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 Chimaera 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 Chimaera 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,
Obviously you should get a Griff
All things being equal and bearing in mind you buy a TVR more with your heart than with your head
, If you are leaning towards a Griff you'll regret buying a Chim.
In all seriousness, most people will tell you that it's the condition of the chassis and mechanicals that are paramount. Mileage alone is not a good indicator that a car will be sound. Even a 99 car is no longer a young car and will have had plenty of time to discintegrate if it hasn't been looked after.
The best thing to do if you are really undecided it to drive them both and see what you think... There are buyer's guides for both cars on the link below..
http://www.tvrbooks.co.uk/ go to FAQ's.. There is also a lot more information on: http://www.thegriffithpages.com/
Which ever car you choose I'm sure you'll have a great time
G
Obviously you should get a Griff
All things being equal and bearing in mind you buy a TVR more with your heart than with your head
, If you are leaning towards a Griff you'll regret buying a Chim.In all seriousness, most people will tell you that it's the condition of the chassis and mechanicals that are paramount. Mileage alone is not a good indicator that a car will be sound. Even a 99 car is no longer a young car and will have had plenty of time to discintegrate if it hasn't been looked after.
The best thing to do if you are really undecided it to drive them both and see what you think... There are buyer's guides for both cars on the link below..
http://www.tvrbooks.co.uk/ go to FAQ's.. There is also a lot more information on: http://www.thegriffithpages.com/
Which ever car you choose I'm sure you'll have a great time
G
Edited by GJR on Tuesday 1st April 19:43
Well i knew i couldnt expect a totally unbiased reply. I have bought the Heath 'Bible' and understand that it is all about car condition than mileage but just have read that at 50-60000 miles cam wear can become an issue with a fair hefty rebuild to contend with. I am going to be using the car most days as will be my only car so the reliability will be a factor. The Chimaera i have my eye on has done half the mileage and is 5 years younger i havent had a chance to view either car as of yet so cannot comment on condition. I just currently am torn between what appears to be a more sensible choice and that the heart wants!!!
Maybe the press car ? Loads of history, recent cam...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/310937.htm
I recall a thread not so long ago (try a search) where someone was asking about the likely need for a cam change at 50-60K. I think the general view was that although 50-60K was the expected life of a cam it depended on the original quality of the cam and how the car has been treated. Some cars will have the cam replaced as early as 20-30K, some have gone on past 90K with no problems.
I forget where I saw it now or I'd post the link for you.
ETA.. had a quick look and found it... it was started by you
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/310937.htm
I recall a thread not so long ago (try a search) where someone was asking about the likely need for a cam change at 50-60K. I think the general view was that although 50-60K was the expected life of a cam it depended on the original quality of the cam and how the car has been treated. Some cars will have the cam replaced as early as 20-30K, some have gone on past 90K with no problems.
I forget where I saw it now or I'd post the link for you.
ETA.. had a quick look and found it... it was started by you
Edited by GJR on Tuesday 1st April 20:31
i was in exactly the same position.
took out the chimp and when i took it back to the garage and walked away, i knew that exact moment it HAD to be the griff.
spending all that money and not being totally happy is something i could not/ would not do!
every time i leave the griff i just wanna take it round the block one more time!
totally hooked!!
took out the chimp and when i took it back to the garage and walked away, i knew that exact moment it HAD to be the griff.
spending all that money and not being totally happy is something i could not/ would not do!
every time i leave the griff i just wanna take it round the block one more time!
totally hooked!!
clarkmagpie said:
i was in exactly the same position.
took out the chimp and when i took it back to the garage and walked away, i knew that exact moment it HAD to be the griff.
spending all that money and not being totally happy is something i could not/ would not do!
every time i leave the griff i just wanna take it round the block one more time!
totally hooked!!
You missed a great thrash around the Lakes on Sunday Nick, you should come on the next one!took out the chimp and when i took it back to the garage and walked away, i knew that exact moment it HAD to be the griff.
spending all that money and not being totally happy is something i could not/ would not do!
every time i leave the griff i just wanna take it round the block one more time!
totally hooked!!
Edited by swanny71 on Tuesday 1st April 22:09
Gassing Station | Griffith | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff