Harrogate Horses

[ugm5grec]

I have e-mailed Harrogate Horseless Carriages twice asking whether they can source 2nd hand Griffiths from around the country and TWICE they have ignored this request . I think I'll just buy privately, get a specialist inspection and then get the beast serviced at the Independent in nearbye Boroughbridge.
Anyone had similar experiences in Harrogate or is this a one off??

[simpo one]

It seems that a lot of companies are not really up to speed with e-mail. Or they think that it's too much effort to run around sourcing a car you may not buy. I'm sure TVR dealers are not connected like other more 'switched-on' dealer chains. At best, maybe they haven't got anything suitable so didn't bother to acknowledge you. Still unprofessional though.

>> Edited by simpo one on Friday 2nd August 11:05

[bobfrance]

Although my dealings with H.H.C. have only been with the parts department, I've always found them (Jim & Gareth)to be extreemely helpful and knowledgeable people. I get all my (many) bits from there.

Dunno about the car sales department tho'

And although I haven't bought anything off him, I've met and spoke to John at S&S Car Co. (that's who I presume you mean in Boroughbridge)on quite a few ocasions.
I found him to be a thoroughly decent bloke and I would certainly consider buying a car from him.

I also spoke to MLUMB (another PH'er) a couple of months ago, he bought his Cerbera from John. He seemed happy enough.

Hope that helps.

Bob.

[silver500chimp]

I was not particularly impressed with Harrogates sales dept - I did get a test drive and left my details so they could contact me when the car I was looking for came in - never heard from them and have bought my chimaera from another dealer since. Maybe they have enough business to ignore some buyers.
One of my neighbours bought a Griff there and said he also did not think the sales dept were particularly friendly - but has recommended the service dept as being very good - my car is in for its MOT later this month and I have booked it in there so will be able to judge for myself soon.

[keirangrogan]

I bought my S2 from HHC 4 years ago and was happy with the service, although in hindsight I was probably just happy to be driving away in my first TVR.

I was living in Ireland at the time, so I had to do a lot of the deal over the phone, they always rang back when they said they would, and when I eventually arrived at the dealership they made me feel very welcome (as well they should !!)despite the fact that I was buying a second hand car . I felt they were making an effort in the kind of OK he is buying a second hand car now, but he may buy new in the future kind of way.

I certainaly wouldn't hesitate about buying from them again, especially given the dirty / distainful looks I have had at other dealerships.

[martvr]

quote:I have e-mailed Harrogate Horseless Carriages twice asking whether they can source 2nd hand Griffiths from around the country and TWICE they have ignored this request . I think I'll just buy privately, get a specialist inspection and then get the beast serviced at the Independent in nearbye Boroughbridge.
Anyone had similar experiences in Harrogate or is this a one off??

You couldn't do better than to contact Rob Ingleby if you are looking for an independent to find you a limited selection of good condition cars. He is well known and respected in the TVR world and not only filters out the rubbish but will also do the bartering for you which can save you his fee. Find him at www.atalantasoftware.co.uk/findacar/cars.htm
email address [e-mail]
mobile number is 07799142860

[pete_w]

-I tried to contact Rob....he didn't answer my email, so didn't get my business

Have heard good things about him, let's hope it was a one off

[martvr]

pete w, Did you use the address from Rob's website because I think I read in another thread that there was some problem with that one. The one I've put up should work ok. He usually answers his mobile though as that is his way of keeping in touch while on the road looking at cars.

[pete_w]

-yep, used the website address, if it's not working he could really do with updating it!!!!

That'll explain things then...I should have phoned!

[ap_smith]

I bought a dog of a Griff 500 from HHC. Fairy nuff, some cars turn out to be bad 'uns, but when it came to resolving issues with the car they shrugged and refered me straight back to the factory.

I'm not saying my expereince was terrible, but I would look to buy from another dealer next time.

Incidentely, I live a long way from HHC and maybe this was a factor. I would strongly advise buying from a dealer local to you so you can return to them to resolve issues that arise with the car.

[cirks]

quote:
Incidentely, I live a long way from HHC and maybe this was a factor. I would strongly advise buying from a dealer local to you so you can return to them to resolve issues that arise with the car.

Um, I've never really had a problem with Harrogate HC - I had my 2* 350s serviced there despite living in Herts. I bought my 450 from the other HHC (Hexham) and they proved to be excellent. Despite having lots of work to do under warranty in the first year Tony Abrams and his team were never anything but courteous and efficient. This is all despite them being 5 hours away.
So, the 'always buy from near you' advice does not always apply (particuarly since I would never buy a car from my local dealer!)

>> Edited by cirks on Friday 2nd August 14:03

[Byff]

quote:

And although I haven't bought anything off him, I've met and spoke to John at S&S Car Co. (that's who I presume you mean in Boroughbridge)on quite a few ocasions.
I found him to be a thoroughly decent bloke and I would certainly consider buying a car from him.

I had a pocket full of money when I walked into this fella's showroom, but he treated me with so much dis-trust he wouldn't even get the car out in daylight for a decent look.

I walked away.

[joospeed]

all these mails prove there's always two versions for every dealer / independant .. in my experience rob ingleby is very very good , the dealings I've had with him have always been totally professional .. he's a tvr enthusiast first and foremost and he likes nothing better than to get you the best car for your money at the time.
I've never met John at sports and specialist cars boroughbridge but everything I've heard up until the reply above has been wonderful. he also has a road going single seater race car that was featured in cars and car conversions i think so can't be all bad!!
hexham HC .. well tony abrams is a great fella, no hesitation in recommending him .. harrogate HC - well er , er .. , er ...