Cerbera or Elise S2?
Discussion
I need some help in deciding which car to buy next.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
Cerbs are amazing machines & I'd recommend them to anyone who know's what they're getting in to. Work out all your running costs & an emergency fund. If you can afford it then go for it.
But do your sums first or you might get burned.
Remember that leaving these cars to use just for a nice day is a recipe for problems & possibly a false economy if you're looking at avoiding spending too much on fuel, servicing, tyres & all the rest.
Buy on condition not mileage. After the cost of purchase, you're looking at maybe 600+ (probably more like a grand) for a service + things they discover need doing every 6k miles (or 6 months is it?) + group 20 insurance & tax per year + 300 for 2 rear tyres from time to time depending on how heavy your foot is + 2-3k things breaking fund per year + all the petrol in the world
Dunno the score with an Elise.
But do your sums first or you might get burned.
Remember that leaving these cars to use just for a nice day is a recipe for problems & possibly a false economy if you're looking at avoiding spending too much on fuel, servicing, tyres & all the rest.
Buy on condition not mileage. After the cost of purchase, you're looking at maybe 600+ (probably more like a grand) for a service + things they discover need doing every 6k miles (or 6 months is it?) + group 20 insurance & tax per year + 300 for 2 rear tyres from time to time depending on how heavy your foot is + 2-3k things breaking fund per year + all the petrol in the world
Dunno the score with an Elise.
Philip,
You might find that the insurance is the deciding factor.
I'm guessing you haven't had any past experience of performance cars, and that as you're at university you're still quite young. You'll possibly find that many of the insurance companies won't 'touch you', and those that do quote will be quite expensive.
Neil.
You might find that the insurance is the deciding factor.
I'm guessing you haven't had any past experience of performance cars, and that as you're at university you're still quite young. You'll possibly find that many of the insurance companies won't 'touch you', and those that do quote will be quite expensive.
Neil.
philiphunter said:
I need some help in deciding which car to buy next.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
i'm in a similar boat to you agewise and i guess funds wise. really, you and I would both be lunatics for buying a cerb without a very solid regular income and an understanding partner/family. i've come to the slightly inconclusive conclusion that i'd be mad to buy one but i still might... i've always been willing to ride my luck a bit and the fact that i'd own such a beautiful car would force me to get a decent job ASAP. i mean the cerb is my number one car (aside from a jet black 575M) and i'd be prepared to keep it in great condition.
i'd definitely get one with a warranty. so buy from a dealer for peace of mind. it may save you a few quid in the short term at least. things like clutches can be near a grand to change so be prepared for large bills if your warranty doesn't cover everything.
the cerb, like no other TVR really (aside from the tuscan), can trap you because they are so tempting yet they can punish you for not resisting that temptation. with all great things, to achieve them you often have to make big sacrifices and compromises.
i just get that horrible feeling that if i plumped for an S2000, a boxster or an elise, perhaps i'd regret it too much...
Edited by g-boy on Thursday 10th August 12:14
Haha, yeah I guess you could ride your luck & go with, 'sod it, i'll get one and hope for the best'.
Personally, I'd hate to buy a car that I really liked the look of & find that within a month I couldn't afford to run it!
If I were you I'd either:
a). Have a reality check. Do your sums. If good, go test driving...
b). Get an income. Reconsider your position re. buying & running Cerb.
c). Be reckless, get Cerb, get on the online poker.
Personally, I'd hate to buy a car that I really liked the look of & find that within a month I couldn't afford to run it!
If I were you I'd either:
a). Have a reality check. Do your sums. If good, go test driving...
b). Get an income. Reconsider your position re. buying & running Cerb.
c). Be reckless, get Cerb, get on the online poker.
Not sure that you would get much of a cerb for that budget, and would certainly need a few grand in your back pocket each year for maintenance. If you can afford that, they go for it and you will no doubt love it. You may get lucky and not need to shell out anything. But if your savings will be dry after spending 13k I would stay away as it may end in tears.
You would probably only get the most basic S2 for that as well with 120bhp.
Two very very different cars, in every way.
But if you may be on a budget the S2 would still be tons of fun and is a very capable car and will still bring lots of smiles!
Or if you want a TVR you could look at an S series or an early Chimaera. Should get a nice one for your money and upkeep will be less. Still probably more than an Elise though.
You would probably only get the most basic S2 for that as well with 120bhp.
Two very very different cars, in every way.
But if you may be on a budget the S2 would still be tons of fun and is a very capable car and will still bring lots of smiles!
Or if you want a TVR you could look at an S series or an early Chimaera. Should get a nice one for your money and upkeep will be less. Still probably more than an Elise though.
Edited by aaandy on Thursday 10th August 12:29
Edited by aaandy on Thursday 10th August 12:30
Don't buy from a dealer, instead buy a good car privately with an inspection from a trusted independent. Keep the £3-4k you save for a slush fund for the 'surprises' your car will present you from time to time. If you aren't in the position to operate in this way, I'd suggest the Cerb is not for you yet. The Elise and Cerb are chalk and cheese where running costs are concerned. Just because they're cheap to buy it does not mean they're cheap to own.
Steve.
i'm in a similar boat to you agewise and i guess funds wise. really, you and I would both be lunatics for buying a cerb without a very solid regular income and an understanding partner/family. i've come to the slightly inconclusive conclusion that i'd be mad to buy one but i still might... i've always been willing to ride my luck a bit and the fact that i'd own such a beautiful car would force me to get a decent job ASAP. i mean the cerb is my number one car (aside from a jet black 575M) and i'd be prepared to keep it in great condition.
i'd definitely get one with a warranty. so buy from a dealer for peace of mind. it may save you a few quid in the short term at least. things like clutches can be near a grand to change so be prepared for large bills if your warranty doesn't cover everything.
the cerb, like no other TVR really (aside from the tuscan), can trap you because they are so tempting yet they can punish you for not resisting that temptation. with all great things, to achieve them you often have to make big sacrifices and compromises.
i just get that horrible feeling that if i plumped for an S2000, a boxster or an elise, perhaps i'd regret it too much...
Steve.
g-boy said:
philiphunter said:
I need some help in deciding which car to buy next.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
I currently drive a boring Escort estate as I have been at University for the past 3 years.
I have come into some money and decided to spend upto £13,000 on a 'less-boring' car.
I really love the TVR Cerbera as it is basically a Supercar that I could afford to buy, but I also find the S2 Lotus Elise appealing.
If I bought the TVR I would keep it in the garage until a fine day arose, then I would take it for a spin around the countryside. Whereas if I bought the Elise S2 I would use it daily to travel to and from University.
The thing that puts me off the TVR are all the horror stories of breakdowns, and £8000 engine rebuilds.
There again, there are some Elises out there that seem to blow their core's too.
At this price I can afford to run a daily drive and have the TVR or just buy the elise.
One of my main objectives is to lose as little of my initial spend as possible (i.e. If I spend £10,000 on a car I'd like to have a good idea that I would get most of that back if I sold it in a few years time).
Can anyone give some sound advise about these two (very different) cars, and perhaps offer any thoughts that aren't obvious to me?
Cheers.
i'm in a similar boat to you agewise and i guess funds wise. really, you and I would both be lunatics for buying a cerb without a very solid regular income and an understanding partner/family. i've come to the slightly inconclusive conclusion that i'd be mad to buy one but i still might... i've always been willing to ride my luck a bit and the fact that i'd own such a beautiful car would force me to get a decent job ASAP. i mean the cerb is my number one car (aside from a jet black 575M) and i'd be prepared to keep it in great condition.
i'd definitely get one with a warranty. so buy from a dealer for peace of mind. it may save you a few quid in the short term at least. things like clutches can be near a grand to change so be prepared for large bills if your warranty doesn't cover everything.
the cerb, like no other TVR really (aside from the tuscan), can trap you because they are so tempting yet they can punish you for not resisting that temptation. with all great things, to achieve them you often have to make big sacrifices and compromises.
i just get that horrible feeling that if i plumped for an S2000, a boxster or an elise, perhaps i'd regret it too much...
Edited by g-boy on Thursday 10th August 12:14
When I bought my 4.2 cerb I made the same comparison (Elise/Cerb).
Test drove a few other cars in the price bracket up to 17k as an absolute maximum, including Porsche 911 (964) with RS spec suspension, Series 1 E-type and Elise 2 and I must say the Cerbera had the greatest wow factor by a long shot.
Must admit the Elise, although only the 135 bhp model was a lot more impressive than I imagined it would be, the guy at bell & Colville gave it some severe stick and the level of handling was a revelation, probably beyond that of the Cerb.
When it came to test drive of the Cerbera I felt a little intimidated by the cockpit layout, seemed a little too snug, but as soon as I set off I knew this was the one for me, such a dramatic car to drive always feels exotic!
Would say however that you have to be realistic about how much it will cost to run, there can be problems, good independent will save you fair bit of money and usually do far better job, also helps if you are fairly practical person with some mechanical ability as quite few smaller problems are easily fixable.
Elise would probably be a less of a risk financialy and better bet for every day use, not saying you couldn’t use the Cerb every day, but what’s the point? its a bit of a waste driving anything with supercar performance in the UK rush hour.
Test drove a few other cars in the price bracket up to 17k as an absolute maximum, including Porsche 911 (964) with RS spec suspension, Series 1 E-type and Elise 2 and I must say the Cerbera had the greatest wow factor by a long shot.
Must admit the Elise, although only the 135 bhp model was a lot more impressive than I imagined it would be, the guy at bell & Colville gave it some severe stick and the level of handling was a revelation, probably beyond that of the Cerb.
When it came to test drive of the Cerbera I felt a little intimidated by the cockpit layout, seemed a little too snug, but as soon as I set off I knew this was the one for me, such a dramatic car to drive always feels exotic!
Would say however that you have to be realistic about how much it will cost to run, there can be problems, good independent will save you fair bit of money and usually do far better job, also helps if you are fairly practical person with some mechanical ability as quite few smaller problems are easily fixable.
Elise would probably be a less of a risk financialy and better bet for every day use, not saying you couldn’t use the Cerb every day, but what’s the point? its a bit of a waste driving anything with supercar performance in the UK rush hour.
Edited by spartacus on Thursday 10th August 14:02
Edited by spartacus on Thursday 10th August 14:03
[wise grand-dad mode on]Costs aside, is it wise to go from Escort to TVR at such a tender age? TVRs bite, big time. If you do buy one, please be very careful until you get to know the car [/wise grand-dad mode off].
Don't let me put you off buying, just think carefully about what you're doing. BTW had an Elise and they're superb little motors, different league to Cerb, but muchos fun nonetheless. Happy hunting
Don't let me put you off buying, just think carefully about what you're doing. BTW had an Elise and they're superb little motors, different league to Cerb, but muchos fun nonetheless. Happy hunting
Both cars a very good in their own way and to be honest it has to be your gut instinct that tells you the car that you want… All of the above comments are very wise and not to be taken lightly at all, so there is no point in repeating what has been said.
A few years ago before I had a cerb a friend brought his to show me along with a lotus and to be honest the Elise looked like a toy compared to the cerb. I looked at buying a lotus a few years ago but the draw of the cerb I always wanted made my mind up.
Buy the car you want and can afford to run & maintain and if its not the cerb you buy then I am sure it will be the car you one day buy.
A few years ago before I had a cerb a friend brought his to show me along with a lotus and to be honest the Elise looked like a toy compared to the cerb. I looked at buying a lotus a few years ago but the draw of the cerb I always wanted made my mind up.
Buy the car you want and can afford to run & maintain and if its not the cerb you buy then I am sure it will be the car you one day buy.
In the process of selling my Elise 111S to gather the cash for a Tuscan!
Have enjoyed the elise for the past 18mths, theres nothing quite like it on the road for handling and cornering speed! I've used mine all year round without any problems! Serviceing is pretty cheap so overall runnig cost if you get a good one V Low!
Looking forward to finding the right Tuscan for me..... Its a completely different beast to live with im sure!!!!
I think whichever you decide on you won't regret it!
Have enjoyed the elise for the past 18mths, theres nothing quite like it on the road for handling and cornering speed! I've used mine all year round without any problems! Serviceing is pretty cheap so overall runnig cost if you get a good one V Low!
Looking forward to finding the right Tuscan for me..... Its a completely different beast to live with im sure!!!!
I think whichever you decide on you won't regret it!
In a slightly different situation myself, but am considering similar options.
Due to being awarded a reasonable payrise, I'm now contemplating quick cars. Obviously a cerbera is top of the list.
Couple of questions though.
1) Is a Cerbera a viable daily driver?
2) I realise that the costs for running them varies due to what breaks, but is say £3k a year a reasonable estimate for servicing?
Due to being awarded a reasonable payrise, I'm now contemplating quick cars. Obviously a cerbera is top of the list.
Couple of questions though.
1) Is a Cerbera a viable daily driver?
2) I realise that the costs for running them varies due to what breaks, but is say £3k a year a reasonable estimate for servicing?
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