A little confused - Mileage/Age advice please?
Discussion
Hi all,
I have wandered through these threads and tried to make sense of all the different parameters that could jeapardise a SP6 engine.
Today I went to see a fantastic Tuscan S, 2002 model with 35000 miles covered. Looks great, sounds great, drives great - and I want it. At least I did, until I started reading through here - which I know I shouldn't have!!
However, that said. Should I really be expecting impending trouble if I go for this car? There is no history of any repair work being carried out to the engine, but as I said it sounds fine, and has been serviced 100% (mostly by Top Cats). I know anything could happen, but is it normal for a SP6 to go 35K without requiring major work?
From what I can gather here the general cost for a rebuild is around £5k, so I'm not blind to the cost.
If the car has been looked after, which it seems to have been (and would continue to be), would it be unusual to expect 50k without any major problems?
Hope this isn't all a little too vague, but any advice would be appreciated.
I have wandered through these threads and tried to make sense of all the different parameters that could jeapardise a SP6 engine.
Today I went to see a fantastic Tuscan S, 2002 model with 35000 miles covered. Looks great, sounds great, drives great - and I want it. At least I did, until I started reading through here - which I know I shouldn't have!!
However, that said. Should I really be expecting impending trouble if I go for this car? There is no history of any repair work being carried out to the engine, but as I said it sounds fine, and has been serviced 100% (mostly by Top Cats). I know anything could happen, but is it normal for a SP6 to go 35K without requiring major work?
From what I can gather here the general cost for a rebuild is around £5k, so I'm not blind to the cost.
If the car has been looked after, which it seems to have been (and would continue to be), would it be unusual to expect 50k without any major problems?
Hope this isn't all a little too vague, but any advice would be appreciated.
It's quite simple when it comes down to individual cars: no one knows. At 35,000 for an 02 it could go soon or last twice that. Can Top Cats tell you anything about the inside of the engine? They should have at least looked at the wear on the finger followers when the tappets were adjusted. What cannot be assessed easily is the quality of parts in your chosen vehicle and how carefully it was assembled. Also remember that if you want to play the percentages game most owners only do 3,000 miles per year so how long is that before an engine rebuild?
Ultimately, do you want a TVR, are you likely to find a better one and does this one suit you in spec and price?
Ultimately, do you want a TVR, are you likely to find a better one and does this one suit you in spec and price?
JR - Thanks for your honest reply.
In summary - Yes - I want this TVR, I started with a 4ltr Chim, and have a 5ltr Grif at them moment. Had a great experience so far, so will be taking the plunge with this one I think.
I probably fit into the 5k or less a year category on mileage, and have never been one to pull a car out the garage and rev the bo****s off it straight away.
My opinion has always been - if you want a quick car without any problems - buy a BMW or a Porsche. I have a Renault Laguna diesel for work, and can't see the point in buying another mass produced car for pleasure!
I think the Tuscan will be gracing my driveway soon!!
In summary - Yes - I want this TVR, I started with a 4ltr Chim, and have a 5ltr Grif at them moment. Had a great experience so far, so will be taking the plunge with this one I think.
I probably fit into the 5k or less a year category on mileage, and have never been one to pull a car out the garage and rev the bo****s off it straight away.
My opinion has always been - if you want a quick car without any problems - buy a BMW or a Porsche. I have a Renault Laguna diesel for work, and can't see the point in buying another mass produced car for pleasure!
I think the Tuscan will be gracing my driveway soon!!
Far Eastender said:
Why not ask Top Cats if they will do an inspection for you?
What he said.Never used them but Top Cats seem to have an excellent reputation on here, I would feel confident if an Indie with such a good name gave the ok especially if they knew the car already.
Also if an '02 car has done that sort of mileage without major work it sounds like it a)has been looked after well and b)could well be a good'un from build.
indeed! I guess what I meant to say, is if it's done 35K without engine work and is running fine etc then it probably has not been driven too hard. Mind you in my view, it would still not be far off being due for a rebuild, but then I am paranoid about the engines as I have been there done that, got the t shirt etc
Check the chassis condition, in particular by the exhaust headers and outriggers, tuscan/later car owners owners never seem to talk about that much and as we all know TVR chassis's go downhill quick if not looked after.
Check the chassis condition, in particular by the exhaust headers and outriggers, tuscan/later car owners owners never seem to talk about that much and as we all know TVR chassis's go downhill quick if not looked after.
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