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[davidji]

hi all,thinking of buying a TVR,did by a nissan 350z,but got rid of it,long story,torn between a griffith,or a chimaera,like both cars,so any comments would be welcome,only really want to spend about 10k,dont know if thats enough for a decent car????????

[mrmaggit]

You'll probably get a better Chim than Griff for that sort of money, but you are looking at the bottom end of the market, so you'd better be prepared to spend some dosh on the car. You should also be looking at £1-£1.5k a year running costs, whichever way you go.

Best of luck.

[Griffter]

If you like them both equally, get a Chimaera - better car for the same money, and more practical. However I prefer the Griff for the following reasons:

Looks better (IMHO)
Widely hailed as the turning point for TVR
Less common

Early Griffs (non 5litre cars) have no cats and no lambdas. They're noisier although a little less refined. All Chimaeras are catted. Plenty of people decat their cars mind you...

There really isn't much in it. It's down to budget, looks, and the right car coming along.

[Ballistic Banana]

IMHO 10k will get you a nice early Griffith 4.x

see www.pistonheads.com/sales/87294.htm which needs some minor work that may take you just over the 10k mark.

Would advise you get someone to inspect it for you though or even get someone like Rob Ingleby to find one for you www.findasportscar.co.uk/.

another couple just above your 10k www.pistonheads.com/sales/93452.htm www.pistonheads.com/sales/90425.htm

To Be honest I dont think you will find a 500 in your budget.

Chimearas are a little less so you may get a newer one or a 500, But for both Condition is paramount.

Cost per year can be reduced if your handy with tools and can do some of the Servicing maintainance your self. Which many do so Service history is Debatable.

Prehaps get down to a local TVRCC meet or PH meet and get a look and talk to owners for there opinions or ask some 4.x owners on here.

If using every day some say the Chimeara is easier to live with, another debatable as they are basically the same car with different Shells on, of course the Griffith is the more beautiful one.

Good luck

Simon

[davidji]

thanks for the advice so far,was hoping for a 500,am able to do bits n pieces myself,son is a mechanic as well,so can maybe do some jobs that others maybe couldnt.i must admit the griffs do look the part,not worried about having to do a few jobs myself,as long as the chassis is sound,also engine and running gear,i reckon i will find something half decent for 10k,cud even go a bit more,if its for the right car,if anyones in kent and would let me have a look around there car,would really be appreciated,have seen a couple in the classifieds,might even go and have a look.

[Paul V]

What part of Kent are you in? You should probably nip along to the SE London/NW Kent meet, they get lots of cars there and you should be able to nose round a few. For 10K I think you'd be looking at a fairly rough Griff 500 but if you find a good one at that price snap it up.

[davidji]

im from chatham,going to look at one tommorow,from the classifides on here,seems a good car,but dont know till ive looked at it,must admit am a bit worried about relability with TVRs,dont want to be breaking down to much with mrs in car,only going to be a weekend car though.

[formulared]

I live in Bromley and have had my Griff for nearly 5 yrs now with very few problems although i have just caused a problem myself (long story). Your very welcome to come along and have a chat, look round if you want.