Should I shouldn't I - TVR v M3

[Mags]

7 years here and never been garaged. No problems and Andy at APM always tells me how nice the chassis is still looking although it is a 2004 car.
It's covered with a Covercraft Noah cover and it hasn't damaged the paint. I try to use it all weathers every couple of weeks to make sure it gets used.

Everyone's experience is different, I have never been let down by the Cerb, other than servicing I've had to replace the manifold for cracking (replaced the full exhaust) F&R brake discs, handbrake cable and fuel lines that I can remember.
My comparably slightly more modern 2007 V10 M5 which I've owned for 2 years has broken down on more than 1 occasion, cost thousands in servicing and repairs (thankfully mostly via warranty which is expensive on its own) and is not as quick or exciting as the Cerb. An oil service cost me £451 a few weeks ago! Prices on many M car parts are obscene, a set of M5 brake discs from BMW was around £2k not so long ago (although I believe the t'internet has found better deals now) One guy on here had his engine replaced at a cost of over £20k.
Don't get me wrong, I love the M5, it is an incredible sleeper (It's an estate too, people faces when I just f*** off is lovely) but comparing the Cerb to how quick modern hot hatches etc is pointless, it is a totally different experience. Yes I'm sure a Euroboxx RR Turbo 4wd with launch control etc is quicker through the twisties but the Cerb is such an experience as you know it's looking at the hedges thinking "I wonder what it's like to drive through that backwards" The M3 i'm sure is a nice fast family car, I love M cars but the Cerb is totally left-field, if you don't get it after driving one then you will never get it and that is fine. I hope I will never have to part with mine, they are unique and dwindling.

[FarmyardPants]

I do think people belittle the cerb's performance. Take the scenario where you're doing 80 mph behind a lane 3 hogger (Autobahn obviously). When the car in front pulls over, 3rd gear will take you to 115 in a few seconds and you can be doing 140 in a similar timeframe. You have to be driving something considerably more expensive (e.g. 458, R8, Aston, GTR or lambo) to keep up. If you're gonna overtake the cerb then you'd better be driving something special or modified. I suppose the RS Audis offer similar-ish performance but Like the M5, they're no comparison really. For an equivalently good-looking driver's car the cerb still punches well above its weight even at £40k IMO.

Edited by FarmyardPants on Thursday 25th January 14:14

[gruffalo]

Stu-nph26 said:

gruffalo said:

10 years here mate, never been in a garage and I wouldn't agree.

Interesting do you have some type of cover??

No, I tried one but it was damaging the paint so had a chat with a bilked I know is a car restorer he advised no cover so I haven't used one since.

As far as I can make out the car has never been in a garage, I know the previous two owners didn't garage it.

[Stu-nph26]

That is reassuring I do have a garage but its currently my home gym and I wouldn't want to get rid of that. There seems to be a couple creeping onto the market so I'll keep an eye out and hopefully something will turn up.

[Byker28i]

If you are thinking of a cover there are a few on the market that have framework and lever over the car so the material never touches the bodywork. Just make sure it's well anchored down

[Mags]

If you do park outside just make sure it's nose up as water collects in the boot recess and sits there.

[Mr Cerbera]

gruffalo said:

bobbins said:

Mr Cerbera said:

Having owned mine for 12 years I wouldn't ever consider owning one without the protection of a garage.

M3, mate

10 years here - and agree 100%.

10 years here mate, never been in a garage and I wouldn't agree.

.... and there you have it Stu, the entire, meaningful truth about Cerb ownership.

(It's not called a Madhouse for nuthin')

[Stu-nph26]

Mr Cerbera said:

.... and there you have it Stu, the entire, meaningful truth about Cerb ownership.

(It's not called a Madhouse for nuthin')

Haha I’ll fit right in as I can’t make my mind up at all. I’ve been speaking with the owner of this and was going to view it but the car has a few services missing recently which has put me off. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Anyone of you guys based in the north east? I really need to spend some more time with a Cerb and speak to an owner before I make my mind up for certain.

[skiworldbros]

Stu-nph26 said:

Mr Cerbera said:

.... and there you have it Stu, the entire, meaningful truth about Cerb ownership.

(It's not called a Madhouse for nuthin')

Haha I’ll fit right in as I can’t make my mind up at all. I’ve been speaking with the owner of this and was going to view it but the car has a few services missing recently which has put me off. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Anyone of you guys based in the north east? I really need to spend some more time with a Cerb and speak to an owner before I make my mind up for certain.

I have to say there is nothing like owning a cerbera... I have only been in the club for about a year and I love it....yes it might bite you in the ass financially at some point for sure...but the buzz you get every time you start the thing will be worth every penny...the advice I got when I bought mine was to make sure you don't skimp on servicing...they are a supercar and need to be treated as such...you wouldn't do it if you owned a Porsche or Ferrari...the TVR Cerbera experience is beyond all expectation and then some...if you can afford to buy one and maintain it if something goes wrong then you need to do it...100%😊😊

[robsco]

Stu-nph26 said:

Mr Cerbera said:

.... and there you have it Stu, the entire, meaningful truth about Cerb ownership.

(It's not called a Madhouse for nuthin')

Haha I’ll fit right in as I can’t make my mind up at all. I’ve been speaking with the owner of this and was going to view it but the car has a few services missing recently which has put me off. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Anyone of you guys based in the north east? I really need to spend some more time with a Cerb and speak to an owner before I make my mind up for certain.

I'm iin North Yorks but am happy to get together at some point and take you out in the car. Just let me know.

[Stu-nph26]

Very kind of you, much appreciated I can travel down to you next weekend if that works? I'll drop you a PM.

[ukkid35]

Stu-nph26 said:

I’ve been speaking with the owner of this and was going to view it but the car has a few services missing recently which has put me off. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Why?

Because you think this will affect resale value?

Or because you think the car will need remedial maintenance?

Or because you wouldn't be able to 'trust' the car/seller?

[Stu-nph26]

ukkid35 said:

Why?

Because you think this will affect resale value?

Or because you think the car will need remedial maintenance?

Or because you wouldn't be able to 'trust' the car/seller?

More because I'm concerned it hasn't been taken care of and the engine will go pop on the drive home.

[m4tti]

Stu-nph26 said:

More because I'm concerned it hasn't been taken care of and the engine will go pop on the drive home.

What has and hasn’t happened on a service will have little to no bearing on whether the engine will fail. It’s not like the engine is pulled apart on a service...

And that’s arguably now at pretty much the lower end of the market. What your after will probably be a lot more.

Edited by m4tti on Monday 29th January 15:19

[Stu-nph26]

m4tti said:

What has and hasn’t happened on a service will have little to no bearing on whether the engine will fail. It’s not like the engine is pulled apart on a service...

And that’s arguably now at pretty much the lower end of the market. What your after will probably be a lot more.

Edited by m4tti on Monday 29th January 15:19

It's more a case of what else has been missed if routine maintenance like a service has been neglected what else has been overlooked.

[Stu-nph26]

Am I being too hasty do you think?

[m4tti]

At the end of the market you’re looking at, I’d assess what’s infront of you. Just because the cars been serviced doesn’t mean the recommendations of the servicing dealer have been accepted and paid for.

And you’ll be none the wiser.

[Stu-nph26]

m4tti said:

At the end of the market you’re looking at, I’d assess what’s infront of you. Just because the cars been serviced doesn’t mean the recommendations of the servicing dealer have been accepted and paid for.

And you’ll be none the wiser.

Thanks, that's good advice. I must admit to feeling a little out of my depth, I might be better off paying more through a reputable dealer.

[TwinKam]

No matter how or where you buy, I would certainly recommend having a thorough inspection from an independent third party who knows his TVRs.

[spagbogdog]

I’ve never owned a Cerb..
But here’s my ‘two~penneth’..

Bought a Griff 500..1999 model..paid £12,000 back then (2004). Now worth £30k. Yes it’s had various electrical issues..all minor and all easily sorted. It is still 100% standard.

Could have bought a Lamborghini Espada for the same money.. but resisted that one (just..). Lambo now worth we’ll over £100k...but would have sucked every last spare penny from me..and some more..and still be a complete nightmare..

Griff is manically quick..EVERYONE loves them. All cars let me pass and get out of junctions..simply to ‘stare, smile and give me thumbs~up’..

I say go buy the best Cerb you can find. Live with it. Cherish it and watch it appreciate in value. I have a deposit on the new Griff and firmly believe all classic TVR’s will rise in value on the back of the new Co.

You simply won’t get the same ‘anything’ from the Beema..