advice for buying my 1st cerbera
Discussion
Hi i've just joined the forum and looking for a bit of basic advice. I've always fancied owning a cerbera and have been looking recently for something suitable. I spotted a 4.2 on the autotrader pages and basically want to know if it's value for money? If any of you want to check out the ad the car's light blue,price is £11995 and is being sold by Trevor Horn car sales. Any advice would be appreciated or if anyone knows the car or any of the (3) previous owners that would be a great help.
It looks like a lovely Cerb and seems very cheap. When I bought mine recently I took it to a good independant tvr specialist to take as much of the risk out of it as possible. It was for sale with a dealer and he didn't mind me doing this. If the garage won't let you do this perhaps there is a reason for the bargain price.
Good luck,
Ed
Good luck,
Ed
The early 4.2 had a problem in the crank area and I have heard a few tales and seen one or two pictures of cranks stuck through sumps after breaking. Later ones (post 98??) had a thicker crank which seems to cure the problem. There are other threads in here documenting this in more detail which are worth a read. If it has not had a clutch budget for that almost immediately. Any trouble engaging first and reverse means clutch and very soon.
Check for clonks on taking up drive which may indicate worn diff mounting bushes, again this is very likely if it has not had them changed. Check for speedo not working and check chassis close to where exhaust manifolds pass it. The heat burns off the coating and then they can rot.
Wet carpets are a sign of it not being stored under cover, you may or may not care. Uneven tyre wear means possibility of big bills for bent suspension, rear wishbones are prone to this due to extreme power, not horribley expensive but a PITA. If the handbrake works it is in the very small minority, they are crap. Spider alloys are easily bent, worth checking them for runout and wobble.
On a p plate I would say it's there or there abouts price wise if its had all the things done that it needs, bushes, shocks, oil leaks, valve clearances set recently, clutch changed including slave cylinder. If any of these are outstanding you want some money off as you will be putting your hand in your pocket very soon. The twin headlight tuscan style headlight conversion does seem to add value if its done right. Looking around there are a couple more in there including a 4.5 model at 13k that may be worth a look over but not if its on its original engine at 71k. They can last for long mileages between rebuilds but it seems to be the exception not the rule.
Dont be put off by all this, it's just things that need watching out for not a list of everything you can expect to go wrong. I bought one 4 months ago and it has had no problems at all except a clutch which was expected at the mileage and cost me about £600.
Above all if your not sure get it inspected or you may end up with a money pit. A good one is a bit expensive to run but not silly money, a bad one will ruin you very quickly.
Don't rush, look at a few so you know how to compare them.
Jon
Check for clonks on taking up drive which may indicate worn diff mounting bushes, again this is very likely if it has not had them changed. Check for speedo not working and check chassis close to where exhaust manifolds pass it. The heat burns off the coating and then they can rot.
Wet carpets are a sign of it not being stored under cover, you may or may not care. Uneven tyre wear means possibility of big bills for bent suspension, rear wishbones are prone to this due to extreme power, not horribley expensive but a PITA. If the handbrake works it is in the very small minority, they are crap. Spider alloys are easily bent, worth checking them for runout and wobble.
On a p plate I would say it's there or there abouts price wise if its had all the things done that it needs, bushes, shocks, oil leaks, valve clearances set recently, clutch changed including slave cylinder. If any of these are outstanding you want some money off as you will be putting your hand in your pocket very soon. The twin headlight tuscan style headlight conversion does seem to add value if its done right. Looking around there are a couple more in there including a 4.5 model at 13k that may be worth a look over but not if its on its original engine at 71k. They can last for long mileages between rebuilds but it seems to be the exception not the rule.
Dont be put off by all this, it's just things that need watching out for not a list of everything you can expect to go wrong. I bought one 4 months ago and it has had no problems at all except a clutch which was expected at the mileage and cost me about £600.
Above all if your not sure get it inspected or you may end up with a money pit. A good one is a bit expensive to run but not silly money, a bad one will ruin you very quickly.
Don't rush, look at a few so you know how to compare them.
Jon
David, welcome to the forum 
Solid advice already given, and I echo it.
Test drive a few before you commit.
Its a Ferrari/Porsche slayer at the price of a new Ford Focus, so budget for a few grand slush fund in the bank incase of the unexpected. It IS after all a race car for the road.
Good choice
Good luck.
Cad
Solid advice already given, and I echo it.
Test drive a few before you commit.
Its a Ferrari/Porsche slayer at the price of a new Ford Focus, so budget for a few grand slush fund in the bank incase of the unexpected. It IS after all a race car for the road.
Good choice
Good luck.
Cad
RUSSELLM said:
Good advice
However I keep seeing that statement about the early cranks, but in four years snooping on here, I don't reckon there's been more than a handful.
4.2, good choice
That said , the search facility shows four in the last two years. Silvercrb was responsible for half of them though However I keep seeing that statement about the early cranks, but in four years snooping on here, I don't reckon there's been more than a handful.
4.2, good choice
Thanks for the replies guys,its good to hear from people who actually know a bit rather than listening to idiots who just say what another idiot has told them and exaggerate it 10 fold! For the record i've spoke to the guy and can get it cheaper if i buy it straight and he says it has receipts for an engine rebuild 1400 miles ago at a cost of £4500,don't know if that sounds about right and he never went into too much detail about it. Where is the TVR specialist you used Ed? If he was nearby the car i would give him a call.
If it hasnt had at least 2 or 3 grand a year spent on it in the last few years, expect some big bills. unless its been owned by a very handy mechanic who has put a lot of their time into it for free.
i bought mine in june i think, i bought a cheap one (4.2), in those few months i've driven it 4 or 5 times total, mostly to garages getting everything sorted. its currently with apm automotive getting the last of the mechanicals sorted. by the time it comes out of apm at end of month ill have spent total 10k on getting it fixed up. id expect the same of any cerb that hasnt been FULLY looked after, no expense spared. so many people say car has been maintained no expense spared but its rarely the truth. like i say, if i was to buy again, id expect the service history to show at least 2 or 3k a year having been spent on it.
i bought mine in june i think, i bought a cheap one (4.2), in those few months i've driven it 4 or 5 times total, mostly to garages getting everything sorted. its currently with apm automotive getting the last of the mechanicals sorted. by the time it comes out of apm at end of month ill have spent total 10k on getting it fixed up. id expect the same of any cerb that hasnt been FULLY looked after, no expense spared. so many people say car has been maintained no expense spared but its rarely the truth. like i say, if i was to buy again, id expect the service history to show at least 2 or 3k a year having been spent on it.
longbonce said:
Thanks for the replies guys,its good to hear from people who actually know a bit rather than listening to idiots who just say what another idiot has told them and exaggerate it 10 fold! For the record i've spoke to the guy and can get it cheaper if i buy it straight and he says it has receipts for an engine rebuild 1400 miles ago at a cost of £4500,don't know if that sounds about right and he never went into too much detail about it. Where is the TVR specialist you used Ed? If he was nearby the car i would give him a call.
When I bought mine last year it came with receipts showing a very expensive engine rebuild done at Silverstone Performance. Before I handed over the cash I had a conversation with them and they confirmed the work done and that in their opinion the engine was a good un. That clinched it for me. I bought it. All I'm saying - if a good independent did the rebuild they should be able to vouch for the engine
mxi933 said:
longbonce said:
Thanks for the replies guys,its good to hear from people who actually know a bit rather than listening to idiots who just say what another idiot has told them and exaggerate it 10 fold! For the record i've spoke to the guy and can get it cheaper if i buy it straight and he says it has receipts for an engine rebuild 1400 miles ago at a cost of £4500,don't know if that sounds about right and he never went into too much detail about it. Where is the TVR specialist you used Ed? If he was nearby the car i would give him a call.
When I bought mine last year it came with receipts showing a very expensive engine rebuild done at Silverstone Performance. Before I handed over the cash I had a conversation with them and they confirmed the work done and that in their opinion the engine was a good un. That clinched it for me. I bought it. All I'm saying - if a good independent did the rebuild they should be able to vouch for the engine
thought i'd give them a plug
mxi933 said:
longbonce said:
Thanks for the replies guys,its good to hear from people who actually know a bit rather than listening to idiots who just say what another idiot has told them and exaggerate it 10 fold! For the record i've spoke to the guy and can get it cheaper if i buy it straight and he says it has receipts for an engine rebuild 1400 miles ago at a cost of £4500,don't know if that sounds about right and he never went into too much detail about it. Where is the TVR specialist you used Ed? If he was nearby the car i would give him a call.
When I bought mine last year it came with receipts showing a very expensive engine rebuild done at Silverstone Performance. Before I handed over the cash I had a conversation with them and they confirmed the work done and that in their opinion the engine was a good un. That clinched it for me. I bought it. All I'm saying - if a good independent did the rebuild they should be able to vouch for the engine
Good advice. Longbonce, if you can find out who did the work, someone on this forum is gonna give it the thumbsup.
Don't be afraid of an early 4.2. Mine is brilliant and they are slightly quicker than most 4.5s in usual circumstances (other than those with a whirlwind induction setup) IMHO.
So that car.
26K miles is nicely low, 18" wheels are an addition. Some like them, personally I think the 17"'s suit but thats personal taste.
Any stone chips on the front end? If not signs of a respray?
It's got the headlight conversion, added with new wheels makes me think it may have been shunted? Check for Cat D insurance damage?
plenty of photo's at: http://www.trevorhornmotorsales.com/TVR%20Cerbera....
Looks nice, good colour scheme. Look underneath at the chassis, especially in the corners of the outriggers for signs of rust.
It's a good price but it's shouting Cat D to me...
So that car.
26K miles is nicely low, 18" wheels are an addition. Some like them, personally I think the 17"'s suit but thats personal taste.
Any stone chips on the front end? If not signs of a respray?
It's got the headlight conversion, added with new wheels makes me think it may have been shunted? Check for Cat D insurance damage?
plenty of photo's at: http://www.trevorhornmotorsales.com/TVR%20Cerbera....
Looks nice, good colour scheme. Look underneath at the chassis, especially in the corners of the outriggers for signs of rust.
It's a good price but it's shouting Cat D to me...
Be nice if you could get it for £10k, but it's got the latest front lights & wheels, so I guess that's worth an extra premium, I'm presuming that's what attracted you to it
£4500 sounds right for the rebuild, mine's in at the mo, and I've been quoted £3500. I'll guarantee it's closer to your figure by the time my wallet opens
I'm presuming, as it's a dealer, he'll put you 12 months MOT on it.
Usual "haggling" points to help you along.......
Kerbed spiders £50 a corner
Front end spray for stone chips £750
Up coming service, £500 for a 6k, Approx £750 for a 12k
Be nice if you can take cerb owner along with you. Don't rush, try everything electrical, speedo, mirrors, air con. In this weather it will blow cold anyhow, so test it at the end of the test drive when there's loads of hot air under the bonnet.
See if you can get the previous owners details to see how the dealer ended up with it.
If you can't get a cerb owner to go along with you or you don't want to pay for an inspection, some of the helpful people on here may give you their mobby numbers to ring when your at the car. Let me know if you want mine.
Unless your constantly buying sports cars, the first cerb test drive is very exciting and flys by. I saw mine on the guys drive and tried to pass him the money through the letterbox
Edited to add.... Look at all those "be nices"
£4500 sounds right for the rebuild, mine's in at the mo, and I've been quoted £3500. I'll guarantee it's closer to your figure by the time my wallet opens
I'm presuming, as it's a dealer, he'll put you 12 months MOT on it.
Usual "haggling" points to help you along.......
Kerbed spiders £50 a corner
Front end spray for stone chips £750
Up coming service, £500 for a 6k, Approx £750 for a 12k
Be nice if you can take cerb owner along with you. Don't rush, try everything electrical, speedo, mirrors, air con. In this weather it will blow cold anyhow, so test it at the end of the test drive when there's loads of hot air under the bonnet.
See if you can get the previous owners details to see how the dealer ended up with it.
If you can't get a cerb owner to go along with you or you don't want to pay for an inspection, some of the helpful people on here may give you their mobby numbers to ring when your at the car. Let me know if you want mine.
Unless your constantly buying sports cars, the first cerb test drive is very exciting and flys by. I saw mine on the guys drive and tried to pass him the money through the letterbox
Edited to add.... Look at all those "be nices"
Edited by RUSSELLM on Friday 4th January 21:19
Edited by RUSSELLM on Friday 4th January 21:31
Looking at the photos on a tiny monitor. What's the sticker on the right of the rear plate? The wood for the dash & heater controls, is it two different colours ? Carpet on drivers side of transmission tunnel, has it got a green patch.
Further to Bykers post. Worth noting that they've changed the front light but kept the old rear lights. Personally I'd swap them to keep it in date with the fronts.
Further to Bykers post. Worth noting that they've changed the front light but kept the old rear lights. Personally I'd swap them to keep it in date with the fronts.
RUSSELLM said:
Looking at the photos on a tiny monitor. What's the sticker on the right of the rear plate? The wood for the dash & heater controls, is it two different colours ? Carpet on drivers side of transmission tunnel, has it got a green patch.
Further to Bykers post. Worth noting that they've changed the front light but kept the old rear lights. Personally I'd swap them to keep it in date with the fronts.
Sticker on the right of the number plate is TMS.Further to Bykers post. Worth noting that they've changed the front light but kept the old rear lights. Personally I'd swap them to keep it in date with the fronts.
Fooook, I think we've just found the original B19GRR!!!
Speed 12 headlights (Zertec), halfrauds finest white side markers, front number plate not central (thanks TMS!), I feel all emotional like! Dunno about the greeny carpety bit though!If it is my old motor (P903CAY) then it was a corker, cared for by Joolz himself, but obviously I can't say how it has faired in the last 5 years - a long time in Cerbieland. I sold it with 18k on the clock so it's not been too busy on the road considering I put about 10k on it in 2 years with gentle use only
If it's up in Morecombe then isn't that Track V Road place vaguely close to get it checked out at?
Cheers,
Rob
Byker28i said:
Don't be afraid of an early 4.2. Mine is brilliant and they are slightly quicker than most 4.5s in usual circumstances (other than those with a whirlwind induction setup) IMHO.
So that car.
26K miles is nicely low, 18" wheels are an addition. Some like them, personally I think the 17"'s suit but thats personal taste.
Any stone chips on the front end? If not signs of a respray?
It's got the headlight conversion, added with new wheels makes me think it may have been shunted? Check for Cat D insurance damage?
plenty of photo's at: http://www.trevorhornmotorsales.com/TVR%20Cerbera....
Looks nice, good colour scheme. Look underneath at the chassis, especially in the corners of the outriggers for signs of rust.
It's a good price but it's shouting Cat D to me...
BTW if it is my old one then I had the headlight conversion done with a full front end respray because I'm a fashion tart not 'cos it had a crunch So that car.
26K miles is nicely low, 18" wheels are an addition. Some like them, personally I think the 17"'s suit but thats personal taste.
Any stone chips on the front end? If not signs of a respray?
It's got the headlight conversion, added with new wheels makes me think it may have been shunted? Check for Cat D insurance damage?
plenty of photo's at: http://www.trevorhornmotorsales.com/TVR%20Cerbera....
Looks nice, good colour scheme. Look underneath at the chassis, especially in the corners of the outriggers for signs of rust.
It's a good price but it's shouting Cat D to me...
Cheers,
Rob
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