Griff 4.3 or 500

[glena]

I've been looking for a nice pre-cat 4.3 Griff circa 14k for a couple of months now, however it appears there are now lots of Griff 500's for similar money which has confused me. Anyone got any suggestions?

[andy43]

Depends what you're after... for maybe better guaranteed resale value, a tidy 14 grand 4.3 would possibly be better than an early tired 500 for the same money - the later post '95/6 500s (£too much?) are supposed to be nicer than the earlier ones? better set up and stronger engines/boxes, plus 500s have better heating/handling/slightly more power and possible PAS. But an early 500 is set up better than a precat. etc etc..
Go drive both - I can't really comment on a 500, 'cos I only drove a 4 litre Chim before I got my 4.3 Griff, but I would recommend that you drive the 500 first, or that precat noise will have your cheque book out before you even realise it...

[HarryW]

Not that I've got a griff, but hey we're all entitled to an opinion and theres certainly no shortage of those to be had here .
If it was me, as has already been said drive both, but my heart I think would be with the 4.3 rather than an average 500.
Long term the pre cat 4.3 will be the better classic possibily making a lot more money in the longer run if you intend to keep it. All IMHO .

Harry

[simpo two]

HarryW said:

Not that I've got a griff, but hey we're all entitled to an opinion and theres certainly no shortage of those to be had here . If it was me, as has already been said drive both, but my heart I think would be with the 4.3 rather than an average 500. Long term the pre cat 4.3 will be the better classic possibily making a lot more money in the longer run if you intend to keep it. All IMHO . Harry

And IMHO too.

[beano500]

You're all very humble.

The 500 is great, easy to drive and had some of the 4.x interesting aspects (problems) ironed out. Like most TVRs as you get further into the production run things get screwed together better.

BUT - a 4.x sounds even better than a standard 500, has all the classic shape and style and will probably have equal risk of "bodgemanship" as an early 500. Check out as much history as you can so that you go into it with your eyes open, that'll cut out any early disappointment! I think by '95/'96 500s got to be at their best. But I would say that wouldn't I?

[simpo two]

beano500 said:

I think by '95/'96 500s got to be at their best. But I would say that wouldn't I?

I'd say '97. But I would say that wouldn't I

I reckon best value for money has to be the V8S - oops, there goes the thread, I blame the wine and cheese (hic)

[simon t]

My 94 500 is mint so don't take age as the main criteria.

4.3? they're for wusses!

[jigs]

Then 500s must be for even bigger wusses - whatever they are!

[2 sheds]

I've got a 4.0L what does that make me ?

[Ballistic Banana]

2 sheds said:

I've got a 4.0L what does that make me ?

A special Case

[2 sheds]

I'm not going to argue then

[HeyAndy]

Why dont you just take the cat off a 500, re-route the exhaust and hey presto....the killer noise?

[jigs]

----- AND THEN PUT IT ALL BACK AGAIN EVERY YEAR FOR THE MOT.

[davem]

From someone who bought a 4.3 in March, the only downside is the stupid Governement idea to stop all non catted cars entering major cities!!

Yes - that is supposedly on the cards for sometime shortly, with trials in a few cities, and then across the board dictatorship (as usual). And there will be no option to pay extra tax (as in the Central London scheme) - if your car is not catted, you will be fined if you enter!! They suggest they will do it on photographed reg number!

Don't know whether it will ever happen, but read it in one of the car mags a couple of months ago (Classic & Sports Car I think).

On the up side - my Griff 4.3 is wonderful - I'll just have to stick to the country roads and annoy all the yokels!!