want to buy a griff!
Discussion
hello there!
just sold this for £5250
I've been given a shed of a 406 diesel estate so i want to stop messing about and get propper sports car to with the aim of using it regularly but maybe not in bad weather and for long journeys.
will probably have between 8-10k to spend, seems pretty low budget for a griff, this worries me a touch...has anyone bought a sub 10K/high mile griff and got any experiences to share?
thanks,
rick.
just sold this for £5250
I've been given a shed of a 406 diesel estate so i want to stop messing about and get propper sports car to with the aim of using it regularly but maybe not in bad weather and for long journeys.
will probably have between 8-10k to spend, seems pretty low budget for a griff, this worries me a touch...has anyone bought a sub 10K/high mile griff and got any experiences to share?
thanks,
rick.
Thanks. 
Bear in mind it's done 100,000 miles over fifteen years - this has meant that in the last two years alone more than £10,000 has been spent on it between the previous owner and me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to put you off, but £8-10,000 is really pushing it. Good luck with your search anyway.
Bear in mind it's done 100,000 miles over fifteen years - this has meant that in the last two years alone more than £10,000 has been spent on it between the previous owner and me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to put you off, but £8-10,000 is really pushing it. Good luck with your search anyway.
profstoff said:
I understand why you chose a Griff and it shows your impeccable taste but have you thought about a Chimeara. For that money you'll probably get a newer/lower mileage model. Running gear is the same, plus you'll have room in the boot for the golf clubs.
did think about it...i could get one with a LOT less miles you're right but i think it's griff all the way if i can.guess i could go and have a look at a chimp or two and see..I'm not 100% on the look of the chim tbh.
not too bothered about the clubs...got my trusty 406 for that.
cheers for the advice people!...anyone else?
Personally, for the budget you're talking about, I would start with a Chimaera. You'll get a perfectly good one for the money. Run it for a year or so whilst you confirm that it really is a TVR you want and also save a bit more money for a better Griff.
I have a feeling that the ownership experience may not be what you are hoping for if you get a cheap one.
As I you can probably guess - that's what I did! My Chimaera (25,000 miles when I got it)was 100% fault free over 2 years and three months ownership. The first failure happened whilst the new owner drove it home and a fuse blew. You will also spend far more time with the roof because it's a right pigs ear of a job on the Griff.
L.F.
I have a feeling that the ownership experience may not be what you are hoping for if you get a cheap one.
As I you can probably guess - that's what I did! My Chimaera (25,000 miles when I got it)was 100% fault free over 2 years and three months ownership. The first failure happened whilst the new owner drove it home and a fuse blew. You will also spend far more time with the roof because it's a right pigs ear of a job on the Griff.
L.F.
i paid 6k for mine knowing it needed a lot of work...
i have had the engine rebuilt..and new hood and carpets...
having it resprayed in next couple weeks..
dash is being made now and only need to source new gauges for the whole lot to be finished...
i went in knowing it was going to be fairly expensive but have not spent anything near what i expected...
and at the end of it all i will have one of the few...not a glorfied golf buggy :-)
i have had the engine rebuilt..and new hood and carpets...
having it resprayed in next couple weeks..
dash is being made now and only need to source new gauges for the whole lot to be finished...
i went in knowing it was going to be fairly expensive but have not spent anything near what i expected...
and at the end of it all i will have one of the few...not a glorfied golf buggy :-)
At that budget it will be an early Griff, which obviously you know.
There are some very nice early Griff's, and some very rough ones as well.
Join the TVRCC and get down to the local meet.
Look at the Griffith pages and at the buyers guide.
Look at as many as you can before buying.
DONT buy any car thinking its cheap, but when you have done XYZ it will be good. Nothing is cheap on a Griff. Check the following :
Chassis. Chassis. Chassis. Then check the chassis again.
body work
interior trim
roof
everything electrical
engine
brakes / suspension / tyres
Did I mention the chassis?
If you get a good one, you will love it. ( and there are some in that price range )
If you get a rough one, it will put you off TVR's for life. ( and there some in that price range )
I would not worry too much about milage. I would worry about whether I thought the car has been through a life of TLC, or had a life of abuse.
Also, remember these are 15 year old cars, which are not cheap to run. Don't spend your last penny buying it just in case your first big bill arrives a week later.
There are some very nice early Griff's, and some very rough ones as well.
Join the TVRCC and get down to the local meet.
Look at the Griffith pages and at the buyers guide.
Look at as many as you can before buying.
DONT buy any car thinking its cheap, but when you have done XYZ it will be good. Nothing is cheap on a Griff. Check the following :
Chassis. Chassis. Chassis. Then check the chassis again.
body work
interior trim
roof
everything electrical
engine
brakes / suspension / tyres
Did I mention the chassis?
If you get a good one, you will love it. ( and there are some in that price range )
If you get a rough one, it will put you off TVR's for life. ( and there some in that price range )
I would not worry too much about milage. I would worry about whether I thought the car has been through a life of TLC, or had a life of abuse.
Also, remember these are 15 year old cars, which are not cheap to run. Don't spend your last penny buying it just in case your first big bill arrives a week later.
I bought my griff years ago and because of the bad build quality i spend lots of time bettering it. Nothing really breaks down or something. But things like new carpets and so on i changed in my car. But if you are littlebit handy things can be very easy. New carpets i ordered at TVR but now i think i would have been better of using the old carpets as a mall and ask my mother or a local guy make you some new ones. Is cheaper i guess and better quality. Anyway it took me about 2 days to put the new carpet in.
Then you have the handling problem. This took more time change all bushes and so on. This you have to do every 2 year or so because handling gets worse over the years. Then you have shocks problem this was the most expensive to me. Cost me more then 2 thousand pounds or so. Used intrax because they are sttled in the Netherlands and i live there and my brother restores classic racing ferrari's for a living and uses intrax too. (sometimes koni homologation wise). And then throw away the silent blocks they wear out really fast and use rose joints (like racing cars). Then throw away rubbers of stabi thing i do not know english word. And use poly ones.
Oh i got carried away. Think that any griffith is somewhat like a kit car that you have to rebuild a bit. Like putting someheatshield here and there.You know TVR used tieraps for fixing lines to the chassis?
If you are handy you better buy a cheap one rebuild it because a newer one will not be much better. That you also have to rebuild a bit. And about the chassis yeah previous guy was right. Although powdercoating is quite a cheap process TVR did not get this right and the , so called, (TVR) "powdercoating" flakes off.
Engine is easy maintainance and no need to go to a dealer or something. Just copy scedule from steve heaths books and do what the scedule tells you. Few hours work and ready to go.
I love my griff. Really fast car. Certainly from 0 to 60 it was faster then my old ferrari 275 GTB 6 C alu. with 345 HP and 1100 kilogram. But handlingwise the TVR can still forget it compared with the old 1964 Ferrari. But ok that is an other story.
Fred
Then you have the handling problem. This took more time change all bushes and so on. This you have to do every 2 year or so because handling gets worse over the years. Then you have shocks problem this was the most expensive to me. Cost me more then 2 thousand pounds or so. Used intrax because they are sttled in the Netherlands and i live there and my brother restores classic racing ferrari's for a living and uses intrax too. (sometimes koni homologation wise). And then throw away the silent blocks they wear out really fast and use rose joints (like racing cars). Then throw away rubbers of stabi thing i do not know english word. And use poly ones.
Oh i got carried away. Think that any griffith is somewhat like a kit car that you have to rebuild a bit. Like putting someheatshield here and there.You know TVR used tieraps for fixing lines to the chassis?
If you are handy you better buy a cheap one rebuild it because a newer one will not be much better. That you also have to rebuild a bit. And about the chassis yeah previous guy was right. Although powdercoating is quite a cheap process TVR did not get this right and the , so called, (TVR) "powdercoating" flakes off.
Engine is easy maintainance and no need to go to a dealer or something. Just copy scedule from steve heaths books and do what the scedule tells you. Few hours work and ready to go.
I love my griff. Really fast car. Certainly from 0 to 60 it was faster then my old ferrari 275 GTB 6 C alu. with 345 HP and 1100 kilogram. But handlingwise the TVR can still forget it compared with the old 1964 Ferrari. But ok that is an other story.
Fred
Edited by wintrading on Wednesday 3rd October 18:26
great...last few posts have been quite promising!
my dad used to be a motor trader so i've got a few (non-specialist) people to turn to i can trust. also the guy who lives next door to my folks restores cars for a living so i might be able to pick his brains/put the odd job his way. I've got a good mate who spends most of his life under VWs who allways helps me out with my cars when i'm stuck so i'm thinking if i look out for one that 's been looked after with a straight chasis i'l be allright!?!?!
anything else to watch out for...whats this shock problem i heard about?
thanks,
rick.
my dad used to be a motor trader so i've got a few (non-specialist) people to turn to i can trust. also the guy who lives next door to my folks restores cars for a living so i might be able to pick his brains/put the odd job his way. I've got a good mate who spends most of his life under VWs who allways helps me out with my cars when i'm stuck so i'm thinking if i look out for one that 's been looked after with a straight chasis i'l be allright!?!?!
anything else to watch out for...whats this shock problem i heard about?
thanks,
rick.
BIG DUNC said:
At that budget it will be an early Griff, which obviously you know.
There are some very nice early Griff's, and some very rough ones as well.
Join the TVRCC and get down to the local meet.
Look at the Griffith pages and at the buyers guide.
Look at as many as you can before buying.
DONT buy any car thinking its cheap, but when you have done XYZ it will be good. Nothing is cheap on a Griff. Check the following :
Chassis. Chassis. Chassis. Then check the chassis again.
body work
interior trim
roof
everything electrical
engine
brakes / suspension / tyres
Did I mention the chassis?
If you get a good one, you will love it. ( and there are some in that price range )
If you get a rough one, it will put you off TVR's for life. ( and there some in that price range )
I would not worry too much about milage. I would worry about whether I thought the car has been through a life of TLC, or had a life of abuse.
Also, remember these are 15 year old cars, which are not cheap to run. Don't spend your last penny buying it just in case your first big bill arrives a week later.
Lots of sense talked by everyone who as responded to your topicThere are some very nice early Griff's, and some very rough ones as well.
Join the TVRCC and get down to the local meet.
Look at the Griffith pages and at the buyers guide.
Look at as many as you can before buying.
DONT buy any car thinking its cheap, but when you have done XYZ it will be good. Nothing is cheap on a Griff. Check the following :
Chassis. Chassis. Chassis. Then check the chassis again.
body work
interior trim
roof
everything electrical
engine
brakes / suspension / tyres
Did I mention the chassis?
If you get a good one, you will love it. ( and there are some in that price range )
If you get a rough one, it will put you off TVR's for life. ( and there some in that price range )
I would not worry too much about milage. I would worry about whether I thought the car has been through a life of TLC, or had a life of abuse.
Also, remember these are 15 year old cars, which are not cheap to run. Don't spend your last penny buying it just in case your first big bill arrives a week later.
I quote BD because he points to, in my opinion the most serious of all problems associated to any Griff or Chim and that is the Chassis
Its not a matter of it being straight its a matter of Corrosion and rust.
Check particularly the out riggers and the tubes under the front arches.
Chassis are a rare beast now and a new one will be a couple of grand at least plus fitting
Do not be afraid to ask for the car to be put on a ramp.
Also consider talking to James Agger who for a small fee in relative terms will find you a car to fit your budget.
Remember the old saying Decisions made in hast etc etc.
Hope this helps you and Good Luck.
Also when you have selected your new pride and joy give it the Respect it deserves as, trust me, if not she will bite your Ass
Pasco
To put things into perspective, like WarGriff, I got mine cheap, but knowing it had a lot wrong with it.
I ran it for while "as was" and enjoyed it, but also found much more wrong with it.
Its been off the road for a while now and I am now half way through sorting it out. I bought the car knowing it was rough, and have no regrets about spending ages making it good.
However, the same car could have so easily been sold to someone who thought they were getting a bargin, when actualy they were buying a project.
Only you know how handy you are with a spanner, but more importantly, how much time and effort you can afford to put into it.
If you want a to drive it ( & maybe get it serviced when its due ) you should go for the top end of your budget, and be very careful what you buy.
The sad fact is, the market rate for a 15 year old griff is about £8-10k. If you owned one that was perfectly mint condition you would struggle to sell it for more. Equally, there are a few very rough Griffs around that you can pick up for less. To make a rough Griff nice will cost LOTS more than the difference in price to buy a nice one.
If you are handy with a spanner, enjoy a challenge, and have the time & money & inclination, then buy the cheapest you dare. Otherwise, look at as many as you can. You will know when the right one comes along.
I ran it for while "as was" and enjoyed it, but also found much more wrong with it.
Its been off the road for a while now and I am now half way through sorting it out. I bought the car knowing it was rough, and have no regrets about spending ages making it good.
However, the same car could have so easily been sold to someone who thought they were getting a bargin, when actualy they were buying a project.
Only you know how handy you are with a spanner, but more importantly, how much time and effort you can afford to put into it.
If you want a to drive it ( & maybe get it serviced when its due ) you should go for the top end of your budget, and be very careful what you buy.
The sad fact is, the market rate for a 15 year old griff is about £8-10k. If you owned one that was perfectly mint condition you would struggle to sell it for more. Equally, there are a few very rough Griffs around that you can pick up for less. To make a rough Griff nice will cost LOTS more than the difference in price to buy a nice one.
If you are handy with a spanner, enjoy a challenge, and have the time & money & inclination, then buy the cheapest you dare. Otherwise, look at as many as you can. You will know when the right one comes along.
Having re read what I posted, maybe I have been too doom & gloom. I just would feel guilty if I said "go for it" and read your post 3 months later about the nightmare you have had.
Looking at the VR6 pictures, you obviously put a bit into your cars, so I reckon you will be OK with a Griff. Just buy very carefully.
A good Griff will be great.
A bad one, don't even go there......
Looking at the VR6 pictures, you obviously put a bit into your cars, so I reckon you will be OK with a Griff. Just buy very carefully.
A good Griff will be great.
A bad one, don't even go there......
Blimey, the poor guy will be slitting his throat!!!
Can be a bit of a money pit (mine has been but there have also been upgrades and avoid dealers-like wot I shudda done the first service-do it yourself/freind if you can. Nothing overly complicated esp in early cars, really would like to have done more myself just havent been able to or had time.)
Go for it, be careful/selective etc, walk away if even slightly unsure.....all pretty good advice above even if they are a frightening bunch.....
Nice VR6, BTW!
Dave.
Can be a bit of a money pit (mine has been but there have also been upgrades and avoid dealers-like wot I shudda done the first service-do it yourself/freind if you can. Nothing overly complicated esp in early cars, really would like to have done more myself just havent been able to or had time.)
Go for it, be careful/selective etc, walk away if even slightly unsure.....all pretty good advice above even if they are a frightening bunch.....
Nice VR6, BTW!
Dave.
Edited by Sam Gamgee on Wednesday 3rd October 22:50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-TVR-Griffith-low-mileag...
...must be worth a look.
And not a million miles away from you I would guess?
Dave.
...must be worth a look.
And not a million miles away from you I would guess?
Dave.
Sam Gamgee said:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-TVR-Griffith-low-mileag...
...must be worth a look.
And not a million miles away from you I would guess?
Dave.
...must be worth a look.
And not a million miles away from you I would guess?
Dave.
ebay said:
HAS HAD EXTREAMLY LIGHT ACCIDENT DAMAGE(NOW REPAIRED)
EXELLENT CONDITION
Probably cat D which explains the price. Not necessarily a bad thing as posted earlier, just don't expect to sell it on for a good price and check your insurance will not be a problem. An HPI check will show its status.EXELLENT CONDITION
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