Prospective new owner, but... engine rebuilds?
Discussion
Hello all!
I'm an ex Chimp owner who hasn't posted on the board for over a year! I'm now contemplating rejoining the TVR world and have my eyes on the lovely Tuscan.
I've read a bit about engine rebuilds but I can't seem to find anything clear about it. Does the Tuscan HAVE to have the entire engine rebuilt after a certain amount of time/milage regardless of car? Or is it only if you are unlucky and get a duff one? I might just have misinterpreted previous posts! (I hope I have!)
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks guys and girl,
Shane
I'm an ex Chimp owner who hasn't posted on the board for over a year! I'm now contemplating rejoining the TVR world and have my eyes on the lovely Tuscan.
I've read a bit about engine rebuilds but I can't seem to find anything clear about it. Does the Tuscan HAVE to have the entire engine rebuilt after a certain amount of time/milage regardless of car? Or is it only if you are unlucky and get a duff one? I might just have misinterpreted previous posts! (I hope I have!)
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks guys and girl,
Shane
There was problem with finger follower on earlier cars (i.e. anything up to and including 2002 engine builds) which should now be sorted out
Will all cars have to have a rebuild? Good question, the problem is no one know or will admit just how many cars are affected, so you may get a car which will not need a rebuild or you may not, and there is nothing you can do to check, so if you buy a car that has been rebuilt since mid 2002 then you stand the best chance of not needing a rebuild (allegedly) although a car built or rebuilt before then may also be fine
Does this help any? Nope, thought not!
The best advice is to be aware that you may need a rebuild and try to budget for it by either having some savings or else buying a warranty that will cover the rebuild, then get out there and enjoy the car!
Graham
Will all cars have to have a rebuild? Good question, the problem is no one know or will admit just how many cars are affected, so you may get a car which will not need a rebuild or you may not, and there is nothing you can do to check, so if you buy a car that has been rebuilt since mid 2002 then you stand the best chance of not needing a rebuild (allegedly) although a car built or rebuilt before then may also be fine
Does this help any? Nope, thought not!
The best advice is to be aware that you may need a rebuild and try to budget for it by either having some savings or else buying a warranty that will cover the rebuild, then get out there and enjoy the car!
Graham
James here:
Without go into the full details of the past problems the 2002 and post engines should be fine. My opioion of the sped 6 is that it is a good engine and will become a true classic.
I had it from Ben's mouth recently that the number of engine reworks at the factory are now at a lower leval than when they were using the V8.
Just go in with your eyes open. The engine is absolutly cracking though and changes it mood every time you drive it.
Hope that helps.
James
Without go into the full details of the past problems the 2002 and post engines should be fine. My opioion of the sped 6 is that it is a good engine and will become a true classic.
I had it from Ben's mouth recently that the number of engine reworks at the factory are now at a lower leval than when they were using the V8.
Just go in with your eyes open. The engine is absolutly cracking though and changes it mood every time you drive it.
Hope that helps.
James
Reality.....all pre 2002 Tuscans will most likely need a rebuild or major engine work at some time, I say this as everyone I know who has one has suffered at one time or another, some for many months at a time. This is not to say that TVR are unhelpful or unwilling to bear some of the cost, even if out of warranty.
IMHO you must get a 2002+ model or one with a rebuild. Older cars out of warranty should be avoided if you can. The engine problems are well know inside and outside the TVR world so you'd be foolish not to minimise your chances of getting an expensive headache.
When they are perfect there is nothing like a Tuscan but go into it with your eyes wide open. Have a good look around and find one with a sparkling history of factory upgrades and dealer care.
IMHO you must get a 2002+ model or one with a rebuild. Older cars out of warranty should be avoided if you can. The engine problems are well know inside and outside the TVR world so you'd be foolish not to minimise your chances of getting an expensive headache.
When they are perfect there is nothing like a Tuscan but go into it with your eyes wide open. Have a good look around and find one with a sparkling history of factory upgrades and dealer care.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
It's worrying, but then I know what TVRs are like and the joy of driving ones outweighs the hassle! Although how much on average is an engine rebuild outside of warranty?
Was planning on getting an '01 or thereabouts, but now would rather go for something newer. I have a budget of around £30k, preferrably less! It's for myself and the girlfriend, so we'd probably be doing around 10k miles a year and would like to do a bit of Euro travelling and of course Le Mans next year.
Cheers,
Shane
It's worrying, but then I know what TVRs are like and the joy of driving ones outweighs the hassle! Although how much on average is an engine rebuild outside of warranty?
Was planning on getting an '01 or thereabouts, but now would rather go for something newer. I have a budget of around £30k, preferrably less! It's for myself and the girlfriend, so we'd probably be doing around 10k miles a year and would like to do a bit of Euro travelling and of course Le Mans next year.
Cheers,
Shane
don't know if I follow that logic.
you could get a 2000/2001 tuscan (maybe RR) in really nice nick for 25K (I did). Get one that has got some miles on it(10-15K or so) and has had a rebuild in the last year or so from blackpool or power.
It should be as reliable as any 2002+ car.
If it does blow, you've got the 15K you saved to pay for it (and it won't cost you more than 2 or 3K tops assuming you have to pay for it at all).
And get a warranty. I got 3 year one for 700 quid.
Your 2000 tuscan will have taken it's main depreciation and will only lose 1-2K a year for next 2 years or so then stabelise at 1K a year or so (based on cerberas).
so, it 3 year ownership, it should still be worth 20K or so.
total real cost: 5K
Your 40K tuscan will loose approx 15K in the same time, costing you in real terms: 15K.
So even in depreciation terms, and assuming a rebuild would be needed, a 2000 is still the better buy if value for money is important... a tuscan is no different from any other car.. the newer you buy, the more you lose.
'Course, if you want a newer car, or must have an S you don't have a choice.
just my 2c.
Then again, you're talking to someone who can never understand people buying new cars... I mean I'm glad they do, or I wouldn't be able to buy them later for 50% if new price and get the same car, except it's more reliable since all the faults have been fixed and the mechanicals are bedded down...the tuscan is the newest car I've ever had! - usually go for 6-10 year old ones.
stu
you could get a 2000/2001 tuscan (maybe RR) in really nice nick for 25K (I did). Get one that has got some miles on it(10-15K or so) and has had a rebuild in the last year or so from blackpool or power.
It should be as reliable as any 2002+ car.
If it does blow, you've got the 15K you saved to pay for it (and it won't cost you more than 2 or 3K tops assuming you have to pay for it at all).
And get a warranty. I got 3 year one for 700 quid.
Your 2000 tuscan will have taken it's main depreciation and will only lose 1-2K a year for next 2 years or so then stabelise at 1K a year or so (based on cerberas).
so, it 3 year ownership, it should still be worth 20K or so.
total real cost: 5K
Your 40K tuscan will loose approx 15K in the same time, costing you in real terms: 15K.
So even in depreciation terms, and assuming a rebuild would be needed, a 2000 is still the better buy if value for money is important... a tuscan is no different from any other car.. the newer you buy, the more you lose.
'Course, if you want a newer car, or must have an S you don't have a choice.
just my 2c.
Then again, you're talking to someone who can never understand people buying new cars... I mean I'm glad they do, or I wouldn't be able to buy them later for 50% if new price and get the same car, except it's more reliable since all the faults have been fixed and the mechanicals are bedded down...the tuscan is the newest car I've ever had! - usually go for 6-10 year old ones.
stu
Can't argue with your logic Stu, I was contemplating going new later this year or early next, but now not so sure, I can't really afford it at present, then when I think about it mines was new, only 900 miles previous athough they were 900 abused miles, the dealer put all faults right before I took it out of the forecourt and with a present of A/C included I must be mad to think about changing it.
Therefore I don't think I would go any other route unless my fortunes go in a dramatic northbound direction.
I know that the trim levels and variations etc are far superior now, to what they were back then. I just take 3 or 4 steps back and look at what I have, and it's the complete canines sphericals.
Therefore I don't think I would go any other route unless my fortunes go in a dramatic northbound direction.
I know that the trim levels and variations etc are far superior now, to what they were back then. I just take 3 or 4 steps back and look at what I have, and it's the complete canines sphericals.
Cheers Stu, that makes sense.
By the sounds of it, it won't be difficult to find a 2000 with an engine rebuild for around that price I'm looking! I'd rather go for something a few years old that's already been run in. Sure, it'll probably have a few problems, I just really don't want to be hit with massive rebuild costs if I can avoid it.
Well, my mind is made up! All have to do now is convince the missus that it's better than a Boxster! (Not a difficult task methins!)
Cheers,
Shane
By the sounds of it, it won't be difficult to find a 2000 with an engine rebuild for around that price I'm looking! I'd rather go for something a few years old that's already been run in. Sure, it'll probably have a few problems, I just really don't want to be hit with massive rebuild costs if I can avoid it.
Well, my mind is made up! All have to do now is convince the missus that it's better than a Boxster! (Not a difficult task methins!)
Cheers,
Shane
New in 2003, 11,500 miles and no problems. Sweet as a nut and the most rewarding car I have ever owned.
I am meticulous about the warming up procedure and went for a new car because I wanted to know that everything had been done correctly all it's life. Sometimes it can be a pain but if you buy a S6 engined car you have to do it. I am sure that some of the problems have been caused by owner's not treating their cars with the respect that they need.
I am meticulous about the warming up procedure and went for a new car because I wanted to know that everything had been done correctly all it's life. Sometimes it can be a pain but if you buy a S6 engined car you have to do it. I am sure that some of the problems have been caused by owner's not treating their cars with the respect that they need.
unrepentant said:
New in 2003, 11,500 miles and no problems. Sweet as a nut and the most rewarding car I have ever owned.
I am meticulous about the warming up procedure and went for a new car because I wanted to know that everything had been done correctly all it's life. Sometimes it can be a pain but if you buy a S6 engined car you have to do it. I am sure that some of the problems have been caused by owner's not treating their cars with the respect that they need.
Follow the warm up procedure to the letter and engine still lets me down all the time. 3 flat bed trailers later. I bought new too.
Hiya,
Lucozade, I know you've had a really rough time, but that doesn't mean that everyone will go through the same thing as you. I see you've been through a few and had problems with all which is really bad luck.
There are hundreds of happy Tuscan drivers that post in the forum who would highly recommend the car... unfortunately most people don't post unless something goes wrong!
You can buy any car and experience problems!
Cheers,
Shane
Lucozade, I know you've had a really rough time, but that doesn't mean that everyone will go through the same thing as you. I see you've been through a few and had problems with all which is really bad luck.
There are hundreds of happy Tuscan drivers that post in the forum who would highly recommend the car... unfortunately most people don't post unless something goes wrong!
You can buy any car and experience problems!
Cheers,
Shane
lucozade said:
Don't waste your money mate. My 2004 Tuscan has given me nothing but problems. Engine has died again today. Will not idle. 4th visit to the dealer coming up.
Go get something else and save yourself the hassle. Honestly you will thank me in the long run.
I'm gutted.
On the other hand I've had mine since new from March'03 12k on clock and had NO problems and the engine just seems to get better...awesome car!!
As has been said...hundreds of people out there with no such problems but unfortunately the car in question above clearly was a bad one and there is no excuse for that poor quality.
Alan.
My 2002 Tuscan S had two rebuilds, one at 12k and one at 18k, so don't believe all you hear about 2002+ cars being ok. If a car hasn't covered more than at least 15-20k without a rebuild, then I'd wouldn't put any guarantee that it isn't going to go. I don't think every car has problems, but they're by no means sorted.
One dealer at the moment has a 2003 T350C, and a Tuscan from the same year up for the usual follower/cam rebuilds.
I think you really have go into this ownership expecting the worst (sorry, there just isn't enough evidence to prove otherwise). If you don't have engine issues, great - but if you do, at least you prepared yourself for them.
That's how I went into my ownership, and it helped. Although it wasn't so much the engine going that made me feel let down, more the fact that both time the car was gone for over 6 weeks, and I missed having my car during the best weather of last summer because of it.
I can still feel the itch to have another though, so I'm not some bitter TVR basher. I just feel new owners should be going into their purchase with their eyes WIDE open...!
-andy-
>> Edited by sixspeed on Wednesday 30th June 13:46
One dealer at the moment has a 2003 T350C, and a Tuscan from the same year up for the usual follower/cam rebuilds.
I think you really have go into this ownership expecting the worst (sorry, there just isn't enough evidence to prove otherwise). If you don't have engine issues, great - but if you do, at least you prepared yourself for them.
That's how I went into my ownership, and it helped. Although it wasn't so much the engine going that made me feel let down, more the fact that both time the car was gone for over 6 weeks, and I missed having my car during the best weather of last summer because of it.
I can still feel the itch to have another though, so I'm not some bitter TVR basher. I just feel new owners should be going into their purchase with their eyes WIDE open...!
-andy-
>> Edited by sixspeed on Wednesday 30th June 13:46
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