Cerb alternatives - there are none!
Discussion
With Cerbera's either being too thin on the ground or now out of my price range, I've been looking at an alternative (unless a complete non-runner turns up for less than £8k that I can slowly build up).
Looked at XKRs (new shape), but they are auto only (and no LSD for the 4.2)
Looking at M3s (yawn) and apart from the mass produced saloon based looks, it ticks every other box.. Race inspired V8, 4 seats, rwd, manual box, LSD, but again.. yawn...
M6 - See XKR..
Maserati 4200 - hmmm.. Ferrari V8, seats for the kids.. manual gearbox (albeit rare).. but maybe a bit too dumpy/ugly looking? Probably more wallowy than the XKR too.
OK, so selling my old Rosso Pearl 4.2 was a massive mistake in hindsight, but I just didn't have the space to keep it..
If you had to choose a replacement car for <£20k, what would it be and why? At the moment its looking like it may be the e92 M3 , especially as its guaranteed to increase in value on a long enough timeline being pretty unique as its the only V8 M3. I'm not sure it'll ever feel 'special' though.
Looked at XKRs (new shape), but they are auto only (and no LSD for the 4.2)
Looking at M3s (yawn) and apart from the mass produced saloon based looks, it ticks every other box.. Race inspired V8, 4 seats, rwd, manual box, LSD, but again.. yawn...
M6 - See XKR..
Maserati 4200 - hmmm.. Ferrari V8, seats for the kids.. manual gearbox (albeit rare).. but maybe a bit too dumpy/ugly looking? Probably more wallowy than the XKR too.
OK, so selling my old Rosso Pearl 4.2 was a massive mistake in hindsight, but I just didn't have the space to keep it..
If you had to choose a replacement car for <£20k, what would it be and why? At the moment its looking like it may be the e92 M3 , especially as its guaranteed to increase in value on a long enough timeline being pretty unique as its the only V8 M3. I'm not sure it'll ever feel 'special' though.
Cerbera - if you've £20k they'll be ones around
Blimey just looked - www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=TVR&model...
you could be right - when did they jump that much?
That's like mine, but mine has new everything
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Blimey just looked - www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?make=TVR&model...
you could be right - when did they jump that much?
That's like mine, but mine has new everything
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Edited by Byker28i on Tuesday 9th May 12:17
tejr said:
With Cerbera's either being too thin on the ground or now out of my price range, I've been looking at an alternative (unless a complete non-runner turns up for less than £8k that I can slowly build up).
Looked at XKRs (new shape), but they are auto only (and no LSD for the 4.2)
Looking at M3s (yawn) and apart from the mass produced saloon based looks, it ticks every other box.. Race inspired V8, 4 seats, rwd, manual box, LSD, but again.. yawn...
M6 - See XKR..
Maserati 4200 - hmmm.. Ferrari V8, seats for the kids.. manual gearbox (albeit rare).. but maybe a bit too dumpy/ugly looking? Probably more wallowy than the XKR too.
OK, so selling my old Rosso Pearl 4.2 was a massive mistake in hindsight, but I just didn't have the space to keep it..
If you had to choose a replacement car for <£20k, what would it be and why? At the moment its looking like it may be the e92 M3 , especially as its guaranteed to increase in value on a long enough timeline being pretty unique as its the only V8 M3. I'm not sure it'll ever feel 'special' though.
Surely £20k should get you a Cerbera still?Looked at XKRs (new shape), but they are auto only (and no LSD for the 4.2)
Looking at M3s (yawn) and apart from the mass produced saloon based looks, it ticks every other box.. Race inspired V8, 4 seats, rwd, manual box, LSD, but again.. yawn...
M6 - See XKR..
Maserati 4200 - hmmm.. Ferrari V8, seats for the kids.. manual gearbox (albeit rare).. but maybe a bit too dumpy/ugly looking? Probably more wallowy than the XKR too.
OK, so selling my old Rosso Pearl 4.2 was a massive mistake in hindsight, but I just didn't have the space to keep it..
If you had to choose a replacement car for <£20k, what would it be and why? At the moment its looking like it may be the e92 M3 , especially as its guaranteed to increase in value on a long enough timeline being pretty unique as its the only V8 M3. I'm not sure it'll ever feel 'special' though.
But you are correct, V8/S6 light weight front engine 2+2's are not exactly common.
Totally different cars, but a modded Camaro/Trans Am/Mustang would offer front engine, V8, lots of power & speed and would tick the 'special feeling' box too. But not really the same thing as a TVR.
I guess a nice Lotus Excel or Porsche 924/944 are semi comparable fairly light weight 2+2 sports cars, but neither with the grunt/engine as the TVR.
Hey Tej,
SAME boat here, mate.
Having a problem finding something "new" and am most tempted to come back to a Cerb.
I've looked at a few V8 vantages, but whilst I LOVE the look and being inside the car, it's no sports car. Drives like a heavy / under-powered e46M3 to me. Even the prodrive one I went to look at was just 'normal' to drive.
There are a bunch of t350's about for a bit more, but I love the cerb more I think
As I say, in the same boat and don't know what to do! The only car that I Can start to get excited about at the moment other than a cerb (and I've not driven one), is a 360 spider, but they're 60k+ so hardly a fair comparison.
The one total leftfield thing I did see was a road legal caterham coupe - I forget the model, that must be a hoot to drive, but a bit ugly & mid 20's.
Maybe I should just buy another cerb (or tuscan). I want to try something new, but nothing has gotten under my skin like my old Cerb :-D
SAME boat here, mate.
Having a problem finding something "new" and am most tempted to come back to a Cerb.
I've looked at a few V8 vantages, but whilst I LOVE the look and being inside the car, it's no sports car. Drives like a heavy / under-powered e46M3 to me. Even the prodrive one I went to look at was just 'normal' to drive.
There are a bunch of t350's about for a bit more, but I love the cerb more I think
As I say, in the same boat and don't know what to do! The only car that I Can start to get excited about at the moment other than a cerb (and I've not driven one), is a 360 spider, but they're 60k+ so hardly a fair comparison.
The one total leftfield thing I did see was a road legal caterham coupe - I forget the model, that must be a hoot to drive, but a bit ugly & mid 20's.
Maybe I should just buy another cerb (or tuscan). I want to try something new, but nothing has gotten under my skin like my old Cerb :-D
One of the main issues is that it needs to be a 2+2.. Having 2 boys (albeit very young at the moment) I need my "forever car" to be something I can enjoy with them as they get older.
I could have waited for a V8 vantage to drop in value if 2 seats were enough .. although they seem a little slow, on paper at least. An R8 might be better (looks pretty special inside and out despite being German!), but is 4wd.
911 Carrera S would be a sensible (and again, BORING) choice, but I would want the wider Carerra 4S arches, which only the 4wd cars got.
The other problem is that the harder I look, the more criteria I seem to add on LOL Like a decent 1/4 mile (under 12.5s) & 0-100 time (under 10s).
All roads lead back to a Cerbera. Yet I'm not sure I want another? Or maybe I just don't want to spend £20k+ on one knowing i sold my "baby" for a lot less not so long ago.
I've been tracking Cameros on ebay.. They are cool, but I suspect they might be a bit ropey in the handling department LOL The 4 speed manual and left hook steering are also an off put.
Ferrari 360 is a good shout. I'm vaguely considering financing a car simply because the values are sure to go north. The flaw with that is that I am hoping never to sell, so the appreciating value becomes pointless. If anything, it'll be a liability having something valuable and rare locked up in my garage.
I could have waited for a V8 vantage to drop in value if 2 seats were enough .. although they seem a little slow, on paper at least. An R8 might be better (looks pretty special inside and out despite being German!), but is 4wd.
911 Carrera S would be a sensible (and again, BORING) choice, but I would want the wider Carerra 4S arches, which only the 4wd cars got.
The other problem is that the harder I look, the more criteria I seem to add on LOL Like a decent 1/4 mile (under 12.5s) & 0-100 time (under 10s).
All roads lead back to a Cerbera. Yet I'm not sure I want another? Or maybe I just don't want to spend £20k+ on one knowing i sold my "baby" for a lot less not so long ago.
I've been tracking Cameros on ebay.. They are cool, but I suspect they might be a bit ropey in the handling department LOL The 4 speed manual and left hook steering are also an off put.
Ferrari 360 is a good shout. I'm vaguely considering financing a car simply because the values are sure to go north. The flaw with that is that I am hoping never to sell, so the appreciating value becomes pointless. If anything, it'll be a liability having something valuable and rare locked up in my garage.
What age Camaro's? They haven't had 4 speed manuals since the 1970's.
Handling wise. The 5th gen is fully Independant suspension and very capable. And has been well liked as a drivers car. But there is no denying it's bigger and heavier than the likes of a TVR.
Personally I like LHD. Makes a car feel more special and sense of occasion. And unless you are going to lots of drive-thru's, parking barriers or trying what would be silly over takes in a RHD car. It's not really an issue. It does take a good weekends worth of driving to get used to LHD though. All IMO
Older 4th gen Camaro's and Trans Am's use a live rear axle. But it's a very sorted tri-link setup and double wishbone front independant setup. These are lighter than the 5 Gens but run essentially the same engines and transmissions. They have proven to be capable track and completion cars over the years. Maybe a little more unruly but certainly enjoyable to drive.
Handling wise. The 5th gen is fully Independant suspension and very capable. And has been well liked as a drivers car. But there is no denying it's bigger and heavier than the likes of a TVR.
Personally I like LHD. Makes a car feel more special and sense of occasion. And unless you are going to lots of drive-thru's, parking barriers or trying what would be silly over takes in a RHD car. It's not really an issue. It does take a good weekends worth of driving to get used to LHD though. All IMO
Older 4th gen Camaro's and Trans Am's use a live rear axle. But it's a very sorted tri-link setup and double wishbone front independant setup. These are lighter than the 5 Gens but run essentially the same engines and transmissions. They have proven to be capable track and completion cars over the years. Maybe a little more unruly but certainly enjoyable to drive.
tejr said:
All roads lead back to a Cerbera.
I think you have probably already made up your mind!If you're going to keep the next one you get.. and given the choice of paying out for good one or buying a project and spending the difference to get it right, I'd more than likely get a project.
It would be like getting a new car. With the benefit of already owning one, you know exactly what you want and rescuing a Cerb means you get a blank canvas.
(You could even move the rear seats back a little to make extra legroom)
300bhp/ton said:
What age Camaro's? They haven't had 4 speed manuals since the 1970's.
.............
Yep, those are the ones I am looking at. I don't really care for any other era of American car. Same with the Corvette, I only like the C3 shape. .............
LHD is a major put off, but as you say, for something special/with a sense of occasion it may be a worthwhile compromise.
aide said:
I think you have probably already made up your mind!
If you're going to keep the next one you get.. and given the choice of paying out for good one or buying a project and spending the difference to get it right, I'd more than likely get a project.
It would be like getting a new car. With the benefit of already owning one, you know exactly what you want and rescuing a Cerb means you get a blank canvas.
(You could even move the rear seats back a little to make extra legroom)
How much do dead Cerb's go for these days? I can only really see it being worthwhile if I can grab one at sub £5-6k. That way the overall cost of rebuild (4.7? If you're going to keep the next one you get.. and given the choice of paying out for good one or buying a project and spending the difference to get it right, I'd more than likely get a project.
It would be like getting a new car. With the benefit of already owning one, you know exactly what you want and rescuing a Cerb means you get a blank canvas.
(You could even move the rear seats back a little to make extra legroom)
) and refurb can be spread over a long period. I think we are on the same lines though. Unless I can buy my old one back (which I missed out on just a few weeks ago!!!) The problem with spending £20k+ on a Cerb these days is that they are now the lower end of the market type cars. I'm sure there are some gems, but many are usually in undesirable colours too.
Another thing on current Cerbera values is that many seem to be sat in the classifieds for months without moving - are some really worth 30k+?! Or at they just waiting for the market to catch up.
They don't seem to move fast above 20k IME.
There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
Out of your requirements I would look again at the Maserati 4200 you mentioned. They are really quite under-rated and therefore very good value. As you mentioned OP- Ferrari derived V8, manual gear box is available (but ultra rare) and have that exotic/special feeling that you get from a cerb. Albeit not quite as quick, but then you can enjoy revving out the V8 much more on public roads.
Tread carefully though- they are relatively simple, but you need to find a well cared for example (much like tvr's) they are sensitive to not being looked after properly.
My fathers just bought one, and I've been seriously impressed and surprised. I also wasn't quite sure of the looks but I think it's a car that doesn't photograph well, in the flesh in the right colour (my fathers is a metallic grey) it's lovely, got a styling mix of a bit of Aston, a bit of Ferrari. I have lusted after cerbs for as long as I can remember too. !!
Tread carefully though- they are relatively simple, but you need to find a well cared for example (much like tvr's) they are sensitive to not being looked after properly.
My fathers just bought one, and I've been seriously impressed and surprised. I also wasn't quite sure of the looks but I think it's a car that doesn't photograph well, in the flesh in the right colour (my fathers is a metallic grey) it's lovely, got a styling mix of a bit of Aston, a bit of Ferrari. I have lusted after cerbs for as long as I can remember too. !!
Edited by burpface on Wednesday 10th May 08:54
stuthe
said:
said: They don't seem to move fast above 20k IME.
There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
Loving this - it makes all the work/costs on mine over the last 3 years worthwhile (and shuts the missus up)There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
stuthe said:
said: They don't seem to move fast above 20k IME.
There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
If I buy a cheap one I kinda want one with an effed engine so I have the option of either selling it and going LS (sorry!) or rebuilding it eventually to a 4.7 (which I've always wanted). Obviously the total cost will spiral way beyond £20k, but done over time it will be worth it in the long run. I'm not sure I can stomach spending 25k on 'someone elses' Cerb - if that makes sense? I always found that the Cerbera had an almost animal like quality to ownership. Almost like owning a horse. I'd love to build it (or atleast pay someone to build it for me!) from the ground up and really make it mine. There is a working 4.2 in silver on eBay for 13k, a respray from boring silver and you'd have change from 20k easily and fresh paint! Slippery slope thoufh, cos retrim, headlamp conversion almost certainly chassis painting etc... And you're north of 20k for a very nicely refurbished cerb assuming no engine work.
But a fully sorted (paint/chassis/engine) cerb is worth the 25k it would stand you in IMO.
burpface said:
Out of your requirements I would look again at the Maserati 4200 you mentioned. They are really quite under-rated and therefore very good value. As you mentioned OP- Ferrari derived V8, manual gear box is available (but ultra rare) and have that exotic/special feeling that you get from a cerb. Albeit not quite as quick, but then you can enjoy revving out the V8 much more on public roads.
Tread carefully though- they are relatively simple, but you need to find a well cared for example (much like tvr's) they are sensitive to not being looked after properly.
My fathers just bought one, and I've been seriously impressed and surprised. I also wasn't quite sure of the looks but I think it's a car that doesn't photograph well, in the flesh in the right colour (my fathers is a metallic grey) it's lovely, got a styling mix of a bit of Aston, a bit of Ferrari. I have lusted after cerbs for as long as I can remember too. !!
What is the maintenance like? I just see big bills for cambelt services and other things.. I'm sure on a previous google I saw someone say they spent £7k on their first service LOL (although they did exagerate it a bit because I think that included some repair work/respraying). Tread carefully though- they are relatively simple, but you need to find a well cared for example (much like tvr's) they are sensitive to not being looked after properly.
My fathers just bought one, and I've been seriously impressed and surprised. I also wasn't quite sure of the looks but I think it's a car that doesn't photograph well, in the flesh in the right colour (my fathers is a metallic grey) it's lovely, got a styling mix of a bit of Aston, a bit of Ferrari. I have lusted after cerbs for as long as I can remember too. !!
Edited by burpface on Wednesday 10th May 08:54
The only 2 cars that scare me more than a Cerbera when it comes to maintenance are the Maserati and the V10 M5 (although the latter is not too dissimilar to the M3, minus the bulls
t SMG gearbox).mike_e said:
C63 AMG? Loads around sub 20k.
Auto only.. And just as boring to look at as an M3 tbh... I know that I will miss looking out of the side view mirror with no 'hips' to look at. I love how proper coupe's have hunched over wide rear arches. Its something you don't get on saloon based coups. Maserati, hmmmm...
Just bought a Ghibli for Mrs fatjon. 9k miles on the clock and quite easy on the eye, the car that is. She had it 3 days before it went into limp mode. It's now gone away on a low loader to the dealer with a failed EGT sensor, blocked CAT, duff throttle sensor and 4 safety recalls to do. I'm getting a bad feeling about it. That little voice was saying "you really don't want to do this" as I was paying for it. Maybe I should have listened.
Just bought a Ghibli for Mrs fatjon. 9k miles on the clock and quite easy on the eye, the car that is. She had it 3 days before it went into limp mode. It's now gone away on a low loader to the dealer with a failed EGT sensor, blocked CAT, duff throttle sensor and 4 safety recalls to do. I'm getting a bad feeling about it. That little voice was saying "you really don't want to do this" as I was paying for it. Maybe I should have listened.
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