I got a feeling about this one...
Discussion
Hi all,
I am on the look-out for a TVR to run as a 2nd car. I have been saving for ages and currently have a chunk of cash ready to go.
I have been seriously browsing the various websites looking at TVRs for the last few months. I must have seen hundreds of TVR adds now - lots of beautiful cars, as you would expect. Last week, I saw one advert that instantly gave me a funny, excited feeling. I have recently been to see this car now and the feeling is still there. My wallet is getting VERY twitchy right now!!!
I have two questions for you TVR owners -
1) how did you know that you have found the right car? Was it gut instinct or based on a very informed decision?
2) after finding your (soon to be purchased) car, what research did you do?
i.e. Did you chase around the TVRCC to find out if anyone knows the car?
Did you do the usual HPI and Accident data checks? What else?
I have never been so close to buying a TVR, but I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing with my cash!!!
Any advice appreciated
I am on the look-out for a TVR to run as a 2nd car. I have been saving for ages and currently have a chunk of cash ready to go.
I have been seriously browsing the various websites looking at TVRs for the last few months. I must have seen hundreds of TVR adds now - lots of beautiful cars, as you would expect. Last week, I saw one advert that instantly gave me a funny, excited feeling. I have recently been to see this car now and the feeling is still there. My wallet is getting VERY twitchy right now!!!
I have two questions for you TVR owners -
1) how did you know that you have found the right car? Was it gut instinct or based on a very informed decision?
2) after finding your (soon to be purchased) car, what research did you do?
i.e. Did you chase around the TVRCC to find out if anyone knows the car?
Did you do the usual HPI and Accident data checks? What else?
I have never been so close to buying a TVR, but I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing with my cash!!!
Any advice appreciated
Hi
I have had a selection of 2nd cars over the past 10 years or so but had been without one since 2007.
I always liked the majority of TVR's but loved the look of the Griffith and Tuscan (just my opinion)
After Le Mans last year I started looking at Griffith's. I went around looking at several dealer models.
I saw the 'one' in late October at a dealer locally. After chewing their ear off with dozens of questions/visits/phone calls etc... I decided that I had to have it. Then my dear wife threw a curve ball with a comment of.....get a Tuscan! Hadn't really thought about the Tuscan (a bit out of my league) but she suggested to push the budget and go for it. As it was, the first viewing of a Tuscan made me realise that I wouldn't fit (I am 6' 10") so I went back to the first love (Griffith) and returned to the original car that I had the gut feeling about.
Paperwork done, price agreed (plus some upgrades) I carried out the normal checks (HPi/Mechanic etc...)
I am now the VERY HAPPY owner of a 94 Griffith and a couple of weekends into ownership and several roof down trips in the (cold) sunshine has made me realise it is THE BEST car I have enjoyed owing! I love it!
So I would suggest: GO FOR IT, you won't regret it
I have had a selection of 2nd cars over the past 10 years or so but had been without one since 2007.
I always liked the majority of TVR's but loved the look of the Griffith and Tuscan (just my opinion)
After Le Mans last year I started looking at Griffith's. I went around looking at several dealer models.
I saw the 'one' in late October at a dealer locally. After chewing their ear off with dozens of questions/visits/phone calls etc... I decided that I had to have it. Then my dear wife threw a curve ball with a comment of.....get a Tuscan! Hadn't really thought about the Tuscan (a bit out of my league) but she suggested to push the budget and go for it. As it was, the first viewing of a Tuscan made me realise that I wouldn't fit (I am 6' 10") so I went back to the first love (Griffith) and returned to the original car that I had the gut feeling about.
Paperwork done, price agreed (plus some upgrades) I carried out the normal checks (HPi/Mechanic etc...)
I am now the VERY HAPPY owner of a 94 Griffith and a couple of weekends into ownership and several roof down trips in the (cold) sunshine has made me realise it is THE BEST car I have enjoyed owing! I love it!
So I would suggest: GO FOR IT, you won't regret it
Just make sure your head rules your heart! Very easy to buy a good looker that is rotten underneath. IMHO much better to pay a bit more for a well sorted example than convince yourself it won't take much to get it as I want it - it will!
I'm not a mechanical expert, but I do the following:
- Get on the ground (or if a garage get them to put on a ramp) and look at the chassis, outriggers and wishbones in particular. Any serious rust, walk away. I've left within 2 mins on a few occasions, just on this simple check.
- Open the bonnet with engine running and look and listen. Any obvious oil or water leaks any 'odd' sounds?
- Look at the discs through the wheels, are they scored or rusty?
- Drive the car! I'm amazed how many buy without driving. How else can you tell if the clutch is slipping, the breaks pull to one side, the shockers are shot, the diff has a whine, a gear doesn't work etc. etc.
- Check ALL switches do what they should, lights, windows, acu, fans in particular - all TVR's can suffer in the electrics dept
- Check interior condition, does it match the mileage. Any sign of leaks?
- HPI check, essential as many have been crashed at some point
But yes, don't hesitate to buy it if its good, you won't regret it!
I'm not a mechanical expert, but I do the following:
- Get on the ground (or if a garage get them to put on a ramp) and look at the chassis, outriggers and wishbones in particular. Any serious rust, walk away. I've left within 2 mins on a few occasions, just on this simple check.
- Open the bonnet with engine running and look and listen. Any obvious oil or water leaks any 'odd' sounds?
- Look at the discs through the wheels, are they scored or rusty?
- Drive the car! I'm amazed how many buy without driving. How else can you tell if the clutch is slipping, the breaks pull to one side, the shockers are shot, the diff has a whine, a gear doesn't work etc. etc.
- Check ALL switches do what they should, lights, windows, acu, fans in particular - all TVR's can suffer in the electrics dept
- Check interior condition, does it match the mileage. Any sign of leaks?
- HPI check, essential as many have been crashed at some point
But yes, don't hesitate to buy it if its good, you won't regret it!
Edited by Englishman on Saturday 30th January 21:51
FreeLitres said:
Hi all,
I am on the look-out for a TVR to run as a 2nd car. I have been saving for ages and currently have a chunk of cash ready to go.
I have been seriously browsing the various websites looking at TVRs for the last few months. I must have seen hundreds of TVR adds now - lots of beautiful cars, as you would expect. Last week, I saw one advert that instantly gave me a funny, excited feeling. I have recently been to see this car now and the feeling is still there. My wallet is getting VERY twitchy right now!!!
I have two questions for you TVR owners -
1) how did you know that you have found the right car? Was it gut instinct or based on a very informed decision?
2) after finding your (soon to be purchased) car, what research did you do?
i.e. Did you chase around the TVRCC to find out if anyone knows the car?
Did you do the usual HPI and Accident data checks? What else?
I have never been so close to buying a TVR, but I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing with my cash!!!
Any advice appreciated
Sound like you are new to TVR. As many Tivvers in this website will tell you, every car is different let alone different models. If you don't know what to look for, then get someone who does, plus the usual hpi check etc. I would strongly advise get someone to inspect the car before you take out your twitchy wallet. Try to find out any local TVR specialist (not any garage just down the road) and ask the vendor take the car there for an inspection. usually with a small fee, comparing the price of the car, which is well worth it to prevent buying a money pit. Any geniue sellers would be happy to do that and if there is any defects or potential defects, which will be your ideal bargain materials.I am on the look-out for a TVR to run as a 2nd car. I have been saving for ages and currently have a chunk of cash ready to go.
I have been seriously browsing the various websites looking at TVRs for the last few months. I must have seen hundreds of TVR adds now - lots of beautiful cars, as you would expect. Last week, I saw one advert that instantly gave me a funny, excited feeling. I have recently been to see this car now and the feeling is still there. My wallet is getting VERY twitchy right now!!!
I have two questions for you TVR owners -
1) how did you know that you have found the right car? Was it gut instinct or based on a very informed decision?
2) after finding your (soon to be purchased) car, what research did you do?
i.e. Did you chase around the TVRCC to find out if anyone knows the car?
Did you do the usual HPI and Accident data checks? What else?
I have never been so close to buying a TVR, but I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing with my cash!!!
Any advice appreciated
Good luck, and don't rush into it.
Thanks for all your comments.
The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
My suggestion was going to be to buy from someone respectable and knowledgeable but it looks like you are already doing that. My first Chim came from a small local dealer who was very respectable but not at all knowledgeable about TVRs. There was nothing fundamentally wrong with it, but in hindsight there were probably minor things that a TVR specialist would have dealt with before sale.
The second one I bought over the phone sight unseen because I was totally confident in the person selling it. It is absolutely spot on, as described.
The second one I bought over the phone sight unseen because I was totally confident in the person selling it. It is absolutely spot on, as described.
My mate has just put a deposit down on a Chimaera (may god have mercy on his soul!) 
We looked at a few, him having the budget and me along as resident expert and general PITA.
I could ask the ugly questions and have a really good poke around the car while he talked turkey with the dealer.
With the Chim he quickly decided he was after the MK2, but only after sitting in and driving both. There are subtle differences you just can't tell from photos alone.
Looking at the receipts we got a name for the previous owner and with an evening of detective work I found him here on PH. An email to him and he very kindly contacted us and gave us him unbiased view of the the car and why he changed it.
It's HPI clear, service and with 12month warranty.
I'd say he's done everything he possibly can to ensure he's bought a good car and anything which rears its ugly head now is just bad luck.
The car he's decided to buy isn't my cup of tea, but he loves it, and that was also an important factor in his decision.
I hope this story helps in some way and wish you the very best of luck in your search.
We looked at a few, him having the budget and me along as resident expert and general PITA.
I could ask the ugly questions and have a really good poke around the car while he talked turkey with the dealer.
With the Chim he quickly decided he was after the MK2, but only after sitting in and driving both. There are subtle differences you just can't tell from photos alone.
Looking at the receipts we got a name for the previous owner and with an evening of detective work I found him here on PH. An email to him and he very kindly contacted us and gave us him unbiased view of the the car and why he changed it.
It's HPI clear, service and with 12month warranty.
I'd say he's done everything he possibly can to ensure he's bought a good car and anything which rears its ugly head now is just bad luck.
The car he's decided to buy isn't my cup of tea, but he loves it, and that was also an important factor in his decision.
I hope this story helps in some way and wish you the very best of luck in your search.
Konrod said:
pod1069 said:
.....I saw the 'one' in late October at a dealer locally.....
Wouldn't be a the Burgundy one which was for sale at Offords would it?For me the combo I wanted in every respect
I know one or two didn't like it on the TVRCC forum but I love it and that's what matters!
FreeLitres said:
Thanks for all your comments.
The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
Given what you say, I wouldn't hesitate amother minute. Buy it before someone else does.The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
FreeLitres said:
Thanks for all your comments.
The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
If you're buying from Tony, you won't go far wrong ... The car in question is being sold by a well-respected TVR dealers who tell me the chassis is in excellent condition. The car has full TVR service history and really does look immaculate inside and out (even the engine bay). The car will of course come with a 1 year dealers warranty.
I have only just joined the TVRCC and was hoping to go to a few meets to get a feel for what a good TVR looks/feels like. I am concerned however that this particular car may be sold by the time I wait the next meet to happen. I haven't even received my TVRCC login details yet so have not been able to browse the TVRCC classifieds.
So, should I hold back, do more research and have a good poke around in a number of other TVRs, or go ahead and buy this particular car that seems a bit special and in (what I think is) excellent condition???
I just collected my Tuscan on saturday from Tony. (Assuming you are talking about a car he has freelitres? since you are local to him)
The whole experience has been fantastic. I did heaps of research but in the end I just knew this was the car for me.
Which car was it you were looking at as he has some crackers in.
The whole experience has been fantastic. I did heaps of research but in the end I just knew this was the car for me.
Which car was it you were looking at as he has some crackers in.
FreeLitres said:
how did you know that you have found the right car? Was it gut instinct or based on a very informed decision?
Gut instinct - you buy partially with your heart, not your head!Both my TVR purchases have been the first car I saw! Nothing wrong with that!
In the case of the second one I bought from its second owner and got in touch with the first and studied its history. Fairly easy to do this in a niche market like TVR. Also, I listened carefully to the things my mechanic has to say (as he owned the same models at the time I was buying.
It's an emotional purchase - if you love the car now, it should be x10000 better when it's yours and you are driving it!!!
However, IMO it would still be worth paying for an independent inspection of the car if you aren't very familiar with them - either one of the guys who does inspections (e.g. Rob Ingleby or James Agger) or perhaps get it up on the ramps of another garage (tricky if it's in another dealers...)
For the sake of a couple of hundred quid - you'd get a comprehensive inpsection of the condition of the vehicle, and maybe some small jobs that you could ask to be sorted before purchase... or some haggling pointers.
Getting hold of the previous owner and asking some questions is a good idea, as is looking at the service book and contacting the garage(s) that completed the more recent services.
Good luck - and let us know how you get on.
However, IMO it would still be worth paying for an independent inspection of the car if you aren't very familiar with them - either one of the guys who does inspections (e.g. Rob Ingleby or James Agger) or perhaps get it up on the ramps of another garage (tricky if it's in another dealers...)
For the sake of a couple of hundred quid - you'd get a comprehensive inpsection of the condition of the vehicle, and maybe some small jobs that you could ask to be sorted before purchase... or some haggling pointers.
Getting hold of the previous owner and asking some questions is a good idea, as is looking at the service book and contacting the garage(s) that completed the more recent services.
Good luck - and let us know how you get on.
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