Discussion
I'm beginning the slow process of learning about these cars as i'm considering buying one, once i'm comfortable that i know something about them.
One thing that's really puzzling me, looking at the classifieds, is the vast difference in asking prices for very similar cars (or are they!?)
eg;
1995 500HC, £13.5k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1622729.htm
1998, 500, £18k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1586587.htm
1996 500, £20k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1576296.htm
One thing that's really puzzling me, looking at the classifieds, is the vast difference in asking prices for very similar cars (or are they!?)
eg;
1995 500HC, £13.5k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1622729.htm
1998, 500, £18k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1586587.htm
1996 500, £20k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1576296.htm
)I also think that from the photos and description, the first car looks like a good one. In my opinion, chassis condition, lots of history and a car which looks like its been looked after are theprimary considerations. A Car from a dealer will usually cost a bit more and there's a premium for late or low mileage cars. Particularly if they are late AND low mileage. Good luck with your search 
Zippy 500's car certainly looks to be a good one. The best thing to do is speak to the owner of any car, if you come away thinking 'what a saddo' then the chances are the car has been well looked after. Then spend a while on here trawling the
sellers posts to see what problems they've had.
Obviously all this is just a tiny bit of the purchase process, but gives a bit of a pointer.
sellers posts to see what problems they've had.
Obviously all this is just a tiny bit of the purchase process, but gives a bit of a pointer.
Agree with the above.
You need to have a look at them all carefully and check them fully before making a decision.
Top one looks to be a nice car. Looks/sounds totally standard - not a bad thing necessarily. Possibly a good thing depending on what you want. Gives you scope to upgrade it as you want or leave it totally std (one day this might make it worth more). But don't underestimate how much you might end up spending I guess. Also depends if you want a black car.
Third one has some nice upgrades on it. And items like new tyres obviously have their value (6-800 quid?). Also comes with a carcoon by the look of it (not sure how much these are worth), it's low miles (may or may not be a good thing) and the "comfort" of buying from a dealer (would mean little to me, but for some people it's important, and it does give you a bit more come back for a little while). I would also expect that price to be negotiable.
Middle one looks the least value on the face of it. But possibly the best colour combination (depending on what you want). And as mentioned above, they're probably pricing in the plate. Also has the dealer angle.
Full condition is the key. The price differentials may not be that great if some of the above considerations are important to you (and you have the budget).
You need to have a look at them all carefully and check them fully before making a decision.
Top one looks to be a nice car. Looks/sounds totally standard - not a bad thing necessarily. Possibly a good thing depending on what you want. Gives you scope to upgrade it as you want or leave it totally std (one day this might make it worth more). But don't underestimate how much you might end up spending I guess. Also depends if you want a black car.
Third one has some nice upgrades on it. And items like new tyres obviously have their value (6-800 quid?). Also comes with a carcoon by the look of it (not sure how much these are worth), it's low miles (may or may not be a good thing) and the "comfort" of buying from a dealer (would mean little to me, but for some people it's important, and it does give you a bit more come back for a little while). I would also expect that price to be negotiable.
Middle one looks the least value on the face of it. But possibly the best colour combination (depending on what you want). And as mentioned above, they're probably pricing in the plate. Also has the dealer angle.
Full condition is the key. The price differentials may not be that great if some of the above considerations are important to you (and you have the budget).
What are the key modifications/improvements to look out for? and roughly what value should be placed on them?
It really is a mine field this thing, i can see myself spending 12 months before i actually buy one
The other question i had was - do you consider a garage essential? my garage is currently converted for other use, and although i do have access to a workshop with a pit, it's about 10 miles away and the car would be parked on my drive. Do they deteriorate if they're not tucked up in bed every night?
It really is a mine field this thing, i can see myself spending 12 months before i actually buy one
The other question i had was - do you consider a garage essential? my garage is currently converted for other use, and although i do have access to a workshop with a pit, it's about 10 miles away and the car would be parked on my drive. Do they deteriorate if they're not tucked up in bed every night?
pilchardthecat said:
What are the key modifications/improvements to look out for? and roughly what value should be placed on them?
It really is a mine field this thing, i can see myself spending 12 months before i actually buy one
The other question i had was - do you consider a garage essential? my garage is currently converted for other use, and although i do have access to a workshop with a pit, it's about 10 miles away and the car would be parked on my drive. Do they deteriorate if they're not tucked up in bed every night?
Modifications are an entirely personal choice. I bought a heavily modded car and can honestly say it didn't give me any benefit at all. However I think the new owner is getting the most out of them (Hi Andy It really is a mine field this thing, i can see myself spending 12 months before i actually buy one
The other question i had was - do you consider a garage essential? my garage is currently converted for other use, and although i do have access to a workshop with a pit, it's about 10 miles away and the car would be parked on my drive. Do they deteriorate if they're not tucked up in bed every night?
).Things do wear out and need replacing and it's not a bad thing if they've just been replaced with OEM and not the latest must have item i.e shocks, upgraded cams which need re maps or even new ECU's to tame them, brake discs etc etc the list for stuff to mod. these cars is endless.Garage is handy, I always garaged mine but I think a few people don't
pilchardthecat said:
What are the key modifications/improvements to look out for? and roughly what value should be placed on them?
...
Do a bit of research on here and you'll see the sort of things that owners (many long term) seem to add very commonly....
As RV (afternoon RV
) notes, these cars are getting old now, and a lot of bits will be wearing out, so personally I'd be looking for the common bits being replaced. Obviously depends on use, but things like shocks, brake discs, cam, fuel lines etc etc are all items that need to be watched, the costs of which to replace can mount up (again, do a bit of research).From there, you have bits and bobs that are likely to make the car nicer to drive. Cooling system tweaks are a common item that gets done. Braided brake hoses/upgraded brakes are often handy on cars like this. Some people like to have a meatier exhaust. Interior mods are common. Suspension changes happen a fair bit (why not if you're replacing dampers anyway). And some have engine tweaks (ranging from minor to major).
How much value you place on these depends what you want from the car really (and again, what your budget is). If, having done your research, you're not sure, go and try a few cars and see how they drive.
I bought RV's car. It was at the upper end of the price range, BUT it was very clear that the car had been very much cherished by all its owners, and that the last two had spent a fortune on it. This shows in the way the car drives and it feels solid as a rock - certainly not as shoddy as I have seen on other TVRs (I once had a poke around a Tamora at a main dealer that made me laugh out loud it was so badly put together).
Keeping it this way is no doubt going to cost some cash, but you don't go into ownership of ANY fast car thinking any different.
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