Is a Cerbera for me ?
Discussion
I`m thinking of a Cerbera - please see
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=355337&f=23&h=0
Any views from the TVR camp ?
How good are they on track ? Reliable enough to drive to / from a track day ?
Are any mods suggested for track - suspension / brakes etc.
Of all the options - for the money the Cerbera looks a bargain.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=355337&f=23&h=0
Any views from the TVR camp ?
How good are they on track ? Reliable enough to drive to / from a track day ?
Are any mods suggested for track - suspension / brakes etc.
Of all the options - for the money the Cerbera looks a bargain.
I would have to second what BCA said - yes they're cheap to buy, but not to run, especially for lots of short trips. I think you'd find the power and handling a bit of a shock after a 911. Very VERY different sorts of cars. One is an everyday sportscar, the other a supercar.
On the otherhand, if you're game for it, there's nothing quite like it! You'll love the size of the boot for kiddie paraphenalia too!
On the otherhand, if you're game for it, there's nothing quite like it! You'll love the size of the boot for kiddie paraphenalia too!
SuperSportBilly said:
I`m thinking of a Cerbera - please see
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=355337&f=23&h=0
Any views from the TVR camp ?
How good are they on track ? Reliable enough to drive to / from a track day ?
Are any mods suggested for track - suspension / brakes etc.
Of all the options - for the money the Cerbera looks a bargain.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=355337&f=23&h=0
Any views from the TVR camp ?
How good are they on track ? Reliable enough to drive to / from a track day ?
Are any mods suggested for track - suspension / brakes etc.
Of all the options - for the money the Cerbera looks a bargain.
you're thinking, you've got the itch, you've gotta scratch.
Otherwise it'll always be "What if?".
Hi,
Cerb isnt very good for short journeys, it wont even be warmed up by the time you hit work--so spirited driving will be a no no. Wheras the porsche doesnt cost much to run but costs you £500+ a month with its loan the Cerb will be other other way round-- wont cost much in a loan per month but will cost a lot more to keep on the road.
the porsche is very refined and smooth wheras the cerb is a handful in traffic, relitively to the porsche its uncomfortable, noisey and cries OMG look at ME!!! both in looks and sound.
I would have suggested the M3CSL but with the new shape about to come out you will be throwing money away in depreciation..so if your going that route either get the new shape or wait until the older one depreciates.
Dont get me wrong the Cerb is somthing special, just drive one and you will almost wee your pants when you start it up for the first time, but its not easy to live with and IMO i would never ever have one as my only car as it would 'do my head in'
E55AMG ?
Cerb isnt very good for short journeys, it wont even be warmed up by the time you hit work--so spirited driving will be a no no. Wheras the porsche doesnt cost much to run but costs you £500+ a month with its loan the Cerb will be other other way round-- wont cost much in a loan per month but will cost a lot more to keep on the road.
the porsche is very refined and smooth wheras the cerb is a handful in traffic, relitively to the porsche its uncomfortable, noisey and cries OMG look at ME!!! both in looks and sound.
I would have suggested the M3CSL but with the new shape about to come out you will be throwing money away in depreciation..so if your going that route either get the new shape or wait until the older one depreciates.
Dont get me wrong the Cerb is somthing special, just drive one and you will almost wee your pants when you start it up for the first time, but its not easy to live with and IMO i would never ever have one as my only car as it would 'do my head in'
E55AMG ?
Edited by Garethgtt on Monday 12th February 15:42
I currently own a 996tt, but am in pretty much the same situation (first born now 5 weeks old). I am sorry guys, but I have to disagree with some of the comments before.
I had a 4.2 Cerb (which was my only car at the time) and I used it without TOO MUCH hassle for 12 months. I then changed to a Tuscan S and had all sorts of niggles/problems - hence got pi**ed off and went for a Porsche.
Back to the Cerb .... Other than a shock absorber collapsing, a new radiator (stone hit it hard causing leak) a set of Spiders (vanity), a new starter motor etc I never had real major problems with the Cerb. Put it this way, I look back with fond memories, rather than breaking into a sweat when I think of the tuscan.
I used to do daily runs from 5 miles each way to one office, to 40 miles each way to the other. Yes you do have to warm it up properly, but your 5 miles will soon turn into double that as you'll always find yourself going the long way round !!!
As for parts .... the TVR parts are noticeably cheaper than a 911 (Based on my personal experience of owning both marques). Thing is, you are more likely to need more replacement parts on the TVR as reliability and robustness are not words which I would associate with the detailed design of parts and compoents used. The car is likely to be at the dealership a few more times than the service schedule dictates.
Having said all this, the Cerbera is a 'driving experience' where as the Porsche is not so much so. Yes a 911 is a fantastic car, better designed, better spec'd, better built, faster (from A to B, not straight line), better handling etc etc .... but that's all too German.
It's your dilema, but don't think the Cerb is a horror story waiting to happen.
The V8 Engines are far more reliable and robust than the Speed 6 (again IMO).
You will love the sound, the drive etc ... you have to work the car when driving it, rather than being a passenger moving your arms and feet.
Baed on what I found, I'd say that even though you are not doing "good run's", using the car every day will be better for it (and your driving ability) than doing more miles on a Sunday only.
(Only a suggestion, but if you do use the car every day, it will loose some of that 'special-ness' as I found out).
Good luck which ever you way you go.
(And I am considering getting another Cerb, for my weekend toy)
I had a 4.2 Cerb (which was my only car at the time) and I used it without TOO MUCH hassle for 12 months. I then changed to a Tuscan S and had all sorts of niggles/problems - hence got pi**ed off and went for a Porsche.
Back to the Cerb .... Other than a shock absorber collapsing, a new radiator (stone hit it hard causing leak) a set of Spiders (vanity), a new starter motor etc I never had real major problems with the Cerb. Put it this way, I look back with fond memories, rather than breaking into a sweat when I think of the tuscan.
I used to do daily runs from 5 miles each way to one office, to 40 miles each way to the other. Yes you do have to warm it up properly, but your 5 miles will soon turn into double that as you'll always find yourself going the long way round !!!
As for parts .... the TVR parts are noticeably cheaper than a 911 (Based on my personal experience of owning both marques). Thing is, you are more likely to need more replacement parts on the TVR as reliability and robustness are not words which I would associate with the detailed design of parts and compoents used. The car is likely to be at the dealership a few more times than the service schedule dictates.
Having said all this, the Cerbera is a 'driving experience' where as the Porsche is not so much so. Yes a 911 is a fantastic car, better designed, better spec'd, better built, faster (from A to B, not straight line), better handling etc etc .... but that's all too German.
It's your dilema, but don't think the Cerb is a horror story waiting to happen.
The V8 Engines are far more reliable and robust than the Speed 6 (again IMO).
You will love the sound, the drive etc ... you have to work the car when driving it, rather than being a passenger moving your arms and feet.
Baed on what I found, I'd say that even though you are not doing "good run's", using the car every day will be better for it (and your driving ability) than doing more miles on a Sunday only.
(Only a suggestion, but if you do use the car every day, it will loose some of that 'special-ness' as I found out).
Good luck which ever you way you go.
(And I am considering getting another Cerb, for my weekend toy)
Since buying mine, we've been inviting people round for dinner just so I have the excuse to take them out for a spin in it. We didn't think we had that many friends until we scoured our address books. I'm tempted to see what the postman is doing on Sunday afternoon now.
Seriously, I look for any excuse to take the Cerb now. Fab car. Scares th bejeezus out of me every time too, whether it's simply because it arrived at a corner far faster than I thought possible, or simply because I've looked at the speedo and felt my driving licence wilt.
Everyday car? Well, I wouldn't. I like to be able to park my innocuous heap of rubbish without fear of it being scratched or stolen but I can certainly use it for work where we have secure parking.
Seriously, I look for any excuse to take the Cerb now. Fab car. Scares th bejeezus out of me every time too, whether it's simply because it arrived at a corner far faster than I thought possible, or simply because I've looked at the speedo and felt my driving licence wilt.
Everyday car? Well, I wouldn't. I like to be able to park my innocuous heap of rubbish without fear of it being scratched or stolen but I can certainly use it for work where we have secure parking.
Garethgtt said:
the porsche is very refined and smooth wheras the cerb is a handful in traffic, relitively to the porsche its uncomfortable, noisey and cries OMG look at ME!!! both in looks and sound.
Actually I don't find the Cerbera a handful in traffic at all. I was worried about London Thunder but actually 3-4 hours of clutch work in heavy traffic wasn't too bad.
What I find hard in traffic is the toe and foot hurting on the clutch leg! I find I use the toes to push the clutch rather than the full foot. Can get quite uncomfortable. It is important (for me) to have the right shoes on eg a pair of trainers with soles that arent too thin and not too thick and maybe with a heel/sole that continues up the rear of the trainer. Ultimately my heart sinks when I see a traffic jam, I stare at the water temp and wait for my foot to hurt!
gazzab said:
What I find hard in traffic is the toe and foot hurting on the clutch leg! I find I use the toes to push the clutch rather than the full foot. Can get quite uncomfortable. It is important (for me) to have the right shoes on eg a pair of trainers with soles that arent too thin and not too thick and maybe with a heel/sole that continues up the rear of the trainer. Ultimately my heart sinks when I see a traffic jam, I stare at the water temp and wait for my foot to hurt!
Just out of interest - have you looked at your clutch pedal? I sort of found this when I got the car and it was because my foot was against the tunnel, so I didn't have a full contact of my foot on the pedal.
The pedals are adjustable by winding them in and out. What I found was the clutch pedal adjustment on mine was offset so that one extra half turn moved the pedel to the right by over an inch, meaning my foot was fully on the pedal and very comfortable.
Might be worth a look?
Thanks everyone - mixed views though.
Shows people use their cars in different ways and have differing tolerances / expectations.
Not sure I`m any further forward.
Would it be asking too much to use the car on track regularly ?
I`m getting the message to expect maintenace costs for normal use and presumably this is multiplied by track use given the much harder stresses on the car.
GarethTT - was thinking about the m3CSl - seems to have already taken a pasting in depreciation and has settled over the last year at £30-35K - a great car - have been impressed with them at track days. BUT would eat tyres and brakes & is it special enough given it would still cost me £400+ per month plus warranty plus servicing.
Hence looking at Cerbera as something a little different. Also considered a T350 but only a two seater - really needs to be at least a 2+2 for the weekend. Tending towards a practical / tow car and a track car (Caterham or 205 Mi16) but then no special family car for days out / weekends away etc.
Shows people use their cars in different ways and have differing tolerances / expectations.
Not sure I`m any further forward.
Would it be asking too much to use the car on track regularly ?
I`m getting the message to expect maintenace costs for normal use and presumably this is multiplied by track use given the much harder stresses on the car.
GarethTT - was thinking about the m3CSl - seems to have already taken a pasting in depreciation and has settled over the last year at £30-35K - a great car - have been impressed with them at track days. BUT would eat tyres and brakes & is it special enough given it would still cost me £400+ per month plus warranty plus servicing.
Hence looking at Cerbera as something a little different. Also considered a T350 but only a two seater - really needs to be at least a 2+2 for the weekend. Tending towards a practical / tow car and a track car (Caterham or 205 Mi16) but then no special family car for days out / weekends away etc.
Karl, the Cerb's a great car and everyone with a bit of petrol in their veins should own one at least once. It is a car with a unique character that delivers it's performance with a drama I've yet to experience in any other car.
Sure they have their quirks, buy as good, (newer tend to have less niggles), as you can afford and make sure you get a check up by a pro, there are a lot of not so good ones out there so I'm told.
But buy one - you can always sell it if it's not for you and I can't see prices getting much lower!
Edited to add I drive a couple of miles to my business and back most days in mine, usually let it warm for five minutes before setting off and go for a 'decent' distance a couple of times a week. Had it two and a half years and only routine repairs.
Sure they have their quirks, buy as good, (newer tend to have less niggles), as you can afford and make sure you get a check up by a pro, there are a lot of not so good ones out there so I'm told.
But buy one - you can always sell it if it's not for you and I can't see prices getting much lower!
Edited to add I drive a couple of miles to my business and back most days in mine, usually let it warm for five minutes before setting off and go for a 'decent' distance a couple of times a week. Had it two and a half years and only routine repairs.
Edited by micky g on Tuesday 13th February 02:25
Supersportbilly - I think the mixed reviews and opinios that you are getting could be explained because there are different types of Cerb owners. They used to be a £50k supercar, so people with money bought them. Now there are people (like me) who could never afford a £50k car, but suddenly found that a decent Cerb could be bought for the price of a new Ford Focus. Costs are a big factor for me, but I spend what needs doing because I am on my own and have no wifw to answer too "You've spent how much on it ?? I could have had a new kitchen for that!".
But if you are considering cars in the £35-£40 bracket, ten I would say without hesitation go and buy a Cerb, you can get really well sorted early ones nowadays from as little as around £11k, that would leave you with about £25k to spend - it will cost you no where near that to run it - Don't hesitate, go and buy one today.
But if you are considering cars in the £35-£40 bracket, ten I would say without hesitation go and buy a Cerb, you can get really well sorted early ones nowadays from as little as around £11k, that would leave you with about £25k to spend - it will cost you no where near that to run it - Don't hesitate, go and buy one today.
jensena said:
Supersportbilly - I think the mixed reviews and opinios that you are getting could be explained because there are different types of Cerb owners. They used to be a £50k supercar, so people with money bought them. Now there are people (like me) who could never afford a £50k car, but suddenly found that a decent Cerb could be bought for the price of a new Ford Focus. Costs are a big factor for me, but I spend what needs doing because I am on my own and have no wifw to answer too "You've spent how much on it ?? I could have had a new kitchen for that!".
But if you are considering cars in the £35-£40 bracket, ten I would say without hesitation go and buy a Cerb, you can get really well sorted early ones nowadays from as little as around £11k, that would leave you with about £25k to spend - it will cost you no where near that to run it - Don't hesitate, go and buy one today.
But if you are considering cars in the £35-£40 bracket, ten I would say without hesitation go and buy a Cerb, you can get really well sorted early ones nowadays from as little as around £11k, that would leave you with about £25k to spend - it will cost you no where near that to run it - Don't hesitate, go and buy one today.
Actually yeah bollox to it all i agree with you
supersportbilly-cerbs are great on the track-there are very few cars that can keep up with a well set up cerb. I dont use mine day to day but drive it to and from tracks and use it heavily on track days and sprints. Sure it breaks sometimes but the V8 engines, gearboxes and diffs are pretty tough. I have never had a gearbox or diff failure and mine has done 10,000 miles to and from and on tracks.
I can fit all 3 of my kids in ages 13, 11 and 8 and still get the tool kit etc in the boot so it usable with the family (except for my wife cos she wont go in it, as she is terrified of the acceleration)
My inclination would be to buy a properly sorted one with adjustable suspension and ignore the age of the car if you want to do trackdays.
I can fit all 3 of my kids in ages 13, 11 and 8 and still get the tool kit etc in the boot so it usable with the family (except for my wife cos she wont go in it, as she is terrified of the acceleration)
My inclination would be to buy a properly sorted one with adjustable suspension and ignore the age of the car if you want to do trackdays.
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