What would you choose?
Discussion
What would you choose – 2000 Tuscan or Cerbera. There are different things that appeal to me about both, as well as things that worry me about both too! I’ve been running a Chimaera that has given me a lot of pleasure for the last two and a half years, but it’s time to explore the marque . There’s a baby on the way, but it would be second car , so rear seats would be a bonus but not essential. (My girlfriend won’t step foot in the chim anyway!)
Here’s the crunch: I have a budget of 20k.
A Tuscan has always appealed and are starting to appear within this budget and I may hold off buying until after the summer anyway, but I’m starting to think a cerb may be another possibility. I understand that both are potentially costly, but in general (if you can generalise with TVRs) if the tuscan has had engine mods or a warranty, would it be less of a risk and more economical to run than a cerbera - when buying on this budget?
Now, I need to test drive both, but as on this budget I’m looking for a private sale, it may be difficult to compare the two cars at a dealer as they would probably be out of my range, and unhappy that I’m wasting their time.
Anybody been in the same situation?
Here’s the crunch: I have a budget of 20k.
A Tuscan has always appealed and are starting to appear within this budget and I may hold off buying until after the summer anyway, but I’m starting to think a cerb may be another possibility. I understand that both are potentially costly, but in general (if you can generalise with TVRs) if the tuscan has had engine mods or a warranty, would it be less of a risk and more economical to run than a cerbera - when buying on this budget?
Now, I need to test drive both, but as on this budget I’m looking for a private sale, it may be difficult to compare the two cars at a dealer as they would probably be out of my range, and unhappy that I’m wasting their time.
Anybody been in the same situation?
I've never owned a tuscan, but those who have had a cerbie and switched over to tuscan, said they preferred the tuscan and would never consider going back... just make sure the engine is under warranty before you pick up an older tuscan... horror stories galore floating around on the tuscan forum... I suggest you have a read if you have not already done so. 
Most dealers will be happy to walk you through the models even if they know your not going to buy from them, especially a local one who may also be after your custom for servicing etc.
I've never driven a Tuscan so can't really comment too much but for 20k I think you'd be more likely to get a decent 4.5 Cerb than a Tuscan. The Tuscans at this price are likely to be at the lowest end of the market and therefore cheap for a reason, though thats not to say that some won't be decent. I think you'd also need to ensure the engine re-build had been done - though again I'm sure many more qualified to talk about this will soon be along to offer advice on the subject.
In terms of looks the Tuscan is very mean but I think the long flowing lines of the Cerb would do it fo me every time.
The Cerb is a very different drive to the Chim, easier to drive at slower speeds but not as relaxing, I found it required a lot more concentration etc to drive properly.
I've never driven a Tuscan so can't really comment too much but for 20k I think you'd be more likely to get a decent 4.5 Cerb than a Tuscan. The Tuscans at this price are likely to be at the lowest end of the market and therefore cheap for a reason, though thats not to say that some won't be decent. I think you'd also need to ensure the engine re-build had been done - though again I'm sure many more qualified to talk about this will soon be along to offer advice on the subject.
In terms of looks the Tuscan is very mean but I think the long flowing lines of the Cerb would do it fo me every time.
The Cerb is a very different drive to the Chim, easier to drive at slower speeds but not as relaxing, I found it required a lot more concentration etc to drive properly.
Thanks for the response so far.
I would say if it was down to looks it would be close but probably be a Tuscan, although the cerb has by far the best designed interior and a great presence.
The thing that troubles me with the cerb against a tuscan (putting aside any engine issues... I'll take that as a given) are comparative running costs, servicing, fuel economy etc. As well as driving style, I do a lot of town driving. I'll give kerridges a call and if I can arrange some tests.
edited to say: nice cerb morebeanz, thanks for making the decision harder...
>> Edited by manhoo on Wednesday 9th March 13:56
I would say if it was down to looks it would be close but probably be a Tuscan, although the cerb has by far the best designed interior and a great presence.
The thing that troubles me with the cerb against a tuscan (putting aside any engine issues... I'll take that as a given) are comparative running costs, servicing, fuel economy etc. As well as driving style, I do a lot of town driving. I'll give kerridges a call and if I can arrange some tests.
edited to say: nice cerb morebeanz, thanks for making the decision harder...
>> Edited by manhoo on Wednesday 9th March 13:56
manhoo said:
Thanks for the response so far.
The thing that troubles me with the cerb against a tuscan (putting aside any engine issues... I'll take that as a given) are comparative running costs, servicing, fuel economy etc. As well as driving style,
The Tuscan will certainly be better around town.
However, I reckon the Cerb will be cheaper (or at least to cost the same) to run as a engine-rebuilt Tuscan.
You'll probably get better MPG out of a Tuscan, but it will be marginal.
Or...There's a <14k s6 Cerb for sale at the moment.....
D
i got my cerb from kerridges, fab folk, betcha theyd be willing to take all the time you need. and possibly all the money you have.
failing that, depending on where you are in suffolk id be happy to take you for a spin in mine, though be advised its a spd 6 and OBVIOUSLY no-one wants of those...
failing that, depending on where you are in suffolk id be happy to take you for a spin in mine, though be advised its a spd 6 and OBVIOUSLY no-one wants of those...
You say there's a baby on the way.... Get the Cerb.
I had a Griff, which I was planning to keep after the arrival of Dan Jnr. but the sad truth was, it stopped getting used.
Don't be under any illusion little people take up alot of time. Get a car that you can transport them and all the junk that seems to be a prerequesite around in.
apart from any thing else you will have a better choice of cerbs with your budget
I had a Griff, which I was planning to keep after the arrival of Dan Jnr. but the sad truth was, it stopped getting used.
Don't be under any illusion little people take up alot of time. Get a car that you can transport them and all the junk that seems to be a prerequesite around in.
apart from any thing else you will have a better choice of cerbs with your budget
well, i used to be called "lulu" but since the opp its less obvious and the name calling and pointing have dwindled somewhat too. dont know whether that makes you feel as comfortable...
happy to help mate, just drop me a line.
Nerv.
p.s ive just had a baby too and im glad im bought the cerb. the sheer volume of shit you have to take with you everywhere would never even begin to fit in anything else. well, not anything that wouldnt have forced me to grow up first.
happy to help mate, just drop me a line.
Nerv.
p.s ive just had a baby too and im glad im bought the cerb. the sheer volume of shit you have to take with you everywhere would never even begin to fit in anything else. well, not anything that wouldnt have forced me to grow up first.
nervous said:
well, i used to be called "lulu" but since the opp its less obvious and the name calling and pointing have dwindled somewhat too. dont know whether that makes you feel as comfortable...
happy to help mate, just drop me a line.
Nerv.
Thanks for that vision! I'll take you up on that.
manhoo said:
Thanks nervous, I'm in Ipswich if you are ever down this way, or I'm up in Norfolk I'd love to take you up on the offer. The fact you are called 'nervous' as opposed to 'homicidal' makes me feel better about it!
I'm in Ipswich. Got a tuscan. Made similar choice to you last year (25K budget). In the end it's a decision of the heart, and cerbs just don't do it for me external looks wise. so tuscan it was.
Go to Kerridges, have a chat with Steve. He'll see your serious. Go on a quite day or call him first and I'm sure he'll let you have a test drive in both which might help the decision.
Also, go along to Fynn Valley for a TVRCC Suffolk meet and have a chat with the owners, etc.
Worked for me.
stu
id second that, steve is high on my list of 'people who i dont hate' (its just quicker in the long run, and saves trees).
go see him, take money, come away confused, bewildered, penniless and in a TVR. then call me and well go busking together for petrol money
go. waste. enjoy.
nervy.
go see him, take money, come away confused, bewildered, penniless and in a TVR. then call me and well go busking together for petrol money
go. waste. enjoy.
nervy.
I tried a Tuscan a few years ago before opting for the Cerbera, it was an easy choice for me. Apart from an impending little addition to the family, it was much more of an occaision, which to me is all important for a weekend toy. The car has proved to be awesome on the track &, fresh from a weekend cruising round Lincolnshire with the family on board, can be incredibly usable. In its present state, it is de-catted as well as being equipped with sports zorsts- i think its the most outrageous sounding car i've ever heard,( & lets face it, after a mundane week at the office, we need outrageous). So, to sum up, its quicker, louder, more practical & rarer than a Tuscan, can you guess which way i'm headed on this
Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff