trying to sell ?
trying to sell ?
Author
Discussion

dawgie

Original Poster:

7 posts

288 months

Tuesday 5th November 2002
quotequote all
I'm interested in an early Griff 500 ('93/'94) this being due to budgetary constraint rather than a dislike of newer ones !. I read a thread some weeks ago about Griffs being in much greater demand than Chimaeras, and how there were fewer for sale, and that they were achieving 'collectable' status now they've stopped making them etc etc.

It's just that I keep seeing the same ones for sale on the 'classified' section here (unless they're all sold and no-one registers the fact) as well as the same ones week after week in Autotrader / Top Marques.

I know it's Winter now and that has an effect but are we looking at a full blown buyers market or is it just a case of all these ones for sale being tatty or whatever and no-one wants them ? Are sellers prepared to be reasonable when discussing price or are they all starstruck by the collectable thing ?

Does anyone selling (or buying) have any stories about their experiences ? Does anyone who's been trying to sell for more than a month have any idea why they haven't sold yet ? Is it a case of willing and serious buyers but unable to agree on price or is it timewasters (there is a difference but sometimes a willing buyer offering a chunk less than the asking price is considered a timewaster !)

I sold my Chim 400 within a week to the first guy who came to look. Was I just lucky ?

Thanks (and sorry for rambling !!)

simpo one

90,847 posts

286 months

Tuesday 5th November 2002
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I copied this from an e-mail I sent a few months ago - haven't checked the links but see what you find:

www.mytvr.co.uk
www.findit.co.uk/cars/tvr.htm
www.tvr-webmart.co.uk
www.tvrcc.com
www.tvr-ads.co.uk

Griffs are scarcer than Chimps (about 1:4 I think) but I was surprised to see in last week's E&M that there were about 16 Chimps for sale but only 2 Griffs. Mind you, depreciation has been heavy since the Tuscan came out so it's about time things firmed up.

Regarding sales, my S3 sold within a month to the first person who saw it; the Griff 4.0 stuck for over a year and went to about the eighth. Some were not in a position to buy for various reasons, some were just curious, some just wanted it at a silly price and one was over-awed. Price and condition are important of course, but it also helps if the prospect falls for it, likes the particular colour scheme etc.

Incidentally, I think you mean 'seller's market'!

TVRs often seem to be advertised for some time. It doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with them (IMO), just that they haven't struck a chord with the viewers. TVRs are so individual, it's not like going to see a Mondeo, plus it's a very small market in the scheme of things...

Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase!

davidd

6,660 posts

305 months

Wednesday 6th November 2002
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My Griff has been for sale for 2 months, started at £17500 and is just about to drop to £15750. I think it is an utter bargain.
I have only had 3 people over to look at it, one was not very serious and just wanted a ride, the next was very serious and a top bolke (hi mike if you are reading) but found a car which was the exact colours and spec that he wanted (for a little more cash). The last decided to spend £25k on a Tuscan insead of less on a Griff.

www.pistonheads.com/ads/displayAd.asp?advertId=5726

I have only advertised it on PH, autotrader, findit and E&M online. It has not gone in the real press although it should be in the next issue of Topmarques.

I suspect the things that are putting people off are that.

I'm not a dealer
It has done 55k miles

Those of us in the know understand that these are not problems as the car is in a very good state with a complete history and one owner from new.

I think the price is about right and when you see some of the dealer cars it is a utter bargain.

I took it out for a run at the weekend (it had been sitting for a couple of weeks) and realised that I'd really like to keep it, if only I could justify 2 TVRs

What are you looking to spend?

D.

>> Edited by davidd on Wednesday 6th November 08:30

dawgie

Original Poster:

7 posts

288 months

Wednesday 6th November 2002
quotequote all
Thanks chaps

Simpo One - I did mean 'buyers market' (i.e. that the sellers seemed to be struggling and the buyers therefore had the advantage - but I could be wrong).

I wouldn't really want to get into the 'whats one worth' debate as we know this is dependant on so many different factors.

I'd like one that's been used regularly but has been garaged, used as a second car and preferably hasn't seen rain for 5 years (believe it or not my old Chim fitted this profile - the original hood for example was mint). I expect it will have done at least 40k miles but have a good history (specialist would be fine) and preferably plenty of bills !. Would prefer a darker colour with a dark interior (I really like the Chianti with the burgandy / grey trim but have seen it referred to as dog sh*t brown on PH before !).

I'd expect to be able to get such a thing on an 'L' plate and in really nice condition for around £14k. I guess this ties in with Davids £15,750 for his which is 3 years younger but slightly higher miles I guess.

I sold my Chim for at least £1k less than everyone seemed to think it was worth but I couldn't be asked with the mullarkey of selling and entertaining a string of dreamers so did a deal there and then. I think you have to do that. If someone has the cash and inclination they have to be taken seriously. If I were asking a reasonable £18k I'd have in mind that someone might offer £16k (or maybe £15k) and that this might be the best (and indeed only) offer I get. Once you've decided to sell I think it's good policy to make it happen asap....

Hmmm.......

gjm

78 posts

289 months

Thursday 7th November 2002
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Price and condition are important of course, but it also helps if the prospect falls for it, likes the particular colour scheme etc.


i'd second that. in addition its a small market who wants a 3rd car - therefore they are very choosy. condition/colour/spec are different for every buyer and matching buyer with car somtimes takes a while - i think it is no reflection on how long a car takes to sell...if it is realistically priced.
me....i just saw one, drove it and had to have it...common sense, look at lots, drive lots and compare them all etc...went completely out of the window...it was so fast and so much fun i just had to have it there and then!

MikeyT

17,679 posts

292 months

Friday 8th November 2002
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gjm said:

it was so fast and so much fun i just had to have it there and then!


Top bloke!

ADRIAB

2 posts

304 months

Tuesday 12th November 2002
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Hi Dawgie,
Read your post with some interest as I am considering selling my Griff! It hasn't been advertised yet but I would much rather it went to a TVR enthusiast! It's a 93(L) 5 litre with 34k miles on the clock, dark blue inside and out. How much were you thinking of spending? If your interested, contact me at adrian_bird@hotmail.com

M J H

42 posts

290 months

Wednesday 13th November 2002
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Noticed a nice L plate 500 Griff at Mole Valley. Redhill 36000 miles, Black with grey leather......seemed to be ok at 14995. They offer a package of support etc.
I bought a griff from them last Xmas at similar money and have just had some work done which was not covered by warranty (surprise ! )they met me 50/50 on cost, so seem a fair bunch.