Looking To Buy A TVR Cerbera. Which Way To Turn?!?
Discussion
Hi guys... new to this forum... so wanted to say hi to all.
I have used piston heads for a long time now - buying and selling private cars. And have used this forum to try to seek out answers to quite a few questions in the past.
I have just recently sold my high spec'd Skyline R33 GTR and am looking to buy a TVR Cerbera. A car I have always loved and wanted to own. I have come accross a few for sale that appeal to me within my price range and am unsure as to which way to turn.
I obviously have the choice of the AJP6 4.0 6-cyl Speed 6 engine, the AJP8 4.2 V8 engine and the AJP8 4.5 V8 engine. I have narrowed the choice down to either the Speed 6 or the AJP8 4.5 engine.
The AJP8 4.5 engine is the obvious choice to go for power. But being used to larger 6-cyl engines from previous cars, the Speed 6 also appeals as the power delivery will be totally different to the AJP8 unit and more of what I am used to.
I have read all about the crankshaft problems relating to the early AJP8 4.2 engines... which do not apply to the 4.5 units. So am split minded between the two other units, reliability is the key for me. Which of the two units (AJP8 4.5 and Speed 6) is the more reliable unit?
One particular Cerbera I have expressed interest in has the AJP8 4.5 engine. It has covered 70k miles and is due a service, but has good service history to date with a lot of the general TVR niggles previously sorted out - no rebuild history however. It is at a fairly good price, but I am obviously concerned about the high mileage on the engine. A well priced Cerbera, could very well turn into a very expensive Cerbera after a few short and painful miles. I am mainly after your thoughts on the above vehicle. Would an experienced TVR enthusiast steer well clear of this example in theory?
Another option I have come accross is a fairly high priced TVR Cerbera with the Speed 6 engine. Having had a rebuild only 3000 miles ago or so. This also appeals to me, as a recent rebuild to me oozes "reliability"... but with a Speed 6 engine... is this the case?!?
The difference between the two cars is £6000 cash. This could effectively pay for a rebuild on the first example if ever needed I guess.
If you could also enlighten me about any other common problems associated with Cerbera's - or re-calls that should have been performed - or other things that Cerb's should have had done to them - this would also help me out, as will come in useful when viewing and choosing a Cerb for my own.
Just after your thoughts, opinions, knowledge and experience on the above really guys. Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated.
And sorry about the essay!
All the Best,
Kyle.
I have used piston heads for a long time now - buying and selling private cars. And have used this forum to try to seek out answers to quite a few questions in the past.
I have just recently sold my high spec'd Skyline R33 GTR and am looking to buy a TVR Cerbera. A car I have always loved and wanted to own. I have come accross a few for sale that appeal to me within my price range and am unsure as to which way to turn.
I obviously have the choice of the AJP6 4.0 6-cyl Speed 6 engine, the AJP8 4.2 V8 engine and the AJP8 4.5 V8 engine. I have narrowed the choice down to either the Speed 6 or the AJP8 4.5 engine.
The AJP8 4.5 engine is the obvious choice to go for power. But being used to larger 6-cyl engines from previous cars, the Speed 6 also appeals as the power delivery will be totally different to the AJP8 unit and more of what I am used to.
I have read all about the crankshaft problems relating to the early AJP8 4.2 engines... which do not apply to the 4.5 units. So am split minded between the two other units, reliability is the key for me. Which of the two units (AJP8 4.5 and Speed 6) is the more reliable unit?
One particular Cerbera I have expressed interest in has the AJP8 4.5 engine. It has covered 70k miles and is due a service, but has good service history to date with a lot of the general TVR niggles previously sorted out - no rebuild history however. It is at a fairly good price, but I am obviously concerned about the high mileage on the engine. A well priced Cerbera, could very well turn into a very expensive Cerbera after a few short and painful miles. I am mainly after your thoughts on the above vehicle. Would an experienced TVR enthusiast steer well clear of this example in theory?
Another option I have come accross is a fairly high priced TVR Cerbera with the Speed 6 engine. Having had a rebuild only 3000 miles ago or so. This also appeals to me, as a recent rebuild to me oozes "reliability"... but with a Speed 6 engine... is this the case?!?
The difference between the two cars is £6000 cash. This could effectively pay for a rebuild on the first example if ever needed I guess.
If you could also enlighten me about any other common problems associated with Cerbera's - or re-calls that should have been performed - or other things that Cerb's should have had done to them - this would also help me out, as will come in useful when viewing and choosing a Cerb for my own.
Just after your thoughts, opinions, knowledge and experience on the above really guys. Any feedback or help would be greatly appreciated.
And sorry about the essay!
All the Best,
Kyle.
The AJP's are the more reliable cars but with that one not having a rebuild with that many miles on i'd be a little dubious.
Although i have a speed 6 i'll be honest, the only reason i bought this one is because it has a new engine and chassis, so basically a new car, both having covered less than 6000 miles.
If i were you id split the cash (so £3000 over the price of the 4.5 [if i have that right]) and spend the extra premium on a different 4.5, plenty out there.
If you really want a straight 6 engined car then try to find one which has had recent rebuild by one of the recognised companies, TVR Power, Racing Green etc etc etc.
Although i have a speed 6 i'll be honest, the only reason i bought this one is because it has a new engine and chassis, so basically a new car, both having covered less than 6000 miles.
If i were you id split the cash (so £3000 over the price of the 4.5 [if i have that right]) and spend the extra premium on a different 4.5, plenty out there.
If you really want a straight 6 engined car then try to find one which has had recent rebuild by one of the recognised companies, TVR Power, Racing Green etc etc etc.
Thanks for your reply. Some good and sound advice there.
The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
Tiger_kpt said:
Thanks for your reply. Some good and sound advice there.
The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
if the engine was replaced by the factory then it wont be a bad thing as long as after 2003 (IIRC this is when alot of problems were eventually ironed out of the S6)The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
3000 miles means nothing that could be 10 years ago, my car has only done 6000 miles since 2005, 2000 of which are mine in the last 8 month (4 of which the car has been off the road)
Ignore the bloke in the Girl car
WorAl said:
Tiger_kpt said:
Thanks for your reply. Some good and sound advice there.
The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
if the engine was replaced by the factory then it wont be a bad thing as long as after 2003 (IIRC this is when alot of problems were eventually ironed out of the S6)The Speed 6 that has had a rebuild... states that it had the Speed 6 engine replaced at the factory circa 3000 miles ago. I am "assuming" it was a brand new engine. So not rebuilt at a specialist. This may be a bad thing?!?
Interested in other people's opinions and experiences as well.
3000 miles means nothing that could be 10 years ago, my car has only done 6000 miles since 2005, 2000 of which are mine in the last 8 month (4 of which the car has been off the road)
Ignore the bloke in the Girl car
Hi Kyle
Welcome to the forum
I just did a quick search on this subject and found some previous thread that may be of help. Its a way of getting alot more info immediately, so you can pick though it all at your conveience. Alot of guys have consulted this forum pror to buying a Cerb, and have been very happy.
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... Buying Advice
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... I sell my Cooper S for a Cerbera Speed Six
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... I Need Help and Advice
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... ownership prospects?
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... cerb, or not to cerb?
HTH
Welcome to the forum
I just did a quick search on this subject and found some previous thread that may be of help. Its a way of getting alot more info immediately, so you can pick though it all at your conveience. Alot of guys have consulted this forum pror to buying a Cerb, and have been very happy.
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... Buying Advice
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... I sell my Cooper S for a Cerbera Speed Six
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... I Need Help and Advice
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... ownership prospects?
http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t... cerb, or not to cerb?
HTH
Tiger_kpt said:
I have read all about the crankshaft problems relating to the early AJP8 4.2 engines... which do not apply to the 4.5 units. So am split minded between the two other units, reliability is the key for me. Which of the two units (AJP8 4.5 and Speed 6) is the more reliable unit?
I'd say go and drive a few and see which you prefer. From an engineering view the AJP8 would be the better bet for reliability. In the example that you give though the S6 would probably do at least another 30,000 miles which is ten years for most owners whereas the AJP8 could do double the 70,000 or go pop tomorrow. Even on a ten year timespan if you prefer the S6 and factor in a £6,000 rebuild then that's £600 p.a. which is not really enough to put you off the TVR experience when compared to BMW M3s, V8 Ferraris etc... or even an AJP8 Cerbera.
Hi guys. Some very good information and opinions there guys. Thanks for taking the time to share and chip in.
I have to be honest I am probably going to leave the high mileage 4.5 Cerbera, which is this example: -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/931029.htm
And am still interested in the rebuilt Speed 6, which is this example: -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/773397.htm
Opinions on these two cars?!?
But I honestly cannot decide as to whether I would prefer a Speed 6 or an AJP8 4.2/4.5. From the sound of it I would probably prefer the suspension ride of an AJP and after looking at some vids on youtube, I think I prefer the AJP engine sound / exhaust note. But, at present not been able to find an advert for an AJP that I have fallen in love with.
Just out of interest... being an engineer myself... from an engineering point of view what makes the AJP engines more reliable than the Speed 6 engines? And what common powertrain / drivetrain problems are present on each of the two setups? Anything to look out for in particular?
Thanks a lot guys.
Kyle.
I have to be honest I am probably going to leave the high mileage 4.5 Cerbera, which is this example: -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/931029.htm
And am still interested in the rebuilt Speed 6, which is this example: -
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/773397.htm
Opinions on these two cars?!?
But I honestly cannot decide as to whether I would prefer a Speed 6 or an AJP8 4.2/4.5. From the sound of it I would probably prefer the suspension ride of an AJP and after looking at some vids on youtube, I think I prefer the AJP engine sound / exhaust note. But, at present not been able to find an advert for an AJP that I have fallen in love with.
Just out of interest... being an engineer myself... from an engineering point of view what makes the AJP engines more reliable than the Speed 6 engines? And what common powertrain / drivetrain problems are present on each of the two setups? Anything to look out for in particular?
Thanks a lot guys.
Kyle.
I think you should have a look around if i was you to be honest, i know its a 2000 car and new engine, but mine is a 99 car, new engine, new chassis and paid £11500 for it.
If you're going to spend that sort of cash how about:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/897164.htm
If you're going to spend that sort of cash how about:
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/897164.htm
Yeah... fair point. I couldn't help but feel that it was a little on the steep side with it being a Speed 6. I have managed to negotiate down to £16,500. But that is the lowest the seller would go... and to be honest, I just am not sure about it.
Already contacted the guy with the Blue AJP 4.5. Just awaiting a reply. But, not too sure I like the blue colour. LOL.
Already contacted the guy with the Blue AJP 4.5. Just awaiting a reply. But, not too sure I like the blue colour. LOL.
A bit of advice from an ex factory person. Always go for a late 99 onwards 4.2 v8 cerbera, it will be built with a 4.5 engine but with 4.2 inlets wich make for a nicer drive. Dont get many problems with v8 ajp engine (pretty bomb proof these days) especialy compared to speed six engines.
A bit of advice from an ex factory person. Always go for a late 99 onwards 4.2 v8 cerbera, it will be built with a 4.5 engine but with 4.2 inlets wich make for a nicer drive. Dont get many problems with v8 ajp engine (pretty bomb proof these days) especialy compared to speed six engines.
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