Which one would you buy?
Discussion
With sincerest apologies to the owners if they read this, for my somewhat crass thread but, I have to get this right. I am looking for a car to use enjoy, and lastly value growth, which one would you buy and why.
http://www.tvr-hhc.co.uk/UsedCars/view/497192
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I am now in a position to buy, but am in no hurry, but really didn't want to invest more than 14 to £15k on a Griff, (just missed out on a really nice car in this range) does the Hexham one make the others look a tad expensive?
Regards
Nick
http://www.tvr-hhc.co.uk/UsedCars/view/497192
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I am now in a position to buy, but am in no hurry, but really didn't want to invest more than 14 to £15k on a Griff, (just missed out on a really nice car in this range) does the Hexham one make the others look a tad expensive?
Regards
Nick
Nick, I would buy the 500 for the sheer grunt, they are newer and have had a certain amount of development done on them and they seem to command a higher price.
But I would say that wouldn't I? because I have two of the little tinkers.
This is a very personal thing and owners of 400's, pre-cats, Big Valves etc. will completely disagree with me. The only way to make that decision is to go out a drive a few and see what you prefer. Driving Griffs before I bought completely put me off power steering but then again I am sure others will disagree.
From your question I think you need to do a bit more research on these cars and really get to know what the differences are as well as what your preferences are. There is no shortage of buying guides:
http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/mod...
http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId...
http://www.jasondawe.com/TVRGriffith500.htm
http://www.classiccars4sale.net/classic-car-review...
http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/tvr/griff...
http://www.classicandsportscar.com/guides/buyers-g...
Don't be afraid of buying privately, providing the owner has assured you he has carried out the right sort of maintenance etc.
I am sure you have gathered from these threads that rusting outriggers on the chassis is the biggest issue (in my humble opinion).
As far as the 500 you have shown, on the contrary to it being expensive this looks like a cracking car. It has a number of mods that I would recommend (eg. top hat liners) and is well worth a look.
There are many enthusiasts who would gladly accompany to view cars I am sure. I would myself except you are a bit far away.
Whichever one you buy, I don’t think you will be disappointed but be prepared for a programme of maintenance. Spares are not expensive. The more you do yourself then the cheaper it becomes and these cars are not difficult to work on but the newest cars are still 12 years old so they will need looking after.
There is plenty of literature and articles about and if you want more information or want a chat then e-mail me (unfortunately I am in Kazakhstan until 6th March).
These are great cars with very enthusiastic owners but you are in a strong position as a buyer because, unfortunately, these cars don't sell quickly, partly because punters love them but are scared of the TVR reputation for unreliability.
Good luck, Pete
But I would say that wouldn't I? because I have two of the little tinkers.
This is a very personal thing and owners of 400's, pre-cats, Big Valves etc. will completely disagree with me. The only way to make that decision is to go out a drive a few and see what you prefer. Driving Griffs before I bought completely put me off power steering but then again I am sure others will disagree.
From your question I think you need to do a bit more research on these cars and really get to know what the differences are as well as what your preferences are. There is no shortage of buying guides:
http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/buying/mod...
http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId...
http://www.jasondawe.com/TVRGriffith500.htm
http://www.classiccars4sale.net/classic-car-review...
http://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/tvr/griff...
http://www.classicandsportscar.com/guides/buyers-g...
Don't be afraid of buying privately, providing the owner has assured you he has carried out the right sort of maintenance etc.
I am sure you have gathered from these threads that rusting outriggers on the chassis is the biggest issue (in my humble opinion).
As far as the 500 you have shown, on the contrary to it being expensive this looks like a cracking car. It has a number of mods that I would recommend (eg. top hat liners) and is well worth a look.
There are many enthusiasts who would gladly accompany to view cars I am sure. I would myself except you are a bit far away.
Whichever one you buy, I don’t think you will be disappointed but be prepared for a programme of maintenance. Spares are not expensive. The more you do yourself then the cheaper it becomes and these cars are not difficult to work on but the newest cars are still 12 years old so they will need looking after.
There is plenty of literature and articles about and if you want more information or want a chat then e-mail me (unfortunately I am in Kazakhstan until 6th March).
These are great cars with very enthusiastic owners but you are in a strong position as a buyer because, unfortunately, these cars don't sell quickly, partly because punters love them but are scared of the TVR reputation for unreliability.
Good luck, Pete
Nick firstly you need to try pre cat and a 500 to see which you prefer I have to say the rock hard suspension put me off a pre cat but most of these will have had the shocks/springs changed by now. The HHC car seems to have had a suspension/chassis rebuild but original engine at 60K. Subject to a chassis/outrigger inspection I would go for the 500 due to the work done and V8D engine if that was recent as cams usually need attention by 80K particularly on a 500.All above is just my opinion I am sure others will differ but try a few cars to find what your own preferences are.
Ian
Ian
Hi Nick and welcome to the Griffith world.
You've received some excellent advice already, so I will try to keep this short.
Throw away your idea of "value growth"
Anyone who says they can predict which variant will fair best is kidding themselves and you. If we could there would be none for sale, we would all have them tucked under covers waiting for market to make us some money.
Go drive a 500 and a pre Cat.
You'll find massively different characteristics. The rawness of the pre Cat is fantastic, but it comes at the price of a little less refinement of the 500
They drive very differently. I had to learn to loosen my grip on my pre cat and roll with the road, so it took some learning but IMHO it was worth it. There is very little if anything in it speed wise between the 500 and the 4.3 - the difference is the nut behind the wheel rather than anything under the bonnet.
Go to TVRCC meets and you'll get a really good look at different cars back to back.
And when you find the car you are interested in get it on ramps and have a bloody good look at the chassis.
Most of all Enjoy the chase!
You've received some excellent advice already, so I will try to keep this short.
Throw away your idea of "value growth"
Anyone who says they can predict which variant will fair best is kidding themselves and you. If we could there would be none for sale, we would all have them tucked under covers waiting for market to make us some money.
Go drive a 500 and a pre Cat.
You'll find massively different characteristics. The rawness of the pre Cat is fantastic, but it comes at the price of a little less refinement of the 500
They drive very differently. I had to learn to loosen my grip on my pre cat and roll with the road, so it took some learning but IMHO it was worth it. There is very little if anything in it speed wise between the 500 and the 4.3 - the difference is the nut behind the wheel rather than anything under the bonnet.
Go to TVRCC meets and you'll get a really good look at different cars back to back.
And when you find the car you are interested in get it on ramps and have a bloody good look at the chassis.
Most of all Enjoy the chase!
Hi Nick,
There's some really helpful comments already posted above - Everyone's likely to be biased slightly by what they have in their own garage.
I'm the owner of the blue pre-cat so I must say I'm also biased (buy mine
), but I think all three of them look quite nice! (I only put my advert online last night!).
I'd recommend you view as many as you can, buy on condition and ask as many questions as you can think of. I'm sure you'll find the right car for you and good luck with the search.
I must note that I went through a similar set of considerations when I bought my Pre-cat. As well as finding it to be a really enjoyable car (I'm an ex-Chim 500 owner), I needed to justify to myself that it should offer a good potential investment for the future - because I was planning on keeping it 'forever'!. In my mind all TVRs are future classics, but if you look at values of established classics (like E-type Jags), its the oldest 'orignial' examples where the prices have skyrocketed most astronomically and that's despite the later cars having bigger engines and other developments etc! On that basis, It made most financial sense to me to put my money into a really good pre-cat.
Graham
There's some really helpful comments already posted above - Everyone's likely to be biased slightly by what they have in their own garage.
I'm the owner of the blue pre-cat so I must say I'm also biased (buy mine
), but I think all three of them look quite nice! (I only put my advert online last night!).I'd recommend you view as many as you can, buy on condition and ask as many questions as you can think of. I'm sure you'll find the right car for you and good luck with the search.
I must note that I went through a similar set of considerations when I bought my Pre-cat. As well as finding it to be a really enjoyable car (I'm an ex-Chim 500 owner), I needed to justify to myself that it should offer a good potential investment for the future - because I was planning on keeping it 'forever'!. In my mind all TVRs are future classics, but if you look at values of established classics (like E-type Jags), its the oldest 'orignial' examples where the prices have skyrocketed most astronomically and that's despite the later cars having bigger engines and other developments etc! On that basis, It made most financial sense to me to put my money into a really good pre-cat.
Graham
Thanks for the replies
This is what worries me slightly about the modded car because having been interested in and buying classic cars for the last 30 years, it seems to me that eventually it is always the earlier original models that become the most sought after even though they are not always the best of the breed, series 1 E type for example.
Regards
Nick
Ooops sorry Graham posted before reading this, and I sent you an email via the ad with some questions
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Understand what you are saying, I was offered a Brough SS80 14 years ago for £13k but did not have the money at the time This is what worries me slightly about the modded car because having been interested in and buying classic cars for the last 30 years, it seems to me that eventually it is always the earlier original models that become the most sought after even though they are not always the best of the breed, series 1 E type for example.
Regards
Nick
Ooops sorry Graham posted before reading this, and I sent you an email via the ad with some questions
V8 GMS said:
Hi Nick,
In my mind all TVRs are future classics, but if you look at values of established classics (like E-type Jags), its the oldest 'orignial' examples where the prices have skyrocketed most astronomically and that's despite the later cars having bigger engines and other developments etc! On that basis, It made most financial sense to me to put my money into a really good pre-cat.
Graham
In my mind all TVRs are future classics, but if you look at values of established classics (like E-type Jags), its the oldest 'orignial' examples where the prices have skyrocketed most astronomically and that's despite the later cars having bigger engines and other developments etc! On that basis, It made most financial sense to me to put my money into a really good pre-cat.
Graham
Edited by Nick Brough on Sunday 23 February 14:36
Edited by Nick Brough on Sunday 23 February 14:37
Edited by Nick Brough on Sunday 23 February 14:40
Nick Brough said:
With sincerest apologies to the owners if they read this, for my somewhat crass thread but, I have to get this right. I am looking for a car to use enjoy, and lastly value growth, which one would you buy and why.
http://www.tvr-hhc.co.uk/UsedCars/view/497192
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I am now in a position to buy, but am in no hurry, but really didn't want to invest more than 14 to £15k on a Griff, (just missed out on a really nice car in this range) does the Hexham one make the others look a tad expensive?
Regards
Nick
The last one, the 500, I think it is Dels(seaside), if so, it is a gem. Very powerful and sorted.http://www.tvr-hhc.co.uk/UsedCars/view/497192
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I am now in a position to buy, but am in no hurry, but really didn't want to invest more than 14 to £15k on a Griff, (just missed out on a really nice car in this range) does the Hexham one make the others look a tad expensive?
Regards
Nick
buy anyone cheap and after let it build according your wishes......better you can not get.
They build it how you whant ! Take a look to Dutch, France, Austria or Germany
take a look for example ....
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewforum.p...
They build it how you whant ! Take a look to Dutch, France, Austria or Germany
take a look for example ....
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewtopic.p...
http://www.tvrcarclub-france.net/forum/viewforum.p...
Dont know the 2 precats but do know the silver 500 well and it is a good un, with a very strong engine producing good numbers.
Not sure why the silvery blue precat has the cut away pictures as it is not that car.
We have a 500 and precat and they are very different, but both about the same straight line speed (done lots of 1/4 mile runs together). The pre cat is rawer out the 2 but they are 17 and 22 years old now so little in it really. If you go precat try and find a 430 as they are more desirable.
You need to decide if you want a 500 or precat then buy on condition. You'll also need to decide if you want originality or modded as some mods are more difficult to reverse than others but some mods are sensible, logical and no brainer given advances in technology and the good back up support of a number of traders, who invest a lot of time and effort to keep these cars on the road.
Good luck and hope to see you at the Growl.
FFG
Not sure why the silvery blue precat has the cut away pictures as it is not that car.
We have a 500 and precat and they are very different, but both about the same straight line speed (done lots of 1/4 mile runs together). The pre cat is rawer out the 2 but they are 17 and 22 years old now so little in it really. If you go precat try and find a 430 as they are more desirable.
You need to decide if you want a 500 or precat then buy on condition. You'll also need to decide if you want originality or modded as some mods are more difficult to reverse than others but some mods are sensible, logical and no brainer given advances in technology and the good back up support of a number of traders, who invest a lot of time and effort to keep these cars on the road.
Good luck and hope to see you at the Growl.
FFG
Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Wednesday 26th February 21:47
FlipFlopGriff said:
Dont know the 2 precats but do know the silver 500 well and it is a good un, with a very strong engine producing good numbers.
Not sure why the silvery blue precat has the cut away pictures as it is not that car.
We have a 500 and precat and they are very different, but both about the same straight line speed (done lots of 1/4 mile runs together). The pre cat is rawer out the 2 but they are 17 and 22 years old now so little in it really. If you go precat try and find a 430 as they are more desirable.
You need to decide if you want a 500 or precat then buy on condition. You'll also need to decide if you want originality or modded as some mods are more difficult to reverse than others but some mods are sensible, logical and no brainer given advances in technology and the good back up support of a number of traders, who invest a lot of time and effort to keep these cars on the road.
Good luck and hope to see you at the Growl.
FFG
Hi FFG,Not sure why the silvery blue precat has the cut away pictures as it is not that car.
We have a 500 and precat and they are very different, but both about the same straight line speed (done lots of 1/4 mile runs together). The pre cat is rawer out the 2 but they are 17 and 22 years old now so little in it really. If you go precat try and find a 430 as they are more desirable.
You need to decide if you want a 500 or precat then buy on condition. You'll also need to decide if you want originality or modded as some mods are more difficult to reverse than others but some mods are sensible, logical and no brainer given advances in technology and the good back up support of a number of traders, who invest a lot of time and effort to keep these cars on the road.
Good luck and hope to see you at the Growl.
FFG
Edited by FlipFlopGriff on Wednesday 26th February 21:47
Thanks for the response very interesting to hear from someone who has both cars as obviously and rightly people tend to fall into the camp their car belongs to. Would love to hear more comments from anyone who owns both cars and can do a direct comparison.
Would really like a 430 but unfortunately having 2 other hobby cars I can’t really justify the extra cost. I think the other point I have to seriously consider is. Go for a cheaper car with extra money over and the expectancy of having to pay out for some maintenance costs, a medium expensive car with less money over and the expectancy of having to pay out for some maintenance costs, or an expensive car with no money over….and the expectancy of having to pay out for some maintenance costs.
Regards
Nick
Edited by Nick Brough on Thursday 27th February 22:12
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