Advice
Author
Discussion

r666

Original Poster:

183 posts

255 months

Monday 18th December 2006
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I am considering getting my first Cerbera. I have had 18 months in my first TVR, a 4.5 Chimaera which has been fantastic, but something just keeps telling me to change!

I know that if I didn’t get the 4.5 I would always wish I had, so despite the price differential, that’s what I think I will go for (notice how I am talking myself into it as I type!)

By way of background, I know I want a post 2000 Lightweight as I prefer the Tuscan Seats and the pod type headlights (smoothed in type look best). I also prefer the final number plate arrangement. A 2003 model is in my price range. I know I should pick a good colour combination with all the extras if possible for re sales (though I hope it doesn’t need to come to that!), and Full SH is vital. I assume later ones are more sorted?

I do have a couple of questions though which despite all my searching through last years topics really didn’t seem to have an answer, so any input would be gratefully received:

1. Red Rose. Is this more trouble than its worth – i.e. is it more prone to problems than the basic 4.5 due to the engine being even more highly tuned (I assume that’s what has been done). Does the red rose have any other changes other than the engine? Does seem neat having a fuel RON button….and I assume its considered the top of the range….

2. Given all the unfortunate news re the factory (yes I was at LT) have TVR prices already taken a hit? Or are they about to? – Specifically Cerberas? I wouldn’t want to spend this sort of money only to find prices tumble over the next few month. Whats the opinion – has it happened, will it happen?

There are a few nice cars (private and trade) on PH at the moment, and via Autotrader at dealers, but they seem to be sticking around a while – though prices have not been dropped while I have been looking for 3 or so months – maybe good time to haggle?

3.Is a bog standard 2003 model a better bet than one a bit older with some mods? I am not to fussed about making lots of changes, though sure that would change when in my possession…. And yes I have budgeted £3k a year just for servicing.

4. Any good or bad stories re particular dealers in the SE or Midlands?

5. Anything to look at in particular with post 2000 cars?

Thanks in advance

gazzab

21,640 posts

311 months

Monday 18th December 2006
quotequote all
I would recommend this one - great spec, colour etc PLUS James Agger has a great reputation. Forget the research. Send a chq to JAmes and get the car delivered.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/118844.htm

jensena

5,671 posts

259 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
gazzab said:
I would recommend this one - great spec, colour etc PLUS James Agger has a great reputation. Forget the research. Send a chq to JAmes and get the car delivered.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/118844.htm


Good Advice - Prices have been tumbling, so who can tell what the future holds. Were all trying to kid ourselves that they will stop, but I dont think so (but hope I'm wrong@
Just remember the Cerbera is a totally different car than the Chimaera, and also the 4.2 is just as quick as the 4.5 (in standard form)

Cyclone1

2,614 posts

275 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
Good advice from both Gazzab and Jensena, although I wouldn't assume that the black 03 Cerb that James Agger has for sale is perfect (although it does look lick and the colour combi is superb, also I wonder where I've seen those types of pics before).

Best advice I can give is to select a few cars from PH, some pre 2000 and some post 2000, some with mods etc, and then make up your mind based on condition, service history, colour combination, owner history and price. I would be surprised if you could find a Cerb that ticks all of your boxes, but you will find one that ticks most of them, and this will be the one. The James Agger car is a beauty without question and it's also one of the later cars so initially will hold it's value better. But as time goes by since the last Cerb rolled off the production line (excluding the recent white one), Condition, Service and Owner History will play a bigger part in dictating Cerb prices than just age.

Best of luck with the search,

Jules.

Mrs_T

1,533 posts

278 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
Rob, if you're free on Thursday December 28th, the Surrey mob will be meeting at The Woolpack Country Inn, Elstead (near Godalming) from 7.30pm onwards. The landlord has a Chim and is very Tiv friendly. As Cerb owners, Steve_T and I have plenty to say on ownership, dealers, indies, etc which is much better dicussed over a pint with the other local Tiv owners. Just a suggestion.
Cheers,
Karen :0)
P.S. Contact me through my profile if you want access to the Surrey TVRCC e-group.
Merry Christmas!

jesfirth

1,743 posts

271 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
Rob, If you are worried about residuals go for a well sorted early cerb as they have already dropped in value. A good 97 car with the right mods will fetch 12-13 i reckon and no mines not for sale! Jes

Scrooloose

888 posts

245 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
All good advice.

Also bear in mind that a lot of the cars in the classifieds have already been sold.

When I was trying to buy one, I called numerous people only to be told that the car had been sold weeks ago.......

Tangoed

924 posts

244 months

Tuesday 19th December 2006
quotequote all
TVR prices have taken a hit but, it's still a buyers market. Good hunting.

r666

Original Poster:

183 posts

255 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
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Thanks everyone who responded with their advice... :thumbup

I will start my search between Christmas and the New Year but certainly won't rush into anything...

Being new to this, does anyone have an opinion as to which colour is fastest?

byker28i

91,597 posts

246 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
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We red owners smile politely but knowingly and just let the Blue owners make the most noise about theirs

big_treacle

1,727 posts

289 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
r666 said:
Being new to this, does anyone have an opinion as to which colour is fastest?


Of course. The rule is they get faster as the colour gets darker.

So black ones are fastest. And even faster with dark alloys

FUBAR

17,065 posts

267 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
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And if you believe those two you'll next tell me Santa isnt real....I mean rolleyes, as if!

HarryW

16,028 posts

298 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
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big_treacle said:
r666 said:
Being new to this, does anyone have an opinion as to which colour is fastest?


Of course. The rule is they get faster as the colour gets darker.

So black ones are fastest. And even faster with dark alloys

A certain Highlands Grey one may put that theory to the test in the new year, its not black but nearly .

trooperiziz

9,457 posts

281 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
byker28i said:
We red owners smile politely but knowingly and just let the Blue owners make the most noise about theirs



Us red owners just need to say the words... speed 12...

r666

Original Poster:

183 posts

255 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
I have had more posts in last hour than over the previous 2 days. Have I struck a cord!? lol

Cyclone1

2,614 posts

275 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
Officially the fastest Cerb is Silver..........readit

But I am sure that there will be plenty of strong challengers at next years Austec 1/4 mile Drag Day.

Jules.

2 sMoKiN bArReLs

32,009 posts

264 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
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scratchchin..but what y'gonna do on a sunny day?

BCA

8,651 posts

286 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
Cyclone1 said:
Officially the fastest Cerb is Silver..........readit

But I am sure that there will be plenty of strong challengers at next years Austec 1/4 mile Drag Day.

Jules.


In a straight line maybe...

Cyclone1

2,614 posts

275 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
BCA said:
Cyclone1 said:
Officially the fastest Cerb is Silver..........readit

But I am sure that there will be plenty of strong challengers at next years Austec 1/4 mile Drag Day.

Jules.


In a straight line maybe...


True.......and there are some very quick ones around that sprint, are they the blue ones then

BCA

8,651 posts

286 months

Wednesday 20th December 2006
quotequote all
Cyclone1 said:
BCA said:
Cyclone1 said:
Officially the fastest Cerb is Silver..........readit

But I am sure that there will be plenty of strong challengers at next years Austec 1/4 mile Drag Day.

Jules.


In a straight line maybe...


True.......and there are some very quick ones around that sprint, are they the blue ones then


*cough* maybe green... that is close-ish to blue?? hehe

Meh, for all weathers (road biased tyres, no sticky stuff)/ maintaining the ability to use it day to day/ get over speed bumps, there is a reasonably quick blue one out there, all things considered.