First time buyer - help required!!
Discussion
I am finally in the position where i think i can afford my first TVR. I have lusted after one all for as long as i can remember and now my age and insurance company will insure me its game on!!
The problem i have is that i am slightly limited by my budget. I can stretch to around 10K but this is where my troubles start. I love both the Chimaera and the Griffith and would be very happy with either. My personal perference would be a Griffith but due to them appearing to retain a little more value are at the limits of my price range. I have found a 94 Griff 500 with 66000 on the clock for 10k which i like the look of but is much older than a the equivilant 99 Chim 500 for the same price. I have posted this on the Griff forum also but would love some input as to your guys opinions although im sure i can expect some slightly one sided opinions!!
Many thanks in advance
James
The problem i have is that i am slightly limited by my budget. I can stretch to around 10K but this is where my troubles start. I love both the Chimaera and the Griffith and would be very happy with either. My personal perference would be a Griffith but due to them appearing to retain a little more value are at the limits of my price range. I have found a 94 Griff 500 with 66000 on the clock for 10k which i like the look of but is much older than a the equivilant 99 Chim 500 for the same price. I have posted this on the Griff forum also but would love some input as to your guys opinions although im sure i can expect some slightly one sided opinions!!
Many thanks in advance
James
Hi James,
I have just had the exact same decision to make. I had a budget too, and stuck to it. Looked at both the Griffith and Chimaera, and agree with other posts, you wont be disappointed in either.
In the end I went for the 1998 4.0 Chimaera. 2 reasons, looks - I preferred lthe looks of the Chimaera, and a decent boot, the Griffith doesnt really have one.
Some advice I was given, look at loads, and dont fall in love with the first one you see. Make sure you have loads of service history. Check chassis, particularly the outriggers. Apart from that, its the usual second hand car checks (hpi etc).
The other decision I had to make was private or dealer. I went for the latter, based on my limited knowledge of this type of car. Probably paid a little more for this, but am not disappointed at all.
BTW got mine from James Agger, nice bloke, talks for england, but knows what hes doing.
Good luck in your search, and the smile you will have when you finally get one.
Peter
I have just had the exact same decision to make. I had a budget too, and stuck to it. Looked at both the Griffith and Chimaera, and agree with other posts, you wont be disappointed in either.
In the end I went for the 1998 4.0 Chimaera. 2 reasons, looks - I preferred lthe looks of the Chimaera, and a decent boot, the Griffith doesnt really have one.
Some advice I was given, look at loads, and dont fall in love with the first one you see. Make sure you have loads of service history. Check chassis, particularly the outriggers. Apart from that, its the usual second hand car checks (hpi etc).
The other decision I had to make was private or dealer. I went for the latter, based on my limited knowledge of this type of car. Probably paid a little more for this, but am not disappointed at all.
BTW got mine from James Agger, nice bloke, talks for england, but knows what hes doing.
Good luck in your search, and the smile you will have when you finally get one.
Peter
sparkesp said:
In the end I went for the 1998 4.0 Chimaera. 2 reasons, looks - I preferred lthe looks of the Chimaera, and a decent boot, the Griffith doesnt really have one.
I think you'll find the Griff boot is very similar in size to the Chimp boot just the aperture to get the roof in and out and store isn't as good, but not really an issue for Chimp owners.FFG
I was recently in a similar position to yourself albeit with a slightly larger budget. If you have to have the Griffith styling then you should go for that. I test drove both the Griffith and the Chimaera and found the driving experience very very similar indeed (remembering I am a TVR novice). In the end I went for the Chimaera as I slightly prefer it's styling and, as it was my first TVR and I was being ultra cautious, I seemed to be able to get a car in better condition and with a better history for my budget.
10k will get you a nice chim 400 or maybe 450 in a private sale.
that is probably your best bet if you are a car in good condition.
griffiths are depreciating less though.
bear in mind that a reserve fund of at least 20% is advisable to cover Y1 service + expenses.
stop thinking about it. do it. you won't regret it...
at first anyway
that is probably your best bet if you are a car in good condition.
griffiths are depreciating less though.
bear in mind that a reserve fund of at least 20% is advisable to cover Y1 service + expenses.
stop thinking about it. do it. you won't regret it...
at first anyway
hi i am a griff owner. grrrowlcloggy said:
James, what do you look like.
If you are a fat hairy arsed git go for the Griff.
HTH.
If you are a fat hairy arsed git go for the Griff.
HTH.
Yes, and from what I've noticed, an inability to spell correctly, coupled with a low IQ, would certainly swing the balance in favour of the Griff.
Without prejudice
Any views and opinions herein stated are in no way intended to represent any persons, living or dead.
These comments should not be taken out of context and are not intended to be inflammatory against any individual or group.
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