Discussion
Hey there folks,
New guy here thinking about buying a Griffith 5 litre thing. Its a '94. Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door. held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead and noticed the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet. It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date. Guy let me put it on his ramp and all seemed present and correct. Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S) and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off. Its had recent discs all round and tyres too. The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb. The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit. Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something. All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
New guy here thinking about buying a Griffith 5 litre thing. Its a '94. Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door. held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead and noticed the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet. It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date. Guy let me put it on his ramp and all seemed present and correct. Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S) and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off. Its had recent discs all round and tyres too. The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb. The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit. Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something. All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
Hi Jamie, 1st thing - don't buy a TVR without getting a specialist to check it over - they won't charge that much.
By the sound of it, Claire at Dreadnaught would probably be the closest to you. There's also Noel at V8 Sports (at Drem, just south of Edinburgh)
You found quite a few things there - I wouldn't be surprised if a specialist could find more.
I would also suggest you come along to one of the Scottish TVR meets - the next Glasgow one is Sunday 24th Nov IIRC - you'll be able to have a good chat to owners & hopefully get out for a spin in one or two.
Without seeing the car, or knowing the mileage/history, pricing it is hard, but I'd guess £12K at this time of year.
Mirror can be glued back easy
Bonnet stay - annoying, suggests that the owner hasn't sorted problems as they come along
Bushes - replace these with nylon ones. Can be a bugger to remove. It must handle like a pig at the moment. You probably need new wishbones as well...
You will actually have 3 Cats in it, but only the central 1 is essential. They all smell a bit of petrol when they start, so the cats aren't necessarily gone.
I would be concerned about the chassis - this should either have the original powdercoat on (optimistic), or have been hammerited & waxoyled regularly (hopefully both)
Door cracks can be fixed (it's just fibreglass - if you aren't fussy about paint finish on trailing edge, you could do it yourself)
Windscreen delamination is normal on this age of car.
Suspension clonks suggest you need to replace all bushes - fairly time intensive, although the bushes are cheap.
How much are you looking to spend?
How about looking in the PistonHeads classified? If you are after a Chimaera, you could do worse than Manek's Chimaera, which has been properly set up & tuned @ £13K
Edited to say - yes you do want a TVR - just don't buy the first one you see. Elises are a different kind of car completely - why don't you test drive both & see what you think (I'm obviously biased
)
V8 Westfields are pretty mental, but not something you would want to drive that far in.
>> Edited by craigalsop on Monday 18th November 13:22
By the sound of it, Claire at Dreadnaught would probably be the closest to you. There's also Noel at V8 Sports (at Drem, just south of Edinburgh)
You found quite a few things there - I wouldn't be surprised if a specialist could find more.
I would also suggest you come along to one of the Scottish TVR meets - the next Glasgow one is Sunday 24th Nov IIRC - you'll be able to have a good chat to owners & hopefully get out for a spin in one or two.
Without seeing the car, or knowing the mileage/history, pricing it is hard, but I'd guess £12K at this time of year.
Mirror can be glued back easy
Bonnet stay - annoying, suggests that the owner hasn't sorted problems as they come along
Bushes - replace these with nylon ones. Can be a bugger to remove. It must handle like a pig at the moment. You probably need new wishbones as well...
You will actually have 3 Cats in it, but only the central 1 is essential. They all smell a bit of petrol when they start, so the cats aren't necessarily gone.
I would be concerned about the chassis - this should either have the original powdercoat on (optimistic), or have been hammerited & waxoyled regularly (hopefully both)
Door cracks can be fixed (it's just fibreglass - if you aren't fussy about paint finish on trailing edge, you could do it yourself)
Windscreen delamination is normal on this age of car.
Suspension clonks suggest you need to replace all bushes - fairly time intensive, although the bushes are cheap.
How much are you looking to spend?
How about looking in the PistonHeads classified? If you are after a Chimaera, you could do worse than Manek's Chimaera, which has been properly set up & tuned @ £13K
Edited to say - yes you do want a TVR - just don't buy the first one you see. Elises are a different kind of car completely - why don't you test drive both & see what you think (I'm obviously biased
) V8 Westfields are pretty mental, but not something you would want to drive that far in.
>> Edited by craigalsop on Monday 18th November 13:22
New guy here thinking about buying a Griffith 5 litre thing. Its a '94. Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door. held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead and noticed the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet. It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date. Guy let me put it on his ramp and all seemed present and correct. Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S) and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off. Its had recent discs all round and tyres too. The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb. The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit. Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something. All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
A number of comments:
1) Language such as '5 litre thing' will hardly endear you to people on here
2) Catalysts - they are all the same size, those that have them. Useful for MOT's.
3) You've clearly seen a crap one, you don't really need people on here to tell you not to buy it
4) What comments are you after from the TVR section? Yup, buy the shed you've just seen? Buy a Westfield?Yes an Elise is slow? You posted a message on the TVR section which in a nutshell says 'I tried a TVR 'thing' but it was crap. Maybe I should buy an Elise....'
If you haven't already done so:
1) Join the TVR CC
2) Buy one of Steve Heaths books
3) Read the archives on here
4) Go and see lots of cars
Mmm, I think griff2be was a bit fierce!
Here's my 4p-worth an owner of two Griffs:
'Its a '94.'
That's 8 years old - it's v v unlikely to be perfect. TVRs can deteriorate if not given TLC, and it sounds like it hasn't been.
'Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door.'
Sticky pads. Owner may have prised them out to realign (I have!) and not stuck them back properly. Or do you mean the whole casing too????
'held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead'
You're not missing much. It's only a 3-foot ally tube which can get detached at the top end if not propoeryl engaged with a grommet.
'the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet.'
These do go - obviously past owner/s have not looked at them (I wonder how many do?) or the servicinng garage, if any, is negligent. New bushes are a common thing though.
It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date.
Count again - you missed the even bigger one! Didn't know that aged cats gave a petrol smell though - isn't this more likely to be overfuelling? ie an ECU thing?
'Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S)'
Not unremarkable given the age.
'and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off.'
Not unremarkable given the age. It starts coming off when it leaves the factory...!
'The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb.'
Well-known Griff (and TVR) weak point. Expensive to fix or you can live with it.
'The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit.'
Normal!
'Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something.'
Paint or algae?!
'All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.'
Normal. Wire brush and waxoyl, IMO.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
A Westfield or Elise is totally different. If you can't run to a newer one, try to find a cleaner example or, dare I say it, find a really good 4.x.
Don't be discouraged!
Here's my 4p-worth an owner of two Griffs:
'Its a '94.'
That's 8 years old - it's v v unlikely to be perfect. TVRs can deteriorate if not given TLC, and it sounds like it hasn't been.
'Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door.'
Sticky pads. Owner may have prised them out to realign (I have!) and not stuck them back properly. Or do you mean the whole casing too????
'held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead'
You're not missing much. It's only a 3-foot ally tube which can get detached at the top end if not propoeryl engaged with a grommet.
'the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet.'
These do go - obviously past owner/s have not looked at them (I wonder how many do?) or the servicinng garage, if any, is negligent. New bushes are a common thing though.
It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date.
Count again - you missed the even bigger one! Didn't know that aged cats gave a petrol smell though - isn't this more likely to be overfuelling? ie an ECU thing?
'Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S)'
Not unremarkable given the age.
'and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off.'
Not unremarkable given the age. It starts coming off when it leaves the factory...!
'The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb.'
Well-known Griff (and TVR) weak point. Expensive to fix or you can live with it.
'The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit.'
Normal!
'Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something.'
Paint or algae?!
'All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.'
Normal. Wire brush and waxoyl, IMO.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
A Westfield or Elise is totally different. If you can't run to a newer one, try to find a cleaner example or, dare I say it, find a really good 4.x.
Don't be discouraged!
Griff2be said:
New guy here thinking about buying a Griffith 5 litre thing. Its a '94. Jumped in it for a spin and the drivers door mirror fell off soon as I closed the door. held the bonnet open while looking at the engine 'cos the stay was missing, presumed dead and noticed the upper wishbone bushes were worn to the extent the wishbone was rubbing on the chassis though not eaten into it yet. It was fitted with two enormous (expensive?) catastrophic converters which going by the smell of petrol when starting from cold (no problem, sounded good) were probably past their sell by date. Guy let me put it on his ramp and all seemed present and correct. Diff was leaking a bit of oil from one of the drive flanges (N.S) and not a lick of paint anywhere on the chassis. What was there was falling off. Its had recent discs all round and tyres too. The doors each had a crack about 50mm long from the very top of the trailing edge leading into the top of the door jamb. The windscreen's just started to de-laminate but still in the black bit. Body looked ok and was a kind of light fern green or something. All the mounting bolts were fairly corroded though.
Took it for a spin and noticed some suspension sounding clonks from the rear end on a wee bit of rough tar but it seemed to drive OK. Whats it worth?
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
A number of comments:
1) Language such as '5 litre thing' will hardly endear you to people on here
2) Catalysts - they are all the same size, those that have them. Useful for MOT's.
3) You've clearly seen a crap one, you don't really need people on here to tell you not to buy it
Well said I hate people who ask questions they already know the answer to!
>> Edited by p7ulg on Monday 18th November 10:42
>> Edited by p7ulg on Monday 18th November 10:44
How much are they paying you to take it off them?!?
If you're going to buy one and don't want to pay main dealer prices go to a independent like David Gerald or Adrian Blyth. You'll get a car for around 15K from David Gerald which should not have the problems you've seen and if it does it'll probably be covered by a warrenty. Adrian Blyth is usually a bit more pricey.
There's plenty of cars out there. One good bit of advice already given was join the TVRCC.
Sounds to me like you've seen a pup and got a bit discouraged but keep looking, if you want a Griff you'll never be happy with an Elise...
Cheers
DC
If you're going to buy one and don't want to pay main dealer prices go to a independent like David Gerald or Adrian Blyth. You'll get a car for around 15K from David Gerald which should not have the problems you've seen and if it does it'll probably be covered by a warrenty. Adrian Blyth is usually a bit more pricey.
There's plenty of cars out there. One good bit of advice already given was join the TVRCC.
Sounds to me like you've seen a pup and got a bit discouraged but keep looking, if you want a Griff you'll never be happy with an Elise...
Cheers
DC
Thanks for the endorsement dai capp.
Teuchter - we do have a 95 (M) Griff 500 in BRG with biscuit, 41,000 miles due in at £15950.
Irrespective of where you buy I echo the previous threads - by recommending you mug-up and arm yourself with knowledge, don't buy the first one you see (view several) and of course I'm going to suggest that a reputable source usually makes financial sense in the long run!
NB It's a buyers market out there!!
Apprentice
Adrian Blyth Specialist Cars
Teuchter - we do have a 95 (M) Griff 500 in BRG with biscuit, 41,000 miles due in at £15950.
Irrespective of where you buy I echo the previous threads - by recommending you mug-up and arm yourself with knowledge, don't buy the first one you see (view several) and of course I'm going to suggest that a reputable source usually makes financial sense in the long run!
NB It's a buyers market out there!!
Apprentice
Adrian Blyth Specialist Cars
dexdringle said: Blimey David - haven't you sold yours yet ?. If you keep bringing the price down I'll be tempted myself soon !!!!
No, annoyingly enough I had a pile of calls a week or so ago then it pissed down at the w/e which curtailed viewing a little.
It's odd but after a few weeks with no interest it seems to have picked up, I guess it's as a result of the price coming below £16k. I had more folks round to see it at the w/e and I've had some interest via email today. I guess it is just a case of waiting for the right person who wants the car to make me a sensible offer.
I've had a few offers but none of which are quite high enough.
Interestingly a couple came to see it yesterday and probably gave it the best going over it's had, they did mention that they have seen some really tatty cars at the same age and that mine looked pretty good compared to most.
It's back in Topmarques next month, in the meantime if anyone wants it just give me a bell (and some cash, oh and let me know what sort of cake
) D.
Well being a Chimaera owner I bought a 1996 500 (FTVRSH and only 30,000 miles on the clock) in March this year and only paid £14,750 so even though it's a Griff I think £15,500 at this time of year is not going to sell, if you can hold on to it for next summer you'd probably get that.
GN
GN
GingaNinga said: Well being a Chimaera owner I bought a 1996 500 (FTVRSH and only 30,000 miles on the clock) in March this year and only paid £14,750 so even though it's a Griff I think £15,500 at this time of year is not going to sell, if you can hold on to it for next summer you'd probably get that.
GN
Maybe, but then it is not a Chimaera. If I need to wait I'll wait, I can drop the price and I have set myself a lower level, however I don't think I'll have to go that low.
Also looking at your profile you seem to think that your car is now worth £16,000, how do you work that out?
D.
Cheers for the replies guys some more useful than others. I should have told you the milage (48000) in my first post.
Quote :A number of comments:
1) Language such as '5 litre thing' will hardly endear you to people on here
If I wanted endearing, Id've joined a church, it is a five litre thing.
2) Catalysts - they are all the same size, those that have them. Useful for MOT's.
Why do you think I'm asking about them? can someone clarify for me please what happens when you flood an up to temp catalyst with petrol as happens with these engines? How far off a pass is a properly set up engine without them?
3) You've clearly seen a crap one, you don't really need people on here to tell you not to buy it
Just made the guy an offer for it actually!!
4) What comments are you after from the TVR section? Yup, buy the shed you've just seen? Buy a Westfield?Yes an Elise is slow? You posted a message on the TVR section which in a nutshell says 'I tried a TVR 'thing' but it was crap. Maybe I should buy an Elise....'
constructive suggestions from some were of much value. Am not too worried about minor niggles and expect to shove a bit of cardboard in the glovebox when the catch breaks but would be more concerned about things like what is the typical normal running temperature for one of these 'things'. the guage sat not too far off the red once up to temp but the fan was cutting in and out so perhaps is the cut in temp to high on this particular car maybe? The oil pressure at tickover was just under the 20psi mark but came up instantly with the revs. My experience of rover V8's would tell me this was good but am not sure what oil pump would be fitted so is it?
Have got £13000 to spend and could spend a lot of time looking for something better and lose the opportunity for this one. I think probably what I'm looking at is what you get for the money. He was looking for £14995 and came down to £13150 with a years MOT and a years warranty for £350 on top of that which I think would be wise for the first year anyway. Have not yet put a deposit down but have made my offer which he has accepted over the 'phone. Gave the TVR club a call earlier in the week and am awaiting the buyers guide coming through the door any minuite now (I hope).
Am still serious about both the elise and westfield though, both different cars I know. If a good one of either came along tomorrow I'd buy it, same goes for the griffith too.
Quote :A number of comments:
1) Language such as '5 litre thing' will hardly endear you to people on here
If I wanted endearing, Id've joined a church, it is a five litre thing.
2) Catalysts - they are all the same size, those that have them. Useful for MOT's.
Why do you think I'm asking about them? can someone clarify for me please what happens when you flood an up to temp catalyst with petrol as happens with these engines? How far off a pass is a properly set up engine without them?
3) You've clearly seen a crap one, you don't really need people on here to tell you not to buy it
Just made the guy an offer for it actually!!
4) What comments are you after from the TVR section? Yup, buy the shed you've just seen? Buy a Westfield?Yes an Elise is slow? You posted a message on the TVR section which in a nutshell says 'I tried a TVR 'thing' but it was crap. Maybe I should buy an Elise....'
constructive suggestions from some were of much value. Am not too worried about minor niggles and expect to shove a bit of cardboard in the glovebox when the catch breaks but would be more concerned about things like what is the typical normal running temperature for one of these 'things'. the guage sat not too far off the red once up to temp but the fan was cutting in and out so perhaps is the cut in temp to high on this particular car maybe? The oil pressure at tickover was just under the 20psi mark but came up instantly with the revs. My experience of rover V8's would tell me this was good but am not sure what oil pump would be fitted so is it?
Have got £13000 to spend and could spend a lot of time looking for something better and lose the opportunity for this one. I think probably what I'm looking at is what you get for the money. He was looking for £14995 and came down to £13150 with a years MOT and a years warranty for £350 on top of that which I think would be wise for the first year anyway. Have not yet put a deposit down but have made my offer which he has accepted over the 'phone. Gave the TVR club a call earlier in the week and am awaiting the buyers guide coming through the door any minuite now (I hope).
Am still serious about both the elise and westfield though, both different cars I know. If a good one of either came along tomorrow I'd buy it, same goes for the griffith too.
Ginja
I think you're about right. A nice 1996 private sale Griff / Chim 500 with 30k on the clock and a good history should be circa £15k/16k. I'd reckon on £500 less/more for every 5k miles over/under the 30,000 mark. Same car trade £18k. You must've had a bargain at well under £15k.
The normal old issues here - all cars are different, some are much nicer than others, cars of the same age can easily be £4k different in price, colour matters, history matters etc etc. Interesting that the prices some private sellers ask seem high (check out the R plate ones at £20k on classifieds). I really do think that buying one of these at all is brave (given how many things you need to know / can go wrong) and buying privately well into 3 figures is for those with steel gonads. I suspect that these £20k 'R' platers eventually sell for £17k or so as there aren't to many people with £20k to burn and those who do buy will want to hold on to some "rainy day" money......
As regards a 1996 in nice condition with 55k miles - well, I'd pay no more than £14k privately but I'd happily pay £16k if it was mint with 30k miles on the clock (esp if it was Starmist Chianti - I so love that colour)
I think you're about right. A nice 1996 private sale Griff / Chim 500 with 30k on the clock and a good history should be circa £15k/16k. I'd reckon on £500 less/more for every 5k miles over/under the 30,000 mark. Same car trade £18k. You must've had a bargain at well under £15k.
The normal old issues here - all cars are different, some are much nicer than others, cars of the same age can easily be £4k different in price, colour matters, history matters etc etc. Interesting that the prices some private sellers ask seem high (check out the R plate ones at £20k on classifieds). I really do think that buying one of these at all is brave (given how many things you need to know / can go wrong) and buying privately well into 3 figures is for those with steel gonads. I suspect that these £20k 'R' platers eventually sell for £17k or so as there aren't to many people with £20k to burn and those who do buy will want to hold on to some "rainy day" money......
As regards a 1996 in nice condition with 55k miles - well, I'd pay no more than £14k privately but I'd happily pay £16k if it was mint with 30k miles on the clock (esp if it was Starmist Chianti - I so love that colour)
'2) Catalysts - they are all the same size, those that have them. Useful for MOT's.'
Indeed. Except that a Griffith has two small ones and one big one.
'can someone clarify for me please what happens when you flood an up to temp catalyst with petrol as happens with these engines?'
Why would that happen?
'How far off a pass is a properly set up engine without them?'
I've heard that you can get either CO *or* HC under the limit, but not both at the same time. In short, no cats, no (pukka) MOT.
'Am not too worried about minor niggles and expect to shove a bit of cardboard in the glovebox when the catch breaks'
Now at this stage I thought you were going to make a TVR owner. But then you said:
'one of these 'things'.'
I would respectfully suggest that if it's only a 'thing' to you then get a BMW.
However, running temp and oil pressure are common themes - do a search and you will find all you need to know an more.
'Have not yet put a deposit down but have made my offer which he has accepted over the 'phone.'
So do you want it or not?
'Am still serious about both the elise and westfield though, both different cars I know. If a good one of either came along tomorrow I'd buy it, same goes for the griffith too.'
Best to get those out of your system first then, then get the best of the three...
I think you have to decide if you really want to grasp the nettle. Grasp it firmly and do it properly, or don't bother at all. But you *will* have to see it as more than 'thing' or it will break...
Indeed. Except that a Griffith has two small ones and one big one.
'can someone clarify for me please what happens when you flood an up to temp catalyst with petrol as happens with these engines?'
Why would that happen?
'How far off a pass is a properly set up engine without them?'
I've heard that you can get either CO *or* HC under the limit, but not both at the same time. In short, no cats, no (pukka) MOT.
'Am not too worried about minor niggles and expect to shove a bit of cardboard in the glovebox when the catch breaks'
Now at this stage I thought you were going to make a TVR owner. But then you said:
'one of these 'things'.'
I would respectfully suggest that if it's only a 'thing' to you then get a BMW.
However, running temp and oil pressure are common themes - do a search and you will find all you need to know an more.
'Have not yet put a deposit down but have made my offer which he has accepted over the 'phone.'
So do you want it or not?
'Am still serious about both the elise and westfield though, both different cars I know. If a good one of either came along tomorrow I'd buy it, same goes for the griffith too.'
Best to get those out of your system first then, then get the best of the three...
I think you have to decide if you really want to grasp the nettle. Grasp it firmly and do it properly, or don't bother at all. But you *will* have to see it as more than 'thing' or it will break...
Hi Teuchter,
Catalysts - these cars have 2 pre-cats (one in each manifold) and one main cat (in the big central joined part of the exhaust). Only the central one is necessary for an up to temp engine - although you will need to thrash it to get it to this temp
The temperature gauge should be taken with a pinch of salt as they can be pretty erroneous - the fact that the fan cuts in & out is a good sign. Oil pressure sounds fine...
If you are prepared to travel, I think you could do better than this car sounds.... It really is a buyers market out there at the moment (sadly)
The years warranty should be scrutinised carefully as to what is gives you - is the seller a dealer? Is this a Scotsure warranty? Many of them don't actually cover what you think...
I would urge you not to rush into it (although I love TVRs & am keen to see you get a good one), as there are quite a few examples of "sheds" out there.
The biggest concern that I have from the things you have mentioned is the state of the chassis - this can end up being horrendously expensive ( worst case £6K to buy new chassis & fit - although most cases can be rectified by in-place welding new tubes)
Sounds like you are keen to move fast (I know that feeling )- if you want me to put you in touch with a specialist, or want to come out for a spin in a sorted TVR (so you have something to compare against), drop me an email through my profile
cheers,
Craig
Catalysts - these cars have 2 pre-cats (one in each manifold) and one main cat (in the big central joined part of the exhaust). Only the central one is necessary for an up to temp engine - although you will need to thrash it to get it to this temp
The temperature gauge should be taken with a pinch of salt as they can be pretty erroneous - the fact that the fan cuts in & out is a good sign. Oil pressure sounds fine...
If you are prepared to travel, I think you could do better than this car sounds.... It really is a buyers market out there at the moment (sadly)
The years warranty should be scrutinised carefully as to what is gives you - is the seller a dealer? Is this a Scotsure warranty? Many of them don't actually cover what you think...
I would urge you not to rush into it (although I love TVRs & am keen to see you get a good one), as there are quite a few examples of "sheds" out there.
The biggest concern that I have from the things you have mentioned is the state of the chassis - this can end up being horrendously expensive ( worst case £6K to buy new chassis & fit - although most cases can be rectified by in-place welding new tubes)
Sounds like you are keen to move fast (I know that feeling
)- if you want me to put you in touch with a specialist, or want to come out for a spin in a sorted TVR (so you have something to compare against), drop me an email through my profile cheers,
Craig
Do I really want a car where I wonder whats going to fall off next or should I go out and get a V8 Westfield instead? Are Elises really that slow? I thought about one of them too. HELP!! I want a TVR (I think?)
Fair comment that my reply wasn't terribly helpful, particularly the first half. Although some sound advice in the last part - e.g. look at several cars of the same age so you can recognise a good one from a bad one.
In my defence I was goaded into 'less than helpful mode' by your closing comments quoted above. Mainly because only you can answer these questions....
Anyway good luck - don't dive into buying the first car you see if you have doubts - there will be plenty more of them out there.
Cheers for the offer Craig. Have left contact details with you.
Chassis corrosion was purely cosmetic I'm sure though would be gratefull if there are any 'hotspots' I might have overlooked. Was a bit concerned with what looked like a kink in the top wishbone on the NSF but would I be right in thinking its to allow the passage of a left hand drive steering column?
My biggest concern, probably through lack of experience with them is the catalysts. I was exagerating a bit when I said 'flood' (humble apologies) but this particular car, probably out of tune due to neglect or maybe some ECU or sender value is putting unburned fuel on occasion through the exhaust and I'm sure its not the only one out there doing just that. Does that kill cats or not? I think this one would have used up a few of its lives by now. I'm thinking of owners manuals for other cars which advise against tow starting and the like for fear of damaging the cats. The car has just had an £800 service.
The Glasgow meet on the 24th sounds like it would be a good idea. Money burning hole in pocket though, Hope I've got the will power to hold out that long. What kind of turnout do you usually have? Hope to see some of you there.
Chassis corrosion was purely cosmetic I'm sure though would be gratefull if there are any 'hotspots' I might have overlooked. Was a bit concerned with what looked like a kink in the top wishbone on the NSF but would I be right in thinking its to allow the passage of a left hand drive steering column?
My biggest concern, probably through lack of experience with them is the catalysts. I was exagerating a bit when I said 'flood' (humble apologies) but this particular car, probably out of tune due to neglect or maybe some ECU or sender value is putting unburned fuel on occasion through the exhaust and I'm sure its not the only one out there doing just that. Does that kill cats or not? I think this one would have used up a few of its lives by now. I'm thinking of owners manuals for other cars which advise against tow starting and the like for fear of damaging the cats. The car has just had an £800 service.
The Glasgow meet on the 24th sounds like it would be a good idea. Money burning hole in pocket though, Hope I've got the will power to hold out that long. What kind of turnout do you usually have? Hope to see some of you there.
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