Newbie - almost - looking for some advice
Discussion
Hi there
Having stared longing at passing TVR's for years I am now delighted to finally be in position to buy one.. and it will be a Cerbera, never been in any doubt about that...
So it's now time to start looking..and I began on Saturday with a trip down to Ferhurst to see the 4.5LW they have there. Knew it was out of my price range before I went and was up front with Drew (from there) on the phone beforehand. Despite that he was more than happy to spend time talking to me about Cerb's in general and what I was looking for. Took me out for a spin (my first!) and I was ecstatic when he let me drive it back to the garage from wherever we were...I didn't care - I was driving a Cerb for the first time.... beautiful. They seem like good guys there and a quick search through the forum seems to confirm you guys think so too... correct?
I have been reading the forum for a while now and it became obvious very quickly what a smashing, helpful bunch you all are.. especially to newbies like me(potential or owners).
So here comes the rub!
I have recently moved to just north of Guildford and although having off street parking my garage is more like a large brick shed - no way a Cerb is gonna fit in there. I am trying to think about how to care for my new arrival once I find one and your advice would be appreciated.
Do Cerb's mind being kept outside (with cover?). I was thinking if I did that from Mar - Sept then I could look for a lock up garage to rent asap and especially before winter. Your advice would be appreciated on that and if anyone knows of a decent lock up for rent then please let me know.
In terms of what I am looking for ..well
I have budgeted for about £15k with a separate fund for those known unknowns and also for those extra special unknown unknowns..
Drew at Fernhurst is now looking out for me and I was thinking of asking someone like Rob Ingleby to either find me one or certainly do an inspection if I find one myself as I am definitely no mechanic.. although I think I'll be learning a few bits and bobs over the next few years..
I appreciate you guys are familiar with a lot of the cars around so if any of you could recommend any please do..I believe blue ones are the fastest right..? Like this one maybe..?
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/358518.htm
or this one - recently posted but no pic's as yet
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/408403.htm
Colour certainly not a deal breaker - I just like blue!
Anyway I think this is probably more than enough for my first post.. I have joined the
tvrcc and am going to get to a Surrey meet asap. If any of you are nearby and meeting up at any other time I'd appreciate the chance to glean some top tips and see (and hear!) some more cerb's in the flesh before I get one.. having had my first hit on Saturday I am now 100% hooked..!
Look forward to conversing some more and thanks in advance for your time.
Regards
Rooster2
Having stared longing at passing TVR's for years I am now delighted to finally be in position to buy one.. and it will be a Cerbera, never been in any doubt about that...
So it's now time to start looking..and I began on Saturday with a trip down to Ferhurst to see the 4.5LW they have there. Knew it was out of my price range before I went and was up front with Drew (from there) on the phone beforehand. Despite that he was more than happy to spend time talking to me about Cerb's in general and what I was looking for. Took me out for a spin (my first!) and I was ecstatic when he let me drive it back to the garage from wherever we were...I didn't care - I was driving a Cerb for the first time.... beautiful. They seem like good guys there and a quick search through the forum seems to confirm you guys think so too... correct?
I have been reading the forum for a while now and it became obvious very quickly what a smashing, helpful bunch you all are.. especially to newbies like me(potential or owners).
So here comes the rub!
I have recently moved to just north of Guildford and although having off street parking my garage is more like a large brick shed - no way a Cerb is gonna fit in there. I am trying to think about how to care for my new arrival once I find one and your advice would be appreciated.
Do Cerb's mind being kept outside (with cover?). I was thinking if I did that from Mar - Sept then I could look for a lock up garage to rent asap and especially before winter. Your advice would be appreciated on that and if anyone knows of a decent lock up for rent then please let me know.
In terms of what I am looking for ..well
I have budgeted for about £15k with a separate fund for those known unknowns and also for those extra special unknown unknowns..
Drew at Fernhurst is now looking out for me and I was thinking of asking someone like Rob Ingleby to either find me one or certainly do an inspection if I find one myself as I am definitely no mechanic.. although I think I'll be learning a few bits and bobs over the next few years..
I appreciate you guys are familiar with a lot of the cars around so if any of you could recommend any please do..I believe blue ones are the fastest right..? Like this one maybe..?
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/358518.htm
or this one - recently posted but no pic's as yet
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/408403.htm
Colour certainly not a deal breaker - I just like blue!
Anyway I think this is probably more than enough for my first post.. I have joined the
tvrcc and am going to get to a Surrey meet asap. If any of you are nearby and meeting up at any other time I'd appreciate the chance to glean some top tips and see (and hear!) some more cerb's in the flesh before I get one.. having had my first hit on Saturday I am now 100% hooked..!
Look forward to conversing some more and thanks in advance for your time.
Regards
Rooster2
Rooster2 said:
..
So it's now time to start looking..and I began on Saturday with a trip down to Ferhurst to see the 4.5LW they have there. Knew it was out of my price range before I went and was up front with Drew (from there) on the phone beforehand. Despite that he was more than happy to spend time talking to me about Cerb's in general and what I was looking for. Took me out for a spin (my first!) and I was ecstatic when he let me drive it back to the garage from wherever we were...I didn't care - I was driving a Cerb for the first time.... beautiful. They seem like good guys there and a quick search through the forum seems to confirm you guys think so too... correct?
Correct! That LW they have in there is arguably my dream Cerb, just stunning in the flesh. All the best on the search. Fingers crossed for ya!So it's now time to start looking..and I began on Saturday with a trip down to Ferhurst to see the 4.5LW they have there. Knew it was out of my price range before I went and was up front with Drew (from there) on the phone beforehand. Despite that he was more than happy to spend time talking to me about Cerb's in general and what I was looking for. Took me out for a spin (my first!) and I was ecstatic when he let me drive it back to the garage from wherever we were...I didn't care - I was driving a Cerb for the first time.... beautiful. They seem like good guys there and a quick search through the forum seems to confirm you guys think so too... correct?
The second AD lists two previous owners, but a free plate check on AT indicates five previous with the last change at the end of November.
Probably a mistake on DVLA's site, but best to check all the same
Leaving the car outside isn't a problem, however in my experience, both of my cars have come from owners who have always kept the cars garaged.
Unfortunately mine sits, front facing up hill on my drive, so I've encountered various leaks that the previous owners would never have suffered or known about.
From getting the various leaks via the bulkhead seals on the old car, to having to have the rear screen re fitted on the later car.
I'm paranoid about the car cover scratching the car, so that's only ever been fitted when I've had a leak. I can highly recommend the "classic additions" cover.
Good luck in the search
Probably a mistake on DVLA's site, but best to check all the same
Leaving the car outside isn't a problem, however in my experience, both of my cars have come from owners who have always kept the cars garaged.
Unfortunately mine sits, front facing up hill on my drive, so I've encountered various leaks that the previous owners would never have suffered or known about.
From getting the various leaks via the bulkhead seals on the old car, to having to have the rear screen re fitted on the later car.
I'm paranoid about the car cover scratching the car, so that's only ever been fitted when I've had a leak. I can highly recommend the "classic additions" cover.
Good luck in the search
Ive had mine a few weeks now Rooster2 and the best advice i think is to find one well known to other people as i did, or get an independant inspection to highlight anything untoward. Ive been over the moon with my purchase, use it every day and the two previous owners are two top guys off here. It is very reassuring to have a place such as this where you can share your concerns and problems and get them ironed out!
As regards the car cover, i got a fitted one from coverzone for around £90 which was fantastic, until the wind gets under it and even with the two ties on it manages to flip itself over! id polished it the other day and came out in the morning to find oily marks off the upside down straps up the side of the car! i havent used it since. So make sure its WELL secure.
Those two your looking at look nice by the way! All the best in your search, keep us informed and remember to ask if your unsure!
Cheers, Loz
As regards the car cover, i got a fitted one from coverzone for around £90 which was fantastic, until the wind gets under it and even with the two ties on it manages to flip itself over! id polished it the other day and came out in the morning to find oily marks off the upside down straps up the side of the car! i havent used it since. So make sure its WELL secure.
Those two your looking at look nice by the way! All the best in your search, keep us informed and remember to ask if your unsure!
Cheers, Loz
Had mine 5 days and loving it. I've covered over 600 miles so far - need to stop looking for excuses to drive it, each drive seems to turn into "better make sure she's thouroughly warmed through before going home" 
Steven Wallinger at Intermotion did an inspection for me and, as mentioned above, there are some niggles but at least I can see them coming.
Good luck - you'll love it!
Steven Wallinger at Intermotion did an inspection for me and, as mentioned above, there are some niggles but at least I can see them coming.
Good luck - you'll love it!
Hi Rooster
I got my Cerb on Saturday! Should we have a "Newbie" section??
NEVER DRIVEN IN THE "DRY"!! By me so far. No leaks found yet!
I only have the drive at side of house to park on, so it's under a cover-zone cover now and will have to live there! Bit windy here but still on!
I have plans to build a car port, but all my spare time so far has been taken up driving it!
Good Luck and you seem to be doing it the right way!
I just saw it and bought it, so hope it keeps going!
Steve
I got my Cerb on Saturday! Should we have a "Newbie" section??
NEVER DRIVEN IN THE "DRY"!! By me so far. No leaks found yet!
I only have the drive at side of house to park on, so it's under a cover-zone cover now and will have to live there! Bit windy here but still on!
I have plans to build a car port, but all my spare time so far has been taken up driving it!
Good Luck and you seem to be doing it the right way!
I just saw it and bought it, so hope it keeps going!
Steve
Another newbie here - I picked mine up at the start of the month. I was on here for about 18 months before finally getting one, so my only advice would be don't be in a hurry.
If you can garage it and only use it in the dry I think it will look after you more than something that lives outside. Cover or no cover I wouldn't have bought a car like this to keep outside.
Secondly, I wouldn't dismiss buying a car which has had a few owners. We've all felt the need to scratch the Cerbera itch but some will fall out of love with them quicker than others. Yes, maybe because they have not bought the best example, but people's circumstances change.
That's where an inspection is essential. Rob Ingleby checked out two for me which were like chalk and cheese.
As for the two on your list, I'm surprised the one in London is still for sale. It seems a good example and was on my shortlist a month or so ago and I had a bit of banter with the owner as I moved closer to buying. However, when the one I've now got became available there was only going to be one winner.
Good luck in the hunt.
If you can garage it and only use it in the dry I think it will look after you more than something that lives outside. Cover or no cover I wouldn't have bought a car like this to keep outside.
Secondly, I wouldn't dismiss buying a car which has had a few owners. We've all felt the need to scratch the Cerbera itch but some will fall out of love with them quicker than others. Yes, maybe because they have not bought the best example, but people's circumstances change.
That's where an inspection is essential. Rob Ingleby checked out two for me which were like chalk and cheese.
As for the two on your list, I'm surprised the one in London is still for sale. It seems a good example and was on my shortlist a month or so ago and I had a bit of banter with the owner as I moved closer to buying. However, when the one I've now got became available there was only going to be one winner.
Good luck in the hunt.
Rooster2 said:
Do Cerb's mind being kept outside (with cover?). I was thinking if I did that from Mar - Sept then I could look for a lock up garage to rent asap and especially before winter. Your advice would be appreciated on that and if anyone knows of a decent lock up for rent then please let me know.
i've had 3 cerbs over the years, all have been kept outside, never been a problem, i do have a covercraft cover for the latest one. well worth the investment.the only thing i can thing of is if you were to rent the garage, would just be to store it? i've found the longer you leave them undriven, this is where problems arise.
more driving, more smiles, less problems!
Steve E and Rooster, hope to see you at a meet of the Surrey region of the TVR CC. We meet at the Woolpack in Elstead from 8pm on the 4th Thursday of the month, so March 27th is the next one.
I keep mine outside too. I find the worst thing about leaving the car outside is the water marks and our feathered friends leaving their calling card. I use a cover for those reasons, and only tend to leave it off in high winds. I agree with Deano, under use is the worst thing for a TVR.
In and around the Surrey area there is loads of support for TVRs. In no particular order we have:
Servicing
David Batty at the Garage in Compton, so just down the road from you Rooster
TVR Fix in Ewell
APM Automotive in Liphook
Austec in Gatwick
Servicing and Sales
Fernhurst TVR in err Fernhurst
Racing Green in Ash Vale
I haven't used all of these guys, but all have a good reputation amongst the people I talk to who do. All of them could do you a pre-purchase inspection.
Cheers,
Steve.
I keep mine outside too. I find the worst thing about leaving the car outside is the water marks and our feathered friends leaving their calling card. I use a cover for those reasons, and only tend to leave it off in high winds. I agree with Deano, under use is the worst thing for a TVR.
In and around the Surrey area there is loads of support for TVRs. In no particular order we have:
Servicing
David Batty at the Garage in Compton, so just down the road from you Rooster
TVR Fix in Ewell
APM Automotive in Liphook
Austec in Gatwick
Servicing and Sales
Fernhurst TVR in err Fernhurst
Racing Green in Ash Vale
I haven't used all of these guys, but all have a good reputation amongst the people I talk to who do. All of them could do you a pre-purchase inspection.
Cheers,
Steve.
ive got about 18 months to wait before ive got the sufficiant funds and i cant wait! every day seems to take forever though haha hope you find one soon mate. im also in a bit of a pickle! i was thincking about getting a t350c which i love but ive loved the cerbs longer, and there more practical, can get at least three people in there. every one seems so much more friendly on here compared to other car forums, i havent yet joined the tvrcc but will.
It certainly is a special place.. I've never been on any kind of forum before but I only posted this at 10.30pm last night .. I log in now and 15 replies... brilliant, thanks very much to all of you for your input and support 
it is very much appreciated....
It guess it's the time of year for newbies... looking forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible and glad you guys who have recently picked yours up are having fun
I hope I get one while you are still classed as newbies too - how long is that by the way..?!
Blue Thunder... what are you selling .. assuming M3John doesn't step in?
600 miles in 5 days somerset boy.. good man...must have been brilliant... how many days did it take you to realise the weekend had gone and you should maybe have gone to work
Very pleased to hear that plenty of you leave your cerbs outside without too many problems but I will look into the Coverzone covers as I have way to many trees around my drive to leave it at the mercy of our feathered friends... To answer your question dean I was thinking of storing it away for the winter months thinking it would be better for it in the long run but now I take the point about leaving them unused too long... thanks.. secretly pleased as that means I wont have to go without for 6 months a year now ...
Bobbins - I know you said there was ony one winner when you saw the one you have but did the first cerb I posted sound ok when you chatted with the owner.. does seem like it may have been on there a while but to my limited eye it looks pretty good.. I think I'll get in touch with the seller. got any pic's of yours..?
it is very much appreciated.... It guess it's the time of year for newbies... looking forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible and glad you guys who have recently picked yours up are having fun
I hope I get one while you are still classed as newbies too - how long is that by the way..?!Blue Thunder... what are you selling .. assuming M3John doesn't step in?
600 miles in 5 days somerset boy.. good man...must have been brilliant... how many days did it take you to realise the weekend had gone and you should maybe have gone to work
Very pleased to hear that plenty of you leave your cerbs outside without too many problems but I will look into the Coverzone covers as I have way to many trees around my drive to leave it at the mercy of our feathered friends... To answer your question dean I was thinking of storing it away for the winter months thinking it would be better for it in the long run but now I take the point about leaving them unused too long... thanks.. secretly pleased as that means I wont have to go without for 6 months a year now ...
Bobbins - I know you said there was ony one winner when you saw the one you have but did the first cerb I posted sound ok when you chatted with the owner.. does seem like it may have been on there a while but to my limited eye it looks pretty good.. I think I'll get in touch with the seller. got any pic's of yours..?
Rooster2 said:
It certainly is a special place.. I've never been on any kind of forum before but I only posted this at 10.30pm last night .. I log in now and 15 replies... brilliant, thanks very much to all of you for your input and support it is very much appreciated....
It guess it's the time of year for newbies... looking forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible and glad you guys who have recently picked yours up are having fun I hope I get one while you are still classed as newbies too - how long is that by the way..?!
Blue Thunder... what are you selling .. assuming M3John doesn't step in?
600 miles in 5 days somerset boy.. good man...must have been brilliant... how many days did it take you to realise the weekend had gone and you should maybe have gone to work
Very pleased to hear that plenty of you leave your cerbs outside without too many problems but I will look into the Coverzone covers as I have way to many trees around my drive to leave it at the mercy of our feathered friends... To answer your question dean I was thinking of storing it away for the winter months thinking it would be better for it in the long run but now I take the point about leaving them unused too long... thanks.. secretly pleased as that means I wont have to go without for 6 months a year now ...
Bobbins - I know you said there was ony one winner when you saw the one you have but did the first cerb I posted sound ok when you chatted with the owner.. does seem like it may have been on there a while but to my limited eye it looks pretty good.. I think I'll get in touch with the seller. got any pic's of yours..?
My Cerbera.Check my profile. it is very much appreciated.... It guess it's the time of year for newbies... looking forward to meeting up with as many of you as possible and glad you guys who have recently picked yours up are having fun
I hope I get one while you are still classed as newbies too - how long is that by the way..?!Blue Thunder... what are you selling .. assuming M3John doesn't step in?
600 miles in 5 days somerset boy.. good man...must have been brilliant... how many days did it take you to realise the weekend had gone and you should maybe have gone to work
Very pleased to hear that plenty of you leave your cerbs outside without too many problems but I will look into the Coverzone covers as I have way to many trees around my drive to leave it at the mercy of our feathered friends... To answer your question dean I was thinking of storing it away for the winter months thinking it would be better for it in the long run but now I take the point about leaving them unused too long... thanks.. secretly pleased as that means I wont have to go without for 6 months a year now ...
Bobbins - I know you said there was ony one winner when you saw the one you have but did the first cerb I posted sound ok when you chatted with the owner.. does seem like it may have been on there a while but to my limited eye it looks pretty good.. I think I'll get in touch with the seller. got any pic's of yours..?
Hi Rooster,
Another Cerb newbie here (1m and 1000 miles - would be more but I work from home!).
Still got the silly grin - something I guess I'll have to get used to.....
TVRCC Bristol are at Brooklands this Sunday (Somersetboy..... are you joining us??!!) - I'm sure you would be welcome if you wanted to pop along (and meet our Celebrity RO and the Cerb Editor....).
Happy hunting, Paul.
Another Cerb newbie here (1m and 1000 miles - would be more but I work from home!).
Still got the silly grin - something I guess I'll have to get used to.....
TVRCC Bristol are at Brooklands this Sunday (Somersetboy..... are you joining us??!!) - I'm sure you would be welcome if you wanted to pop along (and meet our Celebrity RO and the Cerb Editor....).
Happy hunting, Paul.
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