Factory Cars

[chim_girl]

I've just had a call from the dealership I'm buying my Tuscan from. Apparently this is a TVR factory owned car that they are selling for a commission. From the information I've been supplied, the car was originally sold from the factory in September 2000 and subsequently returned to them as part-ex in November 2002. The service history indicates that "engine work" was carried out in Nov 02 at 24k miles. The dealer cannot tell me exactly what was done but suspects it was involving "replacement valves" as the factory have said that I will need to take the car back to them for the tappits adjusting and an oil/filter change when it has done another 1000 miles . Since the "engine work" was done (10 months ago) the car has only travelled 140 miles!

So here I am, wondering if there anything I should be concerned about before I go ahead with this purchase?

Can any of you tell me the answers to the following :-

1. Is there any way I can find out what has been replaced/repaired ?
2. Should I be concerned that this car has 'potentially' been standing around for 10 months?
3. Its current reg is X131 JHG, do any of you know anything about it?
4. Am I correct in assuming that I will need to drive this in 'running-in' mode for the next 860 miles?

Thanks

Jo

[alt]

Hi Jo, sounds to me that the car was supplied to a customer direct from the factory? Don't forget that the factory acts as a Dealership for the Blackpool area. The only cars that the factory 'owns' are press and development cars.

If you need details of the work that's been done on the car then the factory Service and Warranty departments should have all the details. Also I would expect your dealer to get this information for you!

If you're worried that the car hasn't been used for 10 months then just ensure that the dealer throws in an adequate warranty for you.

Good luck.......

[Podie]

Could it have been an early demo car that was tweaked? *




* - wild speculation.

[COOPERRA]

is the car crystal topaz

[joospeed]

Hi Jo
if you're hell-bent on a Tuscan then this is probably as good a buy as any - remember though that the warranty is 180 days from any repair work done on the engine, bearing in mind the few miles it's done you might reasonably expect that 180 days to start from when you buy it, but get another warranty on top to make sure.
Tuscan prices will be at an all-time low very shortly, the insurance has gone through the roof (!) due to the number of single vehicle accidents by inexperienced tuscan owners so we'll see something like what happened with the Cossie .. insurance high and cars dirt cheap. Bear this in mind if you buy now, your car might be worth alot less in just 6 months time.
Other than that .. have fun and it's been too long since you visited .. drop in when you buy it.

[chim_girl]

COOPERRA said:

is the car crystal topaz

Blimey, yes it is! Was that a extraordinary lucky guess or do you know this car?


>> Edited by chim_girl on Wednesday 13th August 22:13

[COOPERRA]

I do know the car.It has had one owner,he traded it for a T350.I was looking to change my chimaera in early May that I bought new from the factory in 1998.At the time i wasn't sure how much i wanted to spend so i asked if they had any pre owned cars and they showed me this car.I was impressed with the extras list but not the milage or colour.On visiting the factory again in June to get my car appraised i asked about where that car was going or if it had been sold.They told me that they had spent at least £4000 getting it ready for sale and that it was going to H l Gorner.I do not know what the repairs were except 4 new tyers but with that milage it wouldn't suprise me if engine modifications were made because of wear and tear.The factory do not(so iv'e been told)let cars go to dealers unless they are right but a warranty might be a good idea.I was told by a good friend at the garage that it was a good one to buy.What price are they asking,if i can remember i think they wanted £33950.Good luck if you buy it.I have gone for a new 4L in black to be delivered september 1st.I have been to see it 3 times in build and the wait is killing me.I live in blackpool so visiting the factory is easy.

[barefoot]

Chim girl

That is my old car which is for sale at Gorners, I can tell you all you need to know email me at [e-mail] ....its a good un!

[chim_girl]

barefoot said:

Chim girl That is my old car which is for sale at Gorners, I can tell you all you need to know email me at [e-mail] ....its a good un!

Yay! You have mail.....

Jo

[chim_girl]

joospeed said:

if you're hell-bent on a Tuscan then this is probably as good a buy as any

Hey Joolz, good to hear from you!
I've wanted a Tuscan since the first day I brought the chim home. I will however do my best to avoid getting it hell bent!

joospeed said:

remember though that the warranty is 180 days from any repair work done on the engine, bearing in mind the few miles it's done you might reasonably expect that 180 days to start from when you buy it, but get another warranty on top to make sure.

I've got a brand new warranty that will start when I pick up the car. Also the factory have agreed to take the car in after I've done 1000 miles. They're also going to do the 30k service for me when it is due.

joospeed said:

Tuscan prices will be at an all-time low very shortly, the insurance has gone through the roof (!) due to the number of single vehicle accidents by inexperienced tuscan owners so we'll see something like what happened with the Cossie .. insurance high and cars dirt cheap. Bear this in mind if you buy now, your car might be worth alot less in just 6 months time. Other than that .. have fun

I read a couple of posts along those lines earlier today. It's too late, I'm in and swimming with this one and anyway, who ever bought a TVR as an investment!! However, I'm pleased to report that it (only!) cost me £780 to insure with fully protected no claims! The Chim was about the same price.

joospeed said:

and it's been too long since you visited .. drop in when you buy it.

I will of course come over to see you, it has been ages. Oh, I've still got a little something in my loft for you! Mail me it you still want it!

[Peter_Belcher]

Regarding the insurance problem. I keep reading that the prices have gone through the roof?

Now, in fairness my insurance was quite high anyway (about £1,700 in March 2003 with Tesco) because I was 22yrs. Just gone back onto Tesco and tried again and they quoted £1,300 so I can't wait till next year when (fingers crossed) it will be cheaper again!

Just my 2p's worth mind you!
- Pete -

[chim_girl]

Peter_Belcher said:

Regarding the insurance problem. I keep reading that the prices have gone through the roof? Now, in fairness my insurance was quite high anyway (about £1,700 in March 2003 with Tesco) because I was 22yrs. Just gone back onto Tesco and tried again and they quoted £1,300 so I can't wait till next year when (fingers crossed) it will be cheaper again! Just my 2p's worth mind you! - Pete -

From the quotes I got earlier this week Privilege were the cheapest by far. Others have posted similar comments. May be worth considering when it is time to renew your policy.

Jo

[mike clarke]

Thanks Chim-Girl,All the Best & have a GREAT Week-end

>> Edited by mike clarke on Friday 15th August 21:33