Help needed, should I sell my Griff?
Discussion
Yes, this is a difficult decision, be good to get a few different perspectives, to help me make up my mind.
I’ve had my Griff 500 for five years, really enjoyed it when I first got it, but it’s been sitting in the garage far too much lately, just not being driven, in fact, we drove it twice in the last year.
The Griff was/is still my dream car, no matter how rich I was, I’d still have the Griff, it’s the most beautiful car ever made for me.
My partner loves it, she’s going crazy at the thought of me selling it, I’m sure she’d be very upset to see it go.
I have no pressing reasons to sell it, financially, or to fund another car, I’m just concerned that it’s not being driven, and enjoyed, and also, that it could deteriorate if left unused.
I’d like to sell it someone who will really get a lot of enjoyment out of it, and use it more, if we go that far, but the thought of going out to the garage and it not being there? I’m not sure I could handle that, just not being able to look at it, also, it’s become like a member of the family.
So as you can see, it’s a bit of a dilemma, any opinions that will push me either way, much appreciated.
I’ve had my Griff 500 for five years, really enjoyed it when I first got it, but it’s been sitting in the garage far too much lately, just not being driven, in fact, we drove it twice in the last year.
The Griff was/is still my dream car, no matter how rich I was, I’d still have the Griff, it’s the most beautiful car ever made for me.
My partner loves it, she’s going crazy at the thought of me selling it, I’m sure she’d be very upset to see it go.
I have no pressing reasons to sell it, financially, or to fund another car, I’m just concerned that it’s not being driven, and enjoyed, and also, that it could deteriorate if left unused.
I’d like to sell it someone who will really get a lot of enjoyment out of it, and use it more, if we go that far, but the thought of going out to the garage and it not being there? I’m not sure I could handle that, just not being able to look at it, also, it’s become like a member of the family.
So as you can see, it’s a bit of a dilemma, any opinions that will push me either way, much appreciated.
Edited by griff59 on Friday 25th March 08:33
Thanks a lot folks, all sensible stuff.
The issue about disrespect, and fuel economy? I did think about that in these challenging times, but we are all car enthusiasts here, and it goes with the territory, we all like to be environmentally aware, and the amount of use this car gets probably produces less pollution overall than a more economical car driven regularly.
Verbal abuse about this is one thing, but as time goes on, it is worrying, that maybe physical damage to cars may become common, that would be worrying.
Original condition? yes, mine is, I thought about upgrading brakes, lights, and suspension, I don’t know if these things would affect that aspect of the car.
Some of you are right, the sun is out now, and we will be using the car, and also, I have to be able to put myself in a position mentally, of no longer having the car, what would that feel like?
As you say, we’re lucky to have these things to deal with, it’s nothing major, by any means, in the grand scheme of things, as for photos, I can’t think of anything worse, if I did sell the car. looking at them would be awful.
The issue about disrespect, and fuel economy? I did think about that in these challenging times, but we are all car enthusiasts here, and it goes with the territory, we all like to be environmentally aware, and the amount of use this car gets probably produces less pollution overall than a more economical car driven regularly.
Verbal abuse about this is one thing, but as time goes on, it is worrying, that maybe physical damage to cars may become common, that would be worrying.
Original condition? yes, mine is, I thought about upgrading brakes, lights, and suspension, I don’t know if these things would affect that aspect of the car.
Some of you are right, the sun is out now, and we will be using the car, and also, I have to be able to put myself in a position mentally, of no longer having the car, what would that feel like?
As you say, we’re lucky to have these things to deal with, it’s nothing major, by any means, in the grand scheme of things, as for photos, I can’t think of anything worse, if I did sell the car. looking at them would be awful.
Narcisus said:
Screw anyone else getting enjoyment out of it ! If you love it and only drive it twice a year what’s wrong with that ?
Different if you need the cash but you don’t.
Keep on top of the maintenance and if it needs anything doing because it’s been stood just get it done.
I do look after it, it’s fine, just a couple of little things to do on the bodywork, and a new alarm system.Different if you need the cash but you don’t.
Keep on top of the maintenance and if it needs anything doing because it’s been stood just get it done.
My partner just came in, and she said "hang on to it, why are you even thinking of selling it?"
I think she loves it more than I do, and she’s always trying to get me to drive it.
There are two things, I’m in my late 60’s, and my confidence isn’t what it used to be, and I must admit, I do find it scary after not driving it for awhile, that feeling soon goes though, after a couple of hours, and I’m used to it again.
Another is that it’s quite high mileage, 81,000 and I'm worried about having to have an engine rebuild at some point.
The whole car was overhauled 10 years ago, new outriggers, chassis sandblasted and painted, respray, and a top-end rebuild, and it’s still in very good rust free condition, and there are no mods, all original.
Another issue, is that it’s a pain to actually get the car out, it takes about ten minutes, to move things and get it out of the garage, then I have to struggle with two sets of drive gates, I’m going to leave the car outside for a bit, insurance permitting, so it’s just more accessible, I’ll be tempted to just go to the supermarket, or shops in it, and generally use it more now the good weather is coming.
Edited by griff59 on Friday 25th March 16:14
Tyre Smoke said:
81k? It's fine! My 450 Chim clicked over 100k last weekend. Or rather it didn't. It got stuck at 99999. I had to take the bloody speedo apart to help it over. Working fine now.
Good shout to leave it out for a week or two, see how you feel by 'making yourself' drive it.
That’s reassuring, it seems to run fine, good tick over, and no strange noises, and sounds good, touch wood!Good shout to leave it out for a week or two, see how you feel by 'making yourself' drive it.
Oldwolf said:
Keep it
I know what you mean about being wary after not driving it for a while, I'm the same with my Chim but as Martin Brundle says... The throttle goes both ways (which is technically wrong but I still like it!)
I've got a shed on order to make the garage more car friendly, that might help?
I’ve just called my insurance company, only seven quid extra per year to park it in our drive, rather than the garage, so I did it, that’ll make it easier just to take it out for shopping runs etc.I know what you mean about being wary after not driving it for a while, I'm the same with my Chim but as Martin Brundle says... The throttle goes both ways (which is technically wrong but I still like it!)
I've got a shed on order to make the garage more car friendly, that might help?
The Griff is actually very cheap to run per year, the cheapest car I’ve owned.
Limited mileage insurance, tax, a yearly service, still well under a grand, total, including fuel.
Someone mentioned a shed, that’s a very good idea, we’ve got a lawnmower and garden tools that could be swallowed up by a shed, they are the things we keep having to move out of the way,
Limited mileage insurance, tax, a yearly service, still well under a grand, total, including fuel.
Someone mentioned a shed, that’s a very good idea, we’ve got a lawnmower and garden tools that could be swallowed up by a shed, they are the things we keep having to move out of the way,
R8FUN said:
I do look after it, it’s fine, just a couple of little things to do on the bodywork, and a new alarm system.
Mine needed a new Alarm, I noticed it was shot on the way home from buying it. I should maybe have had it replaced under warranty but the seller was 200 miles away so I put up with it for a while.
I eventually had it replaced by Heath @ X-Works, along with a new Walnut dash by Pete Wiggins & new Stereo. You don't really want to be pulling the dash out too often so I did the lot.
Thing is with TVRs costs can get out of hand because you just want the best for the car.
Yes, it’s difficult, there are things that some people say I should have done regardless, uprated brakes, suspension, and LED lights. Others say leave it alone, it’s fine as it is, and it’s original, so that’s a bit of a dilemma.Mine needed a new Alarm, I noticed it was shot on the way home from buying it. I should maybe have had it replaced under warranty but the seller was 200 miles away so I put up with it for a while.
I eventually had it replaced by Heath @ X-Works, along with a new Walnut dash by Pete Wiggins & new Stereo. You don't really want to be pulling the dash out too often so I did the lot.
Thing is with TVRs costs can get out of hand because you just want the best for the car.
The car is looked after by Dan Taylor, who’s amazing, really knows his stuff, got complete confidence in him.
He has a guy visit once in awhile, who specialises in electrics, and alarm systems, so that’s going to be done this summer.
There’s a couple of little scratches on the near side front wing that need sorting out that were done by the dreaded lawnmower getting in the way, a perfect argument for that shed!
I can’t find anyone to do the bodywork though, I’m in Kent, and any recommendations would be welcome.
Edited by griff59 on Sunday 27th March 08:09
Edited by griff59 on Sunday 27th March 08:10
Edited by griff59 on Sunday 27th March 08:11
I’m keeping it, and yes, it is a faff to sell. These things aren’t an investment, you always end up loosing money, but that’s far from the point of owning a car like this IMO.
Something that put me firmly on the spot, a friend is desperate to buy my car, he offered me cash on the spot, he even had a word my partner asking her to persuade me to sell it!
There were two things that stopped me, the first was the feeling that mentally I just couldn’t do it, the second was his offer, a bit less than I’d like to accept, but I didn’t take it further, if he’d offered me above the going rate I’d still have said no.
Something that put me firmly on the spot, a friend is desperate to buy my car, he offered me cash on the spot, he even had a word my partner asking her to persuade me to sell it!
There were two things that stopped me, the first was the feeling that mentally I just couldn’t do it, the second was his offer, a bit less than I’d like to accept, but I didn’t take it further, if he’d offered me above the going rate I’d still have said no.
Edited by griff59 on Tuesday 5th April 08:35
lancepar said:
John, I'm catching you up, couldn't agree more.
Mine was MOT'd Monday, mega 890miles since the last, no issues.. Maybe it helps to put the tester in the right mood as she gives it a test blast around the industrial estate roads.
I'm not only spending the kids inheritance, but having fun driving it as well.
Lance
Lance I’m with you there, my attitude today is to have fun and enjoy what I have "while I can"Mine was MOT'd Monday, mega 890miles since the last, no issues.. Maybe it helps to put the tester in the right mood as she gives it a test blast around the industrial estate roads.
I'm not only spending the kids inheritance, but having fun driving it as well.
Lance
Also as I get older, my attitude towards selling things has changed, you start to ask "why?" the long term financial considerations become less important.
Edited by griff59 on Thursday 7th April 09:18
saxon said:
I have to say I think a lot of people regret selling their Griffith me included! I bought my 92 Griff in 1996, sold her in 1997 to buy a house and got the opportunity to buy her back for £2500k more than I traded her in for in 1998 and bought her back!
Been through a whole host of financial, electrical and mechanical crises with her (documented in a very long article in Sprint a couple of years back!) and indeed going through a bit of a financial crisis just now but at 53 I'd rather keep her and look forward to the opportunity to use her even more in retirement!! She's pretty sorted now (bar dodgy clock and needing a fuel sender replaced in the fuel tank which is sadly out of stock at TVR parts - and has been for about 3 years!!) so I'm back to using her more now again and am loving every second of it!!
In fact got some running around to do today - chemist, bit of shopping etc and about to move the GT86 daily out of the way to take the Griff. It doesn't have to be an epic blast in great countryside to be worthwhile - just a toodle around in the sun with the wind in your hair locally can be a real joy and remind you why you own a car like this...
Enjoy,
Saxon
Sounds good, yes, I’ve changed my insurance so I can park the car in a more accessible place, I’ll be more inclined to use it.Been through a whole host of financial, electrical and mechanical crises with her (documented in a very long article in Sprint a couple of years back!) and indeed going through a bit of a financial crisis just now but at 53 I'd rather keep her and look forward to the opportunity to use her even more in retirement!! She's pretty sorted now (bar dodgy clock and needing a fuel sender replaced in the fuel tank which is sadly out of stock at TVR parts - and has been for about 3 years!!) so I'm back to using her more now again and am loving every second of it!!
In fact got some running around to do today - chemist, bit of shopping etc and about to move the GT86 daily out of the way to take the Griff. It doesn't have to be an epic blast in great countryside to be worthwhile - just a toodle around in the sun with the wind in your hair locally can be a real joy and remind you why you own a car like this...
Enjoy,
Saxon
It’s in for a new alarm system, new radio, and an electrical overhaul.
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