Henry is now advertising mileages!
Discussion
I get Henry's oft-repeated point when it comes to mileages on 993s, 964s and the like. The engines are incredibly well built and the cars are 7 years old or more anyway: therefore it makes more sense to buy on condition.
After all, a 10 year old car that's done bugger all miles will either have not been used, or only used occasionally for short drives: my old Griff 500 had an initially appealingly low mileage, but later on I found that the camshaft was badly worn and was very down on power: the camshaft wear being attributed to many cold starts after the car had been left long enough for the oil to drain off the camshaft.
The TVR-vs-Porsche engineering quality debate isn't really relevant here cos the Rover V8 was also old and had many development years on it: basically a reliable engine. I'd expect a 993 motor that was driven cold for a few miles every other weekend to also suffer from increased wear due to lubricant drain (though the flat configuration of the Porker engine probably suffers less than a tall V8).
I've had 3 993s, purchase mileages ranging from 43k to 76k. My current one was bought with mid 60s and feels the tightest car. I wouldn't be put off by high miles unless it hadn't been serviced by decent firms or the interior was knackered / abused.
However, I'm guessing Henry thinks the Boxster is a different kettle of fish: not only is there the hoo-haa about engine problems, but it also has a wider target market. Nowadays only enthusiasts buy air-cooled 911s (generalisation but probably pretty accurate). Mileage is an issue to non-enthusiast or non-clued-up buyers...
Of course I could be really cheeky - perhaps the car is a bit of a dog, no enthusiast would pick it, but a clueless poser would buy it because of low mileage??
<must resist late friday night rants...>
After all, a 10 year old car that's done bugger all miles will either have not been used, or only used occasionally for short drives: my old Griff 500 had an initially appealingly low mileage, but later on I found that the camshaft was badly worn and was very down on power: the camshaft wear being attributed to many cold starts after the car had been left long enough for the oil to drain off the camshaft.
The TVR-vs-Porsche engineering quality debate isn't really relevant here cos the Rover V8 was also old and had many development years on it: basically a reliable engine. I'd expect a 993 motor that was driven cold for a few miles every other weekend to also suffer from increased wear due to lubricant drain (though the flat configuration of the Porker engine probably suffers less than a tall V8).
I've had 3 993s, purchase mileages ranging from 43k to 76k. My current one was bought with mid 60s and feels the tightest car. I wouldn't be put off by high miles unless it hadn't been serviced by decent firms or the interior was knackered / abused.
However, I'm guessing Henry thinks the Boxster is a different kettle of fish: not only is there the hoo-haa about engine problems, but it also has a wider target market. Nowadays only enthusiasts buy air-cooled 911s (generalisation but probably pretty accurate). Mileage is an issue to non-enthusiast or non-clued-up buyers...
Of course I could be really cheeky - perhaps the car is a bit of a dog, no enthusiast would pick it, but a clueless poser would buy it because of low mileage??
<must resist late friday night rants...>
I couldn`t see any mileages shown on the website !
The only thing the mileage influences is the price we ask for a car. Low number big price. High number little price. Re: the condition of the car the number on the speedo plays no part in deciding whether it be a good`un or a bad`un, that`s down to the car it`s self.
We will sometimes put the speedo number on an Autotrader advert just so that people can get an idea on our pricing, particularly on newer cars such as a Boxster / later 996. As for the older stuff then as I`ve said a million times it`s all down to the car.
If you want a low mileage car then we`ve still got the 7,000 mile `01 GT3, vibrant Orange, roll cage, plumbed in fire system, PI data logger and sporting lovely new Britcar number panels. With only 7k on the clock it`ll be like brand new still !!!
Saw the legendary Ted at Britcar`s press day - he really does exist, I can see why he doesn`t get out much though the women were litterally throwing themselves at his feet, lucky sod. These internet millionaires they don`t know they`re born !!
Henry
(Oh and just before the posting gets binned for advertising don`t worry the GT3 isn`t really for sale, it`s me race car !).
H.
>> Edited by Henry-F on Sunday 13th March 19:00
The only thing the mileage influences is the price we ask for a car. Low number big price. High number little price. Re: the condition of the car the number on the speedo plays no part in deciding whether it be a good`un or a bad`un, that`s down to the car it`s self.
We will sometimes put the speedo number on an Autotrader advert just so that people can get an idea on our pricing, particularly on newer cars such as a Boxster / later 996. As for the older stuff then as I`ve said a million times it`s all down to the car.
If you want a low mileage car then we`ve still got the 7,000 mile `01 GT3, vibrant Orange, roll cage, plumbed in fire system, PI data logger and sporting lovely new Britcar number panels. With only 7k on the clock it`ll be like brand new still !!!
Saw the legendary Ted at Britcar`s press day - he really does exist, I can see why he doesn`t get out much though the women were litterally throwing themselves at his feet, lucky sod. These internet millionaires they don`t know they`re born !!
Henry
(Oh and just before the posting gets binned for advertising don`t worry the GT3 isn`t really for sale, it`s me race car !).
H.
>> Edited by Henry-F on Sunday 13th March 19:00
I cannot agree more with Henry BUT people will always use the mileage as an excuse to talk the price of the car down, as they will the number of owners. This, despite the fact that they can see that the car in question stnads on its own meerits as a good car!!!
One admission though, I am guilty of knocking people down on the price of their car by referring them to Henry's website - "look what the trade is asking for an equivalent car to yours and think about the overheads they incur and yet can still afford to sell the car for less than you have it up for"...or similar words. So thank you Henry for this service
If only I could find a Ferrari dealer with prices realistic enough to act as a reference 
One admission though, I am guilty of knocking people down on the price of their car by referring them to Henry's website - "look what the trade is asking for an equivalent car to yours and think about the overheads they incur and yet can still afford to sell the car for less than you have it up for"...or similar words. So thank you Henry for this service
If only I could find a Ferrari dealer with prices realistic enough to act as a reference Condition, condition, condition.....
My wife sold her W-reg Alfa Spider for no less than she wanted, even after the purchaser found out that it had been clocked by 30,000miles (We didn't do an HPI on it when bought.....so news to us!!)
As I said to him, it did not have the appearance of a 50,000mile car.
Mel
>> Edited by Melv on Monday 14th March 09:34
My wife sold her W-reg Alfa Spider for no less than she wanted, even after the purchaser found out that it had been clocked by 30,000miles (We didn't do an HPI on it when bought.....so news to us!!)
As I said to him, it did not have the appearance of a 50,000mile car.
Mel
>> Edited by Melv on Monday 14th March 09:34
Henry-F said:
I couldn`t see any mileages shown on the website !
If you want a low mileage car then we`ve still got the 7,000 mile `01 GT3, vibrant Orange, roll cage, plumbed in fire system, PI data logger and sporting lovely new Britcar number panels. With only 7k on the clock it`ll be like brand new still !!!
Henry
>> Edited by Henry-F on Sunday 13th March 19:00
Paintwork's a bit ropey , though.
I take it you'll fit a dry break refuelling system for Britcar ?
Paul
Paul Dishman said:
Paintwork's a bit ropey , though.
I take it you'll fit a dry break refuelling system for Britcar ?
Paul
We did think about it but apparently all the drivers in Britcar are so slow we`ll be able to get a couple of hours out of one tank at that sort of pace !!
Yes we are fitting the economy dry break system as recommended by our new spiritual leader Rev T.
Will you be out at Silverstone ?
Henry
Henry-F said:
Paintwork's a bit ropey , though.
I take it you'll fit a dry break refuelling system for Britcar ?
Paul
We did think about it but apparently all the drivers in Britcar are so slow we`ll be able to get a couple of hours out of one tank at that sort of pace !!
Yes we are fitting the economy dry break system as recommended by our new spiritual leader Rev T.
Will you be out at Silverstone ?
Henry
Afraid not as my car co-owner still has to get his racing licence back following his heart attack last year. His cardiologist has given the OK so we are aiming for the Snetterton race in May. I'll find you at Silverstone & introduce myself.
Regards
Paul
Only joking - there`s some good pedalers in the Britcar circus including a fair number of household names. I feel rather under dressed with only gentleman drivers in the car. I`ll have to get on the blower to my mate Stephan Ortelli !!
I`m entered for the Snetterton 300 as well as the 2 hour races at Silverpoon and Brands.
Henry
I`m entered for the Snetterton 300 as well as the 2 hour races at Silverpoon and Brands.
Henry
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