Another TVR owner with serious interest!!
Discussion
Hi guys,
Hope to be joining you this year at some point.
Bit of a Trevor fanatic, only young though (well 26, no spring chicken) so currently have an s1. I was going to go for a Chimaera but think I may go yank. My father and mother have American cars in the blood. My father gave in on rust a few years back on his Caddy Sedan Deville. They are now both retired and can't afford really to buy a 'toy' car. So instead of thinking about myself entirely I think I will buy a car we can all share. Seen as my cars always live in their garage, I live in a terraced with no garage.
I love the looks of 60's Mustangs & the similar Dodges. I am a reasonably confident self taught mechanic (always had old bangers with little money
) but wouldn't wish for a constant battle against corrosion. The only more modern cars I like the look of are the Vets. I have tried to find a car we all like but I have struggled. The Vet seems to fit the bill best on this front. The problem is this will be a low budget purchase. I am not looking to buy for around 6 months, after my holiday. And after the sale of the current TVR. I will have around £10k more likeley give than take. I like the C3's but they are getting old. I believe the C4 fits my description best but it isn't my fave in the looks department. And the C5's are gorgeous. But I don't think I will find one of them for the money, or will I? Would a huge mileage C5 be in my grasp? Then maybe save for an engine rebuild for the following year?
I would like it to be open top really. As I like having convertibles, or a T top type arrangement. Auto is going to be the only option.
What would everyone suggest for me? I did read the other thread that was similiar. And also could anyone tell me the structual/safety oprions on the C4's and C5's. Safer than a TVR? Is there any side impact protection. Are they stronger?
I know 6 months is a long way off but I would like to decide on the car I am having. Then hopefully become an expert, via the web/books, on the said car before looking round for it.
Thanks everyone, sorry it is so long winded
Ian
Hope to be joining you this year at some point.
Bit of a Trevor fanatic, only young though (well 26, no spring chicken) so currently have an s1. I was going to go for a Chimaera but think I may go yank. My father and mother have American cars in the blood. My father gave in on rust a few years back on his Caddy Sedan Deville. They are now both retired and can't afford really to buy a 'toy' car. So instead of thinking about myself entirely I think I will buy a car we can all share. Seen as my cars always live in their garage, I live in a terraced with no garage.
I love the looks of 60's Mustangs & the similar Dodges. I am a reasonably confident self taught mechanic (always had old bangers with little money
) but wouldn't wish for a constant battle against corrosion. The only more modern cars I like the look of are the Vets. I have tried to find a car we all like but I have struggled. The Vet seems to fit the bill best on this front. The problem is this will be a low budget purchase. I am not looking to buy for around 6 months, after my holiday. And after the sale of the current TVR. I will have around £10k more likeley give than take. I like the C3's but they are getting old. I believe the C4 fits my description best but it isn't my fave in the looks department. And the C5's are gorgeous. But I don't think I will find one of them for the money, or will I? Would a huge mileage C5 be in my grasp? Then maybe save for an engine rebuild for the following year? I would like it to be open top really. As I like having convertibles, or a T top type arrangement. Auto is going to be the only option.
What would everyone suggest for me? I did read the other thread that was similiar. And also could anyone tell me the structual/safety oprions on the C4's and C5's. Safer than a TVR? Is there any side impact protection. Are they stronger?
I know 6 months is a long way off but I would like to decide on the car I am having. Then hopefully become an expert, via the web/books, on the said car before looking round for it.
Thanks everyone, sorry it is so long winded
Ian
Edited by TheMule on Saturday 22 July 12:15
Edited by TheMule on Saturday 22 July 12:20
Hello Ian,
Well we'd all say you're making the right decision in joining the 'Dark Side' - but we're all biased!
£10k gives you pretty much a pick of the C4's, from early cars right up tot eh LT1's, with a reasonable spread of performance. For a C5, cheapest I've seen is around £13k for a high miler. You're unlikely to need to budget for a rebuild on any of these cars, the engines are in a very low state of tune for their size, and bearing in mind they are also to be found powering anything from a family saloon to trucks, they are built to be durable. Of course you need to look for worn bits all the same.
Obviously for the money you're looking at an early C5, but they all have at least 350 hp so are an exciting ride. Also likely to have moved on in the safety department too, although the C4 is not a car to feel unsafe in.
Compared to the TVR, the Corvette has a much heavier build , about 1450kg for a C5, guess that compares to around 1000kg for any given TVR. The fibreglass is also a pressure moulded variant and cracking/crazing is very unlikely. I've actually bounced mine off the Armco on the A1 and it just needed some minor repairs on each wheelarch and some paint. Later cars (think its post 92) had driver airbags, and all C5's have these and passenger airbags standard. Last thing to say on safety of these cars is that fibreglass is a great material in a crash, since it absorbs so much energy as it is destroyed, rather than metal panels that tend to become a liability in themselves. I've seen quite a few Corvettes that have been involved in accidents and never seen one come off worse.
Don't know whether it is you that makes the auto the only option, GM do do great auto boxes, and I would say they do not dent the performance at all (although some manual purists would argue the control aspect). Manuals are available, although inevitably rarer, but probably best avoid the pre-'89 C$ manuals, it was a clunky 4 speed with overdrive affair, no one really supports them for parts or repair either, after this a ZF 6 speed was fitted which meant he manual was back as a performance option. C5's have the box in the back, again these are all 6 speed manuals or 4 speed autos.
Anyway, best thing to do is try a few (there are some good and bad examples out there...), best places to look are Autotrader or Classic American/American Car World. Also on here sometimes ones for sale are mentioned.
Good luck in your search!
Francis.
PS My girlfriend and mother think I am really boring for writing a reply of this length...
Well we'd all say you're making the right decision in joining the 'Dark Side' - but we're all biased!
£10k gives you pretty much a pick of the C4's, from early cars right up tot eh LT1's, with a reasonable spread of performance. For a C5, cheapest I've seen is around £13k for a high miler. You're unlikely to need to budget for a rebuild on any of these cars, the engines are in a very low state of tune for their size, and bearing in mind they are also to be found powering anything from a family saloon to trucks, they are built to be durable. Of course you need to look for worn bits all the same.
Obviously for the money you're looking at an early C5, but they all have at least 350 hp so are an exciting ride. Also likely to have moved on in the safety department too, although the C4 is not a car to feel unsafe in.
Compared to the TVR, the Corvette has a much heavier build , about 1450kg for a C5, guess that compares to around 1000kg for any given TVR. The fibreglass is also a pressure moulded variant and cracking/crazing is very unlikely. I've actually bounced mine off the Armco on the A1 and it just needed some minor repairs on each wheelarch and some paint. Later cars (think its post 92) had driver airbags, and all C5's have these and passenger airbags standard. Last thing to say on safety of these cars is that fibreglass is a great material in a crash, since it absorbs so much energy as it is destroyed, rather than metal panels that tend to become a liability in themselves. I've seen quite a few Corvettes that have been involved in accidents and never seen one come off worse.
Don't know whether it is you that makes the auto the only option, GM do do great auto boxes, and I would say they do not dent the performance at all (although some manual purists would argue the control aspect). Manuals are available, although inevitably rarer, but probably best avoid the pre-'89 C$ manuals, it was a clunky 4 speed with overdrive affair, no one really supports them for parts or repair either, after this a ZF 6 speed was fitted which meant he manual was back as a performance option. C5's have the box in the back, again these are all 6 speed manuals or 4 speed autos.
Anyway, best thing to do is try a few (there are some good and bad examples out there...), best places to look are Autotrader or Classic American/American Car World. Also on here sometimes ones for sale are mentioned.
Good luck in your search!
Francis.
PS My girlfriend and mother think I am really boring for writing a reply of this length...
Ian
Cant you just squeeeeeezzzzzzz another £4-£5 k ? There is a really good looking C5 like mine on ebay. The buy it now price is £15k. Im so pleased with mine, ive only had it a few weeks. I hope that you find a nice C4 or C5, you wont regret it.
Ed
Cant you just squeeeeeezzzzzzz another £4-£5 k ? There is a really good looking C5 like mine on ebay. The buy it now price is £15k. Im so pleased with mine, ive only had it a few weeks. I hope that you find a nice C4 or C5, you wont regret it.
Ed
Edited by eddo on Saturday 22 July 16:29
Hi Ian
There are undoubtedly others on here that know more about Vettes than me. In my experience, my C5 has been a great car to own. My 2000 was a fairly high cost of entry as I bought from a Vette dealer (minimising risk as I knew knack all about them), but running costs ongoing are negligable (except tyres of course but that's because mine are slightly oversized).
I was talking to a Vette officianado about C5 and mileage a while back. His suggestion was that a stock C5 should be ok for 150,000 miles before a rebuild. Mine has done about 76k and is still sounding fine, but the engine is rarely stressed (lots of motorway miles and 70 is about 1300 revs in 6th).
The cheapest C5 I have seen advertised was 1997/8 at £13,995. Nice looking car, in red but had no idea about the mileage (in a car park at Silverstone). In 6 months time a lot could happen on pricing as the C6 may well be more prevalent, suggesting that there may be more C5s on the market.
I do not know about an S (are you a 6 pot or V8S?), but a C5 and a Grif are chalk and cheese. If you are running a 6pot, then performance will be significantly improved in a Vette. If a V8s, then the performance differences will probably be minor. My C5 is manual, so compares closer to my Grifs than an auto would. Perhaps CUBAN can help a bit as he has recently moved to an auto Vette from a Tiv. Key differences as I am sure you have read in other areas of this forum are IMHO:
Reliability is improved and waaaaaaay cheaper to service than a Tiv
Handling is different - a little gentler and predictable than a more pointy TVR Griffith chassis (shame I like pointy)
Booooooo - Left hand drive only
Lots of level 1 safety for "normal" driving - ABS, TC, Active Handling etc
Good creature comforts - leccy seats, aircon, head up display etc
Agricultural, low stressed engine, but nice V8 sound.
Based on current adverts, I reckon that you could probably wear a 97/98 C5 targa for about a 13k entry. That'll be your 10k and a small bank loan. Insurance is not too bad as some of the threads on here attest. If the C5 is the shape you like (but believe me there are some lovely C4s out there too), then it may be worth the extra dosh over a C4 each month. You shouldn't get massive maintenance surprises if you buy a sound one.
Based on my experience, you are gonna spend money on Mobil 1 and a 3 and a half quid filter every 9-10,000 miles or so (the computer tells you when). That's about it in terms of recommended servicing for 100,000 miles (ok I do a little more) except a chassis lube now and again. Brakes seem to last well, and I re-did mine all round for about 100 quid if I remember correctly and about 15mins a wheel - very simple. Obviously of you modd it, you'll be around it as often as ZR1Cliff (polishing, not fixing of course Cliffy)
I haven't dinged mine at all, so can't give first hand experience on the strength, but have seen the results of some fairly serious shunts (one or two on here) where people just got out and walked away. I reckon that they are pretty strong in secondary safety based on what is out there on the net. Accicents happen, but if you have survived an S, the Vette primary safety features (driver aids) are a help towards not having the accident in the first place.
I am impressed by the C5. I moved from a Grif 500 to a Vette C5 just under 2 years ago. I do not regret it at all as I got really fed up with the total cost of ownership of a Grif - servicing being worse than depreciation over 2 years on my last Grif. When mine gets rattly, I will rebuild it and keep it as long as I can keep up with it from the driver's seat.
Check CCCUK website and see if there is a Yorks region. If you can, get along to the monthly meet and have a look and a chat with some of the guys there. I am sure that someone will run you up the road - I would but Hampshire is a long road away from you.
Good luck.
Kev.
There are undoubtedly others on here that know more about Vettes than me. In my experience, my C5 has been a great car to own. My 2000 was a fairly high cost of entry as I bought from a Vette dealer (minimising risk as I knew knack all about them), but running costs ongoing are negligable (except tyres of course but that's because mine are slightly oversized).
I was talking to a Vette officianado about C5 and mileage a while back. His suggestion was that a stock C5 should be ok for 150,000 miles before a rebuild. Mine has done about 76k and is still sounding fine, but the engine is rarely stressed (lots of motorway miles and 70 is about 1300 revs in 6th).
The cheapest C5 I have seen advertised was 1997/8 at £13,995. Nice looking car, in red but had no idea about the mileage (in a car park at Silverstone). In 6 months time a lot could happen on pricing as the C6 may well be more prevalent, suggesting that there may be more C5s on the market.
I do not know about an S (are you a 6 pot or V8S?), but a C5 and a Grif are chalk and cheese. If you are running a 6pot, then performance will be significantly improved in a Vette. If a V8s, then the performance differences will probably be minor. My C5 is manual, so compares closer to my Grifs than an auto would. Perhaps CUBAN can help a bit as he has recently moved to an auto Vette from a Tiv. Key differences as I am sure you have read in other areas of this forum are IMHO:
Reliability is improved and waaaaaaay cheaper to service than a Tiv
Handling is different - a little gentler and predictable than a more pointy TVR Griffith chassis (shame I like pointy)
Booooooo - Left hand drive only
Lots of level 1 safety for "normal" driving - ABS, TC, Active Handling etc
Good creature comforts - leccy seats, aircon, head up display etc
Agricultural, low stressed engine, but nice V8 sound.
Based on current adverts, I reckon that you could probably wear a 97/98 C5 targa for about a 13k entry. That'll be your 10k and a small bank loan. Insurance is not too bad as some of the threads on here attest. If the C5 is the shape you like (but believe me there are some lovely C4s out there too), then it may be worth the extra dosh over a C4 each month. You shouldn't get massive maintenance surprises if you buy a sound one.
Based on my experience, you are gonna spend money on Mobil 1 and a 3 and a half quid filter every 9-10,000 miles or so (the computer tells you when). That's about it in terms of recommended servicing for 100,000 miles (ok I do a little more) except a chassis lube now and again. Brakes seem to last well, and I re-did mine all round for about 100 quid if I remember correctly and about 15mins a wheel - very simple. Obviously of you modd it, you'll be around it as often as ZR1Cliff (polishing, not fixing of course Cliffy)
I haven't dinged mine at all, so can't give first hand experience on the strength, but have seen the results of some fairly serious shunts (one or two on here) where people just got out and walked away. I reckon that they are pretty strong in secondary safety based on what is out there on the net. Accicents happen, but if you have survived an S, the Vette primary safety features (driver aids) are a help towards not having the accident in the first place.
I am impressed by the C5. I moved from a Grif 500 to a Vette C5 just under 2 years ago. I do not regret it at all as I got really fed up with the total cost of ownership of a Grif - servicing being worse than depreciation over 2 years on my last Grif. When mine gets rattly, I will rebuild it and keep it as long as I can keep up with it from the driver's seat.
Check CCCUK website and see if there is a Yorks region. If you can, get along to the monthly meet and have a look and a chat with some of the guys there. I am sure that someone will run you up the road - I would but Hampshire is a long road away from you.
Good luck.
Kev.
"What would everyone suggest for me? I did read the other thread that was similiar. And also could anyone tell me the structual/safety oprions on the C4's and C5's. Safer than a TVR? Is there any side impact protection. Are they stronger?"
In the unfortunate event of an accident I would much rather be in a C4/5 than an old TVR. American car companies have been pretty hot on safety for years - too many big lawsuits. The 'birdcage' structure is very strong and has a built-in roll hoop.
I ran a 91' as my only transport when I was your age. If you can stretch to a C5 with under 100k on the clock go for it, if not a nice 93-95 would do the trick IMO.
In the unfortunate event of an accident I would much rather be in a C4/5 than an old TVR. American car companies have been pretty hot on safety for years - too many big lawsuits. The 'birdcage' structure is very strong and has a built-in roll hoop.
I ran a 91' as my only transport when I was your age. If you can stretch to a C5 with under 100k on the clock go for it, if not a nice 93-95 would do the trick IMO.
Thanks everyone for the replies.
Francis,
Tell your girlfriend and mother you are helpful rather than boring! Thank you kindly
I was actually surprised to hear they are so light. I thought they would be heavier considering the TVR's are about a ton with a bored out variant of the RV8. I hear you on the fibreglass score, they seem to do well on crash impact. It is just the shattering, the life saver I guess, looks quite dramatic at times. The safety measure has only come up after a crash my friend was involved in. Only a small little Westfield with an RV8 in, he wasn't going fast but hit a diesel spill and binned it into a barrier. He isn't injured but the damage looked a little horrific. A bit of an eye opener, these cars can and will kill you if they want to!
The auto is just because they are more common and often cheaper. Going for a C5 it would have to be auto. I would have liked a manual but again I have no experience with an auto so shouldn't comment.
That is the pro for the C4, I should be able to get a mint example within my budget.
Eddo,
I am getting more tempted to increase my budget. I just like the C5's so much more. But as I am going to do all servicing repair work myself maybe the newer the worse for me, I don't know.
My main problem being I was made redundant recently and I suppose my budget depends upon the next wage packet. That is the reason I need to sell the TVR. I have the holiday looming and I can't afford to insure again, the insurance is about up. It will help me in the short run till I land a job. I am good financially apart from a wage coming in, I bought my house around 8 years ago, so the value has literally multiplied by four. So as soon as the holiday is over with and money is coming in, then the bank manager is my friend
Kev,
Yeah I have seen a lot of high milers that are advertised as good runners, so what the guy says on the 150k is probably right.
Lets hope the price does drop in a few months and I can afford an entry level. I can always raise the budget but I never really wanted to spend more than 10k on a car as I get paranoid of damage as it is. Everytime I leave it somewhere I keep imagining keys etc running down the side of it. No such worries in my 1 grand Astra estate (daily driver), I couldn't care less!!
It is just the V6 S and a cheap example at that. I don't really need a power house but want enough to overtake, and remove the 17 year old Saxo driver (or whatever) from my arse. The reason for trading in the S is for a V8 soundtrack more than anything else. The Vette will do more than this for me.
Chris,
I have to agree on the crash score. I would be in a Vette over my S anyday of the week. I just wondered if they had any hidden side impact bars or anything. I suppose at the end of the day it is only rolling/side impact that worries me with all these cars.
Ian
Francis,
Tell your girlfriend and mother you are helpful rather than boring! Thank you kindly
I was actually surprised to hear they are so light. I thought they would be heavier considering the TVR's are about a ton with a bored out variant of the RV8. I hear you on the fibreglass score, they seem to do well on crash impact. It is just the shattering, the life saver I guess, looks quite dramatic at times. The safety measure has only come up after a crash my friend was involved in. Only a small little Westfield with an RV8 in, he wasn't going fast but hit a diesel spill and binned it into a barrier. He isn't injured but the damage looked a little horrific. A bit of an eye opener, these cars can and will kill you if they want to!
The auto is just because they are more common and often cheaper. Going for a C5 it would have to be auto. I would have liked a manual but again I have no experience with an auto so shouldn't comment.
That is the pro for the C4, I should be able to get a mint example within my budget.
Eddo,
I am getting more tempted to increase my budget. I just like the C5's so much more. But as I am going to do all servicing repair work myself maybe the newer the worse for me, I don't know.
My main problem being I was made redundant recently and I suppose my budget depends upon the next wage packet. That is the reason I need to sell the TVR. I have the holiday looming and I can't afford to insure again, the insurance is about up. It will help me in the short run till I land a job. I am good financially apart from a wage coming in, I bought my house around 8 years ago, so the value has literally multiplied by four. So as soon as the holiday is over with and money is coming in, then the bank manager is my friend
Kev,
Yeah I have seen a lot of high milers that are advertised as good runners, so what the guy says on the 150k is probably right.
Lets hope the price does drop in a few months and I can afford an entry level. I can always raise the budget but I never really wanted to spend more than 10k on a car as I get paranoid of damage as it is. Everytime I leave it somewhere I keep imagining keys etc running down the side of it. No such worries in my 1 grand Astra estate (daily driver), I couldn't care less!!
It is just the V6 S and a cheap example at that. I don't really need a power house but want enough to overtake, and remove the 17 year old Saxo driver (or whatever) from my arse. The reason for trading in the S is for a V8 soundtrack more than anything else. The Vette will do more than this for me.
Chris,
I have to agree on the crash score. I would be in a Vette over my S anyday of the week. I just wondered if they had any hidden side impact bars or anything. I suppose at the end of the day it is only rolling/side impact that worries me with all these cars.
Ian
Edited by TheMule on Saturday 22 July 22:29
TheMule said:
..... But as I am going to do all servicing repair work myself maybe the newer the worse for me, I don't know.
The maintenance on a C5 is very easy for a modern car. Example, I had a sensor problem on my active handling recently - a real bum to find on some cars. The Vette computer display in the dash told me exactly what sensor and what wheel the problem was on - didn't need to connect up to a dealer / garage computer. The on board computer will direct you to faults that are far more difficult to diagnose on other modern cars. I am not a mchanic today, but I have some experience of building race cars with my dad from years ago - pre computers!! I find the Vette really simple to work on - easier that my wife's pug gti.
TheMule said:
..... as I get paranoid of damage as it is. Everytime I leave it somewhere I keep imagining keys etc running down the side of it. No such worries in my 1 grand Astra estate (daily driver), I couldn't care less!!
Vandalisation. I guess it happens but I may have been lucky. Both with TVRs and the Vette was dialy drivers, I have had no vandal problems and I leave them all over the place. My wife's gti is keyed all round, and I have had various break-ins and theft with previous cars. My mate's 360f1 kept losing windscreen wipers and getting his doors kicked in to the extend that he unloaded it. But it seems that Tivs and Vettes fortunately do not attract that type of attention (at the moment - scum keep widening their horizons - just look at Le Mans this year!!). Don't let the scum ruin your motoring fun. I am quite relaxed leaving the Vette anywhere - most people just look and either say something nice to each other, or for those that watch Clarkson, something about leaf springs
!! TheMule said:
It is just the V6 S and a cheap example at that. I don't really need a power house but want enough to overtake, and remove the 17 year old Saxo driver (or whatever) from my arse. The reason for trading in the S is for a V8 soundtrack more than anything else. The Vette will do more than this for me.
I reckon you are being very modest. You should be very pround of your S - great cars! However, I do not think that you will be disappointed with the Vette soundtrack - especially if you get one with a sports exhaust.
Good luck with the job hunt and enjoy your holiday. I am off to the Med at 4am with five women.... but I am married to one, step dad to two, and the other two are their friends. Dammit, no local action for me!
Thanks everyone,
The C5 may be sold to me
Enjoy the holiday mate. I will have the other half there but the majority will be lads so your lucky. I could do with a holdiay whereby I feel better when I return. This will be another I need a holdiay after I am sure.
I have started chucking the CV about for decent paid jobs, if I land one of these the C5 will be coming my way. after a month or two I will have to settle for what I get. This may mean a C4 is coming my way. Either way I am sure I will be pleased. I still think the C4 looks great, better than my S, after seeing the C5's though it just needs to be one of them
I'll keep you posted and let you know when I am searching for one.
Thanks again
Ian
The C5 may be sold to me
Enjoy the holiday mate. I will have the other half there but the majority will be lads so your lucky. I could do with a holdiay whereby I feel better when I return. This will be another I need a holdiay after I am sure.
I have started chucking the CV about for decent paid jobs, if I land one of these the C5 will be coming my way. after a month or two I will have to settle for what I get. This may mean a C4 is coming my way. Either way I am sure I will be pleased. I still think the C4 looks great, better than my S, after seeing the C5's though it just needs to be one of them
I'll keep you posted and let you know when I am searching for one.
Thanks again
Ian
Ian - I moved from a Boxster & Integrale Evo to a C5 last Spring. It's an early one without HUD. I think you'll find something in the 12-13k range in a few months when it's not so sunny and more C6's are on the road.
It's been a great car and even with me bouncing it off the armco outside Calais coming back from last years Le Mans I love it.
If you want to get a bit closer to a C5 and get a feel for it I'm only in Sheffield. Let me know if you to go for a blast
Andy
It's been a great car and even with me bouncing it off the armco outside Calais coming back from last years Le Mans I love it.
If you want to get a bit closer to a C5 and get a feel for it I'm only in Sheffield. Let me know if you to go for a blast
Andy
Thats a great offer thanks, yeah you aren't that far from me. I may well take you up on that nearer the time. I don't want any funny ideas in my head yet, get bank loans I can't currently afford I'm not very patient unfortuantely so I think the 6 months will be up a bit sooner than planned. I do need some income though.
It seems quite common to bounce these cars off something. And every profile I look at says they are too wide. I guess I will miss winging the TVR round thin country lanes. But do they fit in a standard garage opening? The garage it will live in has been extended in length to accomodate my dads old Cadillac. But obvioulsy not in width!
I'm not very patient unfortuantely so I think the 6 months will be up a bit sooner than planned. I do need some income though. It seems quite common to bounce these cars off something. And every profile I look at says they are too wide. I guess I will miss winging the TVR round thin country lanes. But do they fit in a standard garage opening? The garage it will live in has been extended in length to accomodate my dads old Cadillac. But obvioulsy not in width!
My shout. Friend of mine has owned a C4 for about 10 years. Two words sum it up. TORQUE and GRIP. Don`t discount it in favour of the C5 cos you`ll get a peach for £10K. However, I`ve now had a Cerb 4.2 since the end of March and he keeps whining "wish it was as fast as yours" 
Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting 
Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting A Cerb, Chim or Griff was my choice before I decided to move onto American.
But the Cerb's roof is staying put and I want at least the sun on the top of my head Which is more or less the slower Chim.
Yes I do admit that the TVR's are going to be better on performance. I also like the looks and they are British. But you have to admit a C5 looks the Mutts and you can't call it a slouch. It may not be the fastetst thing about but it does look brillaint. Some extra wizsardry puts me off. But ABS and such is more than welcome. And the larger engine is that little bit better on the sound score. And they are even rarer to see on the roads, anothing thing important to me. 15k is a LOT of money for me. I don't want to see another on the road
At the end of the day they will perfom much better than the older classics I like. It is the car of choice for me. I agree though I have since seen a lot of C4's I think look great. Let's see how rich I feel
But the Cerb's roof is staying put and I want at least the sun on the top of my head
Which is more or less the slower Chim. Yes I do admit that the TVR's are going to be better on performance. I also like the looks and they are British. But you have to admit a C5 looks the Mutts and you can't call it a slouch. It may not be the fastetst thing about but it does look brillaint. Some extra wizsardry puts me off. But ABS and such is more than welcome. And the larger engine is that little bit better on the sound score. And they are even rarer to see on the roads, anothing thing important to me. 15k is a LOT of money for me. I don't want to see another on the road
At the end of the day they will perfom much better than the older classics I like. It is the car of choice for me. I agree though I have since seen a lot of C4's I think look great. Let's see how rich I feel
Edited by TheMule on Monday 24th July 21:15
mark r skinner said:
My shout. Friend of mine has owned a C4 for about 10 years. Two words sum it up. TORQUE and GRIP. Don`t discount it in favour of the C5 cos you`ll get a peach for £10K. However, I`ve now had a Cerb 4.2 since the end of March and he keeps whining "wish it was as fast as yours" Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting
Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting Get a ZR1 then but thats more monet unless you can find someone that wants to out one quick
Gixer said:
mark r skinner said:
My shout. Friend of mine has owned a C4 for about 10 years. Two words sum it up. TORQUE and GRIP. Don`t discount it in favour of the C5 cos you`ll get a peach for £10K. However, I`ve now had a Cerb 4.2 since the end of March and he keeps whining "wish it was as fast as yours" Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting
Performance wise the Cerb takes it out on acceleration and obliterates it on top speed.(both cars pretty much standard) That said the head gasket was the only major engine problem on the C4. (It`s now 17 y-o) Don`t think the AJP8 is that bomb proof! Cerbs now seemed to have bottomed out at about £12K, C5 Vettes a couple of £K up the ladder....Happy hunting Get a ZR1 then but thats more monet unless you can find someone that wants to out one quick
Hey guys,
Viewed my first C5 today. Obviously not considering buying as I am skint and unemployed. It was a 2000 in blue and was for sale in a garage within walking distance from me. I wanted one of these by viewing pictures. But pictures seriously do these cars no justice. Now I must have one, simple as.
So my budget will now be raised, when I get any work, to 15k. I would ideally like a 99 with a HUD. Possible? in reasonable nick?
What would you do if you were me? Would you look for one in this country, Europe or America?
Obviously I wouldn't want to have to travel to America but I would be willing to go most places in Europe and bring one back.
Just wondered what you would do if you had this budget, to ensure you get the most for your money. I have been reading the importing threads and it looks like the fees may add up to it not being worth the hassle. However I would be happy to do the SVA work myself.
Ta
Viewed my first C5 today. Obviously not considering buying as I am skint and unemployed. It was a 2000 in blue and was for sale in a garage within walking distance from me. I wanted one of these by viewing pictures. But pictures seriously do these cars no justice. Now I must have one, simple as.
So my budget will now be raised, when I get any work, to 15k. I would ideally like a 99 with a HUD. Possible? in reasonable nick?
What would you do if you were me? Would you look for one in this country, Europe or America?
Obviously I wouldn't want to have to travel to America but I would be willing to go most places in Europe and bring one back.
Just wondered what you would do if you had this budget, to ensure you get the most for your money. I have been reading the importing threads and it looks like the fees may add up to it not being worth the hassle. However I would be happy to do the SVA work myself.
Ta
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