LookIng at my first TVR!
Discussion
Morning all!
First an introduction. My name is Calum, I'm 23, live in Edinburgh, and currently the owner of a Pistonheads Carpool'd 2004 5.7V8 LHD Corvette C5. Prior to this my driving experience was conducted entirely in MR2 mk2s, or SW20s, since 17. So I'm a RWD sports car kinda guy!
I've had the Corvette for just over a year now. It's been a spectacular car, fit for everything. It's done 2000 miles through Europe, it's been to Applecross, it's done 800 miles in one day. Likewise I've used it for running to the shops. Really a cracking, underrated car. But now my appetite for fast cars has reared its head again and I'm thinking it might be time to make a huge mistake and swap! I'm really keen on the Mk1 TVR Tuscan and have been doing some research. I've met a bunch of TVR Scotland guys just yesterday who were helpful and friendly. I've also seen a local car and talked with the owner. As yet I haven't had the fortune of a trip out in one nor a drive in one, so although I'm pretty sure it's the next car for me... I don't know for sure yet!
If anyone here has any advice for what to look for when buying, where to buy from / where not to, what spec items are important, what to notice on a test drive, and anything else useful I'd really appreciate it. Just any general advice!
Would help if anyone could point out any adverts that look like promising cars.
Also feel free to post pictures of your Tuscans. Love a bit of inspiration!
First an introduction. My name is Calum, I'm 23, live in Edinburgh, and currently the owner of a Pistonheads Carpool'd 2004 5.7V8 LHD Corvette C5. Prior to this my driving experience was conducted entirely in MR2 mk2s, or SW20s, since 17. So I'm a RWD sports car kinda guy!
I've had the Corvette for just over a year now. It's been a spectacular car, fit for everything. It's done 2000 miles through Europe, it's been to Applecross, it's done 800 miles in one day. Likewise I've used it for running to the shops. Really a cracking, underrated car. But now my appetite for fast cars has reared its head again and I'm thinking it might be time to make a huge mistake and swap! I'm really keen on the Mk1 TVR Tuscan and have been doing some research. I've met a bunch of TVR Scotland guys just yesterday who were helpful and friendly. I've also seen a local car and talked with the owner. As yet I haven't had the fortune of a trip out in one nor a drive in one, so although I'm pretty sure it's the next car for me... I don't know for sure yet!
If anyone here has any advice for what to look for when buying, where to buy from / where not to, what spec items are important, what to notice on a test drive, and anything else useful I'd really appreciate it. Just any general advice!
Would help if anyone could point out any adverts that look like promising cars.
Also feel free to post pictures of your Tuscans. Love a bit of inspiration!
Thank you for the replies gents. I shall reread and digest.
Incidentally after posting this I read the four page topic linked. Useful & contained some good info. I've also sat and read through the buyers guide check box thing which has served to highlight a number of potential problem areas! I'll certainly take it with me when I get serious about a purchase. I would have to sell the Corvette or otherwise trade it in at a garage.
Quick Q - I've noticed a number of odd Tuscan adverts. I'm not well enough versed in the Tuscan world yet to identify any oddities. There are a few cars very very keenly priced - circa 12.5k, less than 14-15k at any rate. I note these are private sales vs most cars being dealer sales. Is this sometbing to worry about or an opportunity that could be worth seizing...? This would of course leave more in the bank for a potential repair bill.
Secondly I've noted a number of cars advertised on pistonheads from the Netherlands. Any comments...?
I plan first of all to visit a little green number being sold up in Dundee. I've been in contact with TVR Ecosse who are selling it and a viewing is being arranged. It's the first car for sale I will have viewed so I'll try and keep the sensible hat on...
Incidentally after posting this I read the four page topic linked. Useful & contained some good info. I've also sat and read through the buyers guide check box thing which has served to highlight a number of potential problem areas! I'll certainly take it with me when I get serious about a purchase. I would have to sell the Corvette or otherwise trade it in at a garage.
Quick Q - I've noticed a number of odd Tuscan adverts. I'm not well enough versed in the Tuscan world yet to identify any oddities. There are a few cars very very keenly priced - circa 12.5k, less than 14-15k at any rate. I note these are private sales vs most cars being dealer sales. Is this sometbing to worry about or an opportunity that could be worth seizing...? This would of course leave more in the bank for a potential repair bill.
Secondly I've noted a number of cars advertised on pistonheads from the Netherlands. Any comments...?
I plan first of all to visit a little green number being sold up in Dundee. I've been in contact with TVR Ecosse who are selling it and a viewing is being arranged. It's the first car for sale I will have viewed so I'll try and keep the sensible hat on...
benny4x said:
ah the 'pass of the cows' to applecross! that would be fun in a Tuscan,the turning circle isn't that great though.but a pint in the applecross inn is a great reward.
I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
I assure you the turning circle in a Corvette can't be any better!! A bit of power oversteer does the trick...!I've never driven a corvette save an old stingray so cant compare but the Tuscan is certainly a thrilling drive ,you wont fall asleep with one lol
Thrilling is exactly the word I want to describe my next car.
UpTheIron said:
'd agree with some of that (no offence intended) as it's broadly correct...
Definitely look at a few cars to get a good idea of what is "good" or "bad".
Reams of invoices, or explanations of service history are better than stamps.
But,
1. I have early Tuscan (one of the first) and it went on for 50k miles before the head gasket went... at that point I could have fixed just that but bit the bullet as plenty of other bits were tiring by that point. When I bought mine, the price was right and it served me for many years before it needed major surgery, and had the HG not popped I may have had another few years out of it.
2. Several years ago I swapped my leaking factory shocks for Nitrons. I actually found the factory shocks to be a more enjoyable ride... although not as reliable. Most you will look at will have had aftermarket suspension, but some may not, and if the OE kit is still serviceable it isn't always a bad thing.
Ultimately buy on condition - of the engine, and of the chassis. Anything else will not cost as much to put right!
Thanks for your advice. I think I've done all the reading I can do before getting out and tasting the reality of the car. As for the purchase-car, it seems like you'd all suggest a heavy investigation of the paperwork and rebuild history. I have seen numerous cars advertised with 'rebuilt 2009' or something similarly vague. But others with clearly staged 'rebuilds', with citations of various things almost always including headgaskets (these are a particular weak point?) replaced at various times. Here's an example:Definitely look at a few cars to get a good idea of what is "good" or "bad".
Reams of invoices, or explanations of service history are better than stamps.
But,
1. I have early Tuscan (one of the first) and it went on for 50k miles before the head gasket went... at that point I could have fixed just that but bit the bullet as plenty of other bits were tiring by that point. When I bought mine, the price was right and it served me for many years before it needed major surgery, and had the HG not popped I may have had another few years out of it.
2. Several years ago I swapped my leaking factory shocks for Nitrons. I actually found the factory shocks to be a more enjoyable ride... although not as reliable. Most you will look at will have had aftermarket suspension, but some may not, and if the OE kit is still serviceable it isn't always a bad thing.
Ultimately buy on condition - of the engine, and of the chassis. Anything else will not cost as much to put right!
a. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (note various things replaced but doesn't mention 'rebuild' explicitly. Keenly priced. Does that imply a problem? I would consider mileage possibly too low but I know these are almost always weekend cars. I also dislike the photographs and the advert. I would view, but skeptically.)
b. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (this car makes no mention of any replacement components, nor rebuild. On the other hand the mileage is what I would consider indicative of respectably high rather than extortionate or indicating lack of use. Personally, would not buy this car)
c. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... (Expensive. Explicitly mentions rebuilds at TVR Power and work at Str8six. That sounds good to me.)
Could any of you take a moment to pass comment on these three classifieds. I've picked out three fairly distinct adverts. I am not saying I would buy any of these three - I just want to know what you see in these advertisements. If you can make any judgments at all from so little information, that is.
Speed 3 said:
This is your benchmark:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
She's looooovely. Shame I'm not in a position to buy right now, really. Cracking benchmark like you say. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Red Rose, engine rebuild by RG, warranty, great condition in decent colours. You'd pick that one over the previous 3rd option any day of the week
boardinscotland said:
So Calum after your wee run today is the vette up for sale.
G
Absolute blinder of a day out!G
Edited by boardinscotland on Friday 7th November 21:31
I have summarised that, whilst it's a great car, I just can't follow up the Corvette with a Z4M. On the contrary... I so could have a TVR Tuscan. Wow. What a machine. Booked in for a test drive on Monday. How's that for keenness?
Vette isn't up for sale yet, though. I think I'll hold onto it through winter and register my interest in a Tuscan with people like Hexham Horseless Carriages, and perhaps let them do some digging for a great car. I'll need to look into valuations of the Corvette private sale vs. dealer trade in as well of course. Lots to do before I get my own.
Unless an Exige S2 can really tempt me away, I think it's very likely my next car is going to be a Tuscan.
Really appreciated the ride G, absolutely stunning car. I put up two short videos. iPhone doesn't really do it justice as you'd expect but still - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhUhNyXi_ms and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx16jjHJ7p4
@Tuscanny - I'm looking at one Barry Martin has for sale. Hexham HC didn't have any Tuscans in stock so I'll wait until they do before making the trip down there. I imagine when ready to buy I'd be looking to buy from them, given that every TVR owner I've met has sung their praises endlessly. Unless I skimped and bought private sale - there seems to be a notable gulf in price difference and more money in the war chest has got to be a wise move with a TVR.
As for coming on drives - count me in - I run an Edinburgh Sports Cars Club (on FB, under that name) and we aim for at least one a month, sometimes more like three. Completely mixed set of cars but always an enjoyable drive. We did Applecross last year and will be doing it again next year, probably over two days with some more looped in too. Maybe even up to the summer isles if we're feeling brave.
@Tuscanny - I'm looking at one Barry Martin has for sale. Hexham HC didn't have any Tuscans in stock so I'll wait until they do before making the trip down there. I imagine when ready to buy I'd be looking to buy from them, given that every TVR owner I've met has sung their praises endlessly. Unless I skimped and bought private sale - there seems to be a notable gulf in price difference and more money in the war chest has got to be a wise move with a TVR.
As for coming on drives - count me in - I run an Edinburgh Sports Cars Club (on FB, under that name) and we aim for at least one a month, sometimes more like three. Completely mixed set of cars but always an enjoyable drive. We did Applecross last year and will be doing it again next year, probably over two days with some more looped in too. Maybe even up to the summer isles if we're feeling brave.
Dickie Dastardly said:
A few cars are going for a run down to Moffat on Saturday 22nd Callum (including the Tuscan in your street), if you're interested pm me and I'll drop you an email with the details. It'll be a morning jaunt back for lunchtime.
Very unfortunate timing. I'm away 21/22/23 to Kilchoan in the north west on a bit of a jaunt myself! That's a shame as it would've been an ideal opportunity.Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff