Discussion
Evening all,
Being a bit of an an 'uneducated' enthusiatic when it comes to the Griff, I am hoping for a few pointers.
I am going to check out a Griff on saturday morning. What are the tell-tale signs of a well loved for example compared to a rather shoddy example (apart from aesthetics obviously)?
What would you be looking for from a '96 500?
Hoping for tips
Tony
>>> Edited by Noodles 4.2 on Thursday 21st November 20:24
Being a bit of an an 'uneducated' enthusiatic when it comes to the Griff, I am hoping for a few pointers.
I am going to check out a Griff on saturday morning. What are the tell-tale signs of a well loved for example compared to a rather shoddy example (apart from aesthetics obviously)?
What would you be looking for from a '96 500?
Hoping for tips
Tony
>>> Edited by Noodles 4.2 on Thursday 21st November 20:24
Lots of history and plenty of nice main dealer/reputable independent stamps in the book.
If you're going to see it privately you want to look at it's general health, my M plate was always spotless, it got leathered down after every run out and carpets/leather should be clean, dry and not worn out etc etc.
Engine wise, check the oil levels, they get through a bit and a cared for car will always be topped up, check the front wish bones as they can corrode and feel around the clutch pedal. Any goo around there may mean a nasty leak and a sqeaky clutch pedal can sometimes be a precurser to the clutch going.
Don't be too scared of miles, they like to be used, I'd driven some low mileage pups before I settled on a 40K mile M reg as my first one.
There are far more informed people than me on this forum, so hopefully someone will give you some more insight...
There's always an AA inspection if you really fall for a car and want to be doubley sure.
Happy hunting
Dai Capp and Ex-M500 CRS
If you're going to see it privately you want to look at it's general health, my M plate was always spotless, it got leathered down after every run out and carpets/leather should be clean, dry and not worn out etc etc.
Engine wise, check the oil levels, they get through a bit and a cared for car will always be topped up, check the front wish bones as they can corrode and feel around the clutch pedal. Any goo around there may mean a nasty leak and a sqeaky clutch pedal can sometimes be a precurser to the clutch going.
Don't be too scared of miles, they like to be used, I'd driven some low mileage pups before I settled on a 40K mile M reg as my first one.
There are far more informed people than me on this forum, so hopefully someone will give you some more insight...
There's always an AA inspection if you really fall for a car and want to be doubley sure.
Happy hunting
Dai Capp and Ex-M500 CRS
Appart from The obvious ones
What i was told to look for when i was looking for one.
Front upper Wishbones - Corrosion
Powder coating on front outriggers - Corrosion
Suspension Bushes all round.
Check under carpets for signs of leaks.(u should see any leaks if u go on SAT as rain is Expected.
Check all Electrics work(and Alarm)
When clutch was changed(average 30k cost new £300+ and labour )
Your Welcome to come round and see mine as also in Beds
BB
What i was told to look for when i was looking for one.
Front upper Wishbones - Corrosion
Powder coating on front outriggers - Corrosion
Suspension Bushes all round.
Check under carpets for signs of leaks.(u should see any leaks if u go on SAT as rain is Expected.
Check all Electrics work(and Alarm)
When clutch was changed(average 30k cost new £300+ and labour )
Your Welcome to come round and see mine as also in Beds
BB
I'll add that you should ask an owner:
When was it last waxoyled?
When were the manifold gaskets done?
Have the diff mounting bushes been changed?
Have the suspension bushes been replaced (with poly/standard?)?
Has it ever overheated & what level do you top up the coolant expansion tank to?
How did you stop it leaking? Your nose will tell you if it stil does!
I reckon this will tell you what the owner knows about the car, being a tVR owner already you know how important this is.
When was it last waxoyled?
When were the manifold gaskets done?
Have the diff mounting bushes been changed?
Have the suspension bushes been replaced (with poly/standard?)?
Has it ever overheated & what level do you top up the coolant expansion tank to?
How did you stop it leaking? Your nose will tell you if it stil does!
I reckon this will tell you what the owner knows about the car, being a tVR owner already you know how important this is.
Thanks guys,
That was the sort of advice I was looking for.
Most of it is common sense of course - but the few tips on which bits to check over are gratefully appreciated.
I just hope TMS get my Cerb back to me before tomorrow am (new steering rack) otherwise I may not be able to make it over there to check it out.
Cheers
Tony
That was the sort of advice I was looking for.
Most of it is common sense of course - but the few tips on which bits to check over are gratefully appreciated.
I just hope TMS get my Cerb back to me before tomorrow am (new steering rack) otherwise I may not be able to make it over there to check it out.
Cheers
Tony
Another sign of a meticulous owner is to see them put the roof in its bag.
Also check for dropped doors and cracks spreading from the top hinges...
Window glass fitting just under the roof rubber...
Delaminating windscreen (though they all do that!)
Does everything electrical work?
Check under driver's mat for signs of water ingress
Headlamps nicely seated with even black seal around - not pushed inwards.
Plus all the usual stuff like even tyre wear.
I'm sure there's more but can't think of them!
Also check for dropped doors and cracks spreading from the top hinges...
Window glass fitting just under the roof rubber...
Delaminating windscreen (though they all do that!)
Does everything electrical work?
Check under driver's mat for signs of water ingress
Headlamps nicely seated with even black seal around - not pushed inwards.
Plus all the usual stuff like even tyre wear.
I'm sure there's more but can't think of them!
check for stone chips around the nose and on the bonnet and wing mirrors, clutch from 30 in 4th put your foot down and clutch slip will be evident. ceck the dash board carefully for signs of cracks peeling etc
check for overheating so get it hot and leave it standing ,watch the temp closly. oil pressure at 30mph when hot you dont want to see an oil pressure under 25 psi
full service history from a good dealer , that doesn`t include C. Neil
all lights are working this includes dash as that has to be removed to change them and all heater controls are working. generally you can tell if the beast has been much loved and looked after after a few min . good luck there are plenty good ones out there,
ps get one with PAS dont let any one tell you its better not to have it , cos it isnt.
regards Si
that it breaks in a stright line from speed
check for overheating so get it hot and leave it standing ,watch the temp closly. oil pressure at 30mph when hot you dont want to see an oil pressure under 25 psi
full service history from a good dealer , that doesn`t include C. Neil
all lights are working this includes dash as that has to be removed to change them and all heater controls are working. generally you can tell if the beast has been much loved and looked after after a few min . good luck there are plenty good ones out there,
ps get one with PAS dont let any one tell you its better not to have it , cos it isnt.
regards Si
that it breaks in a stright line from speed
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