96 4.2L Cerb vs 98 4.0L XK8
Discussion
Hi All
I went to look at a Cerb today, but battery was flat so unable to open.
Cerb looked good externally for a 96 10k car, but had low profile boots on spider rims which could possibly loosen my teeth on a bad road surface.
Q - Can the Cerb sleep on the road or do the like to be pampered in a garage?
Q - From some of the posts, it sounds like Cerbs are megga expensive to maintain - true or false?
Q - Will I miss the refinement of the XK8?
Q - Can a Cerb be maintained with some basic spanner work?
Q - Are there any original Rover V8 powered Cerbs out there~?
Q - Is ther such a thing as as mechanically and structurally sound Cerb for <10K?
Sorry for so many questions - thanks for any feed back
I went to look at a Cerb today, but battery was flat so unable to open.
Cerb looked good externally for a 96 10k car, but had low profile boots on spider rims which could possibly loosen my teeth on a bad road surface.
Q - Can the Cerb sleep on the road or do the like to be pampered in a garage?
Q - From some of the posts, it sounds like Cerbs are megga expensive to maintain - true or false?
Q - Will I miss the refinement of the XK8?
Q - Can a Cerb be maintained with some basic spanner work?
Q - Are there any original Rover V8 powered Cerbs out there~?
Q - Is ther such a thing as as mechanically and structurally sound Cerb for <10K?
Sorry for so many questions - thanks for any feed back
LB one said:
Hi All
I went to look at a Cerb today, but battery was flat so unable to open.
Cerb looked good externally for a 96 10k car, but had low profile boots on spider rims which could possibly loosen my teeth on a bad road surface.
Q - Can the Cerb sleep on the road or do the like to be pampered in a garage?
So long as it's waterproof and used regularly it should be fine.
Q - From some of the posts, it sounds like Cerbs are megga expensive to maintain - true or false?
Certainly can be - most guesstimates say about £3k PA which is probably fair if you use Indies.
Q - Will I miss the refinement of the XK8?
Do you want a beast or a boulevarde cruiser? The Cerb isn't a hard riding car, but the nature of the AJP doesn't really lend it a relaxing nature.
Q - Can a Cerb be maintained with some basic spanner work?
Yes, do including a full engine rebuild last year.
Q - Are there any original Rover V8 powered Cerbs out there~?
They never used the RV8 - and why on earth would you want one?
Q - Is ther such a thing as as mechanically and structurally sound Cerb for <10K?
Yes, if it is though you'll probably have to accept it being cosmetically tatty. The early ones are often believed to have less rust-prone chassis.
Sorry for so many questions - thanks for any feed back
I went to look at a Cerb today, but battery was flat so unable to open.
Cerb looked good externally for a 96 10k car, but had low profile boots on spider rims which could possibly loosen my teeth on a bad road surface.
Q - Can the Cerb sleep on the road or do the like to be pampered in a garage?
So long as it's waterproof and used regularly it should be fine.
Q - From some of the posts, it sounds like Cerbs are megga expensive to maintain - true or false?
Certainly can be - most guesstimates say about £3k PA which is probably fair if you use Indies.
Q - Will I miss the refinement of the XK8?
Do you want a beast or a boulevarde cruiser? The Cerb isn't a hard riding car, but the nature of the AJP doesn't really lend it a relaxing nature.
Q - Can a Cerb be maintained with some basic spanner work?
Yes, do including a full engine rebuild last year.
Q - Are there any original Rover V8 powered Cerbs out there~?
They never used the RV8 - and why on earth would you want one?
Q - Is ther such a thing as as mechanically and structurally sound Cerb for <10K?
Yes, if it is though you'll probably have to accept it being cosmetically tatty. The early ones are often believed to have less rust-prone chassis.
Sorry for so many questions - thanks for any feed back
Thanks for the replys.
The one I looked at had 55,000. Bodywork & Interior looked OK (but I don`t really know what to look for) I`m a bit put off by the high anual running costs as my XK requires very little attention other than 2 oil changes and a general service which I normally do myself. I`ve had it for approx 5 years & touch wood no big issues.
The one I looked at had 55,000. Bodywork & Interior looked OK (but I don`t really know what to look for) I`m a bit put off by the high anual running costs as my XK requires very little attention other than 2 oil changes and a general service which I normally do myself. I`ve had it for approx 5 years & touch wood no big issues.
That sounds like fair mileage for year.
Mine tends to loose battery charge after about two weeks if not used,but nothing a good trickle charger cant sort out.
In answer to your Q on comfort there is plenty of leg room even for the likes of Clarkson.(who spoke very highly of the 4.2 on test drive).
Having said that my dad has a XK8 also,and having driven it a few times,i would say its more comfortable especially over long journeys.
But i'd still choose the Cerb hands down!
Mine tends to loose battery charge after about two weeks if not used,but nothing a good trickle charger cant sort out.
In answer to your Q on comfort there is plenty of leg room even for the likes of Clarkson.(who spoke very highly of the 4.2 on test drive).
Having said that my dad has a XK8 also,and having driven it a few times,i would say its more comfortable especially over long journeys.
But i'd still choose the Cerb hands down!
Depends on mileage, but a 12K service is £750, a clutch (inc fitting) is the best part of a grand - and they tend to last 30k miles or so, tyres are around £700 a set. Add a few quid for odds and sods and it all adds up.
If you are doing your own work then the costs will come right down.
If you are doing your own work then the costs will come right down.
I traded in my beloved XK8 for a Griffith 500 6 months ago. I miss it dearly.
The Griffith is truly awesome and I love it to bits, it does everything it says on the tin, but the lack of refinement and sheer terror in the wet means I'd never consider it for use as an everyday car.
The same would apply to a Cerb with it's fearsome thrust and raw racecar feel.
My plan now is to get an XK8 as soon as the wife permits, which will be the everyday car whilst the Griff snuggles in the garage waiting for dry days.
If you can, keep the XK8 outside for everyday use (you won't get much in p/x) and put the Cerb in the garage for fun.
Get the best of both worlds!
The Griffith is truly awesome and I love it to bits, it does everything it says on the tin, but the lack of refinement and sheer terror in the wet means I'd never consider it for use as an everyday car.
The same would apply to a Cerb with it's fearsome thrust and raw racecar feel.
My plan now is to get an XK8 as soon as the wife permits, which will be the everyday car whilst the Griff snuggles in the garage waiting for dry days.
If you can, keep the XK8 outside for everyday use (you won't get much in p/x) and put the Cerb in the garage for fun.
Get the best of both worlds!
My father uses his 4.5 cerb for work. i think he's run up about 40k in the past 18months or less. its been in and out the garage a fair bit since he's had it in 3 years for all the usual bits. he's had 2 before and ran up high mileage on those (80K) plus. they were purchased from new and if i recall, the only problem he ever had (apart from consumables) was with his first and that was the starter motor going. the one he has at the moment had covered about 2k in 2 years and it had thrown up every problem under the sun.
all i'd say is go in with your eyes wide open. find one thats been used regularly and pampered and had all the usual bits done. they dont like sitting around.
its a fantastic car with an awesome personality. it wont be as comfy as your jag but it will feel twice as special to drive.
if you do decide that you want the cerb but the ride is a little uncomfortable then try some nitron's. i've got them on my t350 and my father has them on the cerb and they have changed the ride completely. the cerb is a lot more comfortable now and whilst it will never be jag like (i have an s-type) i'd more than happily drive it for 10 hours straight.
all i'd say is go in with your eyes wide open. find one thats been used regularly and pampered and had all the usual bits done. they dont like sitting around.
its a fantastic car with an awesome personality. it wont be as comfy as your jag but it will feel twice as special to drive.
if you do decide that you want the cerb but the ride is a little uncomfortable then try some nitron's. i've got them on my t350 and my father has them on the cerb and they have changed the ride completely. the cerb is a lot more comfortable now and whilst it will never be jag like (i have an s-type) i'd more than happily drive it for 10 hours straight.
LB one said:
Jim
Thats no so bad although it will be an everyday driver, I cover less than 4,000 mile a year.
What about parts availability, & are there any club meetings in essex?
Hi LB,Thats no so bad although it will be an everyday driver, I cover less than 4,000 mile a year.
What about parts availability, & are there any club meetings in essex?
You could attend a Mid Essex meet, have a chat with a few Cerb owners there, we meet 2nd Sunday of each month, starting in Southend, then upto Chelmsford, before heading onto Great Totham, PM me if you want some more info.
Or kkep an eye on the Events thread, i will be posting this months up next Monday.
Best Regards,
Steve
FBC
Hi LB,
I read your topic with great interest as I am going through all the same motions as you. I too am new to the seemingly frightful prospect of Cerb ownership. But through PH I've met a few people who've been more than willing to offer first hand advice and I'm now convinced that I too can join in with confidence. All I need now is to track down the right car. I was also worried about getting a reputation for becoming a tyre kicker, certainly not a tag that I want as I am most deffinitly in the market... I've found when talking to a seller/dealer that if you are polite, explain your position up front and ask the right questions/look at the right bits you will not have any issues.
I've found that getting in touch with an existing owner and familiarizing yourself with their car is an absolute must before even considering parting with cash. I've learned so much in the last month. And with everyone on here being so helpful I suspect your car hunting will be pleasureable, just like mine.
Regards,
Olly
I read your topic with great interest as I am going through all the same motions as you. I too am new to the seemingly frightful prospect of Cerb ownership. But through PH I've met a few people who've been more than willing to offer first hand advice and I'm now convinced that I too can join in with confidence. All I need now is to track down the right car. I was also worried about getting a reputation for becoming a tyre kicker, certainly not a tag that I want as I am most deffinitly in the market... I've found when talking to a seller/dealer that if you are polite, explain your position up front and ask the right questions/look at the right bits you will not have any issues.
I've found that getting in touch with an existing owner and familiarizing yourself with their car is an absolute must before even considering parting with cash. I've learned so much in the last month. And with everyone on here being so helpful I suspect your car hunting will be pleasureable, just like mine.
Regards,
Olly
LB one said:
FBC
Thanks for the info - would like to chat to some Cerb owners/ enthusiasts. not sure what you mean by PM me?
I`m a wee bit behind the times with abreviations - can you explain?
Click on my profile and mail me.Thanks for the info - would like to chat to some Cerb owners/ enthusiasts. not sure what you mean by PM me?
I`m a wee bit behind the times with abreviations - can you explain?
Or keep an eye on this forum, next week re Essex meet, if you look back at the previous posts here, you will see "Mid Essex Meet" the info is there also.
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