Buying advice please!
Discussion
I’ve owned virtually every model of 911 from the last 40 years and TBH, I’ve had enough of Porsche. I’ve fancied a TVR since reading about them as a spotty teenager but somehow never taken the plunge. So, after some consideration I’ve decided that I want a Tuscan…. But don’t know where to start, so please excuse my ignorance.
Which model? Mark 1, 2 or 3? believe the later cars are less raw, but appreciate many/most won’t be standard these days, so perhaps the differences aren’t so great (if they ever were?).
Aside from reading every thread on here where should I look? What are the must have/ desirable / nice to have modifications? A rebuilt larger engine? Traction control? A upgraded/new chassis?
Which model? Mark 1, 2 or 3? believe the later cars are less raw, but appreciate many/most won’t be standard these days, so perhaps the differences aren’t so great (if they ever were?).
Aside from reading every thread on here where should I look? What are the must have/ desirable / nice to have modifications? A rebuilt larger engine? Traction control? A upgraded/new chassis?
What’s your budget?
Do you like normal or mental flip colour schemes?
I’ve owned two mk1 and a mk2, the mk1 are more direct than the 2 due to steering rack (hydraulic vs elec and different ratio).
They are all awesome!!!
Rebuild engine unless later car and then condition on everything else imo!!
Do you like normal or mental flip colour schemes?
I’ve owned two mk1 and a mk2, the mk1 are more direct than the 2 due to steering rack (hydraulic vs elec and different ratio).
They are all awesome!!!
Rebuild engine unless later car and then condition on everything else imo!!
I’m setting a max budget of £50k, but as always if it was less, so much the better.. Whether the budget is spent on the absolute best car that it can buy, or on a cheaper car and having work done, I’m agnostic, although previous experience having cars modified/rebuilt tells me it will probably be cheaper to get one where someone else has taken the pain.
Paint wise, a dark colour, but as I’m a big tart, something with a dark flip would be ideal.
Paint wise, a dark colour, but as I’m a big tart, something with a dark flip would be ideal.
Getting a car previously rebuilt or maintained to a high standard will definitely be more cost effective.
Car sale prices are seriously depressed as repair costs are largely the same or more.
With a healthy budget you should be able to get exactly what you want.
Time to due your due diligence and find out what really matters regarding Tuscans and buy one with those mods or upgrades already completed and save yourself a lot of time and money.
Car sale prices are seriously depressed as repair costs are largely the same or more.
With a healthy budget you should be able to get exactly what you want.
Time to due your due diligence and find out what really matters regarding Tuscans and buy one with those mods or upgrades already completed and save yourself a lot of time and money.
I bought my 2006 Tuscan S early this year, so I’ve been through the process recently. £50k is top dollar for a Tuscan at the moment. You have two options; find a car that’s already been worked on, with the chassis rot sorted, engine sorted etc and expect to pay upwards of £40k, or find a car at a cheaper price, but expect to need/want to get the chassis and engine and paint and interior worked on to get it to a high standard. You can expect to pay a premium for the S model, which had some factory upgrades to brakes, suspension and had the 4 litre engine.
Early cars (Mk1) had inherent engine issues built in, but most around today have had those sorted. Later engines, from 2005ish were sorted by the factory. Mk 2 had different front-end styling, different interior and instrument binnicle, (known as the baboon’s butt). There were some tweaks to suspension and steering, which made it a more refined drive. Late in the production run were convertibles, which had a modified wavy dash and a soft, foldable rear screen section and a mohair targa roof panel like the Griffith of the 90s. There were also a handful of wavy dash coupes. These were unofficially known as Mk3s. All the coupes feature a removable roof panel and removable rear screen, so you can enjoy the open air experience. Which style is best is very much a personal preference.
All of them are exciting to drive. The Speed Six engine is fabulous once you learn how to use it. It likes to be revv’d and gives its best when above 4000rpm. They are a driver’s car and you need to concentrate if you’re pushing it. There are no aids to help you if you reach the limit; no ABS, no traction control etc. No air bags either. To many, including me, this is their appeal. It’s very different to driving a modern 911, where there is lots of tech between you and the road. Remember the newest
Tuscan is 18 years old now.
Whatever you decide on you will enjoy. I imagine they are cheaper to run than a modern 911, as servicing is pretty simple and parts aren’t astronomical. They certainly look better, are rarer and turn more heads than a 911. There are a few well-known specialists who offer all sorts of ‘upgrades’ if you’re mad enough to want more.
Happy hunting.
Early cars (Mk1) had inherent engine issues built in, but most around today have had those sorted. Later engines, from 2005ish were sorted by the factory. Mk 2 had different front-end styling, different interior and instrument binnicle, (known as the baboon’s butt). There were some tweaks to suspension and steering, which made it a more refined drive. Late in the production run were convertibles, which had a modified wavy dash and a soft, foldable rear screen section and a mohair targa roof panel like the Griffith of the 90s. There were also a handful of wavy dash coupes. These were unofficially known as Mk3s. All the coupes feature a removable roof panel and removable rear screen, so you can enjoy the open air experience. Which style is best is very much a personal preference.
All of them are exciting to drive. The Speed Six engine is fabulous once you learn how to use it. It likes to be revv’d and gives its best when above 4000rpm. They are a driver’s car and you need to concentrate if you’re pushing it. There are no aids to help you if you reach the limit; no ABS, no traction control etc. No air bags either. To many, including me, this is their appeal. It’s very different to driving a modern 911, where there is lots of tech between you and the road. Remember the newest
Tuscan is 18 years old now.
Whatever you decide on you will enjoy. I imagine they are cheaper to run than a modern 911, as servicing is pretty simple and parts aren’t astronomical. They certainly look better, are rarer and turn more heads than a 911. There are a few well-known specialists who offer all sorts of ‘upgrades’ if you’re mad enough to want more.
Happy hunting.
I enjoyed my mk1 Tuscan but can’t say I was sad to see it go. It had quite a few big bills and parts that are unobtainable and not especially easy to fix eg aircon ECU, also had significant bump steer.
My car was a 2000 car with a TVR power rebuild, extensive history but it it was an ongoing worry. Its a very different proposition from a 911 and IMO better unless you are looking at a 993 which has great character.
You do get good support on ph from TVR owners, but I found it was getting harder and harder to find people who could fix stuff -the worries for me were: immobilizer (frequently problematical, various ECU's, speedo decided to stop working, exhaust was damaging the flip paint on the bonnet, hydratrak diff could be "interesting". Lights were proving un-reliable especially the rear lights.
Make sure you get the chassis inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, if a coupe, look for a car with aluminium clips for the rear screen rather than plastic (its never good to see the rear screen depart for the nearest hedge), check that the batter charger connector has been replaced or removed (I know there was an general issue, can't remember what), check that the air box has all of its screws (they have a habit of being ingested), check the throttle butterfly's are all working smoothly, check steering rack isn't weeping - its not a cheap fix. If its been decatted - will it pass an MOT?, a couple of years mine had the same CO2 emissions as the garages Astra van. Try and find out whether the gear stick has been insulated - the gear knob can get too hot to touch, my car had a replacement gear stick made from tuffnol.
In fact - get an inspection from someone who really knows the cars
My 360 is from the same era and it’s miles better than the Tuscan ever was, better built, more reliable, better engine, just as fast, much better handling, feel and feedback, more comfortable, more robust and when the odd bit breaks you can actually get a replacement.
My car was a 2000 car with a TVR power rebuild, extensive history but it it was an ongoing worry. Its a very different proposition from a 911 and IMO better unless you are looking at a 993 which has great character.
You do get good support on ph from TVR owners, but I found it was getting harder and harder to find people who could fix stuff -the worries for me were: immobilizer (frequently problematical, various ECU's, speedo decided to stop working, exhaust was damaging the flip paint on the bonnet, hydratrak diff could be "interesting". Lights were proving un-reliable especially the rear lights.
Make sure you get the chassis inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, if a coupe, look for a car with aluminium clips for the rear screen rather than plastic (its never good to see the rear screen depart for the nearest hedge), check that the batter charger connector has been replaced or removed (I know there was an general issue, can't remember what), check that the air box has all of its screws (they have a habit of being ingested), check the throttle butterfly's are all working smoothly, check steering rack isn't weeping - its not a cheap fix. If its been decatted - will it pass an MOT?, a couple of years mine had the same CO2 emissions as the garages Astra van. Try and find out whether the gear stick has been insulated - the gear knob can get too hot to touch, my car had a replacement gear stick made from tuffnol.
In fact - get an inspection from someone who really knows the cars
My 360 is from the same era and it’s miles better than the Tuscan ever was, better built, more reliable, better engine, just as fast, much better handling, feel and feedback, more comfortable, more robust and when the odd bit breaks you can actually get a replacement.
Edited by blueg33 on Tuesday 19th November 08:14
Sounds like reflex charcoal would be good for you!
Annoyingly looks like this has sold, would have been perfect for you
https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2005-tvr-t...
Best dark flip there is!
Annoyingly looks like this has sold, would have been perfect for you
https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2005-tvr-t...
Best dark flip there is!
stuthemongoose said:
Sounds like reflex charcoal would be good for you!
Annoyingly looks like this has sold, would have been perfect for you
https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2005-tvr-t...
Best dark flip there is!
Agreed, that’s just the sort of colour I was thinking of!Annoyingly looks like this has sold, would have been perfect for you
https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2005-tvr-t...
Best dark flip there is!
blueg33 said:
I enjoyed my mk1 Tuscan but can’t say I was sad to see it go. It had quite a few big bills and parts that are unobtainable and not especially easy to fix eg aircon ECU, also had significant bump steer.
My car was a 2000 car with a TVR power rebuild, extensive history but it it was an ongoing worry. Its a very different proposition from a 911 and IMO better unless you are looking at a 993 which has great character.
You do get good support on ph from TVR owners, but I found it was getting harder and harder to find people who could fix stuff -the worries for me were: immobilizer (frequently problematical, various ECU's, speedo decided to stop working, exhaust was damaging the flip paint on the bonnet, hydratrak diff could be "interesting". Lights were proving un-reliable especially the rear lights.
Make sure you get the chassis inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, if a coupe, look for a car with aluminium clips for the rear screen rather than plastic (its never good to see the rear screen depart for the nearest hedge), check that the batter charger connector has been replaced or removed (I know there was an general issue, can't remember what), check that the air box has all of its screws (they have a habit of being ingested), check the throttle butterfly's are all working smoothly, check steering rack isn't weeping - its not a cheap fix. If its been decatted - will it pass an MOT?, a couple of years mine had the same CO2 emissions as the garages Astra van. Try and find out whether the gear stick has been insulated - the gear knob can get too hot to touch, my car had a replacement gear stick made from tuffnol.
In fact - get an inspection from someone who really knows the cars
My 360 is from the same era and it’s miles better than the Tuscan ever was, better built, more reliable, better engine, just as fast, much better handling, feel and feedback, more comfortable, more robust and when the odd bit breaks you can actually get a replacement.
That’s very helpful and, TBH, a bit frightening. I’d assumed that in the big scheme of things TVRs, although potentially flakey, were relatively simple (at least compared with a modern Porsche etc.)My car was a 2000 car with a TVR power rebuild, extensive history but it it was an ongoing worry. Its a very different proposition from a 911 and IMO better unless you are looking at a 993 which has great character.
You do get good support on ph from TVR owners, but I found it was getting harder and harder to find people who could fix stuff -the worries for me were: immobilizer (frequently problematical, various ECU's, speedo decided to stop working, exhaust was damaging the flip paint on the bonnet, hydratrak diff could be "interesting". Lights were proving un-reliable especially the rear lights.
Make sure you get the chassis inspected by someone who knows what they are doing, if a coupe, look for a car with aluminium clips for the rear screen rather than plastic (its never good to see the rear screen depart for the nearest hedge), check that the batter charger connector has been replaced or removed (I know there was an general issue, can't remember what), check that the air box has all of its screws (they have a habit of being ingested), check the throttle butterfly's are all working smoothly, check steering rack isn't weeping - its not a cheap fix. If its been decatted - will it pass an MOT?, a couple of years mine had the same CO2 emissions as the garages Astra van. Try and find out whether the gear stick has been insulated - the gear knob can get too hot to touch, my car had a replacement gear stick made from tuffnol.
In fact - get an inspection from someone who really knows the cars
My 360 is from the same era and it’s miles better than the Tuscan ever was, better built, more reliable, better engine, just as fast, much better handling, feel and feedback, more comfortable, more robust and when the odd bit breaks you can actually get a replacement.
Edited by blueg33 on Tuesday 19th November 08:14
I’ve seen mention a couple of times of ECU and wiring problems. It strikes me that a separate ECU & PDU might be the way to go, although I suspect ruinously expensive.
The Red Baron said:
I bought my 2006 Tuscan S early this year, so I’ve been through the process recently. £50k is top dollar for a Tuscan at the moment. You have two options; find a car that’s already been worked on, with the chassis rot sorted, engine sorted etc and expect to pay upwards of £40k, or find a car at a cheaper price, but expect to need/want to get the chassis and engine and paint and interior worked on to get it to a high standard. You can expect to pay a premium for the S model, which had some factory upgrades to brakes, suspension and had the 4 litre engine.
Early cars (Mk1) had inherent engine issues built in, but most around today have had those sorted. Later engines, from 2005ish were sorted by the factory. Mk 2 had different front-end styling, different interior and instrument binnicle, (known as the baboon’s butt). There were some tweaks to suspension and steering, which made it a more refined drive. Late in the production run were convertibles, which had a modified wavy dash and a soft, foldable rear screen section and a mohair targa roof panel like the Griffith of the 90s. There were also a handful of wavy dash coupes. These were unofficially known as Mk3s. All the coupes feature a removable roof panel and removable rear screen, so you can enjoy the open air experience. Which style is best is very much a personal preference.
All of them are exciting to drive. The Speed Six engine is fabulous once you learn how to use it. It likes to be revv’d and gives its best when above 4000rpm. They are a driver’s car and you need to concentrate if you’re pushing it. There are no aids to help you if you reach the limit; no ABS, no traction control etc. No air bags either. To many, including me, this is their appeal. It’s very different to driving a modern 911, where there is lots of tech between you and the road. Remember the newest
Tuscan is 18 years old now.
Whatever you decide on you will enjoy. I imagine they are cheaper to run than a modern 911, as servicing is pretty simple and parts aren’t astronomical. They certainly look better, are rarer and turn more heads than a 911. There are a few well-known specialists who offer all sorts of ‘upgrades’ if you’re mad enough to want more.
Happy hunting.
Thanks, that’s just the sort of background information I’m looking for. Early cars (Mk1) had inherent engine issues built in, but most around today have had those sorted. Later engines, from 2005ish were sorted by the factory. Mk 2 had different front-end styling, different interior and instrument binnicle, (known as the baboon’s butt). There were some tweaks to suspension and steering, which made it a more refined drive. Late in the production run were convertibles, which had a modified wavy dash and a soft, foldable rear screen section and a mohair targa roof panel like the Griffith of the 90s. There were also a handful of wavy dash coupes. These were unofficially known as Mk3s. All the coupes feature a removable roof panel and removable rear screen, so you can enjoy the open air experience. Which style is best is very much a personal preference.
All of them are exciting to drive. The Speed Six engine is fabulous once you learn how to use it. It likes to be revv’d and gives its best when above 4000rpm. They are a driver’s car and you need to concentrate if you’re pushing it. There are no aids to help you if you reach the limit; no ABS, no traction control etc. No air bags either. To many, including me, this is their appeal. It’s very different to driving a modern 911, where there is lots of tech between you and the road. Remember the newest
Tuscan is 18 years old now.
Whatever you decide on you will enjoy. I imagine they are cheaper to run than a modern 911, as servicing is pretty simple and parts aren’t astronomical. They certainly look better, are rarer and turn more heads than a 911. There are a few well-known specialists who offer all sorts of ‘upgrades’ if you’re mad enough to want more.
Happy hunting.
Greedydog said:
That’s very helpful and, TBH, a bit frightening. I’d assumed that in the big scheme of things TVRs, although potentially flakey, were relatively simple (at least compared with a modern Porsche etc.)
I’ve seen mention a couple of times of ECU and wiring problems. It strikes me that a separate ECU & PDU might be the way to go, although I suspect ruinously expensive.
Tuscans are on the cusp of old electronics and modern canbus systems. They have quite a few ecu's, heating, windows, engine (obvs), immobiliser, dash. They are in random places. The heating ecu;s are known for burning contacts, a simple fix for an electronics expert but frustrating to find one, send off the ecu etc. Dash was a less easy fix, and the flakey lights took 3 TVR experts a year to fix. They are obviously simpler than a modern Porsche, or even a modern Kia, but I found mine alternately frustrating and thrilling.I’ve seen mention a couple of times of ECU and wiring problems. It strikes me that a separate ECU & PDU might be the way to go, although I suspect ruinously expensive.
I'm not trying to put you off, they are amazing things (in their own unique way) but you have to be eyes open. Like I said I enjoyed mine, but was relieved when it sold and i acquired a much more reliable (newer) Lotus Evora and now I am able to sit in a 2001 Ferrari 360 and compare it with my 2000 Tuscan, I would have the Ferrari every day of the week, the only thing in the Tuscan that was better than the ferrari is the design of the dash, and the switch gear which is brilliantly unique and very tactile. For £50k you can get a good 360 maybe even a manual. I bought my Tuscan when they were £16k so to a degree was prepared to take some of the financial pain.
I used my Tuscan as my only daily driver for about 5 years when I first got it and, other than going through a few clutches, it was fine with it. I did routine and non-major maintenance myself and kept it serviced regularly at a good independent. I've had some alarm/immobiliser problems more recently but mainly caused by the car not being used.
Mine's an early '00 car so originally had the less than ideal front suspension set up, but I changed this to the later setup which is much better. All cars from March 2002 onwards have the same later suspension and steering setup, with the only differences being improved shocks/springs and an electric steering pump on later cars. There's no difference in steering ratio on the later cars, just the wishbone shape was changed to allow more lock. Build quality on the late cars I've seen is much better than the earlier ones but it's pretty much the same underneath.
Mine's an early '00 car so originally had the less than ideal front suspension set up, but I changed this to the later setup which is much better. All cars from March 2002 onwards have the same later suspension and steering setup, with the only differences being improved shocks/springs and an electric steering pump on later cars. There's no difference in steering ratio on the later cars, just the wishbone shape was changed to allow more lock. Build quality on the late cars I've seen is much better than the earlier ones but it's pretty much the same underneath.
I have had my tuscan for 12 years now, i think i have been lucky but it is well maintained. Apart from servicing it hasnt really needed much until now. I have never put a clutch in it, last clutch change was in 2008. Now i'm having the bills as the chassis is tired but to be honest i have used it in all weathers and its done 77000 miles. I think if you keep a TVR long enough you will end up doing a body off. The car is at Sportmotive having a chassis rebuild. I thik they are fairly tough and reliable if maintained correctly, catch the small isuues and sort them. I guarantee it will excite you far more than a 911 could ever do. My mate has a 3 year old 911 turbo, it would wipe the floor with my tuscan but i still find it dull and clinical, completely souless.
Let off some steam Bennett said:
I have had my tuscan for 12 years now, i think i have been lucky but it is well maintained. Apart from servicing it hasnt really needed much until now. I have never put a clutch in it, last clutch change was in 2008. Now i'm having the bills as the chassis is tired but to be honest i have used it in all weathers and its done 77000 miles. I think if you keep a TVR long enough you will end up doing a body off. The car is at Sportmotive having a chassis rebuild. I thik they are fairly tough and reliable if maintained correctly, catch the small isuues and sort them. I guarantee it will excite you far more than a 911 could ever do. My mate has a 3 year old 911 turbo, it would wipe the floor with my tuscan but i still find it dull and clinical, completely souless.
Mine's in my garage currently having a body off full nut and bolt rebuild. Sitting around for a few years after my kids were born didn't do it any favours. I remember watching the 5th Gear (?) comparison they did between a 996 Turbo, 360 Modena and the black Tuscan S back when they were current. Mike Brewer's face when he set off in the Tuscan said it all! Basil Brush said:
Mine's in my garage currently having a body off full nut and bolt rebuild. Sitting around for a few years after my kids were born didn't do it any favours. I remember watching the 5th Gear (?) comparison they did between a 996 Turbo, 360 Modena and the black Tuscan S back when they were current. Mike Brewer's face when he set off in the Tuscan said it all!
How far is your car off being finished.I have also just booked mine in for a re trim at trim unique
Basil Brush said:
It's getting there slowly, but still a fair bit to do. I'm upgrading quite a lot as I go so not rushing. The interior has already been done but I may get it repainted once back together as I fancy a colour change.
Very nice, good work.Where did you get those front disks and bells from
Greedydog said:
I’m setting a max budget of £50k, but as always if it was less, so much the better.. Whether the budget is spent on the absolute best car that it can buy, or on a cheaper car and having work done, I’m agnostic, although previous experience having cars modified/rebuilt tells me it will probably be cheaper to get one where someone else has taken the pain.
Paint wise, a dark colour, but as I’m a big tart, something with a dark flip would be ideal.
I'd be tempted to try the different models to see which suits you the best and to buy the best one you can afford from a reputable dealer with a cast iron warranty included. There doesn't seem to be much of a price difference between the Mk1 and Mk2 at the moment and if you were to buy a cheaper one to restore the costs can quickly add up not to mention the time involved. Porsche also have their own engine gremlins and are not cheap to rebuild.Paint wise, a dark colour, but as I’m a big tart, something with a dark flip would be ideal.
Good luck with the search!
Gassing Station | Tuscan | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff