New Member

[deano5]

Hi- I'm a new user member even though I've been keeping an eye on the PH griff forum and classifieds for some time now.

Finally scraped the bottom of the barrel and with the sale of the bmw323 (yes I know, I feel like a tool driving it!) should have enough funds for a £16-17k griff500. I appreciate hunting down a good example takes time and patience, but I thought maybe a few pointers from owners would help steer me away from a terrible decision.

I'd like to get an inspection before I buy (certainly if it's private) - Is this worth it? Aside from something being obviously wrong with the car I probably wouldn't spot any potential problems. If so who would be the best firm to contact?

Any other advice would be much appreciated.

[TeGriffic]

Consider running costs. They're not the cheapest cars to own (nor the most expensive of course).

[mrmaggit]

Speak to DustyC. He's written the book!

Sorry, actually, Steve Heath has written the book, DustyC has just investigated every possibility more thoroughly than anybody else in recent history.

Give James Agger a ring though, he'll be more than happy to find you one. We started off looking for a 15K, red with grey interior, and ended up, very happily, with "Wol", our 20k, dark blue and doeskin Griff 500. Not that he's a good salesman, or anything, but he won't buy a car that he wouldn't buy for himself.

>> Edited by mrmaggit on Friday 18th June 10:30

[toffoboy]

Give Rob Ingleby a buzz, he found my car pretty quick.
He will give you any advice you want, good person to talk to.
He checked my car fully and made a good deal with the seller.

[url]www.findasportscar.co.uk[/url]

Certainly made me a happy 500 owner.

Good luck in finding your car.

[burriana500]

Or James Agger - do a member search for Jamer on these fine pages.

[DustyC]

Both the recommended people will help you.
I used both on my sudden Griff purchase.

I also recommend taking a drive down the A3 to Greyshot (just after the Devils punchbowl) and visiting [url]Adrian Blyth|www.adrianblyth.co.uk[/url]. Both Adrian and Peter there will are very helpful people.
Whilst there make a day of it and visit [url]Fernhurst|www.fernhurst-tvr.co.uk[/url] too as they are just 10 minutes south of AB on the A286. Simon and Drew will welcome you with a coffee and there will probably be a few cars to see.

Because I get 2-3 emails a week now asking about buying Griffs I am creating a standard guide detailing what to look for, prices and links to advice and where to buy.
Im by no means an expert, more and anorak who merely knows where the experts are!

Drop me an email and I'll send you something back.

To the others I promised it too last week. Please bear (or is it bare?) with me. Still sorting out Le Mans'04 stuff and getting the '05 and '06 stuff prepared. (I organise a club booking).
I really should start taking June off!

[Ian Lewis]

Hi deano5,

Are you a member of the TVRCC? If not it will be worth joining for a few reasons.
1) Cheaper Insurance.
2) Local TVRCC meets
3)Sprint Magazine (full of car ads)

Good luck finding a 'beast'

Ian

[walking hormone]

James Agger helped me find my griff - see my profile - which is well smart. James operated with the following instructions.... "James I have £***** to spend on a griff 500, I need it by Thrsday at the latest cos I'm off to Folombrey on Friday with the pistonheads lot. Cheers." This was on the Monday morning I think.

I am one happy customer , and still happy over a year on. Can't recommend James highly enough.

[DustyC]

sort of like that for me too eh jamer

[RichB]

Surprised no ones suggested buying Steve Heath's book the TVR Griffith and Chimaera (commonly known as the Bible) so I will http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/shpub/bookhome.html It contains loads of information on the Griffith and has a section on buying one. Well worth it. Rich...

[simpo two]

Ian Lewis said:

3)Sprint Magazine (full of car ads)

Albeit usually at top money and 1-2 months out of date! I think internet sites will be more realistic, eg PH classifieds.
I recommend 'The Bible' too - you'll really get to understand the beasts and know what to look for. It's the closest thing to a Haynes Manual but easier to read.
You only get your first TVR once: it will be a great experience and we look forward to hearing about how you get on

[DustyC]

The first thing you need to read is THIS as written by Steve Heath.

[deano5]

Thanks very much to everyone who contributed - I'll definitely check some of those links and looks like I'll be investing in the book too.

I'll post a few photos when I find one.

[burriana500]

DustyC said:

sort of like that for me too eh jamer

Yeah... I need it for Le Mans... 2005