Hiring and buying

[maverick dave]

Am really keen on buying a used Griff or Chim but I am not sure whether I will like it long term.

Yeah, I can hear you all going, you will love it, but I am 6'2" so I just want to make sure i will still enjoy it after the 10 minute test drive. Every car I have bought the test drive was a blur.

I have never driven one so I thought I would hire one for the weekend and really see what it was like.

Anyone suggest somewhere, London preferably that would maybe hire for this weekend, asking a lot I know!!!

[simont]

Hi,

I'm 6ft 3 and I still do not have the seat all the way back. Trust me, if comfort is the only thing stopping you don't worry, It's as comfy to sit in as my 528BM

Simon

[plotloss]

Yep, I can echo that, 6'4" and not exactly waif like and the Chim is fine on long trips.

There is a performance hire car place around Shoreditch but I cant remember their name.

Matt.

[MikeyT]

The TVR Centre at Barnet rent them out as do Bespokes which is nearby (may have moved though).

[david010167]

I am 6' 1" an a half, I drive a Griff 500 and there is loads of room, head clearance is excellent with the roof on, and leg room there is loads.

My advice is go and sit in a few, there is planty of room.

David M5 TVR

[d_drinks]

As already said TVR centre do hire them here's the URL
www.tvr-centre.co.uk/tvrhire.asp
Bespokes also do, but the guys in Barnet are a good bunch and will be able to answer any questions that you have, more so than that Bespokes.

Cheers
Darren

[JohnL]

Peter Wheeler is well over 6' I believe, so that may explain why they fit big folk.

[cirks]

do any of the dealers do extended test drives ? - that would be cheaper than hiring unless they refund the hire charge if you buy the car. I would expect them to do the latter even if you hire a griff one weekend and a Chimaera another - they should refund both if you buy one of them.

Different animal but I had my Aero for a two day test drive so I could use it on a motorway hack (long distance) as well as in town etc. Not different in price though (compared with 1-2yr old Griff/Chim) so there shouldn't be the 'cost of loaned car' being an excuse for the dealer. Probably comes down to how serious the dealer thinks you are, whether they know you or not (Saab didn't know me) and how desparate they are to sell you a car!

[gledhillp]

If you do hire one with the intention of buying then get the garage to agree to knock the cost of hire off any purchase you make (if you buy from them obviously).

[maverick dave]

Thanks guys.
Rang TVR Centre, nothing this weekend, but both available next weekend. Might do it next weekend instead, just need to decide, Griff 500 or Chim 450?

Does anyone know if Adrian Blyth or Fernhurst do extended test drives? I really like the cars Adrian has, just a bit more expensive than private.

Thanks guys you are a great help....