Buying cheap in the winter

[toppstuff]

Hi Guys

Posted a few weeks back as I was looking into Tuscan ownership. Ended up bottling it and getting a 911 ( oops).

Anyhow, with winter approaching I am tempted by some of the (relatively) cheap prices of 5.0 Chims and Griffs as a toy to keep on the side.

I can't pay the £16k plus a dealer would charge for a nice one, so I'm willing to risk a private purchase.

If I was to trawl the private market for a "cheap" one at say £13 or £14K, what would be the main issues to look for apart from the standard look for crash damage , checking the numbers match, HPI etc ?

In short - what are the main things to look for for a 8-9 yr old Trevor ?

Thanks !

[shpub]

Buyers guide to Chimpari and Griffi on www.tvrbooks.co.uk.

[tonyrec]

shpub said:

Buyers guide to Chimpari and Griffi on www.tvrbooks.co.uk.

[toppstuff]

Fair enough - I asked for that !

I guess I was thinking that there might be obvious "big themes" for Tivs like there are for older Porkers ( 964 series - oil leaks requiring a rebuild and watch for a flywheel replacement for example).

I guess the book solves that. I was'nt trying to solicit free advice from PH guv, honest !

[aaandy]

Don't worry you'll get loads of free advice on here and more. Also loads of stuff in the archives if you do a search. As for the buyers guide there is one that you can print off SH's site, plus dozens of threads on here.

[davidd]

Make sure you get all the history. It must have been serviced by a dealer or a recognised specialist.
Try and get a Borg Warner Gearbox and a Serpentine Engine. Make sure the chassis is solid (they rust) but don't worry about rot on the wishbones these are cheap and easily replaced.

To an extent more miles is good, TVRs do not like sitting about.

There is a load of other stuff but I'm sure that will be along in a mo

Good luckm and but a Griff they are much better (ducks)

D.

[shpub]

toppstuff said:

I guess the book solves that. I was'nt trying to solicit free advice from PH guv, honest !

Alright I should have said FREE downloadable buyers guide and FAQs etc etc etc.

[Incorrigible]

Definately the crash damage, Mines HPI registered but I know quite a few PHers whose cars aren't but have been crashed and haven't been repaired to the same exacting standards, look for silicon spots in the paint, crazing anywhere, and get the carpet up in the boot if you can

I would trust an HPI'd car that had full documentation of the repair over a car that had clearly been repaired and it's being passed off as "totally original"