I'm getting a Griff

[robkelly]

I'm going to buy a Griff 500 and get on the TVR ladder. Anyone have any tips on faults to look for in a 2nd hand Griff.

Cheers

[Guillotine]

wow...getting on the ladder at the top!

smart move!

the only real concern is the chassis. check the outriggers behind front wheels and the runners along the sill area.

the rest is the same as any other car.
smokey tappy engines
electrics must work (easy fix...make them do it)
worn/tired suspension
straight and true (accident damage)
bodyworks plastic so easy to sort (stonechips)

mileages are generally low 3k per year. so don't be fooled by that low mileage b'llocks

don't get scared by higher miles. a car thats got some miles on will be sorted and reliable or i won't have done the miles! just adjust £££££s

go for condition then spec.

look at a few!!!!!!

check classifieds on here, PH cars are generally well sorted by caring owners.

then welcome to world of smiling motorists who have their tuners OFF!

[shpub]

Buyer's guide on www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[catretriever]

My advice would be to buy under budget if possible and then spend the difference on fixing anything you're unhappy with. Save about 2-3K for the latter if possible.

[crankedup]

Buy the TVR book and gen' up, altho as has been said already is good stuff. I would wish to see a 1st rate service history with paperwork and MOT certificates, if only to show caring previous owners have had the work done.

Having said that there are a few Griff' owners who DIY
service/repair and some are also 1st rate, so just use your common sense with these cars.

Last, check all electric's work, again a well cared for car will not have prob's.

[RichB]

As has been said, check the chassis outriggers because the plastic coating flakes off allowing dirt, damp and rust to get hold, a cared for Griff will have been Waxoyled. Also check the cooling fans works properly. Griffs have a reputation for cooling problems but if all is in order with the system there should not be a problem, run it up to temp and check that the fan (or fans) work when hot. Later cars had twin fans with 2 separate fuses. Also worth mentioning the difference between the pre-cat and cat'ed cars, the pre-serp' and serpentine engines and the Rover box vs' the Borg Warner T5. Basically all imporvements as the car progressed so go for a later 500 if you can aford it. Steves book explains it all Rich...

[mrmaggit]

Your car will pick you, just like a pet!