1st cerb

[New n Scared]

>>> Edited by fatboy chim on Saturday 31st January 19:58

[suffolkfox]

OK please note this is based on my own recent experience. Check out www.cerbera.co.uk and www.tvrfreak.com for further pointers. Also contact your local RO of the TVR Car Club as they may be able to introduce you to other owners to chat
As a starter for 10:-
- don't be fooled by low mileage, they are mostly low mileage and this can be a good or bad thing, as a Cerb doing 3,000 miles a year and sitting around the rest of the time on a drive can store up problems (electrics can get moisture in them & corrode/oxidise leading to various idiotic faults, rubber seals can perish) a higher mileage car is likely to have been sorted
- service history, dealer or recognised specialist seems OK, check its annual, not just by mileage
- check air con works if fitted, unions can leak (dry out if not used often ) and pipes can crack on early models
- early (pre late 97) models can be more problematic (wrinkles were being ironed out still)
- has it had a new clutch, early model for 4.2 no longer available so if needing replacement will need complete new bell housing and assembly (mucho dosho)
- check braking, warped discs due to heavy foot can be fun
- on a '96 check front struts have been changed as part of service history (early ones were prone to rust/cracking)
- if it's really cheap has it been crashed?

If you would like to chat, email me via my profile.

[Steve_T]

Hi People,
Im looking for my first TVR and Im going for a Cerb, Ive tinkered with cars for some years but ive never even looked under the bonnet of a TVR. Any advice on things to look out for would be appreciated. Ill be looking at the cheaper end of the market maybe 1996 or therabouts. Thanks in advance for any info and also for your amusing posts over the last few weeks

Only one bit of advice, just 'cause its cheap to buy doesn't mean it'll be cheap to keep. Make sure you can afford to run a cerbera properly, otherwise it could ruin your experience of what is a fantastic car.

Cheers,
Steve.

[suffolkfox]

Sorry, just read your profile, so didn't realise you're in Essex. Pauline the RO of Essex (& Ray her other half) were very helpful to me and own a YELLOW 4.5 so know their stuff. I can put you in touch if you wish.

[essexboy]

Bought my first TVR 18 months ago, 1998 4.2 Cerb. Complete novice and had never even heard of Pistonheads let alone looked into the running costs etc. Year one: new starter motor and clutch (both under warranty). Then in January this year, rear shock collapsed, and needed new brake pads all round. Total bill £1,100 but got wiper motor changed under warranty. Just had 48k service at a specialist and needed new front discs, front suspension mounts(?)chassis waxoiled and odds and sods. Total £1,400. Total bills in last 4 months £2,500!

BUT would not swap for anything (except a newer Cerb). Two tips:

1) Shop around for insurance. Sunninghill were MILES cheaper than anywhere else but check others.
2) Put at least £200 per month into a rainy day bank account to avoid heartache.

Good hunting

[chibbard]

Hi Andy,
Are you the guy I spoke to in the Wickford BP garage a few months ago?. I was in my purple Cerbera. If not, Sorry !!!!.

[New n Scared]

Thanks guys,
All of your help is appreciated, and i know youre trying to warn of impending expenses of cerb ownership, but ive gotta have one, main problem at moment is my email addy is not validated(god knows why) so i cant contact any of you individualy, but i will asap. Thanks for taking the time to reply