Seriously considering Tuscan or F355
Discussion
I'm seriously considering the purchase of either a new Tuscan S or used Ferrari 355.
I'm going for a test drive tomorrow in a Tuscan at Christopher Neil in Cheshire. I've never been in a TVR before, let alone drive one.
What are peoples thought's when comparing the 2. Please no "apples and oranges" arguments - they are both exotic 2 seater sports cars.
My heart want's a Ferrari, but my head says get the Tuscan. Besides, the Tuscan is faster
. And I can get a new one.
Not really interested in anything else, I've whittled it down to one of these two.
Cheers,
Lee.
I'm going for a test drive tomorrow in a Tuscan at Christopher Neil in Cheshire. I've never been in a TVR before, let alone drive one.
What are peoples thought's when comparing the 2. Please no "apples and oranges" arguments - they are both exotic 2 seater sports cars.
My heart want's a Ferrari, but my head says get the Tuscan. Besides, the Tuscan is faster
. And I can get a new one. Not really interested in anything else, I've whittled it down to one of these two.
Cheers,
Lee.
If you post this on the Evo forum @ www.evo.co.uk you might get a good response - one of the regulars is selling his 355 for a Tuscan S.
M>
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Chiz, interesting on as I have Tuscan s and used to have a 348 GTS, here's a bit of an alternative view when I had the 348 I also had the Chimaera as well and was single, when ever I went out in the 348 I met all the wrong girls and some of the right ones !!! In the chimaera they just said what is it !!!! Now I am not single the Tuscan s is much better than the 348 but it would be very close with a 355 and if I was sigle their would be no doubt I would have a 355.
Thing is I am not and the better half doesent like the attention I had in the 348 hence the Tuscan.
Anyway enough of that rubbish you have started my mind going now have I really made the right descison or not ???? Having said all that I have got a cerb 4.5 L/W a chimaera and a Tuscan racer as well so I must love TVR's.
Anyway conclusion if you don't really really really want a TVR don't buy one have the Ferrari TVR's are expensive to run, break down and are nigh on impossibile to re sell but apart from that I love them.
Have fun
>> Edited by casio on Thursday 14th March 21:52
Thing is I am not and the better half doesent like the attention I had in the 348 hence the Tuscan.
Anyway enough of that rubbish you have started my mind going now have I really made the right descison or not ???? Having said all that I have got a cerb 4.5 L/W a chimaera and a Tuscan racer as well so I must love TVR's.
Anyway conclusion if you don't really really really want a TVR don't buy one have the Ferrari TVR's are expensive to run, break down and are nigh on impossibile to re sell but apart from that I love them.
Have fun
>> Edited by casio on Thursday 14th March 21:52
The only comment I can make - I've never driven a 355 - is that I don't like the sound it makes. One of my friends has driven one - and agrees with me - and much prefers my Tuscan.
Not that helpful, eh ?
btw in what way does your "head" say Tuscan ???? Aren't these cars as much "heart" as each other ?
Not that helpful, eh ?
btw in what way does your "head" say Tuscan ???? Aren't these cars as much "heart" as each other ?
quote:
My heart want's a Ferrari, but my head says get the Tuscan. Besides, the Tuscan is faster
Cheers,
Lee.
treading carefully now...
'..head says get a Tuscan' not so sure
* tuscan depreciation 20K plus over 2 years / Ferrari might be half this or less if well bought. Both cars are very mileage sensitive.
* Servicing costs will probably be similar. TVR needs a £6-800+ service every 6,000 miles. At an independent specialist a 355 service is under £500, even cambelts are under £1K every 3 years.
* Reliability. Close call this one, could go either way. A friend bought a 23 yr old LHD 308GTS 2 years ago without any Service History (bad news supposedly), since he has not had to spend another penny other than on routing servicing in 16k miles!!!
Not 100% sure why your head is telling you to have a Tuscan? Main benefit is that it is flasher and a bit faster in a straight line.
I will don my flame proof suit and expect a torrent of abuse...
Bennno
>> Edited by bennno on Thursday 14th March 23:24
If you are likely to want to go away for a long weekend with the other half and are also likely in this case to want a change of clothes during the afore mentioned trip, forget the 355.
I test drove the 355 convertible and was quite impressed. I then asked where the luggage went and was told "this is a super car sir".
The Griff that I had in the car park swallows weekend bags and golf clubs and will eat the horizon at the same rate!
355's are pretty, but not really usable.
I test drove the 355 convertible and was quite impressed. I then asked where the luggage went and was told "this is a super car sir".
The Griff that I had in the car park swallows weekend bags and golf clubs and will eat the horizon at the same rate!
355's are pretty, but not really usable.
Hello andyvdg,
my head says Tuscan because
a) It's much cheaper (£50K compared to say £70K for a good 355)
b) It's cheaper to run, or am I wrong there? Things like spares seem to be much cheaper for 2VR
c) It is more practically, it has a very large boot for a sports car for starters
d) I'll get a 2 year warranty on the engine, I plan on replacing the car before then anyway
my head says Tuscan because
a) It's much cheaper (£50K compared to say £70K for a good 355)
b) It's cheaper to run, or am I wrong there? Things like spares seem to be much cheaper for 2VR
c) It is more practically, it has a very large boot for a sports car for starters
d) I'll get a 2 year warranty on the engine, I plan on replacing the car before then anyway
quote:
Chiz, interesting on as I have Tuscan s and used to have a 348 GTS, here's a bit of an alternative view when I had the 348 I also had the Chimaera as well and was single, when ever I went out in the 348 I met all the wrong girls and some of the right ones !!! In the chimaera they just said what is it !!!! Now I am not single the Tuscan s is much better than the 348 but it would be very close with a 355 and if I was sigle their would be no doubt I would have a 355.
Thing is I am not and the better half doesent like the attention I had in the 348 hence the Tuscan.
Anyway enough of that rubbish you have started my mind going now have I really made the right descison or not ???? Having said all that I have got a cerb 4.5 L/W a chimaera and a Tuscan racer as well so I must love TVR's.
Anyway conclusion if you don't really really really want a TVR don't buy one have the Ferrari TVR's are expensive to run, break down and are nigh on impossibile to re sell but apart from that I love them.
Have fun
>> Edited by casio on Thursday 14th March 21:52
So given that 75% of your answer concerns which type of girls are atracted to TVR's or Ferraris I take it that a cars pulling ability is paramount to you Casio
Blimey, what a choice to have to make!
I think the 355 is just about the highest evolution of a motor car there is. Its absolutely stunning from every angle, looks great flying or standing still, a marvellous looking car. Havent had the chance to drive one (yet!), may do when I get up for renewal, but not sure.
However, Tuscan S, again, looks wonderful, is significantly cheaper than the 355, just as quick if not quicker, outrageous is the only real word for the Tuscan, if the Cerb is a hooligan then the Tuscan is more of a villian from alpha centuri!
If it was me putting the money down then I would probably uuuhhmmm and ahhhh for months! But I think the thing that would sway it for me is that the Tuscan sounds right, looks the part and its British!
Just to throw something else in the mix - what about a Tuscan R - £70K or thereabouts, and that would wipe the floor with the 355 and then some.
Matt.
PS Benno, where did you hear that a cam belt service on a 355 is less than a grand? I am sure Bertie said that his was almost £4K?
I think the 355 is just about the highest evolution of a motor car there is. Its absolutely stunning from every angle, looks great flying or standing still, a marvellous looking car. Havent had the chance to drive one (yet!), may do when I get up for renewal, but not sure.
However, Tuscan S, again, looks wonderful, is significantly cheaper than the 355, just as quick if not quicker, outrageous is the only real word for the Tuscan, if the Cerb is a hooligan then the Tuscan is more of a villian from alpha centuri!
If it was me putting the money down then I would probably uuuhhmmm and ahhhh for months! But I think the thing that would sway it for me is that the Tuscan sounds right, looks the part and its British!
Just to throw something else in the mix - what about a Tuscan R - £70K or thereabouts, and that would wipe the floor with the 355 and then some.
Matt.
PS Benno, where did you hear that a cam belt service on a 355 is less than a grand? I am sure Bertie said that his was almost £4K?
Used to be, but then I met the present Mrs Casio driving the Chimaera and took her out in my then fiat Panda claiming the chimaera was someone elses so that blows all that out of the window really.
Having just read my reply last night what Bo***ks !!!!To much Bacardi I think sore head today, oh the joys of coonsultancy and working from home !!!
Having just read my reply last night what Bo***ks !!!!To much Bacardi I think sore head today, oh the joys of coonsultancy and working from home !!!
quote:
my head says Tuscan because
a) It's much cheaper (£50K compared to say £70K for a good 355)
......after 1.5-2 years a 60K 355 will still be worth 52-54K, the 50k Tuscan will probably be worth 25K.
b) It's cheaper to run, or am I wrong there? Things like spares seem to be much cheaper for 2VR
.....Yep spares are more expensive for a rari, but dont foget you get a cast iron warranty from a main dealer and are unlikely therefore to either have to pay for any or need as many. You can also use a specialist for running repairs which can halve or 1/3 costs.
c) It is more practically, it has a very large boot for a sports car for starters
.....Buy a Volvo estate if you need a big boot, buy the best handling /best looking or on performance surely not on luggage space??.
d) I'll get a 2 year warranty on the engine, I plan on replacing the car before then anyway
......from most experience you are likely to use it! What is the difference between this and a Ferrari dealer warranty on the engine?
Benno
>> Edited by bennno on Friday 15th March 16:57
I have driven both (half an hour each!) and this is what I think..
If your over 6'2" - TVR.
If you like the piss taken out of you - Ferrari.
If you are patriotic - TVR.
If you want to go touring - TVR.
They are pretty much equal for performance and looks (in their different ways).
I am 6'5" and the Ferrari was very uncomfortable. TVR Tuscan S was wonderful. I like the sound of both but I felt like a ponse in the Ferrari. Almost like I was driving it to pose and not enjoy the car itself.
I'm sure some would say the same about the TVR but most are too curious to take the piss!
Hope this helps a little bit!
If your over 6'2" - TVR.
If you like the piss taken out of you - Ferrari.
If you are patriotic - TVR.
If you want to go touring - TVR.
They are pretty much equal for performance and looks (in their different ways).
I am 6'5" and the Ferrari was very uncomfortable. TVR Tuscan S was wonderful. I like the sound of both but I felt like a ponse in the Ferrari. Almost like I was driving it to pose and not enjoy the car itself.
I'm sure some would say the same about the TVR but most are too curious to take the piss!
Hope this helps a little bit!
Well it's an interesting one.
As others have mentioned I had 5 TVRs, then a 355 for 3 years, and now a Tuscan.
The Ferrari in my opinion is just as usable as the Tuscan, arguably more so as in my expeierence it never broke down, leaked or had to go back to the dealer for niggles.
The Tuscan is faster in a straight line, the Ferrari has a much more accomplished chassis and better road manners so is quicker point to point on the road.
The Tuscan sounds "bag o bolts" clattery at idle, raw and angry when pushed, the Ferrari just sounds great.
Whoever said that a Ferrari engine at 8500rpm doesn't sound good either hasn't heard it or is mad.
The Ferrari is probably more expensive to run in theory but is less likely to go wrong, you want a warranty on either anyway.
I never had anything but good reaction from joe public to the Ferrari and twice had "fantastic car mate, can I take my son's photo standing next to your car?"
My personal summary, Tuscan = raw fun and possibly more fun in small doses when you're in the mood.
F355 = more refined in almost every way but can still get it on with the best.
There is something very special about owning a Ferrari, or put it another way, I've got the Tuscan at the moment until my 360 Modena arrives next year.
As others have mentioned I had 5 TVRs, then a 355 for 3 years, and now a Tuscan.
The Ferrari in my opinion is just as usable as the Tuscan, arguably more so as in my expeierence it never broke down, leaked or had to go back to the dealer for niggles.
The Tuscan is faster in a straight line, the Ferrari has a much more accomplished chassis and better road manners so is quicker point to point on the road.
The Tuscan sounds "bag o bolts" clattery at idle, raw and angry when pushed, the Ferrari just sounds great.
Whoever said that a Ferrari engine at 8500rpm doesn't sound good either hasn't heard it or is mad.
The Ferrari is probably more expensive to run in theory but is less likely to go wrong, you want a warranty on either anyway.
I never had anything but good reaction from joe public to the Ferrari and twice had "fantastic car mate, can I take my son's photo standing next to your car?"
My personal summary, Tuscan = raw fun and possibly more fun in small doses when you're in the mood.
F355 = more refined in almost every way but can still get it on with the best.
There is something very special about owning a Ferrari, or put it another way, I've got the Tuscan at the moment until my 360 Modena arrives next year.
I have driven both a number of times and ended up with a tweaked 996 C4,
Tuscan S is such a great out of this world looking car, performance is awesome better than the 355 by a long way and the interior is so different, people just stop and stare at it, but it will bite you if you are not careful when driving it hard.
355 is also a stunning looking car, performance is still very good, but my 996 seemed faster and handled much better, interior looks dated and reminded me of an old Lotus, people will also stop and stare but not in the same way as the Tuscan S, more forgiving than the Tuscan when pushed hard.
Love the Ferrari but out of the 2 I would go for the Tuscan S.
I have been thinking of changing the 996 and both the Tuscan S and 355 were on my list, however I think that for everyday use it will be the 2002 model 911 for me.
Tuscan S is such a great out of this world looking car, performance is awesome better than the 355 by a long way and the interior is so different, people just stop and stare at it, but it will bite you if you are not careful when driving it hard.
355 is also a stunning looking car, performance is still very good, but my 996 seemed faster and handled much better, interior looks dated and reminded me of an old Lotus, people will also stop and stare but not in the same way as the Tuscan S, more forgiving than the Tuscan when pushed hard.
Love the Ferrari but out of the 2 I would go for the Tuscan S.
I have been thinking of changing the 996 and both the Tuscan S and 355 were on my list, however I think that for everyday use it will be the 2002 model 911 for me.
a few years back my wife seriously upset the salesman, when she came to look over a 348 I was about to buy.
sales patter came on full song, then he suggested she take a sit inside the car. never one to make a snap judgement my wife, after about 20 seconds she got back out and said
sales patter came on full song, then he suggested she take a sit inside the car. never one to make a snap judgement my wife, after about 20 seconds she got back out and said
quote:
'yuk, shiny black plastic, nasty red carpets and dials out of a fiat, its nasty' ....salesman almost died hearing somebody talking about a Ferrari in that way.
Same day we went and bought a cerb!
I agree with Lee Below, i spent a day thrashing a 355GTS round an airfield in Leicester 'the ferrari (shagging) experience'. Was well impressed but found it lacked torque compared to my 996 that we went there in and in all seriousness did not handle as well. 360 though was another matter....if i had the money as they say.
Bennno
>> Edited by bennno on Friday 15th March 22:12
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