What am I doing wrong???
Discussion
As I'm sure some of you are aware I've been trying to sell my Griff for some time, off and on. I appreciate because of its history, etc it will not be what some people are looking for, but I've not been asking much over standard prices in the last ads and still no interest. Just tried fleabay again, starting at £8.5k with reserve sensibly set a bit higher. I had over 30 watchers and 1100 viewings, but not one bid. Now I see an accident repaired precat on there, which still needs 'windscreen, side window and centre roof section', at £10k and the auction is not at this moment finished. Obviously I'm doing something wrong, am I asking to little cos of what the car is and people think it must be rubbish? It's just gone through the MOT again with no faults or even advisories, roof and interior are unmarked, paintwork is good and chassis is excellent. I'm unsure what to do now, I'm only selling cos I hardly use it and can't really afford to have the value sitting in the garage so thought I'd get something about £6k. This is not an advert, the car has previously been in the classifieds on here, but at the moment I'm in a quandry about the best course of action. Any advice much appreciated.
Tweety,
I love your car and only put my cheque book away when I realised you meant you'd get something for £6k to replace it rather than get about £6k for the Griff!
Goodness knows why that damaged precat, on the register as cat D, made over £10k. It must have a gold coated chassis or something. I'd be surprised if that deal goes through (keep and eye on the buyer's and seller's feedback over the next few weeks!). There have been better, cheapers cars sold on ebay recently.
I'm no ebay expert, but I think yours may have suffered no bids because:
- it had a high start - £8500 is too high to chance an unseen bargain
- it had a reserve - what's the point in bidding if the bid will be below reserve? I'd either start the bidding at £100 to get the bids in, and set the reserve where you want, or better, be transparent and set the start at what you want with no reserve
- you recommend viewing before bidding (which may put people off bidding unseen) and are refreshingly honest about the condition. I guess the add for the other car didn't say much bad because it didn't say much at all!
To be honest though, despite doubtless hundreds of people who are happy with their ebay-bought cars, I can't help but think "why sell it on ebay if there's nothing wrong with it". I'd stick with PH/TVRCC/High Street Classic magazine classifieds. Of course the financial climate is now against you.
You could always try a broker sale, but I'd prefer you to hang on to it until I can afford it!
I love your car and only put my cheque book away when I realised you meant you'd get something for £6k to replace it rather than get about £6k for the Griff!
Goodness knows why that damaged precat, on the register as cat D, made over £10k. It must have a gold coated chassis or something. I'd be surprised if that deal goes through (keep and eye on the buyer's and seller's feedback over the next few weeks!). There have been better, cheapers cars sold on ebay recently.
I'm no ebay expert, but I think yours may have suffered no bids because:
- it had a high start - £8500 is too high to chance an unseen bargain
- it had a reserve - what's the point in bidding if the bid will be below reserve? I'd either start the bidding at £100 to get the bids in, and set the reserve where you want, or better, be transparent and set the start at what you want with no reserve
- you recommend viewing before bidding (which may put people off bidding unseen) and are refreshingly honest about the condition. I guess the add for the other car didn't say much bad because it didn't say much at all!
To be honest though, despite doubtless hundreds of people who are happy with their ebay-bought cars, I can't help but think "why sell it on ebay if there's nothing wrong with it". I'd stick with PH/TVRCC/High Street Classic magazine classifieds. Of course the financial climate is now against you.
You could always try a broker sale, but I'd prefer you to hang on to it until I can afford it!
Do you think its the fact that its one of the first thats puting people off ? As we all know later cars get tweaked here and there and modifications are made throughout the life of a model where ever weak points are found. Obviously I don't know your car, it could well be exceptional and reliable but could it be this fact that is putting people off ?
So sorry to hear you've still had no luck selling it,Al.I think both Paul and Ben raise some very good points worth thinking about.I also think i'd stop using e-bay now,and just try tvrcc,pistonheads etc,as i also feel it has been up too often for those that dont know it.It's such a great car that it really does beggar beleif that it still hasn't sold,almost makes me start to think it looks too cheap to be any good with such provenance.
Hope it works out for you,soon
Hope it works out for you,soon
Hi Simon(v8ster), you're more than welcome to come and have a look, I'm in Brighton.
Thanks for all the replies and positive remarks. As some of you may know I tried originally selling it at a higher price, close to what I paid 3 years ago, I did at least get one viewing and the guy was interested but bought a 4.3BV in the end. I had hoped the feature in Classic and Sportscar may have got some interest, I even got the journo to include that it was for sale and show my phone number, but nothing.I suppose it has been a bit over exposed now, that's why I considered not trying to sell at all this year and just enjoy it, which I may still do. I've previously bought and sold Tivs on ebay with no problems and see it as just another avenue for a wider market, to be honest I only tried this time because it was half price listing. Previously it made over £11.5k in bids, almost meeting the £12k reserve so I gave the top two bidders second chance offers at their highest bids and never heard anything from them.
I'm still unsure what to do and really love the car so may see you all at the Growl this year yet!!
Thanks for all the replies and positive remarks. As some of you may know I tried originally selling it at a higher price, close to what I paid 3 years ago, I did at least get one viewing and the guy was interested but bought a 4.3BV in the end. I had hoped the feature in Classic and Sportscar may have got some interest, I even got the journo to include that it was for sale and show my phone number, but nothing.I suppose it has been a bit over exposed now, that's why I considered not trying to sell at all this year and just enjoy it, which I may still do. I've previously bought and sold Tivs on ebay with no problems and see it as just another avenue for a wider market, to be honest I only tried this time because it was half price listing. Previously it made over £11.5k in bids, almost meeting the £12k reserve so I gave the top two bidders second chance offers at their highest bids and never heard anything from them.
I'm still unsure what to do and really love the car so may see you all at the Growl this year yet!!
The fact it's an early car really has made no difference, I had a 4.3 Griff a few years ago and the quality, reliability, etc is no different, I have genuinely had no problems, even all the way to Le Mans and back, and as previously stated, she always flys straight through the MOT.
BB you were probably right, I should of taken you up on your offer!!
Anyway I have decided to try again so she's now listed in the classifieds, someone come and have a look, you know you want to. She's a great car with a nice bit of history thrown in.
Cheers, Al.
BB you were probably right, I should of taken you up on your offer!!
Anyway I have decided to try again so she's now listed in the classifieds, someone come and have a look, you know you want to. She's a great car with a nice bit of history thrown in.
Cheers, Al.
griffter said:
Goodness knows why that damaged precat, on the register as cat D, made over £10k. It must have a gold coated chassis or something. I'd be surprised if that deal goes through (keep and eye on the buyer's and seller's feedback over the next few weeks!). There have been better, cheapers cars sold on ebay recently.
Coincidence?:http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/537545.htm
Sounds familiar. Don't know if it's the same.
griffter said:
griffter said:
Goodness knows why that damaged precat, on the register as cat D, made over £10k. It must have a gold coated chassis or something. I'd be surprised if that deal goes through (keep and eye on the buyer's and seller's feedback over the next few weeks!). There have been better, cheapers cars sold on ebay recently.
Coincidence?:http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/537545.htm
Sounds familiar. Don't know if it's the same.
Guys
As Tweety will confirm, I was the previous owner of this car and had it from (virtually) new as it was a demonstrator from HHC.
All I can say is someone is missing a bargain ! This was my baby and like Al I just didnt use it enough to warrent keeping it and had a money pit of a house to finish so it had to go, But as far as condition goes this car had the leather 'fed' every year and was in new condition the roof wasnt faded cos it was kept in a dark garage and when outside it was in the boot !! It wasnt abused by thrashing it and it lived on MOBIL 1 all the time. the chassis was waxoiled from new cos I had an S1 before it and I knew what TVR chassis were like ! when you cleaned the waxoil off the the outriggers were like new.
I just think people look at loads of cars and see some crap and see that this is one of the 'early' cars and therefore 'must' be in similer or worse condition and why bother looking? No damage no hidden history just a sort of 'barn find' that crops up once in a blue moon
It's rare to find a car with this history this provenance and is possibly a huge piece of TVR history that was the golden time for the factory.
The car NEVER EVER broke down gave up overheated or in fact did anything apart from sound awsome and it even fits 2 mountain bikes and luggage to go on holiday with !!
Keep you chin up Al and If anyone wants to ask anything then feel free to contact me and I can confirm any history or answer any questions about the 13 years I had the car
As Tweety will confirm, I was the previous owner of this car and had it from (virtually) new as it was a demonstrator from HHC.
All I can say is someone is missing a bargain ! This was my baby and like Al I just didnt use it enough to warrent keeping it and had a money pit of a house to finish so it had to go, But as far as condition goes this car had the leather 'fed' every year and was in new condition the roof wasnt faded cos it was kept in a dark garage and when outside it was in the boot !! It wasnt abused by thrashing it and it lived on MOBIL 1 all the time. the chassis was waxoiled from new cos I had an S1 before it and I knew what TVR chassis were like ! when you cleaned the waxoil off the the outriggers were like new.
I just think people look at loads of cars and see some crap and see that this is one of the 'early' cars and therefore 'must' be in similer or worse condition and why bother looking? No damage no hidden history just a sort of 'barn find' that crops up once in a blue moon
It's rare to find a car with this history this provenance and is possibly a huge piece of TVR history that was the golden time for the factory.
The car NEVER EVER broke down gave up overheated or in fact did anything apart from sound awsome and it even fits 2 mountain bikes and luggage to go on holiday with !!
Keep you chin up Al and If anyone wants to ask anything then feel free to contact me and I can confirm any history or answer any questions about the 13 years I had the car
old No 1 said:
Guys
As Tweety will confirm, I was the previous owner of this car and had it from (virtually) new as it was a demonstrator from HHC.
All I can say is someone is missing a bargain ! This was my baby and like Al I just didnt use it enough to warrent keeping it and had a money pit of a house to finish so it had to go, But as far as condition goes this car had the leather 'fed' every year and was in new condition the roof wasnt faded cos it was kept in a dark garage and when outside it was in the boot !! It wasnt abused by thrashing it and it lived on MOBIL 1 all the time. the chassis was waxoiled from new cos I had an S1 before it and I knew what TVR chassis were like ! when you cleaned the waxoil off the the outriggers were like new.
I just think people look at loads of cars and see some crap and see that this is one of the 'early' cars and therefore 'must' be in similer or worse condition and why bother looking? No damage no hidden history just a sort of 'barn find' that crops up once in a blue moon
It's rare to find a car with this history this provenance and is possibly a huge piece of TVR history that was the golden time for the factory.
The car NEVER EVER broke down gave up overheated or in fact did anything apart from sound awsome and it even fits 2 mountain bikes and luggage to go on holiday with !!
Keep you chin up Al and If anyone wants to ask anything then feel free to contact me and I can confirm any history or answer any questions about the 13 years I had the car
As Tweety will confirm, I was the previous owner of this car and had it from (virtually) new as it was a demonstrator from HHC.
All I can say is someone is missing a bargain ! This was my baby and like Al I just didnt use it enough to warrent keeping it and had a money pit of a house to finish so it had to go, But as far as condition goes this car had the leather 'fed' every year and was in new condition the roof wasnt faded cos it was kept in a dark garage and when outside it was in the boot !! It wasnt abused by thrashing it and it lived on MOBIL 1 all the time. the chassis was waxoiled from new cos I had an S1 before it and I knew what TVR chassis were like ! when you cleaned the waxoil off the the outriggers were like new.
I just think people look at loads of cars and see some crap and see that this is one of the 'early' cars and therefore 'must' be in similer or worse condition and why bother looking? No damage no hidden history just a sort of 'barn find' that crops up once in a blue moon
It's rare to find a car with this history this provenance and is possibly a huge piece of TVR history that was the golden time for the factory.
The car NEVER EVER broke down gave up overheated or in fact did anything apart from sound awsome and it even fits 2 mountain bikes and luggage to go on holiday with !!
Keep you chin up Al and If anyone wants to ask anything then feel free to contact me and I can confirm any history or answer any questions about the 13 years I had the car
Thanks Paul, as you've probably read, the Griff has just gone through the MOT again with no problems, always starts first time and has given me no problems at all. The brakes you put on are great and |I had the exhaust modded so it's a bit louder!! It lives in the garage for 99.9% of the time, much like when you owned it. I'm not in desperate need to sell, just would like to free up some cash, but I'm not dropping the price anymore, as you know already how much I've lost!!
Hope you are both well and your wrist is healed and the house is finished.
As for going to a dealer, what do you think they would offer? Certainly under £10k!!
I did try to contact dealers when I was selling, but as you all know they do take the pee a little. For instance James Agger said I would have to...replace the windscreen, cos it will have de-laminated
replace the tyres cos they havent been used enough do this do that blah blah and that was on the phone before he'd seen it ! none needed doing but you dont bother carrying on cos they just try to rip your car to bits
\They have a profit to make and offer low as they know you would have tried all the PH/autotrader etc before you get to the door.
The problem as I see reading some posts last night is when someone says " I have X to spend what should I get???" it seems people say ' buy the newest and it will have the bugs sorted and will be better' well anyone who knows ANY TVR will know there were s
t cars built and good cars built and not strictly in a timeline from start to finish ! I've seen ropey 03 plate cars. BUY ON CONDITION CONDITION AND CONDITION and when 'experts' say ooh its too low miles and this will go wrong because of.... then its tosh. You really need to look at the car get it inspected and drive it ! talk to the owner is he a genuine person, be 'car dumb' and ask questions to see if he bullsts you ,its common sense to me but then I know how good Al's car is. Oh and it needed new disc's cos I washed it to much
replace the tyres cos they havent been used enough do this do that blah blah and that was on the phone before he'd seen it ! none needed doing but you dont bother carrying on cos they just try to rip your car to bits
\They have a profit to make and offer low as they know you would have tried all the PH/autotrader etc before you get to the door.
The problem as I see reading some posts last night is when someone says " I have X to spend what should I get???" it seems people say ' buy the newest and it will have the bugs sorted and will be better' well anyone who knows ANY TVR will know there were s
t cars built and good cars built and not strictly in a timeline from start to finish ! I've seen ropey 03 plate cars. BUY ON CONDITION CONDITION AND CONDITION and when 'experts' say ooh its too low miles and this will go wrong because of.... then its tosh. You really need to look at the car get it inspected and drive it ! talk to the owner is he a genuine person, be 'car dumb' and ask questions to see if he bullsts you ,its common sense to me but then I know how good Al's car is. Oh and it needed new disc's cos I washed it to much Simpo Two said:
PH Classifieds?
I wouldn't bother with ebay Motors - buyers there only want a 'bargin'.
I wouldn't bother with ebay Motors - buyers there only want a 'bargin'.
Yeah its on PH classifieds now.
By the way if anyone knows Alan Rarlow tell him he's a really lovely bloke whose opinion I and everyone on PH should value highly cos he knows everything and is a God! What a top bloke and thanks for all the emails they brightened my weekend, even tho everyone else thought it was sufficient to answer by posting. Hope your extended law family and friends enjoy their evening in what must be your huge house.
Cheers and thanks again, Al.
Edited by tweety on Sunday 1st June 17:27
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