Nice Paris Blue Griff for sale at Offords
Discussion
www.pistonheads.com/sales/119299.htm
Anyone know of this car? It looks a lot of Griff for the money which makes me wonder if there's some history here
I'm in the market for a Griff or a Chimaera and this Griff looks great and I love the colour.
The ad talks about 'cosmetic' things needed on the bodywork, but the pics look great as does the interior and I wouldn't neccessarily be put off by some cosmetic improvements being needed.
So before I trek all the way to Offords to view my questions are:
1. Does anyone know who owned it before and what it's history is?
2. Is the price reflecting the required cosmetic improvements or is it just the time of year?
3. Anyone had any dealings with Offords, are they any good?
As this will be first venture into TVR ownership I would appreciate any pointers and if anyone with any experience with Griffs who live nearby to Offords, who could come along with me on a Saturday morning, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys for your help.
Anyone know of this car? It looks a lot of Griff for the money which makes me wonder if there's some history here
I'm in the market for a Griff or a Chimaera and this Griff looks great and I love the colour. The ad talks about 'cosmetic' things needed on the bodywork, but the pics look great as does the interior and I wouldn't neccessarily be put off by some cosmetic improvements being needed.
So before I trek all the way to Offords to view my questions are:
1. Does anyone know who owned it before and what it's history is?
2. Is the price reflecting the required cosmetic improvements or is it just the time of year?
3. Anyone had any dealings with Offords, are they any good?
As this will be first venture into TVR ownership I would appreciate any pointers and if anyone with any experience with Griffs who live nearby to Offords, who could come along with me on a Saturday morning, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys for your help.
Edited by blueyonder on Sunday 7th January 19:31
Edited by blueyonder on Sunday 7th January 19:31
I've had all my servicing and most of my upgrades done by Offord in the last 4 years. AFAIK, they're a fine, reliable, honest set of blokes, and with one or two minor niggles, always apologetically sorted out, they've always been fine. I'd have no compunction about buying a car from them.
As we've talked about, it does look a nice car ... the only thing that I would want to know is why it needed a new camshaft.
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
burriana said:
As we've talked about, it does look a nice car ... the only thing that I would want to know is why it needed a new camshaft.
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
Camshaft at 50000 miles is quite normal for a Rover V8. Very few cars will make it to this mileage without needing one.
puffsorted2 said:
burriana said:
As we've talked about, it does look a nice car ... the only thing that I would want to know is why it needed a new camshaft.
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
Camshaft at 50000 miles is quite normal for a Rover V8. Very few cars will make it to this mileage without needing one.
As I recall it is the only weakness in the RV8 due to the rearmost cylinders running hotter. Ours lasted till around 60k before needing a new un. 48k is a little soon but nowt to worry about
burriana said:
As we've talked about, it does look a nice car ... the only thing that I would want to know is why it needed a new camshaft.
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
It is not a regular Rover V8 fault as far as I know. It may have been down to a) the original cam's hardening not being up to scratch OR b) it could be indicative of an underlying oil pressure/flow problem.
Option A not a problem as it has been fixed, option B can be checked by finding someone independent to check it out properly.
Redone suspension, especially the poly bushes is a good upgrade
On the other note, I am seeing a Griff in Hertfordshire early next Saturday morning so can easily drive back up via the A1 and meet you there - HOWEVER - I can only offer my subjective opinion and basic mechanical advice. I wouldn't advise on whether to buy a car or not because I am simply not that mechanically adept!!! You really do need to get any car inspected by someone who really knows what they are looking for.
By the time I have finished in Herts it will be noon at the earliest. What time are they open until on a Saturday?
Accept what you're saying but judging by your explanations in options a) and b) re the cams makes your mechanical knowledge somewhat better that mine IMHO.
If it's still for sale I would have a first look and then if I'm still interested get an inspection......I think RAC do inspections which don't cost the earth or would James Agger give his opinion even though it's not one of his cars?
Offords are open on Saturday til' 12.30 p.m according to their website so might be a little tight. I'll call them tomorrow and let you know.
burriana said:
I think others more knowledgeable than me have answered the question re; the cam so no worries it seems.
Don't waste your money on an AA or RAC inspection ... you need a TVR expert.
Don't waste your money on an AA or RAC inspection ... you need a TVR expert.
Aren't Offords supposed to be TVR experts? I'm sure it would not do their reputation amongst fellow PH'ers, and others for that matter, for them to sell a lemon? No one has had a negative word to say about them so far on this thread.
Agree about the responses to the cam....at least it's been done! Plus new shocks. I guess it will boil down to general condition, then a bit of haggling me thinks
Eva - is that said with some knowledge of something that we don't know?
I would expect any cat C or D issues to be stated up front in a reputable dealer advert. Please feel free to email me or Ron (Blueyonder) with any info you might know. It would explain the price. Cat D is 20% under normal market as a rule of thumb.
Ron, alternatively just ring them in the morning and ask if it has any HPi history whatsoever. A dealer will not automatically include an HPi check. From all that has been said, they do seem to have a good reputation.
I would expect any cat C or D issues to be stated up front in a reputable dealer advert. Please feel free to email me or Ron (Blueyonder) with any info you might know. It would explain the price. Cat D is 20% under normal market as a rule of thumb.
Ron, alternatively just ring them in the morning and ask if it has any HPi history whatsoever. A dealer will not automatically include an HPi check. From all that has been said, they do seem to have a good reputation.
Hi guys
No there's no hidden message intended in my HPI advice. Also agree it's not Paris Blue which is a pale pinkish tinged blue.
eva
PS Offords also have a very nice 4.3 precat Griffith which is priced about right at £12K. This suggests to me that there may be some reasons for the '96 500 being priced £4K-£5K below the normal retail price. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid though.
No there's no hidden message intended in my HPI advice. Also agree it's not Paris Blue which is a pale pinkish tinged blue.
eva
PS Offords also have a very nice 4.3 precat Griffith which is priced about right at £12K. This suggests to me that there may be some reasons for the '96 500 being priced £4K-£5K below the normal retail price. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid though.
Edited by Eva on Monday 8th January 08:59
Cheers Eva ...
Ron, just been on the phone to Bill at Offords. The car is totally HPi clear. The only reason for the price is because the paintwork and hood needs a bit of tidying up. He estimates around £1500 for them to do it.
I know one car that is owned by a very well known Pistonheader that is up for sale, and it is quite unique, being the test bed for a lot of the Leven upgrades, take a look.
Mel's top car here
Ron, just been on the phone to Bill at Offords. The car is totally HPi clear. The only reason for the price is because the paintwork and hood needs a bit of tidying up. He estimates around £1500 for them to do it.
I know one car that is owned by a very well known Pistonheader that is up for sale, and it is quite unique, being the test bed for a lot of the Leven upgrades, take a look.
Mel's top car here
burriana said:
Cheers Eva ...
Ron, just been on the phone to Bill at Offords. The car is totally HPi clear. The only reason for the price is because the paintwork and hood needs a bit of tidying up. He estimates around £1500 for them to do it.
I know one car that is owned by a very well known Pistonheader that is up for sale, and it is quite unique, being the test bed for a lot of the Leven upgrades, take a look.
Mel's top car here
Ron, just been on the phone to Bill at Offords. The car is totally HPi clear. The only reason for the price is because the paintwork and hood needs a bit of tidying up. He estimates around £1500 for them to do it.
I know one car that is owned by a very well known Pistonheader that is up for sale, and it is quite unique, being the test bed for a lot of the Leven upgrades, take a look.
Mel's top car here
Just spoken to Bill and there has been some other interest shown over the weekend so if I get the chance I might go and have a loook on Thursday morning before an appointment I have at lunchtime up the A1 in Rutland. If not Bill is there until at least 2.30 p.m. on Saturday.
Had a look at Mel's car and for the same money I accept that I wouldn't have to do anything to it but I'm not sure I like the colour and the dash makes me dizzy just looking at it. The spider wheels are nice but not sure they suit the car? It's also a bit older than the one at Offords and would be a bit of a trek to view it.
Dilemmas,dilemmas!
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