Cerbera or Tuscan?
Author
Discussion

Chilli

Original Poster:

17,320 posts

265 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Anyone with any advice regarding the buying of the above? Originally looking to buy a Cerb but have now taken quite a fancy to the Tuscan's!
Major differences? Performance? Running costs? Reliability?
Many thanks.

_DJ_

5,057 posts

283 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Chilli said:
Anyone with any advice regarding the buying of the above? Originally looking to buy a Cerb but have now taken quite a fancy to the Tuscan's!
Major differences? Performance? Running costs? Reliability?
Many thanks.


Different cars really. Do you need/want 4 seats? I'd imagine running costs are likely to be similar. You also need to decide which engine you'd like (the Cerbera came with a choice of 2 designs (3 specs)) before the running costs/reliability question can be answered thoroughly!

D

Chilli

Original Poster:

17,320 posts

265 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Was gonna go for the 4.2 Cerb....Don't know why really, middle of the range, just got an insurance quote for that one, also heard good things about the engine.....
Definately don't need 4 seats!

trooper1212

9,457 posts

281 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Chilli said:
Was gonna go for the 4.2 Cerb....Don't know why really, middle of the range, just got an insurance quote for that one, also heard good things about the engine.....
Definately don't need 4 seats!


Ah, the choice of the informed gentleman

Cheaper than the 4.5 but not that much down on power, if at all with a good one. A wilder drive by all accounts.

Chilli

Original Poster:

17,320 posts

265 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Wilder drive?!...Getting nervous now! thought my Leon Cupra (180) was "nippy"!!

Tripps

5,814 posts

301 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Chilli said:
Wilder drive?!...Getting nervous now! thought my Leon Cupra (180) was "nippy"!!
My LCR225 is nothing in comparison to my S3 which is about 30 bhp less powerful, nevermind the 4.5 Cerbera I've driven - they'll blow your socks off!

Hence why I'm combining the two for a Cerbera

Beware, the electronic baby-sitting performed by SEAT is quite severe, you can trail-brake, do what you like with the thottle and you'll struggle to unsettle it, driving a Cerbera is entirely different, everything must be done smoothly to ensure you don't unsettle it.

jam1et

1,536 posts

281 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Sounds like you havent driven either of them yet. Go to a dealer and take a test drive, that will help you to make a decision.

trooper1212

9,457 posts

281 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Chilli said:
Wilder drive?!...Getting nervous now! thought my Leon Cupra (180) was "nippy"!!


2/3rds the weight and twice the power, I think you'll have to redefine your definition of nippy

J_S_G

6,177 posts

279 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Had a Cerb. Sold it. Got the Tuscan.

Which is better? They're both equally good in different ways:
* The Cerb was great for tearing up motorway miles at extreme speeds
* The Tuscan's more "fun" and I'd rather take back roads/tight corners in it
* The Tuscan gets more attention
* The Cerb could fit a futon in it
* The Tuscan is faster (well, my Tuscan is faster than my Cerb was - I'm sure others will argue)
* The Cerb sounded better (until more money was thrown at the Tuscan)

If getting a Cerb, I'd go for a 4.2; as Trooper1212 says, little if any difference in power (at least below 100 or so), and £ks cheaper.

Running costs for both are working out about the same, with added Tuscan-worry of blowing early S6 engines up (once rebuilt to later standards this shouldn't be an issue).

If I were you, I'd go down to a dealers, tell them your situation, and take a couple out. And I wouldn't really listen to a thing about what they're trying to sell you in terms of second hand ones - they'll obviously have certain cars they want off the books more than others.

clarky5150

423 posts

297 months

Monday 23rd August 2004
quotequote all
Drive a Cupra R at work. Awsome thro the bends. PLEASE do not try to drive either of the Tivvas mentioned like the Seat.
However, Owned a Cerb for 3 years, 4.2, serviced and fettled by Joospeed. Julian will confirm that i didnt exactly molly coddle the car (rung its neck everywhere) and it was faultless. I know im not the only owner who can say that. Tuscan owners may be a little slower at coming forward to boast the same. (oh and the cerb, de-catted will get as many, if not more looks than any car on the road)
Looking for a replacement after a serious off and without spending mucho wonga i cant think of any car i would rather own. A mate with a 360modena always used to drool at the Cerb. Speaks volumes for me.

p webb

31 posts

269 months

Tuesday 24th August 2004
quotequote all
Oxford English dictionery:nippy =
nimble/quick. I suppose it does apply to a cerbera

>> Edited by p webb on Tuesday 24th August 01:11

Chilli

Original Poster:

17,320 posts

265 months

Tuesday 24th August 2004
quotequote all
Many thanks all for your time, and good points.
I have driven one Cerbera, a 4.2 with the dealer at Henley, but I was unable to "give it a bit", cause a) was a tad nervous b)bloke was sitting next to me and c) didn't have a clue where I was going. Did manage to stall it though! How heavy is that clutch?!
Please don't read this and think I'm unable to drive...Used to be a karting champion.....When I was about 8! Think I'll go with the Cerb though, as soon as I sell mine.

Thanks again.

swindorski46

1,017 posts

312 months

Tuesday 24th August 2004
quotequote all
Chilli said:
How heavy is that clutch?!


Just be aware that it's generally the early type clutches that are heavy and they cost ALOT to replace. If you can, I'd recommend getting one with a later clutch fitted.

But just get one anyway!!

P.S. We are talking used cars here aren't we?

p webb

31 posts

269 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Eagle eyes

dvpeace

611 posts

269 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Tuscan!

Having driven a Cerb for the last 2 months I got my Tusc back yesterday. It is a much better car

David

basil brush

5,607 posts

292 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Not being biased in any way, and never having driven a Cerbera, I would have to say that the Tuscan is by far the better car.

dinkel

27,767 posts

287 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=13&h=0&t=44378

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=5&h=0&t=77448

Never driven one but Cerby looks better and the V8 is yummie. 4.2 will do nicely . . . Space for your drunken neighbour as well . . . Tuscan can be softtop . . .

chilli

Original Poster:

17,320 posts

265 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
Must admit, I'm very much in 2 minds.... Seem to see more affordable Cerbs than Tuscans, but I'd go o/d for the right one!
So there's not a lot of difference in handling/performance?

dvpeace

611 posts

269 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
chilli said:
Must admit, I'm very much in 2 minds.... Seem to see more affordable Cerbs than Tuscans, but I'd go o/d for the right one!
So there's not a lot of difference in handling/performance?


They are totally different cars. I got out of the Cerb yesterday straight into the Tusc. I think the Tusc is nicer to drive, feels shraper... but then more twichy on the road.

You really have to test drive them both to make your own mind up.

David

MTY4000

327 posts

272 months

Wednesday 25th August 2004
quotequote all
"You really have to test drive them both to make your own mind up."

Can't agree more, I was looking for a Cerb and ended up buying a Tuscan (even though the Cerbs were fantastic aswell). Additionally, cars vary within the same model.. I test drove 4 Cerbies and they were all very different, interestingly a 4.2 felt the fastest of the lot so don't dismiss them as slower just cause it's got a slightly smaller engine than the 4.5's (IMHO) - I'm sure a lot of the 4.5s are faster, but this one 4.2 was an absolute beast.

With me the Tuscan was just right immidiately (but that's just me). Test drive, and your decision will become clear.