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TVR Tuscan - track day pics pg8


Commander

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Having sold the M3 the money is burning a hole in my pocket; currently on a train to go look at a Mk1 4.0 TVR Tuscan, in purple.

 

7 owners but that's quite common for these - seems to have a decent service history, including a rebuild about 10k ago and verified by talking to the builder that did it.

 

Forgot how much I hate public transport! Hope it's not a rotter - neither a return trip on the train, nor a 7k engine rebuild, particularly appeal!

Edited by Commander
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rumours of their reliability is way over exaggerated. You mention the word TVR and everyone thinks unreliable. Yes, its a hand built car with some reliability issues but they really aren't that bad.

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Have you watched the price of the Saggy recently?

 

New price back in the day £55k

 

Used price 1 year ago £45k

 

Now £65k used. Something tells me the Saggy makes you money!

 

I've also been looking at this.... I shouldn't but I'm SOOOO tempted. http://tvr.co.uk/noise

 

Although, cash in hand I would go for either the T350 or the Tuscan. In fact I was going to get the Cerb before the 350, what put me off was resale.

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rumours of their reliability is way over exaggerated. You mention the word TVR and everyone thinks unreliable. Yes, its a hand built car with some reliability issues but they really aren't that bad.

 

A chap in my village has one, and it's as reliable as a weather forecast.

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There maybe a few badly maintained ones around but believe me there are plenty that are reliable. Its a hand built car that needs appropriate care. I had a T350 on loan for a month and nearly purchased one 5 years ago but circumstances changed and I purchased the 350z and modded it to death. T350 never missed a beat. Straightsix is Oxford are top guys for TVR's. Saving now for a GTR next year. To Ians point T350's were around 23-25k 3 years ago. You are now looking at 28k+ for a good one.

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The Tuscan is / can be a fantastic car, one of the most enjoyable I've driven (Tuscan Red Rose). There are a number of key watch points though, from what I'm lead to believe.

 

Number 1, there does seem to be a higher chance you might get a 'Friday afternoon' car. Potentially a Wednesday afternoon rolling through to a Friday. Check, check and check again service, build and any refurb quality. Just overall history in terms of electrics, gearbox etc.

 

Number 2, Chassis, chassis, chassis! This is extremely important. You need to know whether it's been refurbed (if not, it will likely need it). If it had been done, you need to know when and who by. If they tell you the when and who by.

 

You must check if it was a repair or replacement (of the entire chassis). In either refurb or replacement, you must check to see if the chassis was also Zinc or double Zinc coated as part of that process. If it's Zinc / double Zinc on top of the other coating, then that's a positive.

 

Number 3) Engine service and rebuild is also worth checking. A rebuilt engine is not a bad thing, If it's been done by a specialist. Regular Fettling and maintenance is to be expected on the engine. It's a terrific power plant when on song and really delivers on the excitement front. Again, it's about getting the evidence of who and when regards engine servicing (like all cars)

 

The Tuscan is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. There's a lot of thrills to be had with it. It does demand your attention though, bump steer and the like things you need to be aware of.

 

Having driven one across Dartmoor in the rain, I can tell you, it makes you feel very 'alive'. When you get a good day, clear roads and some time to focus on just driving 'it', they are extremely rewarding. When driving in traffic, in poor weather, they are still fun, but tiring.

 

I think they are fantastic, no driver aids, massive power, ultimate feedback, certainly attract attention and some respect. If you can find a good one. I would say you'd love the experience of owning it. How long you'll be prepared to absorb its quirks (e.g. heat from the transmission transferring up the gear leaver to the point it was too hot to touch) is just something to consider

 

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Oh the irony...

 

Took half a day off work, spent two hours on a train and paid for test drive insurance... he calls me up saying sorry - it's got a bust battery.

 

FOR FUX SAKE!!!

 

Plot thickens - likely a bust alternator too - which has also been known to blow the ECU on these. Might have dodged a bullet here!

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Plot thickens - likely a bust alternator too - which has also been known to blow the ECU on these. Might have dodged a bullet here!

If he's not prepared to take a wheel off to change a battery, then I suspect he's hiding more than a dodgy alternator. I'd have walked too.

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Plot thickens - likely a bust alternator too - which has also been known to blow the ECU on these. Might have dodged a bullet here!

If he's not prepared to take a wheel off to change a battery, then I suspect he's hiding more than a dodgy alternator. I'd have walked too.

 

I think he's just inept... Not sure which is worse though.

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I remember seeing a tuscan years ago for sale locally at around 15k, right around the time every performance car took a massive hit. If i wasn't so young at the time and could've got insured, I'd be a richer man.

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