Discussion
Just be aware of what you are looking at - obviously a private sale from any enthusiast can be a great way to find a fantastic car.
How much history do they have ? If the file is less than a foot thick, they haven't really cared much !!
Do they have a load of spares ?
Are they TVR Club members ?
Can they tell you all about the car, and what they have done to it ?
Has it been used on a regular basis ?
There are plenty of excellent cars about, so all you have to do is look at a number of them and try to decide which is the best one for your money.
Ensure you look closely at all of them, and inspect every inch.
How much history do they have ? If the file is less than a foot thick, they haven't really cared much !!
Do they have a load of spares ?
Are they TVR Club members ?
Can they tell you all about the car, and what they have done to it ?
Has it been used on a regular basis ?
There are plenty of excellent cars about, so all you have to do is look at a number of them and try to decide which is the best one for your money.
Ensure you look closely at all of them, and inspect every inch.
bomb said:
I'd agree with this.
Many thanks to all the contributors - it's appreciated.I find it slightly strange that some of the later cars (1999) seem to have had out riggers done yet older ones (1992/3) have not? Is that solely down to 'care and maintenance?'
Also is a car that has has outrigger work completed worth more than an 'original chassis car?'
Regards
Shezbo said:
bomb said:
I'd agree with this.
Many thanks to all the contributors - it's appreciated.I find it slightly strange that some of the later cars (1999) seem to have had out riggers done yet older ones (1992/3) have not? Is that solely down to 'care and maintenance?'
Also is a car that has has outrigger work completed worth more than an 'original chassis car?'
Regards
Saying that, all cars, early versions especially, are getting on a bit now, so all need to be checked carefully, my 95 grey chassis, does still appear to be in good nick.
I’d look for one with a recent camshaft the 500’s are prone to wear and can be tired by 50K. Bonus marks for one that’s had an ecu upgrade to allow 3D mapping and shows that the previous owner look to increase reliability. One that’s been used regularly over the past few years, means that you should get less re-commissioning niggles.
My Chim 500 has original chassis/outriggers and has been described as mint by well respected mechanics so don’t write off a car that’s not been done, but do get underneath, if unsure get it checked independently.
My Chim 500 has original chassis/outriggers and has been described as mint by well respected mechanics so don’t write off a car that’s not been done, but do get underneath, if unsure get it checked independently.
Edited by AKA PABS on Wednesday 22 December 08:59
R8FUN said:
Go to Amore where you can see several he has in stock. Mark will put them up in the air so you can have a good look underneath & test drive the ones you like the look of.
You get a 6 month warranty too.
Thanks for the advice and will do!You get a 6 month warranty too.
Edited by R8FUN on Wednesday 22 December 12:09
I was also hoping one might also come up privately, as these are speciality cars and experience tells me most will have now been owned by people who 'know there stuff?'
Half the fun is looking.....
Hi,
PH Used car buying guide.
If you had looked at the guide then here are some additional notes.
The car pictured is one of the last 100 5ltr models and differs in a few areas to earlier cars like the nose area between the front lights, rear lights, dashboard and seats for example.
Early Griffith.
The guide doesn’t mention the option of a 250bhp upgrade of the 4ltr to early cars prior to the 4.3ltr.
Then there is the best sound from the V8 un-muffled cars known as Pre-Cats, not needing Catalytic Convertors to comply with the 1993 emission regulations.
Another word you will hear is Pre-serp which uses a Vee belt drive unlike the latter Serpentine engine which were fitted with a different front casing. The belt snakes like a “Serpent”.
Another good read is known as “the Bible” which gives more info’ on the model range, but is not perfect.
I expect you know all this but thought it might help others.
HTH
PH Used car buying guide.
If you had looked at the guide then here are some additional notes.
The car pictured is one of the last 100 5ltr models and differs in a few areas to earlier cars like the nose area between the front lights, rear lights, dashboard and seats for example.
Early Griffith.
The guide doesn’t mention the option of a 250bhp upgrade of the 4ltr to early cars prior to the 4.3ltr.
Then there is the best sound from the V8 un-muffled cars known as Pre-Cats, not needing Catalytic Convertors to comply with the 1993 emission regulations.
Another word you will hear is Pre-serp which uses a Vee belt drive unlike the latter Serpentine engine which were fitted with a different front casing. The belt snakes like a “Serpent”.
Another good read is known as “the Bible” which gives more info’ on the model range, but is not perfect.
I expect you know all this but thought it might help others.
HTH
lancepar said:
Hi,
PH Used car buying guide.
If you had looked at the guide then here are some additional notes.
The car pictured is one of the last 100 5ltr models and differs in a few areas to earlier cars like the nose area between the front lights, rear lights, dashboard and seats for example.
Early Griffith.
The guide doesn’t mention the option of a 250bhp upgrade of the 4ltr to early cars prior to the 4.3ltr.
Then there is the best sound from the V8 un-muffled cars known as Pre-Cats, not needing Catalytic Convertors to comply with the 1993 emission regulations.
Another word you will hear is Pre-serp which uses a Vee belt drive unlike the latter Serpentine engine which were fitted with a different front casing. The belt snakes like a “Serpent”.
Another good read is known as “the Bible” which gives more info’ on the model range, but is not perfect.
I expect you know all this but thought it might help others.
HTH
Many thanks for taking the time out to mention these things, at this stage there is no thing as 'bad info' as all is welcome!PH Used car buying guide.
If you had looked at the guide then here are some additional notes.
The car pictured is one of the last 100 5ltr models and differs in a few areas to earlier cars like the nose area between the front lights, rear lights, dashboard and seats for example.
Early Griffith.
The guide doesn’t mention the option of a 250bhp upgrade of the 4ltr to early cars prior to the 4.3ltr.
Then there is the best sound from the V8 un-muffled cars known as Pre-Cats, not needing Catalytic Convertors to comply with the 1993 emission regulations.
Another word you will hear is Pre-serp which uses a Vee belt drive unlike the latter Serpentine engine which were fitted with a different front casing. The belt snakes like a “Serpent”.
Another good read is known as “the Bible” which gives more info’ on the model range, but is not perfect.
I expect you know all this but thought it might help others.
HTH
Have a great one......
Something else to read, well it passes 10 minutes.
https://craigmcateer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020...
https://craigmcateer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020...
5.0ltr said:
Something else to read, well it passes 10 minutes.
https://craigmcateer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020...
Nice car, driver looks a bit iffy thoughhttps://craigmcateer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020...
Merry Christmas Bob, I take it you still have the Griff.
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff