To cerbera or not to Cerbera that is the question?

[thunder1986]

Hello All,

I am Peter and i am in the mind of buying a TVR cerbera. I have a budget of 10k-15k to spend on a TVR. I have drive a couple of chims but they are quite small for space and have been thinking the cerbera. I have had a few fast cars in the past.

I am just wondering that issues would i have with Cerberas with 30,000 miles or more. Engine rebuild? I will be using the car for getting to work and to go diving at the weekends or kite surfing, nothing to major. I have always wanted a TVR and i thought now is the time as i don't have a mortgage or a family but i am earning well.

What engine would you recommend Straight six or the ajp? The one i have been looking at is a 1999 cerbera with 30,150miles on clock. it has a 4.2 ajp engine.

Any advise would be great. I am living in northern Ireland and i will have to go to England to pick one up.

P.S

When buying a Cerbera what is the check list for checking for problems before buying??

Many thanks

Peter

[scotty_d]

Hi Peter welcome along.

I have a 99 4.2 coming up on 54k and it has never had a re-build, The AJP is a good strong unit from what i can tell if it has been looked after.

Mileage is not a big issue more so condition of the car. You are best getting one that has been looked after and had money spent on it when needed. And chassis is key also as they are getting past there best now if you can find one that has had a re-furb or out riggers changed out even better.

I use mine daily now having sold my old runner off. Bit of a pain is that you have to warm them up but it is no real big deal as i warm all my cars up any way.

I may know of a 99 4.2 that may be up for sale soon Scotland based one in the lower end of your budget and in good order.

[thunder1986]

Hello Scotty,

Many thanks for the information and the welcome, oooh now your talking, How much they looking for it and whats the story of the car? Would it be possible to get pictures? I am going to be looking at buying at the latest mid September.

Many thanks.

Peter

[fatjon]

my 2000 AJP 4.5 runs like a new engine and there are confirmed 130K plus AJP engines out there. There's a reason the S6 cars are cheaper, it's for you to decide if the reason is just a false perception or based in reality. Personally, not even with a long stick.

[camel_landy]

Buy on condition, not on mileage alone.

Mine has 70,000 on the clock and still going strong, with no re-builds as far as I'm aware. She uses a bit of oil but I think my 'spirited' driving style doesn't help...

When I was looking for a Cerb, earlier this year, I was looking in the £10-£12k bracket and looked at quite a few cars before I settled on the one I've got. Mine had the 12,000 just before I bought it, recent clutch, the chassis was in good nick and the interior was in really good condition. She isn't a garage queen as the front is peppered with stone chips but I wasn't too fussed about that as I wanted a car I could drive.

Get out and look at as few and you'll see just how much difference there is between them with conditions of chassis, worn interiors, etc...

It is important that they have been well maintained, so a folder full of receipts should help with that. I also noticed that there were a few 'cheep' cars where it was obvious that the owners were selling before they had to fork out for one of the more expensive services or a new clutch!! Be warned!

I'm not sure how long I'll keep her as I have a hankering after an MX5 for a track slag... In the mean time, I am really enjoying the driving in this weather.

M

[Tanguero]

With the AJP engine mileage really isn't an issue (unless its too low - they like to be used!), with the Speed 6 engine, anecdotally, you want to be looking for one that has had a recent rebuild almost no matter what the mileage.

The 4.2 is a great engine and is reputedly freer revving than the 4.5 though with ultimately slightly less maximum power. Real world - they are all 3 blisteringly fast cars and you are unlikely to notice much if any difference between any of them under 160mph. Very late 4.2s are often a 4.5 bottom end with 4.2 induction set up from the factory.

To check.
Chassis outriggers for corrosion, particularly at the rear of the front wheel arches.
A clonk from the back when cornering is often the diff mounting bush, which is a sod to replace.
Make sure the clutch feels positive at the pedal with no sign of slipping or difficulty engaging gear. The clutch is best viewed as a service item!
Water leaks, particularly drivers footwell by the pedals (leak round the brake master) and around the door seals.
Electrical gremlins!
Make sure the windows auto drop and return when opening and closing the doors.
Check steering wheel buttons all work.

[thunder1986]

Hello Guys and Gals,

Thank you for all your input. Keep it them coming as i a building a nice picture of the dos and donts. I cant wait for that sound and to make kids cry,

I have been looking around and have come across the best example of a good one. Let me know what you guys think or even of the owner wants to send me more information great.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3078279.htm

Peter

[scotty_d]

YHM Peter

[gruffalo]

YHAM

[thunder1986]

Just want to thank all for the information and the Private messages. I have a lot to think about and to consider.

Peter

[sim shane]

Hi Peter
I recently got myself a cerbera 4.2 and to be fair it is not the cleanest example out there, but I wanted a project!!
I live in N Ireland also (Ballymena) and I know it's hard to get to see a TVR over here - I would be happy to let you have a look around mine if you fancy - I recon I could help your decision..

Shane

[thunder1986]

Hello Shane,

I would love a chance to have a look inside a cerbera, I have driven chims and skylines but never had a chance with the cerbs as you say they are very rare here in NI. I am living in lisburn.

Sure send me an email with you number and we can arrange a meeting and a chat. I am like yourself i like a wrench and head under the bonnet,

Cheers

Peter

[Mr Cerbera]

thunder1986 said:

....http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3078279.htm

Peter

Hola Peter !
Hope you get yourself sorted soon.
Was particularly interested in the "rear headlamps" fitted to this one.
That'll enable you to flash the dingbats who tailgate you in traffic.


Good Luck in your search

[ukkid35]

thunder1986 said:

I am like yourself i like a wrench and head under the bonnet

Careful what you wish for...

[thunder1986]

Hey,

I think flashing other drivers might cause an accident(hehehe) oooh you mean using the lights miss read what you said that could be a good plan, stick on the reverse lights while driving!!!!

Ohhh do you think there will be lots of repairs and bonnet time?

Peter

[scotty_d]

thunder1986 said:

Ohhh do you think there will be lots of repairs and bonnet time?

I think it is down to each individual car as i found this with my old Chimaera as well. I like my cars to be well sorted so i have a summer of trouble free driving, So i dive in and do loads of work in the winters mainly preventative maintenance. But yeah they do take a wee bit of looking after more so than a Volvo or BMW say. But in my experiences there not any worse than any other performance cars i have owned.

[thunder1986]

Just wondering,

How much space would there be in the boot? i am not expecting super space like a hilux but what could i get away with?

Diving equipment? could of kites and a kiteboard? beach buggy? of course not all at the same time!! there will be no sand involved as everything is wiped down,

Thoughts or ideas?

Peter

[scotty_d]

Boot space is not to bad at all. To give a Idea i can fit my mountain bike in the boot with wheels off handle bars off and seat post out and then put the rest of the bits in. but that is the sort of size you are looking at. plus a little space in the back seats for bits n bobs

[R44DOR]

thunder1986 said:

Just wondering,

How much space would there be in the boot? i am not expecting super space like a hilux but what could i get away with?

Diving equipment? could of kites and a kiteboard? beach buggy? of course not all at the same time!! there will be no sand involved as everything is wiped down,

Thoughts or ideas?

Peter

Peter
I am in Lisburn you are welcome to have a look at my car to see space etc.
Robert

[thunder1986]

Hello Robert,

Thanks for reply, I live in lisburn also. I would love to have a look. The more i can have a look round the better.

Sure send me an email with your number and we can sort something out. I am going away this weekend but even during the week in the evening would be good.

Peter