Please help Im buying a griff.

[vestas]

I am after buying a griff. Its my first TVR and the finances wont stretch to a newish one.
I have seen a 1992 J plate Griff 4 litre, which appears to be in very good order with a full history and decent home for the last 8 years. 60 k miles
Questions

What engine will it have , rover?
If so what are they like for reliability.
Am I making a mistake buying a car that old?
They want 12G for it, is that a reasonable asking price?

Thanks
Vestas

[Skip]

I am after buying a griff. Its my first TVR and the finances wont stretch to a newish one.
I have seen a 1992 J plate Griff 4 litre, which appears to be in very good order with a full history and decent home for the last 8 years. 60 k miles
Questions

What engine will it have , rover? [Yes! they all do]
If so what are they like for reliability. [been going for 50 years in one form or another]
Am I making a mistake buying a car that old? [no I have one and it's fine - touch wood]
They want 12G for it, is that a reasonable asking price? [yes]

Thanks
Vestas

If as seems possible, you are not an expert, then get it checked out by someone who is, otherwise you could have a BIG bill looming if beauty is only skin deep. I went to local TVR people who did an excellent job for about £70. Try your local agent, or join TVRCC and go to local meeting, or do a search on this site.

Good choice, anyway!!!

[_DJ_]

I'm sure I'll get some grief for saying this, but you could potentially get a lower mileage, newer example of a Chimaera for the money if you're concerned about the age, possibly with a later specification gearbox/chassis. I know they're not quite the same, but you may sleep better at night with a later car. I seem to remember a few people on here selling them for around that, and buying a well known car (and getting it checked by a dealer), you're less likely to have problems.




>> Edited by _DJ_ on Thursday 24th April 17:05

[andy43]

Buying a TVR without knowing everything about the cars is v.risky!! Best option would be a health check at a dealer/specialist, but book early - I was offered a check two months away when I bought my car - not ideal! Please please get it checked out by someone who knows what they're talking about - I bought mine with the knowledge that it was 'known' to Steve Reid, and thus a 'good car' - and it is (so far). Buy the book on them by Steve Heath, and have a good read of it and also whats on t'internet. DON'T RUSH IN!! although I did and its turned out Ok. There do seem to be quite a few early cars for sale at the moment so there is a choice - price seems about right so very best of luck!

[simpo one]

'I'm sure I'll get some grief for saying this'

Cue grief...

'but you could potentially get a lower mileage, newer example of a Chimaera'

The man wants a Griffith. That's because they (a) they look far better (b) rarity value (c) precat model louder than standard Chimp. But you know all that because you have a Griff anyway!

>> Edited by simpo one on Thursday 24th April 17:38

[andy43]

Actually he's right - Griffs are more expensive - Do-It-All are doing Chimneas for £49.99 - brand new and boxed - on special offer so hurry! But I know which I'd rather have...

[simpo one]

NB Vestas: Skip is absolutely right. The TVRCC Bristol Region is very active and the best thing you could do is trundle along to one of their meetings. You should find the details at www.tvrcc.com

I had a 1992 4.0 Griff and if you get a nice one you won't regret it. Happy hunting.

[scruffy]

Griff, J reg, look around 10-12K. They all have nice radios. Check with local folk...
In your case - get your arse down to the Golden Heart when they (and probably me this time..) meet, details are here - Dan is probably the most biased, opinionated, bloody nice helpfull bloke you could wish to speak to... as are other folk, could you possibly have too many griffs in one area?

Good luck, shop around, and mail me if you need advice...

[mongoose]

mike,you have e-mail in the form of an offer to meet up and chat about all things grifflike.

[vestas]

Thankyou all. I have owned a variety of cars over the years and have joined a couple of clubs in relation to these vehicles. I have not however had such a friendly helpful quick response to an enquiry in all those years. I think I may have found the sort of car and subsequently the sort of fellow enthusiasts I have been after for all this time.yippeeee!

Thanks again
Mike

[Ballistic Banana]

Mike, well done good choice.
Like every else said, you really need a pro( oo err, not them sort) to take a look at it.
If you want some to look for you try Rob Ingleby on 01280 706332 he also has a website Findasportscar.
Also get down to the Bristol TVRCC meet and sure some there might have a look for you DAN.

Good luck and keep us informed
BB

[shpub]

There is a Griff buyers guide on my website that will help you. www.tvrbooks.co.uk

Regards
Steve