Viewing 4.3BV at Adrian Blyth tomorrow - tips welcome
Viewing 4.3BV at Adrian Blyth tomorrow - tips welcome
Author
Discussion

Pazuzu

Original Poster:

482 posts

260 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
Chaps,

Going to see this tomorrow

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3951202.htm

I've done my internet homework but would appreciate any hints and tips?

Cheers!

Phil

leerdam23

606 posts

285 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
at that price, be very fussy. make sure all buttons etc work, 2 keys and fobs, check all the previous service invoice for the last clutch, steering rack, diff, gearbox replacement or rebuild (70K miles) drive shafts, cv joints, wheel bearings, track rod ends, bushes etc...

drive with the roof on and the windows open 2 inches and check for fumes in the car, check windows go up and down easily, car should pull all the way to the 6k ish red line, not give up at 4800 rpm. cam should have probably been replaced by now too. make sure all gears are easily selected when cold and hot, see if the hopeless ventilation/heater/screen demist(!) does anything at all.

coolant hose from the swirlpot looks wrong, shouldn't have a gap round it!!

listen to the beautiful music of the pre-cat and try to keep your head ruling over your heart.....

Edited by leerdam23 on Wednesday 18th July 21:59

RichB

55,415 posts

308 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
Needless to say check the chassis thoroughly, especially the outriggers.

Phil Dicky

7,194 posts

287 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
leerdam23 said:
to keep your head ruling over your heart.....
Good luck with that bit smile

PeteGriff

1,262 posts

181 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
Lovely looking Griff, and as a 430 the one to have. Not an original factory BV, so make sure you see paperwork confirming it as an aftermarket conversion. Nice colour combination, check condition of hood and interior. Get them to put it up on a lift so as you can inspect the chassis, and look for oil leaks from differential, gearbox or engine. Wheels look like the original Gotti's (the ones to have). Check service history and all the paperwork, make sure you get a warranty as you are buying it from a reputable dealer. Have a good drive, stop, start, switch off then on, no hunting or engine revs going erratic. And finally, if you feel right driving it! Good luck and keep us informed. Pete

Pazuzu

Original Poster:

482 posts

260 months

Wednesday 18th July 2012
quotequote all
Cheers guys, will let you know how I get on.

I shall try to let me head rule!

Phil

FlipFlopGriff

7,144 posts

271 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
The price seems pretty good to me, assuming the condition is good. Check who did the BV conversion and what they did. Is there anyone local to the garage on here that could assist you for a few beer tokens? Always worth taking a current/previous owner who can look for the potential issues/provide advice.
FFG

Oggs

8,815 posts

278 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Adrian is a good honest man Dave Batty did/ does check all his cars.
Been 9 years since I bought from him and would again.

Pazuzu

Original Poster:

482 posts

260 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
I'd certainly be grateful for an experienced eye helping me out if it checks out at this stage and milky bars would definitely be on me!

I've compiled my list of things to look for based on this thread but I must admit the mileage is sticking a little in my head even though I assume it's condition, condition, condition!

P.

PeteGriff

1,262 posts

181 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Pazuzu said:
I'd certainly be grateful for an experienced eye helping me out if it checks out at this stage and milky bars would definitely be on me!

I've compiled my list of things to look for based on this thread but I must admit the mileage is sticking a little in my head even though I assume it's condition, condition, condition!

P.
Don't be ruled by mileage! A good well looked after and regularly used and serviced 79K miler can be better than a 25K miler kept in storage for months on end and only serviced at 6K (could be years). It's a big lazy lump and likes to be used, my 4.3 had done 72K when I bought it, it had previously had cam done and clutch, runs really well and smooth. If all the paperwork adds up and she feels and sound right go for it!

rev-erend

21,605 posts

308 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Check the out riggers.

Drive with the roof on to hear any noises.

Insist on inspecting it on a ramp (if its a dealer).

Podie

46,647 posts

299 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Oggs said:
Adrian is a good honest man Dave Batty did/ does check all his cars.
Been 9 years since I bought from him and would again.
Yep, seen cars at AB in the past, and had my S maintained by DB.

AB's cars were top money for a reason. I would be surprised if this had changed.

MikeE

1,851 posts

308 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
I did peer through his showroom window at this car last year but couldn't tell much about condition. Point I would make is he's had that car for sale for well over a year and don't believe he's reduced the price, so if you like it and the conditions good I'd drive a hard bargain.

rev-erend

21,605 posts

308 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Try to view a few cars to get an idea for comparison

Here is another :

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3731169.htm

Pazuzu

Original Poster:

482 posts

260 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Just got back from looking and it's not for me.

The main thing that put me off was that the interior is filthy on this one and felt quite fragile with bits of trim loose. The seat felt a bit tired as well. It looks like someone has tried to lever out the stereo with a screwdriver on the right hand side as well!

The exterior bodywork looks in excellent shape but if it were me I would have polished the exposed parts of the exhausts.

I'd booked to come in so was a little surprised to see it parked at the back of the showroom with no obvious way out without shuffling several cars around. I'm sure he'd have got it out if I'd pressed but he didn't seem too bothered.

Maybe I expected too much but I would have thought the best selling point on these would be to get someone out for a spin round the block on a sunny day?

Bit gutted really as I wanted to fall in love with it frown


clive f

7,259 posts

257 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
thats a great shame, but if the seller cannot be bothered to have the car out ready for you knowing you were coming to view then he doesn`t deserve to take your hard earned from you, keep looking, the right one will soon let you know its for you.yes

RichB

55,415 posts

308 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Pazuzu said:
Just got back from looking and it's not for me.

The main thing that put me off was that the interior is filthy on this one and felt quite fragile with bits of trim loose. The seat felt a bit tired as well. It looks like someone has tried to lever out the stereo with a screwdriver on the right hand side as well!

The exterior bodywork looks in excellent shape but if it were me I would have polished the exposed parts of the exhausts.

I'd booked to come in so was a little surprised to see it parked at the back of the showroom with no obvious way out without shuffling several cars around. I'm sure he'd have got it out if I'd pressed but he didn't seem too bothered.

Maybe I expected too much but I would have thought the best selling point on these would be to get someone out for a spin round the block on a sunny day?

Bit gutted really as I wanted to fall in love with it frown
That's sad, as you say you'd have thought he'd have given it the necessary TLC to bring the interior up to scratch and had it polished and waiting outside ready for a spin. Ah well... onward and upwards. Funnily enough that's why I went to Chichester to place my order for a brand new TVR back in '99 despite Heritage being in Henley on Thames just around the corner, a lack of interest in their customers. rolleyes

PeteGriff

1,262 posts

181 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Pazuzu said:
Just got back from looking and it's not for me.

The main thing that put me off was that the interior is filthy on this one and felt quite fragile with bits of trim loose. The seat felt a bit tired as well. It looks like someone has tried to lever out the stereo with a screwdriver on the right hand side as well!

The exterior bodywork looks in excellent shape but if it were me I would have polished the exposed parts of the exhausts.

I'd booked to come in so was a little surprised to see it parked at the back of the showroom with no obvious way out without shuffling several cars around. I'm sure he'd have got it out if I'd pressed but he didn't seem too bothered.

Maybe I expected too much but I would have thought the best selling point on these would be to get someone out for a spin round the block on a sunny day?

Bit gutted really as I wanted to fall in love with it frown
Really sad, I agree with other comments - If he wanted to sell it he would have made the effort!. If he wanted top dollar the interior should have been in better condition and it should have been ready for you to try.

Do not be to despondant, keep looking, the right car will turn up for you. Do consider buying privately from an enthusiast (like guys on PH). I bought mine (4.3 Pre-Cat) from an enthuiast 200 miles away in east Yorkshire, when collecting I drove her back all the way without stopping and she never missed a beat. Happy hunting, Pete


Ant.

5,254 posts

305 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
Pazuzu said:
Just got back from looking and it's not for me.

The main thing that put me off was that the interior is filthy on this one and felt quite fragile with bits of trim loose. The seat felt a bit tired as well. It looks like someone has tried to lever out the stereo with a screwdriver on the right hand side as well!

The exterior bodywork looks in excellent shape but if it were me I would have polished the exposed parts of the exhausts.

I'd booked to come in so was a little surprised to see it parked at the back of the showroom with no obvious way out without shuffling several cars around. I'm sure he'd have got it out if I'd pressed but he didn't seem too bothered.

Maybe I expected too much but I would have thought the best selling point on these would be to get someone out for a spin round the block on a sunny day?

Bit gutted really as I wanted to fall in love with it frown
If it's a sorted Precat you are after.........

Pazuzu

Original Poster:

482 posts

260 months

Thursday 19th July 2012
quotequote all
I normally buy privately, quite a departure for me to go to a dealer.

I didn't realise just how much I prefer talking to enthusiasts and how much I judge the car by it's owner.

In hindsight, the last 3 cars I've bought I've based the decision on which seller I preferred so it's reinforced my desire to buy privately.

The main issue I have is getting time to travel and see non-local cars frown

Cheers,

Phil