Cat D Griff - would you touch one ?
Discussion
So I went to look at a rather smart 96 Griff last night and liked it. Up for 11995 on 25k miles. But, of course given the price, the catch is that it had water damage early in its life to the extent that it was a Cat D write off.
Initially I wasn't too bothered as the car seemed fine...but as the evening wore on I began to worry about it. What do you guys think ?
Initially I wasn't too bothered as the car seemed fine...but as the evening wore on I began to worry about it. What do you guys think ?
I wouldn't worry about it simply being a cat D as long as you are satisfied the repairs have been completed to a high standard and there are no mechanical problems (other than the usual TVR ones!!) left over. In fact, it is likely to be put together better than a new one was...
The only issues you may have in this case are the insurance being silly if it comes to a claim (check if they need an inspection or anything first) and selling it on when you're bored with it...
The only issues you may have in this case are the insurance being silly if it comes to a claim (check if they need an inspection or anything first) and selling it on when you're bored with it...
As said above.
But i would add that it would be a good idea to take a good look down in the footwell and under the dash for signs of the water damage. My first Griff had badly rusted pedal box/assembly and staining to the carpets in the footwells due to water ingress. If their is signs of water damage here, then there may be issues behind the dash/electrics. So corroded electrics may be an issue.
But i would add that it would be a good idea to take a good look down in the footwell and under the dash for signs of the water damage. My first Griff had badly rusted pedal box/assembly and staining to the carpets in the footwells due to water ingress. If their is signs of water damage here, then there may be issues behind the dash/electrics. So corroded electrics may be an issue.
JAPES said:
So I went to look at a rather smart 96 Griff last night and liked it. Up for 11995 on 25k miles. But, of course given the price, the catch is that it had water damage early in its life to the extent that it was a Cat D write off.
Initially I wasn't too bothered as the car seemed fine...but as the evening wore on I began to worry about it. What do you guys think ?
Initially I wasn't too bothered as the car seemed fine...but as the evening wore on I began to worry about it. What do you guys think ?
why put your money into something that you will always be wondering if its ok
,just put a little more and have piece of mind.good luck.
My car was a cat D about 6 years back, it was repaired to a high standard, my car had pictures of when if was damaged so I could see it was very light and some of the peoples cars I've seen repaired were in much worse state but wouldn't have been written off due to the owners pressing to have them repaired. My previous TVR S2 was listed on HPI too and that was the best car I've ever owned so I didn't worry to much about buying another. If its in good condition then seems a good price, as with all TVR's it's worth getting it checked over by a garage to make sure it's as good as it looks.
The point of this question must be economics.
I do around 5k a year in Bluey and would expect to spend no more than £1k p.a. service & repairs plus £370 insurance for two fully comp 5k max.
If I were to be attracted to a "Cat D registered" advert, for a car between 10% - 20% less than other similar cars, I would ask myself: why is the price so reduced?
.... Why?
I do around 5k a year in Bluey and would expect to spend no more than £1k p.a. service & repairs plus £370 insurance for two fully comp 5k max.
If I were to be attracted to a "Cat D registered" advert, for a car between 10% - 20% less than other similar cars, I would ask myself: why is the price so reduced?
.... Why?
Simply because it's cat D, they are worth less because they have a history, mine has had all the right bits, adjustable suspension, full engine build by TVR power and had a respray by Webbs TVR bodyshop, but I know it'll fetch less than a car without it's history. Was thinking of selling mine recently and would probably price it about 2-3k less than another car with similar spec even though I know it's a sorted car with a very good chassis etc, I've decided to keep it for the time being now anyway 
It will cost to same in all other respects, my insurance was the same, running costs are the same, it's just the purchase price. You should remember there are quite a few cars on here that have been repaired even though they weren't written off probably had as much if not more damage than some Cat D cars.
Main thing is to get a well looked after car.
It will cost to same in all other respects, my insurance was the same, running costs are the same, it's just the purchase price. You should remember there are quite a few cars on here that have been repaired even though they weren't written off probably had as much if not more damage than some Cat D cars.
Main thing is to get a well looked after car.
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