from Griff/Chims to Cerbs.. worth it?
Discussion
My apologies regarding my questions, but out here I cant just pop down to my nearest TVR dealer and drive some cars or go to any meets to talk to people. So your opinions are very much appreciated.
When I am ready to push the button, I plan to get a fully sorted car sourced to spec (whatever it costs) and if all works out, then pop over to buy it and ship it to a new, sunny and careful home.
I have been in a Cerb but never a RV8. So as not to waste anyone's time before I get there, I just cant help wondering so here goes:
To those that went from Rover V8 cars to Cerbs.
Apart from the the well documented performance/handling/supercar status, there are plenty of threads on that, were you happy with the move? After a year or so of ownership?
The reason I ask this is that when looking at them, particularly the 450/500's, was the above, at the end of the day, enough to justify:
the added running expense, double/triple the RV8 according to most?
the more complicated maintenance and need for specialist servicing?,
the reliance on sometimes more expensive TVR own parts?,
the loss of open top motoring but gain in added seats?,
less chuckability in handling?,
the exhaust noise?
Commendably, it seems that nearly everyone is absolutely astounded by their cars and seem happy to accept the above as part of Cerb ownership, even though on paper a 450/500 seems to be fast and entertaining enough for most driving roads, whilst being very driveable in town.
Or is it just a case that the Cerb 'goes up to 11'* and that's justification enough? Is it possible to enjoy these qualities for enough time on an average drive or do you really only get the opportunity on a track day?
I know its human nature to hanker for the next step up, for whatever your reasons, I am like that after all, but did anyone go to Cerb from RV8 and then regret it, and if so why?
When I am ready to push the button, I plan to get a fully sorted car sourced to spec (whatever it costs) and if all works out, then pop over to buy it and ship it to a new, sunny and careful home.
I have been in a Cerb but never a RV8. So as not to waste anyone's time before I get there, I just cant help wondering so here goes:
To those that went from Rover V8 cars to Cerbs.
Apart from the the well documented performance/handling/supercar status, there are plenty of threads on that, were you happy with the move? After a year or so of ownership?
The reason I ask this is that when looking at them, particularly the 450/500's, was the above, at the end of the day, enough to justify:
the added running expense, double/triple the RV8 according to most?
the more complicated maintenance and need for specialist servicing?,
the reliance on sometimes more expensive TVR own parts?,
the loss of open top motoring but gain in added seats?,
less chuckability in handling?,
the exhaust noise?
Commendably, it seems that nearly everyone is absolutely astounded by their cars and seem happy to accept the above as part of Cerb ownership, even though on paper a 450/500 seems to be fast and entertaining enough for most driving roads, whilst being very driveable in town.
Or is it just a case that the Cerb 'goes up to 11'* and that's justification enough? Is it possible to enjoy these qualities for enough time on an average drive or do you really only get the opportunity on a track day?
I know its human nature to hanker for the next step up, for whatever your reasons, I am like that after all, but did anyone go to Cerb from RV8 and then regret it, and if so why?
- reference to Spinal Tap
The AJP cerb is a very different animal from the RV8 cars. The cerb is more cammy, needs to be worked hard to get the best from it. About the time you'd be changing up in a chim, you'd be flooring the cerb. Put the average driver in each and they might say the RV8 is faster. But once you know how to wring out an AJP there's really no comparison 
FarmyardPants said:
The AJP cerb is a very different animal from the RV8 cars. The cerb is more cammy, needs to be worked hard to get the best from it. About the time you'd be changing up in a chim, you'd be flooring the cerb. Put the average driver in each and they might say the RV8 is faster. But once you know how to wring out an AJP there's really no comparison
I get that aspect as I said in the OP. Do you feel though that it's that aspect that justifies it for you when living with it? Is that to do with how it feels on the track?
I have owned 2 Griff 500's and 2 4.5 Cerbs.
Whilst the Griff is a lovely powerful car, the Cerb is in a different league. Not sure how it would be suited to the roads in Cyprus thought...the last time I drove on them it was potholes galore (mind you this country isn't too much better on that score these days)
Whilst the Griff is a lovely powerful car, the Cerb is in a different league. Not sure how it would be suited to the roads in Cyprus thought...the last time I drove on them it was potholes galore (mind you this country isn't too much better on that score these days)
AllezWasps said:
I have owned 2 Griff 500's and 2 4.5 Cerbs.
Whilst the Griff is a lovely powerful car, the Cerb is in a different league. Not sure how it would be suited to the roads in Cyprus thought...the last time I drove on them it was potholes galore (mind you this country isn't too much better on that score these days)
Funny you should say that, a visitor from London here recently said to me that our roads were in his opinion no worse, in fact he felt they were mostly better. Whilst the Griff is a lovely powerful car, the Cerb is in a different league. Not sure how it would be suited to the roads in Cyprus thought...the last time I drove on them it was potholes galore (mind you this country isn't too much better on that score these days)
Edited by jazzdude on Saturday 3rd September 21:50
Gazzab said:
I personally don't see how one could try and choose one against the other as a potential purchase. They are totally different. Buy both or favour one - they have totally different pros n cons. What are your requirements?
It's to be a third car, I have a car I use for work, my wife has hers, and it will be for me a weekend car to look forward to. I plan to use it from friday to monday, mane for a drive out of town but mostly as my transport til monday morning.I think I should be able to keep mileage to around 5-6k per year and hope that if I do not skimp on the original purchase cost and wait for a properly maintained car, that with continuing correct maintenance that it could be a reliable car with reasonable costs.
Edited by jazzdude on Saturday 3rd September 22:25
Gazzab said:
Not sure that your requirements scream Cerb or griff/chimp?
I bought each cerb because my heart defined my requirements.
Of course THAT is the case, it is the main case lets face it for a TVR in the first place. I bought each cerb because my heart defined my requirements.
I thought you wanted to know how I was going to use it (daily driver, track etc)
I went from a Griff 500 to a Cerb 4.2, the difference is chalk and cheese. IMHO the Griff is a classic car, a quick one but it still feels like an older, classic car. The Cerb reacts so much more nimbly in all departments and feels more complete.
The lack of willingness to rev on the RV8 cars makes the Cerb feel like a motorbike, in fact the Cerb is the only car I've been in that comes close to the rush a bike gives you.
I thought I'd miss the RV8 burble and I do a little, but the induction growl and then pops and bangs on the Cerb make me smile like a child.
In Cyprus I'd have thought you need a Cerb just to get A/C if nothing else? I used to cook in the Griff in the sun/
The lack of willingness to rev on the RV8 cars makes the Cerb feel like a motorbike, in fact the Cerb is the only car I've been in that comes close to the rush a bike gives you.
I thought I'd miss the RV8 burble and I do a little, but the induction growl and then pops and bangs on the Cerb make me smile like a child.
In Cyprus I'd have thought you need a Cerb just to get A/C if nothing else? I used to cook in the Griff in the sun/
Gazzab said:
Ok fair enough. What about power, seats, roof, serviceability, running costs, Supercar looks or classic lines, noise, tuneability.... For me my heart says Cerbera, although I bought a chimp in 98 when I wanted a Cerb but the dealer talked me out of it. He was probably right.
Don't need the extra seats, roof off driving is nice here but in summer most drive their convertibles with the roof and ac on, although night time its nice, not interested in tuning as standard its more than adequate for here, servicing might be an issue as there is only one garage here with TVR experience (although a couple of TVR service centres there when asked said that with remote guidance that a competent mechanic here shouldn't have a problem), running costs, regular service consumables ok with that, hoping that correct purchase means I won't need to go into the slush fund I intend to set up too often.Edited by jazzdude on Saturday 3rd September 22:58
Hi - you say you don't need 4 seats/ragtop so I think your choice should be based on:
1.Looks - your own personal taste;
2. Engine noise - to get the best sound from a Cerb you need to be up the rev. range or lifting off, whereas the RV8 sounds great throughout inc. burbling around at low speeds;
3. Serviceability - I think this could steer you away from Cerbs unless you have an AJP knowledgeable source....;
4. Running cost/reserve fund - roughly double on a Cerb compared to RV8.
HTH, Paul.
1.Looks - your own personal taste;
2. Engine noise - to get the best sound from a Cerb you need to be up the rev. range or lifting off, whereas the RV8 sounds great throughout inc. burbling around at low speeds;
3. Serviceability - I think this could steer you away from Cerbs unless you have an AJP knowledgeable source....;
4. Running cost/reserve fund - roughly double on a Cerb compared to RV8.
HTH, Paul.
pjac67 said:
Hi - you say you don't need 4 seats/ragtop so I think your choice should be based on:
1.Looks - your own personal taste;
2. Engine noise - to get the best sound from a Cerb you need to be up the rev. range or lifting off, whereas the RV8 sounds great throughout inc. burbling around at low speeds;
3. Serviceability - I think this could steer you away from Cerbs unless you have an AJP knowledgeable source....;
4. Running cost/reserve fund - roughly double on a Cerb compared to RV8.
HTH, Paul.
Thanks1.Looks - your own personal taste;
2. Engine noise - to get the best sound from a Cerb you need to be up the rev. range or lifting off, whereas the RV8 sounds great throughout inc. burbling around at low speeds;
3. Serviceability - I think this could steer you away from Cerbs unless you have an AJP knowledgeable source....;
4. Running cost/reserve fund - roughly double on a Cerb compared to RV8.
HTH, Paul.
Looking at your profile it shows you have previously owned a Cerb, and now you have a Wedge.
I would be interested in your views on going back to a RV8 car after the Cerb.
The RV8 and AJP are night n day. They are as different as say a BMW straight 6 v's a subaru flat 4.
The RV8 cars feel like brawny classics. The engines are a joy to use for 'point and squirt', the low down torque giving them great 'lazy' driveability.
The AJP is less of a joy round town and for general driveability. It is much racier, needs revving and is much more 'on its toes'.
The RV8 cars feel like brawny classics. The engines are a joy to use for 'point and squirt', the low down torque giving them great 'lazy' driveability.
The AJP is less of a joy round town and for general driveability. It is much racier, needs revving and is much more 'on its toes'.
Gassing Station | Cerbera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff