Shy away
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123nobster

Original Poster:

95 posts

160 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
Hi all just wanted to put this question out there.
I'm going to look at a couple of chims at the weekend.one Is P reg with 85000 miles,but a complete and thorough service history and supposed to be mechanically perfect.
The other is T reg with 55000 miles not so much history.
Should I let the mileage be an issue or just take each car on its individual merits.
Think I m used to mileage being an issue when buying daily drives.

Thanks in advance

Nobby

mab1

390 posts

253 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
Buy on condition all day long. I would much rather have one that has been regularly used and looked after properly over one that has sat not moving for months on end.

QBee

22,279 posts

170 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
You may well know what to look for, having been an owner before. If it was me, i would take someone from the Berkshire mob with me to be an extra pair of eyes and ears.
Check chassis condition, obviously, and on that the earlier one might be the better - just had to have my '99 V car outriggers replaced, as mine is one of the ones TVR powder coated, presumably in the ladies loo, and so has rusted through.
At either mileage it might be worth asking if the clutch has been replaced - mine was only any use as a frisbee at 73,000 miles.
See how it feels to drive, obviously.
Then it's eyes and ears and take your time.

FastRich

542 posts

226 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
Mieage isn't a problem for these cars all the time they're being looked after properly - at least the first car you describe has a history to verify the mileage. With no (or very little) history, how do you know the 55,000 mile car hasn't done 85,000 miles too?

Of course it'll be down to the condition of each individual car but like anybody on here, I'd advise you to look at as many as possible before making your final decision.

Good luck!

Rich

NiceCupOfTea

25,566 posts

277 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
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Assuming price is similar and they are as described, 1st would be my favourite.

Mark.

11,104 posts

302 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
85k or 55k neither are quite run in yet smile

As the others say, history is of better value to you than less miles and none I'd agree.

StarmistBlue400

3,083 posts

244 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
QBee said:
You may well know what to look for, having been an owner before. If it was me, i would take someone from the Berkshire mob with me to be an extra pair of eyes and ears.
Check chassis condition, obviously, and on that the earlier one might be the better - just had to have my '99 V car outriggers replaced, as mine is one of the ones TVR powder coated, presumably in the ladies loo, and so has rusted through.
At either mileage it might be worth asking if the clutch has been replaced - mine was only any use as a frisbee at 73,000 miles.
See how it feels to drive, obviously.
Then it's eyes and ears and take your time.
Are you a member of the Berkshire TVRCC on Facebook? Worth joining, loads of knowledge including a local TVR Specialist and Chim owner who really knows his stuff.

QBee

22,279 posts

170 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
StarmistBlue400 said:
Are you a member of the Berkshire TVRCC on Facebook? Worth joining, loads of knowledge including a local TVR Specialist and Chim owner who really knows his stuff.
Strangely, I am.......I say strangely, as I live about 130 miles north of Berkshire. Phil Kidby I think it was just invited me and joined me in. As you say, there are a number of people in that group who really know their stuff, which was why i recommended taking someone with you.

StarmistBlue400

3,083 posts

244 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
QBee said:
Strangely, I am.......I say strangely, as I live about 130 miles north of Berkshire. Phil Kidby I think it was just invited me and joined me in. As you say, there are a number of people in that group who really know their stuff, which was why i recommended taking someone with you.
QBEE, sorry. Was directed at the OP smile

QBee

22,279 posts

170 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
There is one other point in favour of the 55,000 mile car. So long as you can verify the mileage, I have noticed a distinct price premium for cars below about 60,000 miles. If you intend to keep it for years and do lots of miles, that isn't a bother, but if you think you might be selling in less than 5000 miles and the prices are similar, give the 55,000 miler a careful look over.

123nobster

Original Poster:

95 posts

160 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
Thanks all for your input,I think I will view cars as arranged but try and keep my hands in my pocket till someone with an eye for these things can take a look at any prospective purchase.
If it all gets to much I may give rob ingleby a call and see what he comes up with.
Planing on keeping for a while so just want to get it right.

Thanks again chaps

Nobby

A900ss

3,312 posts

178 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
At both of those mileages, have they had the camshaft changed?

A question I didn't bother with to my (large) personal expense.

Best of luck.

pjac67

2,040 posts

278 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
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I may know of a '96 500 for sale soon (starmist blue/magnolia/estorils) camshaft changed recently...

123nobster

Original Poster:

95 posts

160 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
quotequote all
Could be interested ,if you want to pm me some details.

Many thanks

Nobby

sheel

696 posts

249 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
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Nobby, you say your 120miles north of Berkshire, where abouts?
Rich

QBee

22,279 posts

170 months

Friday 17th May 2013
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sheel said:
Nobby, you say your 120miles north of Berkshire, where abouts?
Rich
Slight confusion - nobby is in Berkshire, I am 120 miles north (and the rest)

Skyedriver

22,779 posts

308 months

Friday 17th May 2013
quotequote all
pjac67 said:
I may know of a '96 500 for sale soon (starmist blue/magnolia/estorils) camshaft changed recently...
If it's in the north of England you could pm me too.
thanks

pjac67

2,040 posts

278 months

Sunday 19th May 2013
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Advert will be on PH shortly (sorry - nr. Bristol not OOOP North...)

123nobster

Original Poster:

95 posts

160 months

Sunday 19th May 2013
quotequote all
Bristol is not a problem for me,test drove both yesterday,not much in it really.wasnt keen on colour combo of low mileage one.higher mileage car was just a bit worn around the edges.
What plate is your 500 on Paul,is it pre facelift?

Cheers

Nobby