How about a guide from Us ?
Discussion
Dear All,
There have been dozens, if not hundreds, of posts from potential newbies asking what they should be looking out for when buying a Cerb and I thought that it might be helpful if we could create a list of pointers which could be 'Stickied' (if anyone knows how to do it).
Being a self-confessed amateur, I will put some (laughable) points on and invite you to add what you think fit.
4.2 or 4.5 immaterial.
1. Good service history. -> Good, believable reasons for any break in average mileage.
2. Chassis outriggers and braces.
3. Clean Clutch and Brake reservoirs.
4. VERY clean and up-to-level engine oil.
5. Exhaust manifold cracks.
6. Differential leaks.
7. Steering Rack leaks.
8. Shock absorber leaks.
9. Brake disc surfaces.
10.Make sure that the cooling system registers correct levels as it goes through its cycle.
If anything looks dodgy then get in contact with the last owner or walk away.
There have been dozens, if not hundreds, of posts from potential newbies asking what they should be looking out for when buying a Cerb and I thought that it might be helpful if we could create a list of pointers which could be 'Stickied' (if anyone knows how to do it).
Being a self-confessed amateur, I will put some (laughable) points on and invite you to add what you think fit.
4.2 or 4.5 immaterial.
1. Good service history. -> Good, believable reasons for any break in average mileage.
2. Chassis outriggers and braces.
3. Clean Clutch and Brake reservoirs.
4. VERY clean and up-to-level engine oil.
5. Exhaust manifold cracks.
6. Differential leaks.
7. Steering Rack leaks.
8. Shock absorber leaks.
9. Brake disc surfaces.
10.Make sure that the cooling system registers correct levels as it goes through its cycle.
If anything looks dodgy then get in contact with the last owner or walk away.
good idea - might also be beneficial to put in "typical cost to rectify" costs, as lets face it most items are cure-able
would also add
clutch - check mileage since renewal if circa 20,000 miles budget for a new one OR if pedal feels heavy likewise.
obviously with the caveat on all "advice" that its "advice" not gospel and there will always be exceptions
(this means you don't have to post "my clutch lasted 4.6 light years rant rant rant")
would also add
clutch - check mileage since renewal if circa 20,000 miles budget for a new one OR if pedal feels heavy likewise.
obviously with the caveat on all "advice" that its "advice" not gospel and there will always be exceptions
(this means you don't have to post "my clutch lasted 4.6 light years rant rant rant")
Speed six is a fine motor but have a look at the S6 engine section and look to buy as late an engine / recent post 05 rebuild?
With any TVR look to buy the best car you can find as opposed to the best colour.
Look for a well known car.
Plenty of bills over the last couple of years (ie £000's) or expect a few £'s suprises later.
Get an inspection done, on ramps, by a good independent.
Low miles isnt generally a good thing.
Check the water pipes arent on their last legs, gets expensive.
Ask the owner about warm up procedure. Check the car is serviced annually not on mileage (ie every 2nd year for example). Ask the owner about oil consumption.
Check oil pressure is high at start up, that it drops (at idle) as the car gets up to full operating temp and that it rises under load. The actual no's arent that important but you want 50+ at cold idle and 20+ at v hot idle.
Checking chassis really needs someone who knows what they are looking at. They can look fine but you cant see all of it. there are some common bits that go - outriggers (especially behind the front wheels) and the chassis beside the manifolds where the paint is burnt off.
Its a 200 mph supercar for Mondeo money - so make sure that the car hasnt been run by a mondeo man/woman on a mondeo budget.
With any TVR look to buy the best car you can find as opposed to the best colour.
Look for a well known car.
Plenty of bills over the last couple of years (ie £000's) or expect a few £'s suprises later.
Get an inspection done, on ramps, by a good independent.
Low miles isnt generally a good thing.
Check the water pipes arent on their last legs, gets expensive.
Ask the owner about warm up procedure. Check the car is serviced annually not on mileage (ie every 2nd year for example). Ask the owner about oil consumption.
Check oil pressure is high at start up, that it drops (at idle) as the car gets up to full operating temp and that it rises under load. The actual no's arent that important but you want 50+ at cold idle and 20+ at v hot idle.
Checking chassis really needs someone who knows what they are looking at. They can look fine but you cant see all of it. there are some common bits that go - outriggers (especially behind the front wheels) and the chassis beside the manifolds where the paint is burnt off.
Its a 200 mph supercar for Mondeo money - so make sure that the car hasnt been run by a mondeo man/woman on a mondeo budget.
If requird i would offer help with future buyers if they were local to me.A secound pair of eyes never does any harm.If i was able to help i would,would it be going to far to post up names and areas of people willing to help out if possible.I have seen a couple of times on here you boys offering rides etc to buyers so they can get a taste of things to come.I am not saying we should all be taking people out for joy rides every weekend but sometimes a chat face to face with a friendly face about a subject close to our hearts can only be a good thing.What do yer all think.
spongy said:
If requird i would offer help with future buyers if they were local to me.A secound pair of eyes never does any harm.If i was able to help i would,would it be going to far to post up names and areas of people willing to help out if possible.I have seen a couple of times on here you boys offering rides etc to buyers so they can get a taste of things to come.I am not saying we should all be taking people out for joy rides every weekend but sometimes a chat face to face with a friendly face about a subject close to our hearts can only be a good thing.What do yer all think.
Brilliant idea Spong ! .... and, in fact, that is what I am doin' next week
List of Cerbera owners willing to go to vehicle check with Newbies
| Name | Area | Model owned | General time availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| spongy | Devon | '98 4.5 | ? |
| Mr Cerbera | Luxembourg | '01 4.5 | Anytime with a week's notice |
List of Cerbera owners willing to go to vehicle check with Newbies
| Name | Area | Model owned | General time availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| spongy | Devon | '98 4.5 | ? |
| Mr Cerbera | Luxembourg | '01 4.5 | Anytime with a week's notice |
| .Mark | Hampshire/West Sussex | '99 4.5 | Most times with enough notice |
Can we also add some of the other common questions like:
How much does it cost to run each year (varies from zero to 3-5K depending on what needs changing or breaks etc etc)
What are thie differences in year models (I couldn't find the thread where this was covered, Tuscan seats blah blah blah)
The old cig lighter problem and weird electrics
A general bit about the electric control systems that control lots of the cars functions
There must be plenty of other bits and pieces?
How much does it cost to run each year (varies from zero to 3-5K depending on what needs changing or breaks etc etc)
What are thie differences in year models (I couldn't find the thread where this was covered, Tuscan seats blah blah blah)
The old cig lighter problem and weird electrics
A general bit about the electric control systems that control lots of the cars functions
There must be plenty of other bits and pieces?
List of Cerbera owners willing to go to vehicle check with Newbies
| Name | Area | Model owned | General time availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| spongy | Devon | '98 4.5 | ? |
| Mr Cerbera | Luxembourg | '01 4.5 | Anytime with a week's notice |
| .Mark | Hampshire/West Sussex | '99 4.5 | Most times with enough notice |
| scotty_d | Ayrshire/Glasgow | '99 4.2 | Most times with enough notice |
.Mark said:
Gazzab said:
What qualifications are required?
I think it's just a question of having 
Tanguero said:
.Mark said:
Gazzab said:
What qualifications are required?
I think it's just a question of having 
I see what you did there.scotty_d said:
List of Cerbera owners willing to go to vehicle check with Newbies
| Name | Area | Model owned | General time availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| spongy | Devon | '98 4.5 | Most times with notice |
| Mr Cerbera | Luxembourg | '01 4.5 | Anytime with a week's notice |
| .Mark | Hampshire/West Sussex | '99 4.5 | Most times with enough notice |
| scotty_d | Ayrshire/Glasgow | '99 4.2 | Most times with enough notice |
Zarkingfardwarks said:
no doubt this will cause comment - but I would advise any "novice" TVR buyer to join local TVR CC - £50 and almost certainly will find a willing pair of eyes, possibly even someone who has known or does know the car.
PH is not just a TVR club anymore.
Bud i was a novice buyer not to long ago,and the advice on here has got me a top motor.Yes i would agree that joining the tvr local boys etc is a good idea,this is just an offer to help out if possible.The very thought of taking the plunge on any tvr can be daunting,but that little thought that a friend may be just around the corner can only be a good thing for future tvr ownership.As for the ph tvr club thingy i would if i had the time offer help to any buyer of any marque out there,but this would involve to much time me thinks,and much more car knowledge than i have.;)PH is not just a TVR club anymore.
Gazzab said:
What qualifications are required?
RTFM 
Zarkingfardwarks said:
no doubt this will cause comment - but I would advise any "novice" TVR buyer to join local TVR CC - £50 and almost certainly will find a willing pair of eyes, possibly even someone who has known or does know the car.
Very good advice I think. TVR SPRINT mag has all the Regional Offices in the back, so would recommend that they check there for the most local.Zarkingfardwarks said:
PH is not just a TVR club anymore.
Comment duly given. PH, IMHO, is a source for like-minded people who have a hobby in motoring, whether they be mo'bikers or Mulsanne owners, to share and help each other enjoy themselves.I haven't even looked at most of the 150 or so other Topic threads that are available on here however this particular group have :-
1) saved me from ruin
2) kept my will-to-live going
3) made me laugh to the heart of my soul
If I can help any of them, in anywhere near a similar way, then I will have paid a little back.
"PH is not just a TVR club anymore" - what possible positive nature is there in a comment like that ?
Edited by Mr Cerbera on Saturday 9th April 11:14
List of Cerbera owners willing to go to vehicle check with Newbies
| Name | Area | Model owned | General time availability | Done a Trip ? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spongy | Devon | '98 4.5 | Most times with notice | ? |
| Mr Cerbera | Luxembourg | '01 4.5 | Anytime with a week's notice | 660 Kms |
| .Mark | Hampshire/West Sussex | '99 4.5 | Most times with enough notice | ? |
| scotty_d | Ayrshire/Glasgow | '99 4.2 | Most times with enough notice | ? |
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