Finding a good car
Discussion
I'm starting to think about a TVR as the weekend car. I previously had a Chimaera inspected by Phil Phedonos about a year ago but it was a dog and ended up buying something else. I'd be keen to ensure I buy a good car and therefore would be tempted to use Phil again (particularly chassis condition). He does a car finding service for £950 which isn't cheap but may save more than that in the long run. My query is whether you would be happy to buy a car from some/all of the well known specialists without an independent inspection or even sight unseen and delivered (given lockdown etc travelling isnt that easy)? Would you trust them only to sell good cars?
PrinceRupert said:
I'm starting to think about a TVR as the weekend car. I previously had a Chimaera inspected by Phil Phedonos about a year ago but it was a dog and ended up buying something else. I'd be keen to ensure I buy a good car and therefore would be tempted to use Phil again (particularly chassis condition). He does a car finding service for £950 which isn't cheap but may save more than that in the long run. My query is whether you would be happy to buy a car from some/all of the well known specialists without an independent inspection or even sight unseen and delivered (given lockdown etc travelling isnt that easy)? Would you trust them only to sell good cars?
First question- Not sure about independent inspection, I would never buy a car unseen.Second question-No
RFC1 said:
I have bought from Str8six in exactly these circumstances.... More than once...... It worked for me. 
I would not buy unseen by my own eyes from a private seller no matter who "inspected" it on my behalf.
I have been eyeing up Str8Six cars, was one of the places I was thinking about.I would not buy unseen by my own eyes from a private seller no matter who "inspected" it on my behalf.
Edited by RFC1 on Sunday 31st January 19:02
If I'm paying for an independent inspection from a private seller cant see he would miss anything id catch ...
PrinceRupert said:
I have been eyeing up Str8Six cars, was one of the places I was thinking about.
If I'm paying for an independent inspection from a private seller cant see he would miss anything id catch ...
I speak from experience. Although not from the gentleman you mention . He does seem to be very well regarded.If I'm paying for an independent inspection from a private seller cant see he would miss anything id catch ...
Maybe i used the wrong inspector , it was 13 years ago ...
The only time I've bought a TVR unseen (because it was at the other end of the county) using an independent inspector I got caught. Needed an engine rebuild as soon as I got it home!
The other 12 I've bought have been after I inspected them personally. Had the odd issue, but major chassis, paintwork, interior and engine issues are really pretty easy to spot.
As for dealers, some are much better than others, but at least you can go back to well regarded ones afterwards if major issues do occur as the car should be as advertised even if no warranty is provided.
The other 12 I've bought have been after I inspected them personally. Had the odd issue, but major chassis, paintwork, interior and engine issues are really pretty easy to spot.
As for dealers, some are much better than others, but at least you can go back to well regarded ones afterwards if major issues do occur as the car should be as advertised even if no warranty is provided.
Englishman said:
The only time I've bought a TVR unseen (because it was at the other end of the county) using an independent inspector I got caught. Needed an engine rebuild as soon as I got it home!
The other 12 I've bought have been after I inspected them personally. Had the odd issue, but major chassis, paintwork, interior and engine issues are really pretty easy to spot.
As for dealers, some are much better than others, but at least you can go back to well regarded ones afterwards if major issues do occur as the car should be as advertised even if no warranty is provided.
Was the inspector a specialist? If the inspector is honest and professional I cant see how he would miss something I would catch...The other 12 I've bought have been after I inspected them personally. Had the odd issue, but major chassis, paintwork, interior and engine issues are really pretty easy to spot.
As for dealers, some are much better than others, but at least you can go back to well regarded ones afterwards if major issues do occur as the car should be as advertised even if no warranty is provided.
PrinceRupert said:
I previously had a Chimaera inspected by Phil Phedonos about a year ago but it was a dog and ended up buying something else. I'd be keen to ensure I buy a good car and therefore would be tempted to use Phil again
No comment on Phil either way, as I have no experience, but given your previous experience and your desire to get a good car, I don’t see why using him would be any guarantee that you’ll get what you’re after if it wasn’t a good one before.While there’s no doubt that some cars are better than others - they’re all quite old now (to varying degrees) and from my observation, even owners of really good cars regularly spend not insignificant money on maintenance and repairs. To me, I’m fine with that because the car’s not losing anything in depreciation (currently - touch wood).
I suppose what I’m saying is that it’s always a bit of a gamble. Do what you can to avoid any obvious or known issues, but at some point you can’t reasonably do any more?
What I mean is Phil told me it was a dog so I didn't buy it. I never saw the car.
I appreciate these cars will not be cheap to run but it would be good to avoid shelling out big bucks on a chassis rebuild.
Currently listing after this but it would be blowing the budget somewhat!
http://www.str8six.co.uk/car_sales/tuscan_kov_/4.0...
I appreciate these cars will not be cheap to run but it would be good to avoid shelling out big bucks on a chassis rebuild.
Currently listing after this but it would be blowing the budget somewhat!
http://www.str8six.co.uk/car_sales/tuscan_kov_/4.0...
'Good car' means different things to different people. A good show piece is likely to be underused and therefore reliability will be unproven. Cars that are used for touring holidays and the like are likely to have had all the bugs fixed and be reliable but will not be clean underneath. Long period ownership is a good indicator of a good car. I'm my opinion chassis is 40%, ownership is 40% and body/interior is 20% of the consideration
PrinceRupert said:
ray von said:
Up to you. Just remember anyone who says a chassis is in good condition with no problems, unless it has JUST been refurbed, is guessing
So is it a case of look for a car with a receipt for chassis refurbishment? Is a receipt for new outriggers sufficient?I've never bought from Shmoo but have spoken to Ed and Ross and they seem very straight forward in what they do.Tony at HHC is very good as well.
Yeah I first started looking at griffs/chims in the 15 to 20k range but could get a bit of finance and stretch to 30k or so. Have to say the tuscan looks a lot cooler than a chim or griff and that one at str8six looks a pretty good one with a recent rebuild and respray (in an awesome colour). From this thread and previous threads it seems that I could buy from str8six in confidence its a good car even if sight unseen.
I would be very careful about trusting some of the specialists. Look for plentiful good reports if you do. Amore near Bristol are also spoken very well of and the owner Mark has been very honest about the cars and anything that has needed doing with the people I've spoken with that have bought from him. Personally, I would still want to see the car with me own eyes before purchase which is going to be a challenge at the moment.
PrinceRupert said:
There is no shortage of good reports of Str8Six on PH though the problem is the no name and shame rule means there will never be bad reviews! Of course seeing the car in the flesh would be best but as you say its tricky. Str8Six does offer a 12 month wear and tear warranty...
Or you could phone them and discuss the ins and outs of the/any car and on going warranty. Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff