TVR Griffith 500
23 September 2003, 10:12 PM
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A friend of mine is thinking about buying a TVR Griffith 500. Has anyone on here ever owned/driven one? If so, is there anything in particular he should look out for? Eg, what are they like to own/drive? How much is he looking at spending to look after it?
Thanks!
24 September 2003, 08:25 AM
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i always wanted a red griff 500, theyre my favorite tvr's. so i test drove one at a dealer nearby a few months back...
the noise was truly fantastic, but it didnt feel that quick
gearchange, clutch etc felt heavy, interior controls felt flimsy. it was nice, but a bit of an anticlimax really, thought it would blow my mind, but it didnt come close
the noise was truly fantastic, but it didnt feel that quick
gearchange, clutch etc felt heavy, interior controls felt flimsy. it was nice, but a bit of an anticlimax really, thought it would blow my mind, but it didnt come close
24 September 2003, 08:26 AM
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Get the latest edition of EVO magazine, theres a buyers guide which includes the Griffith.
24 September 2003, 08:48 AM
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I had a griff 500HC. Thin mine may have been a bit more unreliable than most, but I'll tell you what went wrong with mine (sorry TVRGary but it's all true so I've gotta tell him 
)
Crankshaft seized.
Cam lobe fell off.
Fan fuses blew monthly until a better fuse could be sourced (if a griff 500 fan stops the engine will boil over almost immediately)
Water leak down cable tunnel under drivers seat.
driver door latch / body cracked
5 speedo's iirc (gave up replacing them)
Servicing is quite expensive (8 spark plugs etc)
Mine cost a fortune to run and i ditched it for a scoob in the end.
TVR were also a nightmare to deal with regarding the larger "warranty" claims
Like I said though, speak to others if you can.
I ran mine daily which I think was my mistake, but not massive mileage.
Lovely looking though. Don't bother racing cars in one as they're no challenge (in the main) you race motorbikes (small to mid ones anyway and in a straight line )
Real head turner.
The sound
I HAD to own one and I have. I won't buy another TVR though.
Well not until I can afford it as a weekend toy (tuscan s please).
Paul
)Crankshaft seized.
Cam lobe fell off.
Fan fuses blew monthly until a better fuse could be sourced (if a griff 500 fan stops the engine will boil over almost immediately)
Water leak down cable tunnel under drivers seat.
driver door latch / body cracked
5 speedo's iirc (gave up replacing them)
Servicing is quite expensive (8 spark plugs etc)
Mine cost a fortune to run and i ditched it for a scoob in the end.
TVR were also a nightmare to deal with regarding the larger "warranty" claims
Like I said though, speak to others if you can.
I ran mine daily which I think was my mistake, but not massive mileage.
Lovely looking though. Don't bother racing cars in one as they're no challenge (in the main) you race motorbikes (small to mid ones anyway and in a straight line
)Real head turner.
The sound
I HAD to own one and I have. I won't buy another TVR though.
Well not until I can afford it as a weekend toy (tuscan s please).
Paul
24 September 2003, 11:59 AM
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I have one that I treat like a treasure............. 
but do not use it as an everyday car......
Good advice is to go on Pistonheads as said above....... (www.pistonheads.com) and to the forum TVR section.
Basically the Griffith is the same as a Chimaera but more focused in its setup and handling. The V8 5.0 is easy to look after and pretty robust, electrics seem to be the issue with the TVR's i've owned though. I have mine serviced at an independant TVR specialist nearby , once a year... costs on this and insurance are cheap for me (Service 6k between £300 - £500 depending on minor - major, insurance £500 restricted policy)
My advice would be to test quite a few as they are all different in feel, character, power etc... all depends on who owned them before, who built them etc... also don't rule out driving a Chimaera 5.0 as well , they are quite a lot cheaper than an equal Griff (but not as much fun )
Buying from a garage you should get top spec, warranty and minimal problems....
Buying privately you will get a bargain, but get it inspected by an independant TVR specialist.....
email me if you like with any questions and I will try and give you any honest answers I know.
J
Edited due to Spelling ...
[Edited by ScoobySnack - 9/24/2003 12:00:55 PM]
but do not use it as an everyday car......Good advice is to go on Pistonheads as said above....... (www.pistonheads.com) and to the forum TVR section.
Basically the Griffith is the same as a Chimaera but more focused in its setup and handling. The V8 5.0 is easy to look after and pretty robust, electrics seem to be the issue with the TVR's i've owned though. I have mine serviced at an independant TVR specialist nearby , once a year... costs on this and insurance are cheap for me (Service 6k between £300 - £500 depending on minor - major, insurance £500 restricted policy)
My advice would be to test quite a few as they are all different in feel, character, power etc... all depends on who owned them before, who built them etc... also don't rule out driving a Chimaera 5.0 as well , they are quite a lot cheaper than an equal Griff (but not as much fun
)Buying from a garage you should get top spec, warranty and minimal problems....
Buying privately you will get a bargain, but get it inspected by an independant TVR specialist.....
email me if you like with any questions and I will try and give you any honest answers I know.
J
Edited due to Spelling ...
[Edited by ScoobySnack - 9/24/2003 12:00:55 PM]
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