Ami I mad or what?
Discussion
Finally in a position where I can treat myself to a "toy" car (as Mrs BL puts it) and find myself in the process of acquiring an early Griffith 500 with reasonable mileage but many, many previous owners.
It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
People tend to ask for help when something needs doing, not when they're hooning around europe or otherwise. These cars are getting older and I can see why you'd have any more trouble than with any other old car. You should have come to the Growl to see how mad you think we all are!
Mine is just over 22 years old but has done 250k miles. I get problems but they are generally easy enough to sort - a few havent been so easy. Most of us want tip top running and always on the look out for improvements, hence the number of posts, many of which are on related subjects. There are many sensible upgrades and many folk always developing new products which is great for us all.
Had a TVR for near on 24 years (the Taimar I still have) and have never regretted it. Mrs FFG has a Griff 500 and an Alfa 159 so must be a real sucker for punishment.
Never had a BMW and never will.
JFDI - even if you sell in 12 months I doubt you'd lose money, which can't be said for many cars.
FFG
Mine is just over 22 years old but has done 250k miles. I get problems but they are generally easy enough to sort - a few havent been so easy. Most of us want tip top running and always on the look out for improvements, hence the number of posts, many of which are on related subjects. There are many sensible upgrades and many folk always developing new products which is great for us all.
Had a TVR for near on 24 years (the Taimar I still have) and have never regretted it. Mrs FFG has a Griff 500 and an Alfa 159 so must be a real sucker for punishment.
Never had a BMW and never will.
JFDI - even if you sell in 12 months I doubt you'd lose money, which can't be said for many cars.
FFG
Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Tuesday 8th July 16:07
Just the kinds of answer I was hoping for / expecting!
FFG - would have liked to go to the Growl but had previous engagements. Must be great fun - hopefully next year(?)
I'm having an inspection carried out by Taylor TVR on Monday. If that doesn't turn up anything imminent and / or catastrophic, I will probably be unable to resist.
Alternatively, if it doesn't pass muster, is anyone thinking of selling a really nice Griff at a modest price...?
FFG - would have liked to go to the Growl but had previous engagements. Must be great fun - hopefully next year(?)
I'm having an inspection carried out by Taylor TVR on Monday. If that doesn't turn up anything imminent and / or catastrophic, I will probably be unable to resist.
Alternatively, if it doesn't pass muster, is anyone thinking of selling a really nice Griff at a modest price...?
I've had my Griff for nearly eight years now. It's my only car and I've done just over 52k miles in it. It's only let me down twice in that time and both times it was a relatively minor issue.
As said above some preventative maintenance helps keep them working well and you only see people on here when they have issues which is only a small proportion of the TVR population.
Well worth it. Enjoy
As said above some preventative maintenance helps keep them working well and you only see people on here when they have issues which is only a small proportion of the TVR population.
Well worth it. Enjoy
Go out and get you a Griffith asap.
You will not regret it.
TVRs are so special and really awesome, especially the Griffith.
Get it checked properly by a TVR specialist before buying it,
an honest seller will not mind for sure.
This is money very well spent.
Make a long enough test drive to make sure it drives well and it does
not overheat in traffic.
If in doubt spend a bit more to get the nicer example.
Eventually you will regret not to have spent that little bit more for
the nicer one or that one with the right colour/stronger engine etc.. .
Good luck in finding your perfect Griffith.
You will not regret it.
TVRs are so special and really awesome, especially the Griffith.
Get it checked properly by a TVR specialist before buying it,
an honest seller will not mind for sure.
This is money very well spent.
Make a long enough test drive to make sure it drives well and it does
not overheat in traffic.
If in doubt spend a bit more to get the nicer example.
Eventually you will regret not to have spent that little bit more for
the nicer one or that one with the right colour/stronger engine etc.. .
Good luck in finding your perfect Griffith.
I know, I know.
Have loved the Griff since it first came out so I pretty much convinced myself a while ago. I was thinking someone might say "nooooo! Don't do it!" But knew better really.
Hope this one pans out ok on the inspection - it certainly drove very nicely but otoh, I want one I'll be able to drive when I want to, not when it feels like it.
Have loved the Griff since it first came out so I pretty much convinced myself a while ago. I was thinking someone might say "nooooo! Don't do it!" But knew better really.
Hope this one pans out ok on the inspection - it certainly drove very nicely but otoh, I want one I'll be able to drive when I want to, not when it feels like it.
If you do take the plunge into joining us there are always brilliant folks on PH or the Club that as a collective can pretty much advise you on how to fixs things yourself. I was at Le Mans a few years ago and I had blown some fuse or other, a quick post up on here and I had 3 different people walking over to me with parts to help me get going. I love being a Tivver owner. 
10 years of ownership here with my '92 pre-cat.
I've done Le Mans every year from pretty much every Northern France port and 4 years ago went to Classic Le Mans then on to Malaga where we rested for 2 days before making the return leg of a 3000 mile journey.
Only once has the car failed in any kind of major way, and it waited until I was on the drive before the clutch went.
And I still managed to drive it 30 miles without clutch to get it to the specialist who replaced it. (the clutch, not the car)
It has its foibles - this weekend at Classic Le Mans it decided I needed about 2 pints of water in the boot.
Its never done that before but I had loads of towels and bog roll in there so maybe the car thought I was prepared for a test - who knows. but I'll live with it.
I tinker with it constantly, but that's because I can, not because it needs it specifically. I personally hold the theory I've had so few problems with the car precisely because I tinker with it, my friends think I make things go wrong so I can spend time and money fixing them again. But they're just jealous
If you're unsure about owning a TVR think about it this way.
Find something in the same league for the same money.
You're be back here, I guarantee it.
If you're unsure about owning a Griffith go drive one.
Pull out to overtake something, get the car squared up and squeeze your right foot to the floor.
You will both s
t your pants and grin like a loon.
You'll be back here, I guarantee it.
Sure, you'll be back occasionally either looking for help, or offering help to someone else who is going through the same loop as you did recently. But you'll be part of a brilliant fraternity of people who love their little known treasure just for the thrill of driving it.
I'm waxing lyrical now I know, but after 800 miles this weekend I got home from Le Mans and patted the car for being just bloody brilliant all weekend. It stood up to be counted in the company of Aston, GT40, Lambo, Ferrari, De Tomaso Pantera and christ knows what other exotica.
And it costs me peanuts each year to run.
What are you waiting for?
I've done Le Mans every year from pretty much every Northern France port and 4 years ago went to Classic Le Mans then on to Malaga where we rested for 2 days before making the return leg of a 3000 mile journey.
Only once has the car failed in any kind of major way, and it waited until I was on the drive before the clutch went.
And I still managed to drive it 30 miles without clutch to get it to the specialist who replaced it. (the clutch, not the car)
It has its foibles - this weekend at Classic Le Mans it decided I needed about 2 pints of water in the boot.
Its never done that before but I had loads of towels and bog roll in there so maybe the car thought I was prepared for a test - who knows. but I'll live with it.
I tinker with it constantly, but that's because I can, not because it needs it specifically. I personally hold the theory I've had so few problems with the car precisely because I tinker with it, my friends think I make things go wrong so I can spend time and money fixing them again. But they're just jealous
If you're unsure about owning a TVR think about it this way.
Find something in the same league for the same money.
You're be back here, I guarantee it.
If you're unsure about owning a Griffith go drive one.
Pull out to overtake something, get the car squared up and squeeze your right foot to the floor.
You will both s
t your pants and grin like a loon.You'll be back here, I guarantee it.
Sure, you'll be back occasionally either looking for help, or offering help to someone else who is going through the same loop as you did recently. But you'll be part of a brilliant fraternity of people who love their little known treasure just for the thrill of driving it.
I'm waxing lyrical now I know, but after 800 miles this weekend I got home from Le Mans and patted the car for being just bloody brilliant all weekend. It stood up to be counted in the company of Aston, GT40, Lambo, Ferrari, De Tomaso Pantera and christ knows what other exotica.
And it costs me peanuts each year to run.
What are you waiting for?
If the inspection works out okay and you like the way it drives and the colour etc, go for it and enjoy. Personally I wouldn't be too worried about older service history ... more relevant what has been done in the last couple of years and whether the most recent owner is an enthusiast.
To be honest, one of the things that attracts me to the Griffith - other than the car itself, of course - is the attitude of the owners which is apparent whenever anyone looks at the forum. Whilst I'm generally disinclined to get involved in clubs etc, I can see the advantages and pleasure of having the camaraderie and resource of the collective enthusiast owners.
Can't wait for Monday...
Can't wait for Monday...
I think we can already tell you are hooked, there is no escape. 
Do it - they are great!
I've had mine for 7 years now and it's still a thrill.
It will break down at some point, but so will any other 20 year old car.
They are not that complicated and the guys on here will soon have you back on the road. There is probably more information about how to keep these cars running well now, than there was when they were new.
It is actually amazing how many suppliers are out there providing spares and service for these cars, especially when you look at the volume of cars manufactured. Several of the guys on here have worked to remake, either personally or through their own contacts, hard to find and improved parts. They often make them available to us at minimal or no profit.
I would recommend getting your hands on RoverGauge which is a free diagnostic tool for the ECU. You just need a USB cable (link below) and a laptop and then you have access into one of the areas that was a black box previously.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-p...
Do it - they are great!
I've had mine for 7 years now and it's still a thrill.
It will break down at some point, but so will any other 20 year old car.
They are not that complicated and the guys on here will soon have you back on the road. There is probably more information about how to keep these cars running well now, than there was when they were new.
It is actually amazing how many suppliers are out there providing spares and service for these cars, especially when you look at the volume of cars manufactured. Several of the guys on here have worked to remake, either personally or through their own contacts, hard to find and improved parts. They often make them available to us at minimal or no profit.
I would recommend getting your hands on RoverGauge which is a free diagnostic tool for the ECU. You just need a USB cable (link below) and a laptop and then you have access into one of the areas that was a black box previously.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-p...
BuzzLightyear said:
Have loved the Griff since it first came out so I pretty much convinced myself a while ago.
Paul, I got my first Griff for eactly the same reason. I saw my first one about 20+ years ago in London, had two kids and when my youngest went off to University I just thought, why not?To be fair I don't do a huge amount of miles, partly because I work abroad 6 months of the year and the Griff is not my first car but it has only let me down once in two years (a loose fuse on the fuel pump). I do all the maintenance myself, partly because I enjoy it and partly because I then know it will be done properly. The Griff is not complicated and spares are cheap and plentiful. As you work through it, it is not difficult to become an expert.
Generally you read the bad things on this column because that's why people use it. I have experienced that thinking I had a blown head gasket/slipped liners whereas I just needed to spend more time bleeding the cooling system.
If you haven't done it already then go for it, you'll love the car. If you need a second opinion on a car then there are plenty of people here who will help (including myself)
Pete
You, mad ? I own a 3000S, for nearly 10 years already, yes they require maintaining and attention, but it has never broke down on me...
I'm so mad (or rather, addicted...) that I've now bought a early 430 !
The cars need attention and parts (read money), but......they will appreciate not depreciate (and so will your liking for it !)
Do it, you won't regret it !
Frank
I'm so mad (or rather, addicted...) that I've now bought a early 430 !
The cars need attention and parts (read money), but......they will appreciate not depreciate (and so will your liking for it !)
Do it, you won't regret it !
Frank
BuzzLightyear said:
Alternatively, if it doesn't pass muster, is anyone thinking of selling a really nice Griff at a modest price...?
I still think this one is worth a punt......http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Just not sure about the recent, possibly dodgy, bidding history
Pete
BuzzLightyear said:
Finally in a position where I can treat myself to a "toy" car (as Mrs BL puts it) and find myself in the process of acquiring an early Griffith 500 with reasonable mileage but many, many previous owners.
It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
buy it. if you don't like it sell it.It has a reasonably full folder of service history etc, is in fairly good cosmetic order, drives very nicely and is at the cheaper end of the price scale. Also, having recently been owned by a TVR enthusiast PH'er, has had a few extra upgrades done to it.
However, looking on this forum, pretty much every thread is about problems with the car and how to overcome them, usually involving some not inconsiderable expense.
Now, I realise I am looking at a 20+ year old TVR (!) and it is NOT going to be like a new BMW as far as reliability is concerned but, am I going to regret it or are the times when everything's working, the weather is OK and the top's down going to make it all worthwhile?
Also, why the hell am I asking you lot for a rational answer?
as long as you buy reasonably you won't lose money
Thanks for your posts, everyone. Looks like preaching to the converted, huh?
Petemac, I saw that thread and thought someone had picked up a bargain at £12k but I'm a bit suspicious of this too - if there's something hokey about the sale, what else is not on the level? Also it's a long way from me - the one I'm getting looked at is nice and local and many of you will know the previous owner as a fellow PH'er therefore entirely decent, honest and trustworthy (and a very nice, knowledgable guy too).
5 more sleeps..
Petemac, I saw that thread and thought someone had picked up a bargain at £12k but I'm a bit suspicious of this too - if there's something hokey about the sale, what else is not on the level? Also it's a long way from me - the one I'm getting looked at is nice and local and many of you will know the previous owner as a fellow PH'er therefore entirely decent, honest and trustworthy (and a very nice, knowledgable guy too).
5 more sleeps..
My advice is always to get the best one you can afford. Every TVR is born different and gets increasingly different in the hands of various owners. Buy a £12K car and sell it for £11K; buy an £18K car and sell it for £17K. The loss is the same but which do you think is likely to be the better one? Unless you're a very good judge of horseflesh and/or can get stuff done cheaply I'd take the safer option.
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