Buyers info please..
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm off to see a Griff 500 on Saturday with the intention of buying and would really appreciate any info on what to look out for, questions to ask etc. It's a 1995/M reg.
Having previously owned an S2 I'm really excited to be coming back to the fold - hopefully in my dream car the Griff. I know (or soon will) that it is going to be a big jump in BHP, but having raced bikes (GIXXERS) for years I'm sure I'll get the hang of it - respect I think is the operative word!?
Any info would be appreciated...
GrantUK
I'm off to see a Griff 500 on Saturday with the intention of buying and would really appreciate any info on what to look out for, questions to ask etc. It's a 1995/M reg.
Having previously owned an S2 I'm really excited to be coming back to the fold - hopefully in my dream car the Griff. I know (or soon will) that it is going to be a big jump in BHP, but having raced bikes (GIXXERS) for years I'm sure I'll get the hang of it - respect I think is the operative word!?
Any info would be appreciated...
GrantUK
See how quickly you can get the 'Bible' from www.tvrbooks.co.uk - all you need to know about Griffs (and the other one)
There is a buyer's guide on my website and whole load of other info. www.tvrbooks.co.uk
mrmaggit said:
DustyC is the fount of all knowledge on Griff buying, at the moment.
My tips;
1. Go to the FAQ section of the site that shpub just pointed out to you. shpub is Steve heath and the writer of the Griff Bible, a Haynes style book for Griffs (sorry, best description i could think of, I'll say 1000 hail Blackpools tonight!)
2. Get a griff owner to look at the first one you view. That will help prevent the rose tinted glasses effect.
3. Try and arrange 2 viewings/testdrives in the same weekend. Helps you to know what you want and speeds up the buying process (like Id know all about that!).
4. Check the front wishbones and outriggers (chassis tubes just behind the front wheels. These are the first bits to start rusting. They will all be rusty so you only need to worry if it looks really bad or you can stick a screw driver through it.
5. I found that smooth idling cars drive a lot better at slow speed. Dont know how much truth is in that but mine is as easy to drive in traffic as my commuter car so it worked for me.
6. General condition says a lot for the car. All the small jobs that the owner has done and good history will show it was an hopefully an enthusiast that looked after it. I think you'll know when you see it.
7. Definitly look at more than one or you wont really know what is good or bad condition.
8. If you want to get an inspection Rob Ingleby of www.findasportscar.com comes highly recommended.
9. Search around on PH for the Good, Bad and Ugly traders. Jamer and Apprentice on PH are both independant traders that are Good and will help you find one. They are both Ugly too.
Im not allowed to say the bad ones, He
10. If you take more than 5 mins to get one everyone will rip the pee out of you. But its good fun! (It took me a while!)
11. Where are you? I test drove a lovely '96 model with Nitrons (adjustable suspension) last weekend and its still for sale.
12. Dont be afirad of the private ones. Meeting the owners helps define the history of the car.
Hope that helps, happy hunting
PS: They are fecking amazing cars
I've owned my first Griff for...eh...8 days 6 hrs 33 mins, and I can't wait to get back in it again for a drive - so much for my limited mileage insurance, I think I'll have to change the policy at this rate.
It may be totally impractical, cost a packet to run, perminantly have minor electrical and mechanical complaints to tinker about with late at night but, its the db's, I've never had so much fun with a road legal car...Anyway back to the point - for god sake take someone sane with you otherwise you'll be getting the cheque book out without even opening the bonnet...I did
It may be totally impractical, cost a packet to run, perminantly have minor electrical and mechanical complaints to tinker about with late at night but, its the db's, I've never had so much fun with a road legal car...Anyway back to the point - for god sake take someone sane with you otherwise you'll be getting the cheque book out without even opening the bonnet...I did
My 2p.
I bought a 1995/M Griff 500 last year.
For what its worth, its well built and has been looked after by its previous two owners.
If you find one that appears to be 'a bit shabby' or 'rough round the edges', wait for a better one.
A 1995/M Griff should be in good nick, its not really 'old' and condition is paramount.
Don't think that, just because its 9 years old, it should necessarily have something wrong with it.
(Hope you know what I mean)
I bought a 1995/M Griff 500 last year.
For what its worth, its well built and has been looked after by its previous two owners.
If you find one that appears to be 'a bit shabby' or 'rough round the edges', wait for a better one.
A 1995/M Griff should be in good nick, its not really 'old' and condition is paramount.
Don't think that, just because its 9 years old, it should necessarily have something wrong with it.
(Hope you know what I mean)
Hamish Price said:
It may be totally impractical, cost a packet to run, perminantly have minor electrical and mechanical complaints to tinker about with late at night
Totally disagree with you Hamish!
There's nothing more practical than a fast, rear wheel drive car that has a top that comes off.
40p a mile over a reasonable period
Just forget about the minor bits and bobs and get someone to look after the major bits!(still proud that I replaced my own HT leads yesterday without turning a drama into a crisis!!!)
What you won't find is "The" perfect car. It's all about compromise*. Decide the factors that are important and those things which you can live with. Keep aside a little budget for the things that need to be done - remember there isn't anything that can't or hasn't been fixed by your fellow PHers!
*For example, my compromise is that, cosmetically, my car is not the best looking. I have to accept that because it's an everyday car. I've driven it on 9 days out of every 10 for the last three and a bit years and 50,000 miles. I curse twice a year because I can't carry something big and once a year that I can't take a couple of passengers (and more often am pleased that I can't drive everyone to the pub!). The reward for this compromise is that I don't have the expense (fixed costs, at least) of running another vehicle and spend most of my waking hours wandering round in a dazed stated with a semi-permanent
Wow what a response! Obviously this is a car for enthusiasts as you all seem to go misty-eyed when talking about your loved ones.
Thank you for the tips I will take you list (DustyC) with me and try to ensure I get most of the points checked.
I realise there is a tendency to lose all coherent brain function when near these cars so I will be taking someone along to check it over with me. Now theres just the matter of finance.....Anyone want to buy an elderly woman who answers to the name 'Mum'? Getting on a bit, but makes a killer cup of tea and does do laundry....POA
Cheers
GrantUK
Thank you for the tips I will take you list (DustyC) with me and try to ensure I get most of the points checked.
I realise there is a tendency to lose all coherent brain function when near these cars so I will be taking someone along to check it over with me. Now theres just the matter of finance.....Anyone want to buy an elderly woman who answers to the name 'Mum'? Getting on a bit, but makes a killer cup of tea and does do laundry....POA
Cheers
GrantUK
Why not go and see it with Dusty's list, then if you like what you see, call David Batty and ask him to come and inspect it for you? He's near Guildford and will charge you for his travelling time and the time he spends on the car. He did this for me when I bought my Griff, and he was spot on. 
Im guessing you are fairly new to this so excuse me if not.
Try Rob Ingleby for inspections too.
If I were you though Id have a look at the first car with a PHer/TVRCC member or even better, a Griff owner.
It may turn out to be a good one and if this is the case then arrange for an inspection by Rob Ingleby.
A good way to learn a bit about what you are going to look at is to go to A TVRCC meeting. If you are not already a member the website has details of joining or of how to get in touch with your regions organiser so you can go to the next local meet.
Ther you can look at other peoples cars and they will tell you what to look out for when buying.
Remember though, everyone has their own opinion so whilst one might say "you MUST get PAS", another will say "PAS is for poofs and non purists".
Try Rob Ingleby for inspections too.
If I were you though Id have a look at the first car with a PHer/TVRCC member or even better, a Griff owner.
It may turn out to be a good one and if this is the case then arrange for an inspection by Rob Ingleby.
A good way to learn a bit about what you are going to look at is to go to A TVRCC meeting. If you are not already a member the website has details of joining or of how to get in touch with your regions organiser so you can go to the next local meet.
Ther you can look at other peoples cars and they will tell you what to look out for when buying.
Remember though, everyone has their own opinion so whilst one might say "you MUST get PAS", another will say "PAS is for poofs and non purists".
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