Just been to view this (L7GRF), but.....

[LancsRocket]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/794269.htm

...its got a 4 year gap in its service history (ie. from 2004 until Feb.2008 no service, but 4000 miles from what I can remember). Looks like the 'general' car dealer who sold it last time did the service also, not a TVR garage. Its a sound car however, with a decent chassis - would the lack of a consistent s/h put you off?

Any advice appreciated.

Edited by LancsRocket on Wednesday 19th November 12:55

[V8 GRF]

everything he said.
Looks like a decent collection of bills and stuff there, engine rebuild and very tidy looking interior for it's age with some nice additions like the alloy pedals and stalks.

As long it's as nice underneath I'd be very interested if I were you.

[spend]

Plenty of tales of lots of stamps ending up in tears

Oil leak, window adjustment.... seems a tad trivial in TVR terms? Just find a few more problems & knock the trader down ~ it might only owe him around 6k? A lot of people buy on age rather than condition, and TBH some of the early cars seem to have been much better built in some areas?

[V8 GRF]

Quinny said:

Sorry thought I'd just add

Noise from drivers window could be roof not on absolutly square or poor fitting window frame, Again mine does this, and by openning the window quarter of an inch, it goes away.

Oil underneath, is most likely sump gasket.
TVR used silicon sealant, but I prefer a proper cork gasket from a Range Rover.

I'd definitly check out the oil leak, but don't worry if its just the sump, helps keep the chassis good anyway

It does look a nice car (I don't like the rear lights) but other than that it looks nice.

As long as it sounds ok, goes ok then it should beok.

But do remember its 15 years old..

Are you getting a warranty

Are you a mind reader? Where does Lancs Rocket mention the faults?

[spend]

Name & Shame police struck again? Bit sad if that is case IMHO..

[LancsRocket]

Thanks for the help. I edited the other issues out, as they are frankly trivial and wanted to keep to the main point of s/h - the reason for this post.

Maybe I am being a little ott, but 4 years missing seems a lot to me, when everything else is pretty much there.

[rev-erend]

Sounds OK to me but I would see a few before buying.. plenty out there.

[V8 GRF]

LancsRocket said:

Thanks for the help. I edited the other issues out, as they are frankly trivial and wanted to keep to the main point of s/h - the reason for this post.

Maybe I am being a little ott, but 4 years missing seems a lot to me, when everything else is pretty much there.

Oh I thought there were undiscoverd talents here

If it only covered 4k miles in that 4 year period it's not really going to have suffered all that much on an average of 1k a year? It may well be it has some bills for oil in that period.

I agree about looking at others but as has already been said very few cars will be 100% at the money they're asking.

If you like the colours and it's condition then the main thing is does it feel right and if it makes you feel it's the one, then go for it, if not then yes there are loads more out there.

[LancsRocket]

Yes, I guess thinking about it now, it just didn't feel right and the s/h was just one big red flag. When I bought my other TVRs I defo had that feeling that it was the 'one'. Didn't get that today, even though on the evidence of the photos it looks great. Shame, as I was all ready to go for this one.

Oh well, as a few of you have said, plenty more out there.

Edited by LancsRocket on Wednesday 19th November 14:37

[Englishman]

As everyone else said, go on condition and how it drives. Make sure you poke around underneath just in case rust has been painted over, get the car really hot and check for oil and water leaks, make sure the car tracks correctly when driving and under breaking. However at that price you should expect some work will be necessary to bring it up to A1 condition.

[steve-V8s]

Service stamps mean nothing particularly on a car of this age, other than possibly the owner didn’t know how to look after the car himself so had to pay someone. Main worry is that it has had fresh oil often enough and very 4000 miles is fairly often. Best to track down the oil leak, if it is the sump then easy fix if it is the rear crank seal either the engine or gearbox has to come out.

[pjac67]

There is a new member on PH with the name 'L7GRF' who previously owned a 93 Griff 500 - could try an email. HTH.

[LancsRocket]

Yes, I already contacted him and he was very very helpful. Thats what made me go and see the car - on paper and on camera it looked like 'the one'. Just didn't turn out like that when I drove it.

Thanks again to all for the comments.

[griffdude]

A new set of shocks & a proper geo set-up will transform the quality of the ride & handling. Still a very cheap 500 IMHO.

Also it's in the fastest, most stylish colour

[Simpo Two]

steve-V8s said:

other than possibly the owner didn’t know how to look after the car himself so had to pay someone.

Damn right... but an interesting way to make a benefit out of a drawback. 'Well I do it meself Guv' (wipes hands on rag).

[Ballistic Banana]

Interetsing comment form the dealer ..."Not the usual rubbish" Whats that supposed to mean/they're saying

BB

[pwd95]

If I was looking at the mo it would be in my garage by now. Especially with an engine re build. Looks like a bargain to me as long as the basics are good, chassis, engine etc.

[pwd95]

Too late folks, it's sold.