Griffith advice
Discussion
Hi there. I'm thinking of possibly buying a Griffith in the near future and after a bit of advice about which to buy.
Think my budget will be around £10/11k which at the moment could get a decent 4.0 or 4.3, the 5.0 would be another £2k min at current prices.
Question is will my experince be the same no matter what engine size? Im not looking to track it, race it etc but enjoy the TVR experince of acceleration, noise and the roof down!
I have an Alfa GTV V6 which i intend to keep so a griffith would be a sunny day car - winter or summer. Always loved the look of them , have been toying with the idea of a TR6 but for similar money the Griffith is really tempting and more modern.
Owning a few Alfas over the years means Im used to something that needs a bit of looking after, theres a TVR specialist not far from me plus a bodyshop Ive used does a bit of work on them and one of the guys there owns a couple so can get good advice.
Any advice welcome!
Think my budget will be around £10/11k which at the moment could get a decent 4.0 or 4.3, the 5.0 would be another £2k min at current prices.
Question is will my experince be the same no matter what engine size? Im not looking to track it, race it etc but enjoy the TVR experince of acceleration, noise and the roof down!
I have an Alfa GTV V6 which i intend to keep so a griffith would be a sunny day car - winter or summer. Always loved the look of them , have been toying with the idea of a TR6 but for similar money the Griffith is really tempting and more modern.
Owning a few Alfas over the years means Im used to something that needs a bit of looking after, theres a TVR specialist not far from me plus a bodyshop Ive used does a bit of work on them and one of the guys there owns a couple so can get good advice.
Any advice welcome!
Hi george123,
I've not driven a 4 or 4.3, but I understand from past posts on here that the 4.3 is closer to the 5.0, in terms of performance, than it is to the 4.0, and the pre-cat cars are typically louder than the catted 5ltr's.
It's believed that the later the car, the better screwed together the cars are. However, these cars are of an age now that most issues would have been corrected a long time ago, assuming they've been looked after well.
If you're used to spending a bit of time looking after cars it can only be a good thing. If you find a decent car and keep on top of any little jobs you should find them to be pretty reliable.
I've not driven a 4 or 4.3, but I understand from past posts on here that the 4.3 is closer to the 5.0, in terms of performance, than it is to the 4.0, and the pre-cat cars are typically louder than the catted 5ltr's.
It's believed that the later the car, the better screwed together the cars are. However, these cars are of an age now that most issues would have been corrected a long time ago, assuming they've been looked after well.
If you're used to spending a bit of time looking after cars it can only be a good thing. If you find a decent car and keep on top of any little jobs you should find them to be pretty reliable.
Thanks GJR, just to clarify I bearly know one end of a screwdriver to the other but understand this type of car plus the age means TLC from the owner!
Ive read that a 6k service is around £350 at a specialist, what else can I expect to spend over a year on upkeep? Doubt I'd do more than 3/4k miles a year.
Also what should I make sure has been done on anything Im looking at? I guess clutch at 30k, rad, chassis in good nick & waxoiled?
Ive read that a 6k service is around £350 at a specialist, what else can I expect to spend over a year on upkeep? Doubt I'd do more than 3/4k miles a year.
Also what should I make sure has been done on anything Im looking at? I guess clutch at 30k, rad, chassis in good nick & waxoiled?
If you're doing 3/4k miles a year you'll only need to service the car once a year and £250-350 is probably about typical. You need not go to a specialist as long as who ever works on the car understands or has experience of TVR's. In terms of additional funds to spend on regular upkeep, that's a tough one and really dependant on the condition of the car when you aquire it. Some people will suggest a few hundred pounds as an upkeep fund, but in the past twelve months I've spent nothing like that on regular maintenance. I did replace the hood this year, but I wouldn't class that as yearly upkeep.
I think you just need to keep on top of little issues. You don't need to be an expert with spanners, but just poke your head under the bonnet each week or so to check oil, water, coolant, clutch and brake fluid etc. and you'll soon get to know the car. You are also more likely to spot issues early before they become a major headache.
Mine did have a radiator re-core at around 30k miles, but the clutch is still the original at almost 50k miles. These kind of things you'll just get a feel for on test drives.
There's a buyer's guide somewhere, I'll post a link if I find it, but usually mechanical and structural condition is everything. Cosmetic issues are less important as they can be sorted out relatively cheaply.
I think you just need to keep on top of little issues. You don't need to be an expert with spanners, but just poke your head under the bonnet each week or so to check oil, water, coolant, clutch and brake fluid etc. and you'll soon get to know the car. You are also more likely to spot issues early before they become a major headache.
Mine did have a radiator re-core at around 30k miles, but the clutch is still the original at almost 50k miles. These kind of things you'll just get a feel for on test drives.
There's a buyer's guide somewhere, I'll post a link if I find it, but usually mechanical and structural condition is everything. Cosmetic issues are less important as they can be sorted out relatively cheaply.
We've got a 430BV and a 500 and they drive like totally different cars. Thing is a lot of upgrades and mods have been doen as they get older so no 2 cars are the same. Buy on condition only.
If you're struggling for the budget for a later 500, ie 96/97 onwards I'd look at a good precat, ideally a 430.
Budget wise, they aren't expensive to run except fuel, unless something goes badly wrong, which you're unlikely to pick up on, so keep a couple of £k as a sulch for emergencies. Drive a few, or passenger up, get to meets and speak to owners to confirm which suits you best. ANd when buying take someone with you, ideally a current owner.
FFG
If you're struggling for the budget for a later 500, ie 96/97 onwards I'd look at a good precat, ideally a 430.
Budget wise, they aren't expensive to run except fuel, unless something goes badly wrong, which you're unlikely to pick up on, so keep a couple of £k as a sulch for emergencies. Drive a few, or passenger up, get to meets and speak to owners to confirm which suits you best. ANd when buying take someone with you, ideally a current owner.
FFG
Hi George, Here's the buying guide:
http://pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId=234...
£10k will buy you a 500 if you are patient ;-) (and move quick when one appears) although you may struggle to find a 4.3 at that price. However, a 4.0 could be the car for your budget and will come with the glorious pre cat sound track as standard - you should be more than happy with the performance (so long as you haven't driven a 500 first....).
Buy on condition and how much needs to be spent on the car.
Join the TVRCC and go to meets/talk to people /view/experience different cars to manage your expectations and know what to look out for - whether outriggers or cosmetic stuff.
Ultimately (when you find the beast for you) get the car checked over by an expert - a full condition report with compression testing should be < £200
Happy hunting and keep us posted... Paul.
http://pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId=234...
£10k will buy you a 500 if you are patient ;-) (and move quick when one appears) although you may struggle to find a 4.3 at that price. However, a 4.0 could be the car for your budget and will come with the glorious pre cat sound track as standard - you should be more than happy with the performance (so long as you haven't driven a 500 first....).
Buy on condition and how much needs to be spent on the car.
Join the TVRCC and go to meets/talk to people /view/experience different cars to manage your expectations and know what to look out for - whether outriggers or cosmetic stuff.
Ultimately (when you find the beast for you) get the car checked over by an expert - a full condition report with compression testing should be < £200
Happy hunting and keep us posted... Paul.
AS FFG has said take someone with you who knows TVRs before parting with your hard earned, its all too easy to get carried away after having a test drive as compared to your Alfa it will seem a great deal quicker. Basically they are very simple cars without many of the complex electronics etc. of current moderns but they are something of an acquired taste. Dont forget that although from the outside they look very sleek and finished under the skin in many areas they are very crude as is to be expected from a small scale manufacturer. Compared to your Alfa and the millions of £s spent on their development TVRs are in a much smaller league, as my local TVR dealer says" you either luv them or hate them" One thing you will be impressed with however is the way they drive. Dont expect handling like a Lotus Elise though as the rear suspension leaves a lot to be desired especially on bad surfaces. One thing I guarantee it will leave a lasting smile after a blast on a decent day with the top down.
If you join the TVR Car club you will no doubt meet many enthusiasts in your area who I am sure will be only too pleased to show you their cars and give you invaluable advice.
Chassis condition is important as rectifying rotten outriggers is not inexpensive, a leaking rad is only £150 + labour so not really a serious consideration. Engine repairs can be expensive so take advice from someone with expertise. The transmissions are generally very strong especially the later cars but any mechanic should be able to give their opinion. Finally you will find that whatever problems you experience with a Griffith someone on here will be able to point you in the right direction. Best of luck with your search.
If you join the TVR Car club you will no doubt meet many enthusiasts in your area who I am sure will be only too pleased to show you their cars and give you invaluable advice.
Chassis condition is important as rectifying rotten outriggers is not inexpensive, a leaking rad is only £150 + labour so not really a serious consideration. Engine repairs can be expensive so take advice from someone with expertise. The transmissions are generally very strong especially the later cars but any mechanic should be able to give their opinion. Finally you will find that whatever problems you experience with a Griffith someone on here will be able to point you in the right direction. Best of luck with your search.
Chose a Griff over a Tr6 . I had a lot of 6s ( 150 bhp models only ) in the early 80s, loved them, but for similar money a Griff wins hands down. If you can stretch to a 500, All the better. And don't dismiss a damaged , or damaged repaired one either.
However, With a Griff it really helps if you can use a spanner or 2 , it will save you Lots and give you an insight into the car.
When viewing a Griff, due to their age now, it's likely that many of the usual parts have been replaced, but check to see if it's had new , good quality Shocks ( very important ) wishbones ( they just dissolve and the bushes wear badly ) particularly the fronts , ball joints, track rod ends, steering column U / Js , brake hoses , a fuel filter ( a bit of a pig to change , so it's often neglected ) . When I bought my first one a 96 500 , it needed All of the above, but it drove so much better.
And also the Outriggers is another weak area .
Go for it, these cars are awesome !
However, With a Griff it really helps if you can use a spanner or 2 , it will save you Lots and give you an insight into the car.
When viewing a Griff, due to their age now, it's likely that many of the usual parts have been replaced, but check to see if it's had new , good quality Shocks ( very important ) wishbones ( they just dissolve and the bushes wear badly ) particularly the fronts , ball joints, track rod ends, steering column U / Js , brake hoses , a fuel filter ( a bit of a pig to change , so it's often neglected ) . When I bought my first one a 96 500 , it needed All of the above, but it drove so much better.
And also the Outriggers is another weak area .
Go for it, these cars are awesome !
Many thanks for all the great advice, will take a look at the buyers guide.
It's interesting as week points are similar to the Alfa eg the suspension which is also made of cheese on the GTV, my local Alfa indie has just replaced the front wishbones and powerflexed the all the rear which is a common job. Guess he could do this type of job on a Griffith.
I also been looking at a Maserati 3200gt which I love and the price of a good one is hovering around 10k. Again I have a good local Maserati indie but I've been put off by the horror stories of the cost of upkeep , any forum you read says the same - some owners almost too scared to use them much incase the exhaust falls off for e.g. and your looking at a £2k bill!
Costs on running the Griffith sound similar to the GTV because as said previously by someone they're relatively simple whereas there's so much complexity on a Maser despite a similar purchase price.
Guess I'm in no rush to buy, there's always something else to pay for (kids) plus I think my wife still needs a bit of convincing on the need for a 3rd car!
Think I'm convinced it's a better choice than a TR6, again thanks to all.... Will keep in touch. Like Alfa it seems there's a great community out there!
It's interesting as week points are similar to the Alfa eg the suspension which is also made of cheese on the GTV, my local Alfa indie has just replaced the front wishbones and powerflexed the all the rear which is a common job. Guess he could do this type of job on a Griffith.
I also been looking at a Maserati 3200gt which I love and the price of a good one is hovering around 10k. Again I have a good local Maserati indie but I've been put off by the horror stories of the cost of upkeep , any forum you read says the same - some owners almost too scared to use them much incase the exhaust falls off for e.g. and your looking at a £2k bill!
Costs on running the Griffith sound similar to the GTV because as said previously by someone they're relatively simple whereas there's so much complexity on a Maser despite a similar purchase price.
Guess I'm in no rush to buy, there's always something else to pay for (kids) plus I think my wife still needs a bit of convincing on the need for a 3rd car!
Think I'm convinced it's a better choice than a TR6, again thanks to all.... Will keep in touch. Like Alfa it seems there's a great community out there!
Edited by george123 on Thursday 20th September 08:37
The 4.0 and 4.3 Griffs won't have power steering and for me that pretty much ruled them out despite being my first choice - see if you can get a drive in one.
500's do come up at £10-£11K but are likely to need some money spent on them.
Last time around I went for a Chim even though I much prefer the look of the Griff. You'll get more car for your money assuming you can live with the slightly different body shape (they are the same car underneath the fibreglass)
If you are in Hampshire get yourself down to Fernhursts - good friendly advice, no high pressure sales patter and a wide selection of quality cars they'll happily let you look over and try out.
500's do come up at £10-£11K but are likely to need some money spent on them.
Last time around I went for a Chim even though I much prefer the look of the Griff. You'll get more car for your money assuming you can live with the slightly different body shape (they are the same car underneath the fibreglass)
If you are in Hampshire get yourself down to Fernhursts - good friendly advice, no high pressure sales patter and a wide selection of quality cars they'll happily let you look over and try out.
Check the age of the tyres. Any tyres over 6 years old are getting hard and getting past good roadholding. When I bought my first Griff, it had unmatched tyres and 11 year old Bridgestones on the front. This was a lethal combination. New matching tyres made it a different car and a safe pleasure to drive.
Olgit said:
If you're still thinking about a 4.0, then check out the David Gerald web site. They have one that they are doing a body off outrigger replacement and with an engine rebuild at TVR power in 07 for £9k - sounds like good value.
Thanks for that...interesting shame it's red! Is that kind of mileage something to worry about? See its had a rebuild though. Most on sale are on the 50/60k mile mark.george123 said:
Olgit said:
If you're still thinking about a 4.0, then check out the David Gerald web site. They have one that they are doing a body off outrigger replacement and with an engine rebuild at TVR power in 07 for £9k - sounds like good value.
Thanks for that...interesting shame it's red! Is that kind of mileage something to worry about? See its had a rebuild though. Most on sale are on the 50/60k mile mark.george123 said:
Yep wish the Griffs were similar price to a Chim, just don't like the shape as much . What are the differences thenif underneath they're the same?
Will now stand back...!!
No difference apart from the body shape which gives the Chim a bigger boot and a differently styled interior. Driving experience, handling, driving position, noise, steering, ride comfort, roof etc. are identical as far as I can tell (if comparing equally good, standard 500's). Will now stand back...!!
Personally I don't believe the Chimaera is the softer, more refined of the two as many would have you believe. Having driven several examples of both models (and owned one of each), I'd say the difference between individual cars is more marked than between the two different models.
The Chim shape has definately grown on me though. I really do love it now, maybe just not quite as much as the Griff. Best thing is that the £4-5k I saved buying a Chim instead of a similar quality Griff can now be spent on suspension/brakes etc. which should make it better to drive than most standard Griffs avaliable for a similar total cost.
......plus I no longer have to f
k about for hours at a time trying to get the roof in the boot 
Edited to add - still wish to f
k I'd not sold my old Griff which went like stink and was the best looking, best sounding, best handling, best condition Griff/Chim ever 
Edited by swanny71 on Friday 21st September 00:21
swanny71 said:
No difference apart from the body shape which gives the Chim a bigger boot and a differently styled interior. Driving experience, handling, driving position, noise, steering, ride comfort, roof etc. are identical as far as I can tell (if comparing equally good, standard 500's).
Personally I don't believe the Chimaera is the softer, more refined of the two as many would have you believe. Having driven several examples of both models (and owned one of each), I'd say the difference between individual cars is more marked than between the two different models.
The Chim shape has definately grown on me though. I really do love it now, maybe just not quite as much as the Griff. Best thing is that the £4-5k I saved buying a Chim instead of a similar quality Griff can now be spent on suspension/brakes etc. which should make it better to drive than most standard Griffs avaliable for a similar total cost.
......plus I no longer have to fk about for hours at a time trying to get the roof in the boot
Edited to add - still wish to fk I'd not sold my old Griff which went like stink and was the best looking, best sounding, best handling, best condition Griff/Chim ever
Yes it was a lovely Griff and along with Precats was the inspiration for the front end of mine!Personally I don't believe the Chimaera is the softer, more refined of the two as many would have you believe. Having driven several examples of both models (and owned one of each), I'd say the difference between individual cars is more marked than between the two different models.
The Chim shape has definately grown on me though. I really do love it now, maybe just not quite as much as the Griff. Best thing is that the £4-5k I saved buying a Chim instead of a similar quality Griff can now be spent on suspension/brakes etc. which should make it better to drive than most standard Griffs avaliable for a similar total cost.
......plus I no longer have to f
k about for hours at a time trying to get the roof in the boot Edited to add - still wish to f
k I'd not sold my old Griff which went like stink and was the best looking, best sounding, best handling, best condition Griff/Chim ever Edited by swanny71 on Friday 21st September 00:21
Great to hear you have another TVR and hope you make the Chim as nice as the Griff was??
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