Hi from a newbie
Discussion
Hi to all in the group, I'm a TVR-less club member having sold my Wedge in the summer,and have been saving all my pennies since then to buy a Griff 500. I'm still looking for my "ideal and affordable" Griff.
It will have to have light coloured bodywork with grey or dark hide, serpentine engine and T5 gearbox and have what I would call average TVR milage 30k-40k for a 6 to 8 year old car. Oh and no leaks!
Today I have been to look at one that nearly meets this wish list, just the usual niggles, slow electric window (off-side), no rear foglight and a number plate light that has dropped a bit. All fairly easy to rectify, just time and patience. The only thing worrying me is the gearbox as it does feel quite tight and notchy. I took a griff owner along with me and he was concerned with it as well. I am hoping to go back for a second look on Sunday as long as it's not raining cats & dogs (as forcast). Can anyone give me their thoughts on this?
BTW the car's a 1996 with 40k miles.
It will have to have light coloured bodywork with grey or dark hide, serpentine engine and T5 gearbox and have what I would call average TVR milage 30k-40k for a 6 to 8 year old car. Oh and no leaks!
Today I have been to look at one that nearly meets this wish list, just the usual niggles, slow electric window (off-side), no rear foglight and a number plate light that has dropped a bit. All fairly easy to rectify, just time and patience. The only thing worrying me is the gearbox as it does feel quite tight and notchy. I took a griff owner along with me and he was concerned with it as well. I am hoping to go back for a second look on Sunday as long as it's not raining cats & dogs (as forcast). Can anyone give me their thoughts on this?
BTW the car's a 1996 with 40k miles.
Hi
If you have any worries about the car why not talk to Rob Ingleby, he sources cars for people & really knows his stuff.
I have a Griff 500 which I found. I gave Rob a ring & he did a very thorough inspection, with a full report including an HPI check at a very reasonable cost.
If you want to contact me via my profile I can give you his details...I should point out I have no other dealings with him, just a very satisfied customer!
Good luck, & whatever you decide to do make sure you enjoy it.
Nick
If you have any worries about the car why not talk to Rob Ingleby, he sources cars for people & really knows his stuff.
I have a Griff 500 which I found. I gave Rob a ring & he did a very thorough inspection, with a full report including an HPI check at a very reasonable cost.
If you want to contact me via my profile I can give you his details...I should point out I have no other dealings with him, just a very satisfied customer!
Good luck, & whatever you decide to do make sure you enjoy it.
Nick
'slow electric window (off-side)'
'Slow' is common. Depend how close to 'stop' it gets!
'a number plate light that has dropped a bit.'
How did you spot that? You've certainly checked your onions. But does it matter??!!! My Griff has opaque plates so bollox to the light!
'The only thing worrying me is the gearbox as it does feel quite tight and notchy.'
I've had two Griffs, one with Rover box and one with T5. My experiences fly in the face of received wisdom: namely, Rover: slick, smooth and fast. T5: notchy short-throw that needs a firm hand and can baulk from 2-3 at high revs. However, I can't of course tell how notchy the one *you* drove is. If the owner is confident in his car, could you arrange a trip to your local dealer/independent for a more professional opinion?
Anyway, it sound like you're on the right tracks with your eyes open so we look forward to seeing your 'kill'!
'Slow' is common. Depend how close to 'stop' it gets!
'a number plate light that has dropped a bit.'
How did you spot that? You've certainly checked your onions. But does it matter??!!! My Griff has opaque plates so bollox to the light!
'The only thing worrying me is the gearbox as it does feel quite tight and notchy.'
I've had two Griffs, one with Rover box and one with T5. My experiences fly in the face of received wisdom: namely, Rover: slick, smooth and fast. T5: notchy short-throw that needs a firm hand and can baulk from 2-3 at high revs. However, I can't of course tell how notchy the one *you* drove is. If the owner is confident in his car, could you arrange a trip to your local dealer/independent for a more professional opinion?
Anyway, it sound like you're on the right tracks with your eyes open so we look forward to seeing your 'kill'!
The T5 box is notchy, with a very 'mechanical' feel to the change.
I've missed the odd 2-3 shift up when giving it the berries on the track.
Is your Griff owning mate used to a T5 or Rover box? If they're a T5 chappie I'd trust their opinion - but it might be a draging clutch causing a sticky feel to the box.
I've missed the odd 2-3 shift up when giving it the berries on the track.
Is your Griff owning mate used to a T5 or Rover box? If they're a T5 chappie I'd trust their opinion - but it might be a draging clutch causing a sticky feel to the box.
If they (Barnet) think they might be getting a ew customer who'll spend £x,000 over the years, they ought to inspect it for nothing. My local BMW dealer did just that with a 7-series I was about to buy privately - by prior arrangement they bunged it up on the ramps and gave it a checkover while I waited (much to the surprise of the vendor, who was with me!). Perhaps not as thorough as an AA inspection, but it gave me much more confidence to purchase.
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