but there are plenty of earlier ones out there that are as good, if not better due to upgrades, work already carried out.
My advice, look at lot's and pick the one that ticks the most boxes.
Just to put another spin on it.
Make sure you do a good thorough test drive, and that you like the way the car drives.
I'm as bigger TVR fan as the next man, and my Tuscan was probably a duffun, but it was thoroughly awful.
Parked up it looked a million dollars, but it drove like a million lire. It was by far & away the worst car I have ever owned (including my G reg Viva), and when I eventually returned it to the dealer on a low loader I was glad to see the back of the darn thing.
As I say, mine was probably a duffer.......tread carefully!
Make sure you do a good thorough test drive, and that you like the way the car drives.
I'm as bigger TVR fan as the next man, and my Tuscan was probably a duffun, but it was thoroughly awful.
Parked up it looked a million dollars, but it drove like a million lire. It was by far & away the worst car I have ever owned (including my G reg Viva), and when I eventually returned it to the dealer on a low loader I was glad to see the back of the darn thing.
As I say, mine was probably a duffer.......tread carefully!
As smokey barrels says give it a thorough test drive and make up your mind, I did likewise and had a few issues with it, As mine's was from a dealer I had a bit of comfort there and a surety that all issues would be resolved.
It is also the only car I have ever kept more than 2 years, what I will ever replace it with I cannot make up my mind. It is without doubt the best looking car to hit the roads in the last 10 years, no matter where you go it will be commented upon, when was the last time a stranger stopped and spoke with you about what you currently drive?
Best regards,
James Sim.
It is also the only car I have ever kept more than 2 years, what I will ever replace it with I cannot make up my mind. It is without doubt the best looking car to hit the roads in the last 10 years, no matter where you go it will be commented upon, when was the last time a stranger stopped and spoke with you about what you currently drive?
Best regards,
James Sim.
I see that your just down the road from me.........I live in Gosport and purchased my first Tuscan (as a second car/toy) earlier this year. It's a late 2002 and I'm chuffed to bits with it. I came from a 2001 BMW M5, so my experiences of unreliabilty and noise were non existant, and I was fully aware of the Tuscans reputation. Having taken three tuscans for test drives, I can assure you that there can be big differences between how they handle, rattle, and go. I drove a 2000 (Felt like a tired car), a 2003 (Un-Cared For) and obviously my own 2002 (One owner from new)and I believe it was the best of the three. I actually looked at five cars, but the other two weren't even worth taking for a test drive. It doesn't rattle, doesn't leak, the engine has 20,000 miles with no rebuild and has just come back from a service and tappet check, and the report is all good, the car was never intentionally take out in the rain, and this shows when you see the condition of the chassis, it's mint.
They can vary alot, but as your used to TVR ownership, then I'm sure you already have a good idea what to look for. If you fancy a trip to Gosport, then your welcome to a ride, and can have a good look around mine.
Expenses over the last six months : £400 as I decided to replace both rear drive shaft assemblies, as I believed there was too much play in the CV Joints. Most people wouldn't have bothered, but I'm a damned perfectionist. So my girlfriend tells me.
NO..........IT'S NOT FOR SALE. I'm loving it.
They can vary alot, but as your used to TVR ownership, then I'm sure you already have a good idea what to look for. If you fancy a trip to Gosport, then your welcome to a ride, and can have a good look around mine.
Expenses over the last six months : £400 as I decided to replace both rear drive shaft assemblies, as I believed there was too much play in the CV Joints. Most people wouldn't have bothered, but I'm a damned perfectionist. So my girlfriend tells me.
NO..........IT'S NOT FOR SALE. I'm loving it.
Edited by Jim Green on Saturday 15th November 03:47
Edited by Jim Green on Saturday 15th November 03:51
Edited by Jim Green on Saturday 15th November 03:54
Edited by Jim Green on Saturday 15th November 03:57
Buy the latest (preferably Mk2 ) Tuscan you can buy so a 2005 - 2006.
Your pricing seems about right but because of the current climate deals can be done. The difference in handling and build quality between the Mk1 and the Mk 2 is massive (I have had and indeed love both)
Not cheap to run but worth every penny...
Your pricing seems about right but because of the current climate deals can be done. The difference in handling and build quality between the Mk1 and the Mk 2 is massive (I have had and indeed love both)
Not cheap to run but worth every penny...
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