buying advice please !!!!
Discussion
(copy and paste works)(Oops shoud have put this in your other post first.)
I may be wrong on some of these but here goes.
Get a HPI check. It will tell you a few things of the past of the car plus if there is any outstanding HP. Cost around £15 per car (on its web site you can do up to 5 cars or so for a fiver (?) and get a simple report then a detailed for the rest of cash on the one you want. Stopped me buying one with HP not mentioned). I had a mechanical check by an independant dealer (£80 ish) to check for potential horror stories. You could use a TVR dealer but I don't know what the cost is or will they do it. Make sure all works on the car though not a must depending on what is wrong. History, reciepts etc, is a good indication of past work, servicing etc but not cast iron. Any mods to the engine should be checked out. I got cought out by this, see "oh dear" and "water loss" under wedges but don't be put off. Would not be without it now its fixed. Doors should close neatly, not dropped. Go like stink and stop well. All lines should be clean (check for accident repairs). Not overheat. One problem that I initially had was that it flooded when warm (the engine on restart) should have set some alarms going. Windows operate well. Wing mirrors should work but no real problem as they can be pushed into position (for me anyway). Boot opens (there is a way around that). If you can get it and afford it (probably only applies to my situation with a modded engine when I was buying it) get someone who knows TVR engines to check it out. If you are in the Midlands then DJE of nuneaton is a good bet (he rebuilt mine). Cover for the Targa top is there (stops marks on sunny days but not vital, after market available). Leaks are a minor problem compared to the fun. My old 350 was a sieve but this 400 is dry (must take it back and insist on a leak). The mechanical check should pull up any problems (other than engine) but there are a load of things to look for, brakes, chasis, suspension, fluid leaks, bodywork.
Having got one its the mutts nutz. Roll on a pay rise to get a newer tiv (after I have enjoyed this one for a while)
There must be a part of the brain that says grin like hell every time I start it.
I think this is right http://www.hpi.co.uk/
Have a look
Edited by jmorgan on Friday 28th September 23:54
Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 29th September 00:14
Edited by jmorgan on Saturday 29th September 00:31
Having had an independent inspection that didn't quite work for me (can't speak for others obviously) it didn't pull up the fact the chassis had gone - just mention of surface rust as the inspector only lightly tapped the chassis - give it a good prod with a screw driver 1 month later (having kept in dry dehumidified garage) and low and behold goes straight through. £2500 later and only slightly marred the ownership experience! Years of chasing in small claims is then up to you.. call your local TVR dealer for inspection prices - my local was quoting £250 - if the seller is not agreeable obviously ask yourself why! Happy hunting..
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