To go private...Or not?
Discussion
Morning all,
I popped down to Fernies this past weekend and took a look at there Venetian Blue Chim thats in our classifieds. Great car...tick's all the boxes. But unfortunately something that Nick said to me rang true at the end of that brilliant afternoon. He said to me "alot of people come down here with a budget and car in mind, but leave with a totally different car/budget in mind".
EXACTLY what happened to me!
I went there to look at this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/261817.htm
But after i left, I realised the one that actually really caught my eye was this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/211118.htm
& since, i've become smitten with it. Im planning to go down this weekend and give both a test drive. One has PAS, the other doesnt, decide which id prefer in terms of PAS. BUT!
Do i go private? Because although the Atlantis Halycon is my perfect Chim, it IS out of my budget by 4k, or do i compromise & go for the V.Blue & get to use the brilliant service offered by Nick & the guys @ Fernies.
Decisions...Decisions!
I popped down to Fernies this past weekend and took a look at there Venetian Blue Chim thats in our classifieds. Great car...tick's all the boxes. But unfortunately something that Nick said to me rang true at the end of that brilliant afternoon. He said to me "alot of people come down here with a budget and car in mind, but leave with a totally different car/budget in mind".
EXACTLY what happened to me!
I went there to look at this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/261817.htm
But after i left, I realised the one that actually really caught my eye was this:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/211118.htm
& since, i've become smitten with it. Im planning to go down this weekend and give both a test drive. One has PAS, the other doesnt, decide which id prefer in terms of PAS. BUT!
Do i go private? Because although the Atlantis Halycon is my perfect Chim, it IS out of my budget by 4k, or do i compromise & go for the V.Blue & get to use the brilliant service offered by Nick & the guys @ Fernies.
Decisions...Decisions!
This is a difficult one because the guys at Fernhurst are really very good blokes and their service is impeccable (so I have heard). I did exactly the same thing as you last year. I visited Fernies and although I drove a spectacularly good 450 Chim the dashboard was magnolia and reflected badly on the windscreen. I didn't buy but kept looking at the classifieds as well as the Fernies "for sale" list. The car for £10k at fernies is probably £2-3K higher than can be purchased privately but you must weigh up what the warranty might be worth, especially as it is an older, high mileage car. It is very difficult with the higher mileage cars (mine has just gone over the 60k mark and is as sweet as a nut (I have done about 5500 miles since May 2007) but I have no idea what is around the corner (except for upgrades and more love and attention to keep her sweet!).
In the end I bought a 450 Chim privately for £10k, had it checked over by Rob Ingleby before I bought (it all checked out nicely), had some bits replaced (battery and new Levens bits), did some works that needed doing and probably I am now in for about £12.5k but don't have a warranty.
IMHO if you are happy to buy an higher mileage car then look out for one in the classifieds and keep the difference between the Fernies one for maintenance and upgrades. I specifically looked for an higher mileage car as it suggests to me that it has been driven as designed to be driven. Avoid very low mileage cars like the plague! Drive lots before you buy, they are not euroboxes! I would certainly buy at Fernies but not an older higher mileage model. Do some research in the websites, (TVRCC etc), go to a local TVR meet, buy on condition only and remember, blue ones are fastest! Whatever you do, enjoy the 'permagrin' that follows purchase!
In the end I bought a 450 Chim privately for £10k, had it checked over by Rob Ingleby before I bought (it all checked out nicely), had some bits replaced (battery and new Levens bits), did some works that needed doing and probably I am now in for about £12.5k but don't have a warranty.
IMHO if you are happy to buy an higher mileage car then look out for one in the classifieds and keep the difference between the Fernies one for maintenance and upgrades. I specifically looked for an higher mileage car as it suggests to me that it has been driven as designed to be driven. Avoid very low mileage cars like the plague! Drive lots before you buy, they are not euroboxes! I would certainly buy at Fernies but not an older higher mileage model. Do some research in the websites, (TVRCC etc), go to a local TVR meet, buy on condition only and remember, blue ones are fastest! Whatever you do, enjoy the 'permagrin' that follows purchase!
Edited by Johnniem on Tuesday 8th January 11:38
Johnniem said:
Alot of sense...
So true...I mean, that warranty is a HUGE plus for me hence why i went down there first. Looking at the service history for the V-Blue one, it's been there alot over the years as it's always lived round the Sussex area so i know they'd look after it as if it was there own, because it literally is considering how it's popped in regularily there over the years for servicing.Edited by Johnniem on Tuesday 8th January 11:38
But, i'm still compromising on my first Tiv if i go for it, despite it being in budget. It's just that annoying situation waiting for the right one to pop up on the classifieds. Argh! Was Rob expensive by the way? (Deliberately leaving that as an open ended question
)& yep, i prefer higher mileage but not too many owners. Like the 2 shown, except the Atlantis Halycon although it's perfection it does have a lowish mileage which is a little offputting. Where as i'm more open to going for the 60k V.Blue to know it has been looked after by its 2 owners over the years.
Edited by ironictwist on Tuesday 8th January 12:02
ironictwist said:
Johnniem said:
Alot of sense...
So true...I mean, that warranty is a HUGE plus for me hence why i went down there first. Looking at the service history for the V-Blue one, it's been there alot over the years as it's always lived round the Sussex area so i know they'd look after it as if it was there own, because it literally is considering how it's popped in regularily there over the years for servicing.Edited by Johnniem on Tuesday 8th January 11:38
But, i'm still compromising on my first Tiv if i go for it, despite it being in budget. It's just that annoying situation waiting for the right one to pop up on the classifieds. Argh! Was Rob expensive by the way? (Deliberately leaving that as an open ended question
)& yep, i prefer higher mileage but not too many owners. Like the 2 shown, except the Atlantis Halycon although it's perfection it does have a lowish mileage which is a little offputting. Where as i'm more open to going for the 60k V.Blue to know it has been looked after by its 2 owners over the years.
Edited by ironictwist on Tuesday 8th January 12:02
In response to your post, I bought mine from a "main" dealer in July and had the very same debate.
Initially I looked at a 94 car around the 9k mark but ended up spending a few thousand more and got a 99. For me, to have a 5 year newer car was a trade off worth the extra money, especially as the chassis/body conditions were comaparable, but I viewed it on the basis that the running gear was so much newer and shouldn't need so much spending on it. At the end of the day you pays your money and takes your choice, but I don't for a second regret having the newer car. More so as I decided as it was something I always wanted I didn't want to have second best.
Regarding warranty, for me it was a must and I have already claimed twice saving f c. £1-1.5k. But then I have been bitten buying cars from private sellers...
Initially I looked at a 94 car around the 9k mark but ended up spending a few thousand more and got a 99. For me, to have a 5 year newer car was a trade off worth the extra money, especially as the chassis/body conditions were comaparable, but I viewed it on the basis that the running gear was so much newer and shouldn't need so much spending on it. At the end of the day you pays your money and takes your choice, but I don't for a second regret having the newer car. More so as I decided as it was something I always wanted I didn't want to have second best.
Regarding warranty, for me it was a must and I have already claimed twice saving f c. £1-1.5k. But then I have been bitten buying cars from private sellers...
At this time of year especially there are some private bargains to be had.
I bought my 98 Chim 500 privately last year. Simon, (S5TVR) the previous owner had done loads to it and had all the documentation to back it up so I could be confident that it was as good as he said it was. Mark Adams Tornado chip, Protech adjustable springs and dampers, K&N, ACT intake, dual fan temp sensors, chassis stripped and re-done etc. I was, and still am, over the moon with the car. It has never let me down and was my daily drive until last month.
IMHO if you do your homework and check out that the car you are buying is/was enthusiast owned, you can save significantly and still get a top condition car.
Don't rush into it, get a good one and you will be happier than Mr Happy of Happyville!
Just want to add that any of the more knowledgable guys on this forum would be good bet to buy from...........check the posts to see who "knows their stuff"
I bought my 98 Chim 500 privately last year. Simon, (S5TVR) the previous owner had done loads to it and had all the documentation to back it up so I could be confident that it was as good as he said it was. Mark Adams Tornado chip, Protech adjustable springs and dampers, K&N, ACT intake, dual fan temp sensors, chassis stripped and re-done etc. I was, and still am, over the moon with the car. It has never let me down and was my daily drive until last month.
IMHO if you do your homework and check out that the car you are buying is/was enthusiast owned, you can save significantly and still get a top condition car.
Don't rush into it, get a good one and you will be happier than Mr Happy of Happyville!Just want to add that any of the more knowledgable guys on this forum would be good bet to buy from...........check the posts to see who "knows their stuff"
Edited by s5tuart on Tuesday 8th January 20:10
Bought mine privately last summer and not regretted the decision for a minute. I did a lot of research beforehand reading all the buying guides, studying the various threads on PistonHeads etc and even acquired a 'bible' upfront for a good read. This gave me plenty of confidence in viewing cars whether trade or private.
As it happenned I bought the first one I saw - not a rush of blood to the head, it just ticked all the right boxes - weighed in at £8800 instead of £10-10.5K I am guessing it would have cost through the trade and that's really the punchline - I bought the car well within my budget of £10K and banked the rest as a contingency against problems, which is effectively the same as purchasing a warranty!
Swings and roundabouts
As it happenned I bought the first one I saw - not a rush of blood to the head, it just ticked all the right boxes - weighed in at £8800 instead of £10-10.5K I am guessing it would have cost through the trade and that's really the punchline - I bought the car well within my budget of £10K and banked the rest as a contingency against problems, which is effectively the same as purchasing a warranty!
Swings and roundabouts
MJW1977 said:
Regarding warranty, for me it was a must and I have already claimed twice saving f c. £1-1.5k. But then I have been bitten buying cars from private sellers...
I wanted to turn this thread on its head by asking the question which may or may not give gravity to the argument that the significant mark up charged by dealers is worth "the perceivable holy grail of peace of mind". From what I have experienced warranties have a nasty habit of becoming worthless as the 'wear and tear' excuse comes to the fore when making a claim.
So anybody wish to give warranties justice.
Edited by mdotrutherford on Tuesday 8th January 22:30
I asked the same question on here over a year ago, I was told to get a copy of the bible which I did and read it cover to cover! (sad I know, but told me a lot of what to look for) Well worth the money and very good advice.
Bought a 99, 450 for £10K 48K miles. It had lots of history.
Bought a 99, 450 for £10K 48K miles. It had lots of history.
Many thanks for the responses...
I've got a few in mind that are private as well as Fernies stock. I'm tempted to go Rosso Pearl but im sceptical. Apparently since the mishap with the original Rosso colour theres been an improved one to stop the fading that used to happen?
I'm just torn...Rosso Pearl or Atlantis Halycon :/ CANT DECIDE!
I've got a few in mind that are private as well as Fernies stock. I'm tempted to go Rosso Pearl but im sceptical. Apparently since the mishap with the original Rosso colour theres been an improved one to stop the fading that used to happen?
I'm just torn...Rosso Pearl or Atlantis Halycon :/ CANT DECIDE!
ironictwist said:
Many thanks for the responses...
I've got a few in mind that are private as well as Fernies stock. I'm tempted to go Rosso Pearl but im sceptical. Apparently since the mishap with the original Rosso colour theres been an improved one to stop the fading that used to happen?
I'm just torn...Rosso Pearl or Atlantis Halycon :/ CANT DECIDE!
Colours are a very personal thing. In my humble opinion, both the colours you mention are nice, easy to live with colours that would distinguish your car from the next. If your undecided between the 2, base your purchase on condition and price.I've got a few in mind that are private as well as Fernies stock. I'm tempted to go Rosso Pearl but im sceptical. Apparently since the mishap with the original Rosso colour theres been an improved one to stop the fading that used to happen?
I'm just torn...Rosso Pearl or Atlantis Halycon :/ CANT DECIDE!
My personal choise of colour would be Halcyon Midas pearl yellow but I ended up with a silvery/blue colour (Aston Martin solent silver). Not what I thought I'd end up with but the condition of the car and the work done on it made my mind up.
Wen your looking at prospective new purchases, you'll know which one feels right for you, regardless of colour.
L33.
I bought my Chim just over 2 months ago from a medium size dealer in the North. They have sold a number of TVRs and other cars such as Porches and Audis.
I had to travel a long way and it was the first one I had seen. Although I had spent a lot of time on research etc .
There is a Main dealer 12 miles from me that had a similar Chim with similar mileage and history that was £2K more and would offer me £1K less on my Z3. So the difference was £3K.
I got a 3 month in house full warranty which was more that the main dealer would offer without another £1350. I had a Rob Ingleby report which was very favourable. In all honesty it wouldnt have been my first choice of colour but condition and history were more important to me at the time. The colour has now grown on me and I now think it is wonderful with plenty of complements on the colour. So what I am saying is that I believe that condition is by far the most important as long as it is not a colour that you hate.
I am not trying to advise you but just going through the process that I went through.
Mine is a 2000 4.0 with 25K Pathfinder Blue
PS Not had to use the warranty yet as all is perfect- fingers crossed
Trevor
I had to travel a long way and it was the first one I had seen. Although I had spent a lot of time on research etc .
There is a Main dealer 12 miles from me that had a similar Chim with similar mileage and history that was £2K more and would offer me £1K less on my Z3. So the difference was £3K.
I got a 3 month in house full warranty which was more that the main dealer would offer without another £1350. I had a Rob Ingleby report which was very favourable. In all honesty it wouldnt have been my first choice of colour but condition and history were more important to me at the time. The colour has now grown on me and I now think it is wonderful with plenty of complements on the colour. So what I am saying is that I believe that condition is by far the most important as long as it is not a colour that you hate.
I am not trying to advise you but just going through the process that I went through.
Mine is a 2000 4.0 with 25K Pathfinder Blue
PS Not had to use the warranty yet as all is perfect- fingers crossed
Trevor
I bought this privately in 2006.
It hasn't given me any grief, apart from a new rad requirement.
May be worth a look?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/208586.htm
It hasn't given me any grief, apart from a new rad requirement.
May be worth a look?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/208586.htm
lifebegins@400" Target="_blank">class="forumQuoter">lifebegins@400 said:
Bought mine privately last summer and not regretted the decision for a minute. I did a lot of research beforehand reading all the buying guides, studying the various threads on PistonHeads etc and even acquired a 'bible' upfront for a good read. This gave me plenty of confidence in viewing cars whether trade or private.
As it happenned I bought the first one I saw - not a rush of blood to the head, it just ticked all the right boxes - weighed in at £8800 instead of £10-10.5K I am guessing it would have cost through the trade and that's really the punchline - I bought the car well within my budget of £10K and banked the rest as a contingency against problems, which is effectively the same as purchasing a warranty!
Swings and roundabouts
I'm pretty much identical to this I only looked at one other before buying, as the one I bought (97 Starmist Blue 400), bought from an enthusiast who knew his stuff, well looked after, garaged, dry use etc and just seemed "right". Having said that, because I am useless mechanically I got Rob Ingleby to do a report which was money well spent for peace of mind.As it happenned I bought the first one I saw - not a rush of blood to the head, it just ticked all the right boxes - weighed in at £8800 instead of £10-10.5K I am guessing it would have cost through the trade and that's really the punchline - I bought the car well within my budget of £10K and banked the rest as a contingency against problems, which is effectively the same as purchasing a warranty!
Swings and roundabouts
Edited by AlRaven on Thursday 10th January 12:43
Just my 2p's worth....
I would say from my personal experience buy privately if you can. It cant be that difficult to get a good car from here theres so many owners one will come your way that will be too good to miss. If you go private as long as you get it checked over again many people on here will tell you what to look out for or maybe inspect it with you. You will save a few grand which you can store away for the inevitable repairs one day. If you dont claim on your warranty yes it proves the cars a good one but you have efectively lost that money after the warranty period. A few grand can get you a lot of spare parts for these cars. And if your handy with the spanners an even bigger bonus.
That was more like 10p worth :-P
Happy Hunting
I would say from my personal experience buy privately if you can. It cant be that difficult to get a good car from here theres so many owners one will come your way that will be too good to miss. If you go private as long as you get it checked over again many people on here will tell you what to look out for or maybe inspect it with you. You will save a few grand which you can store away for the inevitable repairs one day. If you dont claim on your warranty yes it proves the cars a good one but you have efectively lost that money after the warranty period. A few grand can get you a lot of spare parts for these cars. And if your handy with the spanners an even bigger bonus.
That was more like 10p worth :-P
Happy Hunting
neal1980 said:
Just my 2p's worth....
I would say from my personal experience buy privately if you can. It cant be that difficult to get a good car from here theres so many owners one will come your way that will be too good to miss. If you go private as long as you get it checked over again many people on here will tell you what to look out for or maybe inspect it with you. You will save a few grand which you can store away for the inevitable repairs one day. If you dont claim on your warranty yes it proves the cars a good one but you have efectively lost that money after the warranty period. A few grand can get you a lot of spare parts for these cars. And if your handy with the spanners an even bigger bonus.
That was more like 10p worth :-P
Happy Hunting
No-one's ever put it to me like that. But you're definetly right...essentially im losing that money over the course of that year...Hm! Well i've got 3 cars in mind. All 3 happen to be from reputable dealers apart from Fernhursts, primarily because the type of car i want i cant seem to find being sold privately...At the moment atleast :/I would say from my personal experience buy privately if you can. It cant be that difficult to get a good car from here theres so many owners one will come your way that will be too good to miss. If you go private as long as you get it checked over again many people on here will tell you what to look out for or maybe inspect it with you. You will save a few grand which you can store away for the inevitable repairs one day. If you dont claim on your warranty yes it proves the cars a good one but you have efectively lost that money after the warranty period. A few grand can get you a lot of spare parts for these cars. And if your handy with the spanners an even bigger bonus.
That was more like 10p worth :-P
Happy Hunting
Heyho..I think i may just hold onto my cash and wait for a Halcyon in my budget to come along. Either that or beg Fernies to let me have it for 11k rather than 14k, but doubt very much that happening
Edited by ironictwist on Thursday 10th January 21:38
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