Anyone know this Tuscan
Discussion
Hi there, I've seen this Tuscan for sale in the classifieds and I'm looking to go out to see it this Saturday.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
The description seems a little sketchy, to say the least, but indications of a TVR Power engine rebuild and £6K spent last year seem to bode well.
I'd be interested in your views and to know if anybody knows any history on it.
Plus, what should I be looking out for? I currently drive a V8S so know all about chassis rusting away, but what are the foibles of a Tuscan. My mate Keith24 has a Tuscan and he's hopefully coming with me so I'm not exactly going in blind.
Bob
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
The description seems a little sketchy, to say the least, but indications of a TVR Power engine rebuild and £6K spent last year seem to bode well.
I'd be interested in your views and to know if anybody knows any history on it.
Plus, what should I be looking out for? I currently drive a V8S so know all about chassis rusting away, but what are the foibles of a Tuscan. My mate Keith24 has a Tuscan and he's hopefully coming with me so I'm not exactly going in blind.
Bob
Bob,
Clutches tend only to last around 25k before needing changing. Symptoms of snapped clutch fingers are difficulty finding gear and a stiff pedal sometimes but not always. Reverse can be difficult to get without a crunch but this is normal so select fifth first then reverse.
The dash display can start to fade and get lines through. The dash pod on the top with the three shift lights can vibrate loose. Reverse light not working, tends to be the switch on the gear selector. Boot hard to open and have to press boot. Badge firmly, can easily be sorted by playing with the switch on the reverse of the badge.
Perhaps the biggest is the skittishness of the early cars, this can be cured to some extent by changing the suspension and having it properly set up.
Clutches tend only to last around 25k before needing changing. Symptoms of snapped clutch fingers are difficulty finding gear and a stiff pedal sometimes but not always. Reverse can be difficult to get without a crunch but this is normal so select fifth first then reverse.
The dash display can start to fade and get lines through. The dash pod on the top with the three shift lights can vibrate loose. Reverse light not working, tends to be the switch on the gear selector. Boot hard to open and have to press boot. Badge firmly, can easily be sorted by playing with the switch on the reverse of the badge.
Perhaps the biggest is the skittishness of the early cars, this can be cured to some extent by changing the suspension and having it properly set up.
Hi Bobhon,
I went from a V8S to a Tuscan2S. Chalk and cheese.
Only problems I had were electrical particularly when left in the rain. Windows had a mind of their own and speedo display occasionally disappeared (but came back again!). Otherwise, very well built. An Optimate with cig lighter is essential IMHO. Also accessing the battery is a right PITA (wheel off job) so check if the Anderson connector is OK (also a known fire hazard!). I had no problems with the engine but as this one is older would want to know all the detail about the rebuild.
Driving wise the Tuscan was a great car but very different to the V8S, all the torque is at the top of the rev range and you can easily be doing 100 leptons before you know it. You also had to be a better driver to get the most out of the Tuscan and I don't think I was! My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
I've been without a TVR for about a year now (after 13 years ownership) and it's the V8S I miss most. Foot down in any gear, great noise, any fool can drive it, low cost. Sorted.
I understand the Tuscan itch has to be scratched though so good luck.
I went from a V8S to a Tuscan2S. Chalk and cheese.
Only problems I had were electrical particularly when left in the rain. Windows had a mind of their own and speedo display occasionally disappeared (but came back again!). Otherwise, very well built. An Optimate with cig lighter is essential IMHO. Also accessing the battery is a right PITA (wheel off job) so check if the Anderson connector is OK (also a known fire hazard!). I had no problems with the engine but as this one is older would want to know all the detail about the rebuild.
Driving wise the Tuscan was a great car but very different to the V8S, all the torque is at the top of the rev range and you can easily be doing 100 leptons before you know it. You also had to be a better driver to get the most out of the Tuscan and I don't think I was! My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
I've been without a TVR for about a year now (after 13 years ownership) and it's the V8S I miss most. Foot down in any gear, great noise, any fool can drive it, low cost. Sorted.
I understand the Tuscan itch has to be scratched though so good luck.
Woolly said:
...
My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
...
Curious to know what other cars you've been driving that don't need warming up?My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
...
Richie C said:
Woolly said:
...
My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
...
Curious to know what other cars you've been driving that don't need warming up?My biggest problem was the essential warm-up procedure which would be typically 10-15 minutes and I'd often got where I was going before it was warmed up. Tootling along at low revs in such a high profile car with hot hatches around wasn't much fun.
...
Bobhon said:
Hi there, I've seen this Tuscan for sale in the classifieds and I'm looking to go out to see it this Saturday.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
The description seems a little sketchy, to say the least, but indications of a TVR Power engine rebuild and £6K spent last year seem to bode well.
I'd be interested in your views and to know if anybody knows any history on it.
Plus, what should I be looking out for? I currently drive a V8S so know all about chassis rusting away, but what are the foibles of a Tuscan. My mate Keith24 has a Tuscan and he's hopefully coming with me so I'm not exactly going in blind.
Bob
Sorry dont know the car, but have bought 2 from Tony, nice bloke and he knows his TVR'shttp://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
The description seems a little sketchy, to say the least, but indications of a TVR Power engine rebuild and £6K spent last year seem to bode well.
I'd be interested in your views and to know if anybody knows any history on it.
Plus, what should I be looking out for? I currently drive a V8S so know all about chassis rusting away, but what are the foibles of a Tuscan. My mate Keith24 has a Tuscan and he's hopefully coming with me so I'm not exactly going in blind.
Bob
Richie C said:
Curious to know what other cars you've been driving that don't need warming up?
I'm not technical so tend to follow whatever the manual suggests, taking into account any track record associated with the model of car. So basically any that don't have a history of expensive engines blowing up and come with this advice below (isn't it something to do with the Tuscan's dry sump?):(From mytuscan.co.uk)
Warm up the engine
The general consensus among Tuscan owners is that many of the earlier specification cars (and many of the newer ones) suffered unnecessary engine wear and failure due to oil starvation at the top-end of the engine. This was due to a host of different reasons, but most would agree that sticking to a good warm-up procedure will limit or at least reduce the possibility of engine damage.
Leaving the engine to idle from cold is not recommended and never, ever thrash the engine from cold!
Start the engine with minimum use of throttle.
Drive off as soon as possible.
Keep under 2,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 40°C.
Keep under 4,000 RPM until oil temp is at least 50°C.
Keep under 6,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 65°C.
If temp exceeds 110°C, keep revs below 5,000 RPM.
So are you saying you'd wait 15 minutes in say a BMW 3 series before putting your foot down? And a Tuscan is no different in this regard?
As I say I followed the instructions and had no problems.
Woolly said:
I'm not technical so tend to follow whatever the manual suggests, taking into account any track record associated with the model of car. So basically any that don't have a history of expensive engines blowing up and come with this advice below (isn't it something to do with the Tuscan's dry sump?):
(From mytuscan.co.uk)
Warm up the engine
The general consensus among Tuscan owners is that many of the earlier specification cars (and many of the newer ones) suffered unnecessary engine wear and failure due to oil starvation at the top-end of the engine. This was due to a host of different reasons, but most would agree that sticking to a good warm-up procedure will limit or at least reduce the possibility of engine damage.
Leaving the engine to idle from cold is not recommended and never, ever thrash the engine from cold!
Start the engine with minimum use of throttle.
Drive off as soon as possible.
Keep under 2,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 40°C.
Keep under 4,000 RPM until oil temp is at least 50°C.
Keep under 6,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 65°C.
If temp exceeds 110°C, keep revs below 5,000 RPM.
So are you saying you'd wait 15 minutes in say a BMW 3 series before putting your foot down? And a Tuscan is no different in this regard?
As I say I followed the instructions and had no problems.
Of course. Remind me never to buy a car from you!(From mytuscan.co.uk)
Warm up the engine
The general consensus among Tuscan owners is that many of the earlier specification cars (and many of the newer ones) suffered unnecessary engine wear and failure due to oil starvation at the top-end of the engine. This was due to a host of different reasons, but most would agree that sticking to a good warm-up procedure will limit or at least reduce the possibility of engine damage.
Leaving the engine to idle from cold is not recommended and never, ever thrash the engine from cold!
Start the engine with minimum use of throttle.
Drive off as soon as possible.
Keep under 2,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 40°C.
Keep under 4,000 RPM until oil temp is at least 50°C.
Keep under 6,500 RPM until oil temp is at least 65°C.
If temp exceeds 110°C, keep revs below 5,000 RPM.
So are you saying you'd wait 15 minutes in say a BMW 3 series before putting your foot down? And a Tuscan is no different in this regard?
As I say I followed the instructions and had no problems.
Thanks to all for the friendly informative responses, much appreciated.
I'm off to see the car tomorrow afternoon.
Where do you recommend for insurance? I got a quote today from the classic car insurer that I get cover on the V8S from. They don't see a 2001 Tuscan as a Classic (too young) and wanted to rape me sideways to get some insurance.
Guess that I'll be phoning round for quotes next week.
Bob
I'm off to see the car tomorrow afternoon.
Where do you recommend for insurance? I got a quote today from the classic car insurer that I get cover on the V8S from. They don't see a 2001 Tuscan as a Classic (too young) and wanted to rape me sideways to get some insurance.
Guess that I'll be phoning round for quotes next week.
Bob
I tried Adrian Flux and got a quote at half the price my current insurance agent could get. But that's still a hefty wedge of cash.
Having seen the car today I decided that it isn't the one for me. Pictures don't show off the colour really. It's a sort of blue/silver flip/tint combination. Nice if you like it but it just wasn't for me.
Shame as it had a fairly full service history, 4 new tyres, recent recarpet throughout... seems to have been well looked after.
If any body else is interested in it then PM me and I'll give you more details of my impressions of the car.
Big thanks also to Keith24 for helping me out with the viewing.
But I did really enjoy taking the V8S out for a blast over to see it. TVR's gotta love em.
Bob
Having seen the car today I decided that it isn't the one for me. Pictures don't show off the colour really. It's a sort of blue/silver flip/tint combination. Nice if you like it but it just wasn't for me.
Shame as it had a fairly full service history, 4 new tyres, recent recarpet throughout... seems to have been well looked after.
If any body else is interested in it then PM me and I'll give you more details of my impressions of the car.
Big thanks also to Keith24 for helping me out with the viewing.
But I did really enjoy taking the V8S out for a blast over to see it. TVR's gotta love em.
Bob
Paul U said:
Hey Bob did you see the Jasper coloured Tuscan while there , looks tidy with a nice colour interior
Paul.
Yes it was parked behind the blue/silver one. Opening a can of worms here I suppose but my wife thinks that Green cars are unlucky (ducks for cover) otherwise I would have been sorely tempted to take that one home.Paul.
On a brief look over it the interior looked pretty good and the body exterior condition was better than the blue/silver one. The usual stone chips on the front end which would be sorted out with a bonnet repaint. For £1k less it looked like a better car overall.
No engine work done on the car, so you pays your money and takes your chance I suppose.
I didn't get down and look over the chassis, so if you're interested you'd have to have a look over that. Didn't start the engine either so can't say how it sounded.
Worth a look if you're interested.
Bob
Don't know that one, but the same place has my old Tuscan. That is one great sorted car. Only sold her to do a restoration/custom Tuscan instead.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff