Cost of ownership consideration....

[jimmyVX]

Having had a break from TVR ownership, (foolishly tried something else) I am keen to return to the fold. I have always loved the lines and shape of a Griffith and this was what I intended to hunt for. However this weekend, I hadd been to look at a few dealers in Yorkshire while in conversation with both of them, they both commented on how good value the Tuscans were becoming compared with the Griffiths. I had never considered one until now but they are beginning to appeal more and more. My question was one based around running costs. Would a Tuscan be similar to that of a Griffith? I have read the usual nightmare stories regarding Speed Six but I speaking with these traders both assured me that if I bought a later car or one rebuilt previously then, shouldnt be a real issue. Any advise would be much appreciated, thank you in advance.

[tamore]

pretty much spot on. all about the rebuild for me (or cast iron warranty)

[Steve Devaney]

I agree that the Tuscan seems to be real value at the Mo' - £20k cheaper than a Sag (not that amount new) and cheaper than low mileage Griffs

Do look for one with the BEST service history as any engine niggles / adjustments / rebuilds will have been carried out.

[ray_von]

Don't look that cheap to me. This must be a good un
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1151931.htm

[V8 GRF]

If you're going on looks alone and you prefer the Tuscan to the Griffith then the cost of ownership is the only consideration. But if you're also considering the whole experience then an RV8 engined car has totally different characteristics to a Speed 6.

The RV8 has loads of low down torque almost from idle right up to the upper region of the revs and can be described as a lazier drive if you wish. A Speed 6 on the other hand is a more 'revvy' engine and needs those revs to make it's very rapid progress and hasn't the low rev, high torque characteristic of the V8..

Two different animals really so I'd suggest you sample both before you make your decision.

[Steve Devaney]

ray_von said:

Don't look that cheap to me. This must be a good un
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1151931.htm

That one started at £25k - must have had too many enquiries and raised the price!;)

[scotty_d]

I think the cost of up keep after buying a SP6 will be higher than a RV8 car as parts for the RV8 are widely available compared to SP6 parts where it is more specialist and so is the knowledge to keep them in top health i too have been thinking about making the leap to a T car but still on the fence as i like the idea that i can do all my own work on my Chim but no little of the workings of the SP6 and if a engine rebuild were needed for the SP6 it would cripple me,If i needed one for my chim i could do it myself and source parts locally and cut cost right down.

[Dave L]

Steve Devaney said:

ray_von said:

Don't look that cheap to me. This must be a good un
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1151931.htm

That one started at £25k - must have had too many enquiries and raised the price!;)

In all seriousness if its a "typo" for £19995 then surely decent value? It was £21995 very recently as well, and I never considered it as out of my price range but Alan is ex Brandon TVR (I am pretty sure) so knows his TVRs.

[Slacey]

Hi James, hows things? As always you are welcome at the meets if you want to poke around and pick brains. I agree though, the S6's are looking good for the money now, but it'll definitely cost more to run than the RV8's. Anyway, you know your way around them now

[Zippee]

The S6 will cost you roughly double that of an RV8 per year on average. Clutches are a lot more money and last no-where near as long as a Chim/Griff one, valve clearances need checking every 12k (or in my paranoid case every service), throttle bodies tend to go out of balance fairly quickly and theres other bits as well - especially as many parts are not Ford, Vauxhall or Rover.

That said they are totally different animals. Having owned my T350 for just over a year now theres no way I'd ever go back to an RV8 powered car. I do miss the low down torque but the way the S6 screams is far more satisfying. Try both but also remember you'll be looking at bottom of market Tuscans versus top of the market Griffs. A Griff will also hold its money better.

[beano500]

V8 GRF said:

If you're going on looks alone and you prefer the Tuscan to the Griffith then the cost of ownership is the only consideration. But if you're also considering the whole experience then an RV8 engined car has totally different characteristics to a Speed 6.

The RV8 has loads of low down torque ... A Speed 6 on the other hand is a more 'revvy' engine and needs those revs to make it's very rapid progress and hasn't the low rev, high torque characteristic of the V8..

I've owned both (Griff for 3 years, Tuscan for 6) and I would have to add that in the Speed 6 you will miss the V8 sound - but the torque is balanced by keeping your foot down past 6 and 7,000 revs - they just keep going! It's an addictive experience to try and light the gearchange lights when you can!

But also the Tuscan is a pussycat to drive - not that a Griff is ever a problem unless you're trying to park a non-PAS version - and will pootle and purr along very happily and easily at lower speeds. Never got out of the Tuscan limping because of "Clutch-leg" like I used to when commuting in the Griff The 10 years of development shows in the final product.


(Still love the Griff, mind)

[jimmyVX]

Thanks for everyones responces, was as I suspected really. As someone else mentioned, the cost of a S6 rebuild would be crippling financially for me while I would be happy to attempt a RV8 rebuild.

I think then really a nice Griff is going to be my way to go, as I initally thought. Just have to have a look out for a few really as seem to be very few that catch my eye around right now.

Sean - Good to hear from you, will pop down to a meet again at some point if I can get away for an evening. Was thinking about popping down to the breakfast club this weekend, so if you are about may catch you there. James

[kcc]

ray_von said:

Don't look that cheap to me. This must be a good un
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1151931.htm

Thought the Tuscan 2 S was 4.0 ltr.