Looking to buy a cerb - any advice

[ACerb2Be]

Hi guys,

first apologies if this is in the wrong place etc - new to this forum but not new to car forums I've heard the TVR owners are particularly helpful and generous with advice

Well, I have been drooling and dreaming for months now and am almost at the point where I am going to take the plunge and become a cerb owner

I absolutely love these cars - not many cars on the road do it for me, I am far too fussy, but there is just something about the cerb

Anyway, I have a big lump of tax that i need to keep in the bank for the next 18 months before sending it onto the inland revenue, so it is either stick it in the bank for a bit and try not to spend it, or make sure I enjoy it by getting myself something like a cerb for a short period of time before possibly then selling it to pay the tax bill when it's due.

I live in the Manchester area, and have seen one or two for sale - my budget is around the 14-16k mark.

The impression I get is that a lot of you know each others cerbs and even know some history of ones that come up for sale - so the question is have I come to the right place for someone to help me out getting the right car?

Now you might think I am pretty stupid for buying a cerb - as I cannot get by under the bonnet - but i want one so bad that I'll put up with trips to the garage - even if it's more regular than i like. The thrill of having one will far outweigh any negatives there!

So can you guys help a novice out? I need to know what to look out for - i,e, which engine model, tell tale signs of neglect etc

What can I expect for my budget>?

I am sure this has all been asked before, which offends some forums, so if there is another thread i should be looking at I'll go look there

Thanks for reading

[FUBAR]

Oh crikey!

First off, hello Matt and welcome

Secondly, you need to be asking in the Cerb forum here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a... but Im sure a Mod will move this for you.

Now down to the main business....

As much as most Cerb owners would try and talk you into/advise you about buying a Cerb, before we get too deep into this, personally I think you must have taken one too many 'funny pills' to even consider buying a Cerb if the money is needed (in its entirety) for a tax bill further down the line. You will get a nice Cerb for your budget, but what with the depreciaition and a years running costs (which being realistic is going to be + or - circa £3kpa) you may find that your tax bill slush fund isnt quite what you thought it was.

You could buy a cheap Cerb (£8k) and then find you have bought a 'wrongun' (they are generally cheap for a reason!) and bang goes your money.

If I havent put you off yet, then the general concensus is to got for a V8, either the 4.2 or the 4.5. Always buy on condition etc, not on age/colour. There are as many owners on here with great things to say about the Speed6 cars as there are those who have had problems. And to be honest, 'most' Speed6 would have had their problems (rebuilds etc) done by now.

If you can, buy a known PH Cerb rather than a cheap one off Ebay from some dodgy garage that no one has heard of!

Many PH cars will have had the required 'mods' done already (remaps/newer lights if that's your thing/suspension and wheel upgrades etc)

If I havent put you off yet, then lets get looking at whats about.

I leave the floor open for my learned friends

[ACerb2Be]

sorry - still havent put me off, but thanks for the frank response, that's what i am after

I have also considered a chim, but the cerb keeps calling..... loudly!!!

On the depreciation front, I am kinda resigned to the fact that whatever I do i wont get all my money back, but I'll get the bulk of it and for the pleasure of owning a cerb i am happy taking a bit of a hit

This is my way of enjoying some tax for a while - and enjoying it for a change!!!

[markh1]

Its worth searching the forums as there are loads of posts and topics about what to look for.

In regards to the way you want to pay for it, (tax money) please be aware that you will not be able to sell a cerb instantly when you need the funds. They are very specialist and its not uncommon for a car to take months to sell.

[FUBAR]

ACerb2Be said:

sorry - still havent put me off, but thanks for the frank response, that's what i am after

I have also considered a chim, but the cerb keeps calling..... loudly!!!

On the depreciation front, I am kinda resigned to the fact that whatever I do i wont get all my money back, but I'll get the bulk of it and for the pleasure of owning a cerb i am happy taking a bit of a hit

This is my way of enjoying some tax for a while - and enjoying it for a change!!!

OK, we're off and running. Just wanted to point the pitfalls of using your tax fund now (and Markh makes a VERY good point about time to sell etc).


So, things to watch out for (if you hang around the Cerb forum long enough you will come to realise that accepting technical advice from FUBAR isnt always the wisest thing...I, like yourself I pressume, am a 'chequebook owner' and rely on the knowledge and professionalism on others to keep my car on the road):

Chassis rust on the 'outriggers' (not sure, the bit on each corner of the chassis afaik?)

Even some of the V8s with around 50k miles 'may' need a redbuild. Some go on for miles, some need a rebuild. If you can find a car (V8 or Sp6) that has had a recent rebuild then it is defo worth considering (and if it has the the balance of a transferrable warranty left then so much the better)

Another plus would be a car that has already been remapped (4.5 anyway) with short induction hoses.

Many have uprated shocks put on by now, which would mean another job less for you to do.

Same with wheels. Earlier cars came on the RLs, but many upgraded to the 18" Spiders, and some have moved on again from that to the SP12s or others. Depends what you like really?

Lights: 2 camps here. Original single headlamp (personally I prefer this) or the Lightweight/late model 'upgrade' (3 or 4 smaller lights).

Most importantly, as I mentioned earlier. Buy on CONDITION and PROVENANCE...NOT on colour.

I started out looking to buy a purple one and ended up with a yellow one (which is the fastest colour BTW and dont let anyone tell you differently )

If at all possible, get it inspected by someone who knows Cerbs (not just an AA/RAC inspection, those guys only know how to tow them home again )

Good luck

[FUBAR]

Oh yeah...and sports exhausts/decat. Sound feckin awesome, but a pain in the harris if you plan to do some trackdays. If not, they are great for scaring old ladies, making kids cry and dogs pee themselves

[da_murphster]

FUBAR said:

Oh yeah...and sports exhausts/decat. Sound feckin awesome, but a pain in the harris if you plan to do some trackdays. If not, they are great for scaring old ladies, making kids cry and dogs pee themselves

I have actually seen a de-catted Tuscan make a child cry.

Awesome.

[lockhart flawse]

Personally, with the scenario you have described, I think you would be nuts to buy a Cerbera. Think about it by all means but buy a Griffith. You will get most, if not all, your money back and it will cost relatively little to run. I think you are almost guaranteed at least one large bill on a Cerbera.

I say this as someone who love to own one but I have heard too many stories of really scary bills to take the plunge.

L.F.

[TVR Dan]

da_murphster said:

I have actually seen a de-catted Tuscan make a child cry.

Awesome.

And as long as you buy with your brains and don't rush into it

GO FOR IT (You only live once!)

Don't Blame me if it goes tits up though...

[ACerb2Be]

FUBAR said:

ACerb2Be said:

sorry - still havent put me off, but thanks for the frank response, that's what i am after

I have also considered a chim, but the cerb keeps calling..... loudly!!!

On the depreciation front, I am kinda resigned to the fact that whatever I do i wont get all my money back, but I'll get the bulk of it and for the pleasure of owning a cerb i am happy taking a bit of a hit

This is my way of enjoying some tax for a while - and enjoying it for a change!!!

OK, we're off and running. Just wanted to point the pitfalls of using your tax fund now (and Markh makes a VERY good point about time to sell etc).


So, things to watch out for (if you hang around the Cerb forum long enough you will come to realise that accepting technical advice from FUBAR isnt always the wisest thing...I, like yourself I pressume, am a 'chequebook owner' and rely on the knowledge and professionalism on others to keep my car on the road):

Chassis rust on the 'outriggers' (not sure, the bit on each corner of the chassis afaik?)

Even some of the V8s with around 50k miles 'may' need a redbuild. Some go on for miles, some need a rebuild. If you can find a car (V8 or Sp6) that has had a recent rebuild then it is defo worth considering (and if it has the the balance of a transferrable warranty left then so much the better)

Another plus would be a car that has already been remapped (4.5 anyway) with short induction hoses.

Many have uprated shocks put on by now, which would mean another job less for you to do.

Same with wheels. Earlier cars came on the RLs, but many upgraded to the 18" Spiders, and some have moved on again from that to the SP12s or others. Depends what you like really?

Lights: 2 camps here. Original single headlamp (personally I prefer this) or the Lightweight/late model 'upgrade' (3 or 4 smaller lights).

Most importantly, as I mentioned earlier. Buy on CONDITION and PROVENANCE...NOT on colour.

I started out looking to buy a purple one and ended up with a yellow one (which is the fastest colour BTW and dont let anyone tell you differently )

If at all possible, get it inspected by someone who knows Cerbs (not just an AA/RAC inspection, those guys only know how to tow them home again )

Good luck

great advice - thank pal.

yes, purely a "checkbook owner" here - fab description ha!

I do know someone through someone who has experience selling cerbs - i believe - so might see if i can enlist his help for some ££. doubt anyone knows him, but apparently he runs www.peakporsche.co.uk

I am normally a go with the head type person, but when it comes to cars I turn into a love sick kid and just go with the heart, so I know I wont be able to resist!

Definately going to have a look around for a recent rebuild though i think

I like the earlier single headlight models like your good self - look classic and modern.

the dash is a dream - never seen anything like it!!!

[ACerb2Be]

lockhart flawse said:

Personally, with the scenario you have described, I think you would be nuts to buy a Cerbera. Think about it by all means but buy a Griffith. You will get most, if not all, your money back and it will cost relatively little to run. I think you are almost guaranteed at least one large bill on a Cerbera.

I say this as someone who love to own one but I have heard too many stories of really scary bills to take the plunge.

L.F.

so the griffith more reliable then? not sure they have the same magic as a cerbera - but its all personal taste i guess. not that i would turn my nose up at one!!

[greenm]

Go to the Cerb forum dont listen to the rest on here they all know the Cerb is the best beast to buy but look long and hard and its worth paying the money for a well sorted one will save you a fortune one day. had mine nearly a year and other than the odd mad stuff to make it 400 HP and just because I like to would not have cost me cent. Go for it will be the biggest grin you have ever had!!!!

[boardinscotland]

da_murphster said:

FUBAR said:

Oh yeah...and sports exhausts/decat. Sound feckin awesome, but a pain in the harris if you plan to do some trackdays. If not, they are great for scaring old ladies, making kids cry and dogs pee themselves

I have actually seen a de-catted Tuscan make a child cry.

Awesome.

I have a decatted Tuscan with CCC's and made 2 kids fall off their bikes today. Sorry for the hijack should I feel bad

[FUBAR]

ACerb2Be said:

[I am normally a go with the head type person, but when it comes to cars I turn into a love sick kid and just go with the heart, so I know I wont be able to resist!

Sage advice is to never buy the first car your see....





Which is why I bought the first 350i I saw, the first Griff I saw, and yes, you guessed it, the first Cerb too

However, if you can, try and drive all 3 variants. They say the Sp6 is a little 'softer'. Ive never driven anything other than my own but have yet to see a decernable difference between the 3 models when out in company with others. At the end of the day, the speed will come down to how big your kajones are

[amazon]

Hi Matt

1. You should definately buy a Cerbera
2. You should plan to come to Chatsworth House on 26th April (with or without a Cerbera - there are loads going and you can have a good look and chat with everyone).
3. Also be useful to find another way to raise some money for your tax bill - once you have your Cerbera, you won't want to part with it - EVER.
4. I also know someone who has three. In theory (see 3. above) two of those are for sale, one S6 and one V8 4.5 and both late plates. Let me know if you'd like to be put in contact with him .

[dirty boy]

ACerb2Be said:

I have a big lump of tax that i need to keep in the bank for the next 18 months before sending it onto the inland revenue

Firstly, are you 100% sure you've got that right?


Secondly, Hi Matt

Welcome to PH (the only car forum worth visiting )

[dicknooley]

amazon said:

Hi Matt

1. You should definately buy a Cerbera
2. You should plan to come to Chatsworth House on 26th April (with or without a Cerbera - there are loads going and you can have a good look and chat with everyone).
3. Also be useful to find another way to raise some money for your tax bill - once you have your Cerbera, you won't want to part with it - EVER.
4. I also know someone who has three. In theory (see 3. above) two of those are for sale, one S6 and one V8 4.5 and both late plates. Let me know if you'd like to be put in contact with him .

I'd like to get in contact with him, I need a 4.5 bad!

[amazon]

dicknooley said:

amazon said:

Hi Matt

1. You should definately buy a Cerbera
2. You should plan to come to Chatsworth House on 26th April (with or without a Cerbera - there are loads going and you can have a good look and chat with everyone).
3. Also be useful to find another way to raise some money for your tax bill - once you have your Cerbera, you won't want to part with it - EVER.
4. I also know someone who has three. In theory (see 3. above) two of those are for sale, one S6 and one V8 4.5 and both late plates. Let me know if you'd like to be put in contact with him .

I'd like to get in contact with him, I need a 4.5 bad!

YHM

[the man]

I would recomend a 99 onwards 4.2 cerbera v8. It has a 4.5 engine with 4.2 manifolds and management, wich makes for a better drive.