Is it time to sell?

Is it time to sell?

Author
Discussion

Wildfire

Original Poster:

9,774 posts

251 months

Wednesday 7th October 2015
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So I've had my nicely modified Pre Cat Griff for about 11 years now, bought as one of the youngest Griff owners, it's only failed an MOT once (due to a muppet "TVR specialist" garage who were convinced that it HAD TO HAVE cats), I've done all the work myself on it and it has been rock solid.

But since life took over and lack of use started when I changed jobs and the final nail was when I had to put it in a garage that was 2 miles away from where I lived.

Having moved again the TVR is now underneath where I live. But everyone I start it, I get them neighbours leaning out of the window shouting at me (they're old) but don't seem to complain about the petrol driven leaf blower that goes 4-5 hours every day.

The Griff did 60 miles last year between MOT's and this year, maybe 150.

Never thought I'd consider it, but I really am thinking about selling up. She's a great car, but just doesn't get the use and given increased work commitments I have less time to drive her and greater financial commitments that sometimes don't justify tax, insurance and other running costs. I've been trying to redye the carpets for 2 years now and have yet to manage that.

Am I doing the TVR a dis-service not using it? Am I just being stupid or should I be looking to pass her on to someone who will use her a lot more?

450Nick

4,027 posts

211 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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cavebloke

640 posts

226 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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Just because work gets in the way is no reason to sell it. It all depends how much you love the car and how much you smile when you do get the chance to drive it. I don't get much time to drive mine at the moment (new father) but I wouldn't sell it unless I was financially desperate. I still smile every morning when I get my bike out of the garage for my commute and see the car (no parking at work so don't abuse me for not taking the TVR).

Simon

MPoxon

5,329 posts

172 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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Yours is a particularly nice example Chris and it had many very desirable upgrades being the ex-ACT development car. I think you need to be absolutely sure if you do want to sell it as you will really struggle to find another as good as yours if you change your mind later down the line.

If I were you I would either make a real effort to use the car at every opportunity and see how you feel after say 6 months, if you still want to sell then sell. Or keep hold of the car for another few years and sell once the new TVR has established itself, I suspect the older cars will go up in value if the new TVR are a success and there is perceived to be manufacturer support and a plentiful parts supply for the 'Hertitage' models.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

carsy

3,018 posts

164 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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When you hit the mid life crisis era, which most do and you`ve got more spare time / cash. You`ll wish you had kept it. Unfortunately by then they may be out of reach.

Realistically tho only you know the answer to this one.

FlipFlopGriff

7,144 posts

246 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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Chris,
Not used mine much in the last couple of years either but decided I was going to make more of an effort this year and I've mostly enjoyed it, except some minor niggles. I SORN'd the Griff over winter last year for the first time (in 9 years) which does help with finances a little. Insurance isn't that bad anyway and it doesn't need a lot of looking after and agree with Matt that you'd regret it if you did sell. At the end of the day only you can decide but as you've posted I suspect you don't really want to part with it.
FFG

Pete Mac

755 posts

136 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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Chris, another way of looking at it is to ask yourself whether you need the space/money right now and if the answer is no then if you haven't got the time to drive it then you could SORN your Griff because it cetainly won't go down in value and may well appreciate at a greater rate than a good investment fund. Pete

Barreti

6,680 posts

236 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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As Matt says, now isn't really the best time to sell.

First its coming up to winter which is perennially the worst time to sell a soft top.

But more importantly prices are on the rise now and with 'new' TVR popping up in the motoring press a little now which will only be more so in the next year and almost certainly getting national press recognition when the new car is launched I can only imagine prices across the board will continue to rise.

Unless you really need the money right now I'd try to use it next year, see if you get chance to drive it because you're making an effort to, and watch prices.

Johno

8,401 posts

281 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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Haven't driven mine in anger for 3yrs.

Don't even live on the same continent. It starts first time every time for its ever attentive 'keeper' and is waiting for when I get back to being in the same part of the world.

I've thought about selling, but prefer to think about how I will get to use her again. Better she accrues value and remains in first class order than selling it, regretting it and then finding the money has gone on other 'stuff' I didn't need anyway.


GasDoc

211 posts

211 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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I recently sold my Griff after 9 years of ownership. Just wasnt getting time to appreciate it, and was embarassed at how few miles I was doing in between MOTs. Regretted it immediately. Like part of me was gone. Empty garage looks miserable and now have to go on YouTube daily to get my aural fix of RV8 rumble. Plus my kids are giving me grief about selling it (but not the wife strangely!). My advice would be to hang on to it. Enthusiasm might wax and wane from time to time, but that car is part of you. Make time to drive it and it'll always put a smile on your face.

TVR Beaver

2,867 posts

179 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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you could sell it.. put £10K towards, and buy a MK1 Escort laugh
these cars MUST go up over the next few years.. what else can you buy for the same bang for buck?....
They will contend with most modern cars... and you can work on them yourself!...
Perfect cool

shake n bake

2,221 posts

206 months

Thursday 8th October 2015
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This is real easy, if you need to put the money you'll make from selling it in to something else then crack on and get it gone.
If you're selling it because old people shout at you then Bounce it off the limiter when you're back from a run and give them the option of complaining about idle noise or full chat noise!
If it doesn't owe you anything then keep it if you still are in love with the car and start using it!

cindydog3

158 posts

135 months

Friday 9th October 2015
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TVR Beaver said:
you could sell it.. put £10K towards, and buy a MK1 Escort laugh
these cars MUST go up over the next few years.. what else can you buy for the same bang for buck?....
They will contend with most modern cars... and you can work on them yourself!...
Perfect cool
You cannot be serious!
Seriously considered Mk1 RS2000 3yrs back, as had 1 back in the day which I rallied. However common sense prevailed and since no substitute for ccs as the yanks say sourced a Griff 500 and haven't looked back.
100bhp Escort against 280 or whatever, no contest.

cindydog3

158 posts

135 months

Friday 9th October 2015
quotequote all
TVR Beaver said:
you could sell it.. put £10K towards, and buy a MK1 Escort laugh
these cars MUST go up over the next few years.. what else can you buy for the same bang for buck?....
They will contend with most modern cars... and you can work on them yourself!...
Perfect cool
You cannot be serious!
Seriously considered Mk1 RS2000 3yrs back, as had 1 back in the day which I rallied. However common sense prevailed and since no substitute for ccs as the yanks say sourced a Griff 500 and haven't looked back.
100bhp Escort against 280 or whatever, no contest.

TVR Beaver

2,867 posts

179 months

Friday 9th October 2015
quotequote all
cindydog3 said:
TVR Beaver said:
you could sell it.. put £10K towards, and buy a MK1 Escort laugh
these cars MUST go up over the next few years.. what else can you buy for the same bang for buck?....
They will contend with most modern cars... and you can work on them yourself!...
Perfect cool
You cannot be serious!
Seriously considered Mk1 RS2000 3yrs back, as had 1 back in the day which I rallied. However common sense prevailed and since no substitute for ccs as the yanks say sourced a Griff 500 and haven't looked back.
100bhp Escort against 280 or whatever, no contest.
Obviously NOT serious...

Re-worded for clarification wink

''you could sell it.. put £10K towards, and buy a MK1 Escort laugh

Griffs MUST go up over the next few years.......

thumbup

neutral 3

6,356 posts

169 months

Friday 9th October 2015
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As Johno says.

Can't believe I've had my one over 5 years now. Used it lots in 2010 and 11 and into 2012. Bought an M3 at the end of 2012 and the Griff got far less use. Hardly drove it last year and this year due to lack of £. These Cars Don't like not being used. I do as much maintanance and repair as I can as I don't trust garages, been had over So many times and I'm Trade.

If you do sell think what you would do with the £ ?? Fritter it away ?? And if you did regret selling would you be in a £ position to buy another or another classic / fast car ?

For the money there is Just nothing that offers the looks / rarity / performance as a Griff.

Wildfire

Original Poster:

9,774 posts

251 months

Friday 9th October 2015
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Currently I have 2 bikes and 2 cars, none of which are getting used. The last time I went to take the Griff out I woke up feeling very ill and as it as 5am, I opted for the Z4 as I could have heating and etc. If I wanted it.

Time wise I'd love to work on it, but a shortage of tools combined with an even bigger shortage of time is causing what has stopped me for the last 4 years.

Moneywise I have considered shopping in all the vehicles, going for one bike I can use for everything (maybe a Fireblade) and then just a car. That way I'f have a fair bit of cash to put away for a rainy day/towards the property.

Currently things are okish money wise but recently I have been questioning the ownership of my vehicles and the use (or lack of) that I get out of them.

The Griff does feel a bit neglected and more than the rest of the vehicles (and that's saying somethings!).

But I suppose that Griff's are in demand as since posting I've had a few mails enquiring about whether I want to sell.

Decisions, decisions..


stecozz

227 posts

164 months

Monday 30th November 2015
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Get a sapphire cosworth as there gonna be the next RS Ford to go for silly money.

Bought an escort cosworth 3 years back to replace my Griff 500 and the escort has nearly double in price and ive used it way more than the Griff haha

stecozz

227 posts

164 months

Monday 30th November 2015
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Get a sapphire cosworth as there gonna be the next RS Ford to go for silly money.

Bought an escort cosworth 3 years back to replace my Griff 500 and the escort has nearly double in price and ive used it way more than the Griff haha

Simpo Two

85,150 posts

264 months

Tuesday 1st December 2015
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For 150 miles that's an expensive and very large ornament taking up space in your garage, and it won't enjoy being ignored - things start to go wrong. There cones a point when it's more cost/aggro than the mileage is worth. It could be time - like a work of art - to let someone else enjoy it.