hello and some advice

hello and some advice

Author
Discussion

ben lizard

Original Poster:

178 posts

270 months

Friday 19th April 2002
quotequote all
hello people ,
am looking for a new car in a couple of months time and really like the griff.
got a insurance qoute and it's less than what i am paying now for me scooby so i think it's definately on .
what i was wondering was where is the best place you guys have found for insurance , also the general running costs as it will be my only car till winter when i plan to buy a runaround and put the griif off the road
the fuel cost doesn't scare me as i have really thristy scooby :]
what's the service interval for them and does any one know of a good place to get it serviced in the aberdeen area.
also does the soft top leak cos it rains quite alot up here :[

Nigel lewis

1,585 posts

271 months

Saturday 20th April 2002
quotequote all
Go for it, you will not stop grinning
I have run a Griff for four years, and have not had one single problem. It has been totally reliable, and although not used as a main day to day car, was used on a regular basis.
Sunninghill Insurance, I found to be the best for insurance, and they also include track cover and RAC cover as well. 01276-474844.
As for leaks, it never ever let any water in.
I had it serviced at a local independant once out of waranty, and had a first class job done for half the price.
I have just (4 weeks ago sold it), and am awaiting a new Tamora in the next few days, and although obviously excited, will always miss the Griff, and the sound and Grunt of that Wonderfull V8.
Lifes to short not to, get out their and find one. You will not regret it.

TivHead

6,078 posts

272 months

Tuesday 23rd April 2002
quotequote all
I had a Scooby before my Griff too. Griff is better fuel economy. Has not leaked. Bigger grin factor.
Get a 4.3 if you like raw bass emitting from your exhausts. Or a 500 for more low end grunt.
Either way, they kick a**.

Get the cheque book out Lizzer

G

>> Edited by TivHead on Tuesday 23 April 22:12

ben lizard

Original Poster:

178 posts

270 months

Thursday 25th April 2002
quotequote all
cheers for the help guys , but is there any members from n.e.scotland here , and where to get it serviced cos the nearesrt dealer is in edinburgh
fancy the griff at heham horseless carrige , is this a good price for a car of this age and milage .
Also what should i look out for when viewing a griff as i am a tvr virgin and know very little about the car

CleG

567 posts

270 months

Thursday 25th April 2002
quotequote all
I have recently bought a Griff 500 here is a copy of some advice I was sent that I found useful, hope it helps.

"check:
front upper wishbones, they corrode for england
powder coating on front outriggers gets chipped by stones : corrosion
again.
suspension bushes collapse and arms rub against chassis lugs saab top ball joints last 12k miles at best. lada bottom ball joints go forever.
std dampers non adjustable and they leak often and the valves knock, not a problem if aftermarket versions fitted.
interior trim is very expensive, make sure it's top notch, full leather an expensive option when first bought so desirable on secondhand but not essential. water leaks kill carpets, check for mould under seats.
early rover 5 speed boxes must have regular oil changes to avoid damaging the oil pump. later T5 cossie boxes stronger and quieter with better
ratios.
early cars have GKN diffs, often leak and big hassle getting seals and fitting them, don't worry, just keep topping up! Later BTR diff bullet poof.
If the brakes are terrible don't worry, they're all like that, and the 500s are best of the lot!
check all electrics work especially the complicated electronic heater /heated mirrors / heated seats if fitted.
engines can be noisy, I'd be surprised if it's on it's original cam, TVR never set the follower preload and cams destroy themselves within 30k miles usually. Piston slap common from cold start. 1 litre per thousand miles oil consumption commonplace, bore flex the major factor there apparently.

other than that it's pretty much usual stuff, check history / HPI / speak to previous owners make sure it goes like a rocket (don't expect the 320 / 340 bhp claimed though .. typically 250-260 bhp actual), it should instantly light up the rear tyres if you floor the throttle in first gear.


>> Edited by CleG on Thursday 25th April 21:22

RUF 3

240 posts

273 months

Thursday 25th April 2002
quotequote all
I am in Scotland with a 500 Griff. I use NOELV8 (profile on this site) for service and repairs. I believe he does a few cars from the Aberdeen area as there is nobody in that area. It would also pay you to have him check over any car you are thinking of as it could save you fortunes in the long run. (I speak from experience !). Insurance - my renewal with direct line (Comp, Full NCD, 3pts for speeding) was £732. Sunninghill quoted yesterday £492. My Hood leaks, but I am going to try a waterproofer. I think if you get a good Griffith it is pretty good to run, but a bad one could be your worst nightmare. Do not imagine that all cars from main dealers are good or that warranties are worth much. Get the car fully checked and know the problems before you write the cheque. NOELV8 will happily give advice by phone and for a fee do a thorough check of the car. He is probably our best hope in Scotland !! Good luck.