Looking to buy a Cerbera
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm new to the forum, as I am looking to buy a Cerbera. I've always had a dream of owning one since I saw the Clarkson video from around 1997 when the Cerbie totally pasted a line-up most of the then current supercars over a standing quarter mile. I promised myself I'd own one by the time I was 40. Well I just passed my 39th birthday, and as my company car is due for replacement at the end of March I decided to take the cash and start looking for my own vehicle.
The plan is to get a cheap diesel runabout for £1500, for the run to the shops & any trips in poor weather etc, and then use the Cerbera for longer journey's, and weekends. I also have a garage built into the house, so it can be garaged and battery drip fed etc.
First off, a few questions - I've already trawled the board so have a rough idea of the pro's & con's, hence these more detailed questions:
1. Is the Speed6 in reality less reliable than a 4.2 or 4.5? Would I be taking a bit of a risk if I went for one that hadn't had an engine rebuild already? What is the mileage point at which the greatest risk for the Speed6 is starting to break-down?
2. Other than electrics, clutch wear, and tyre wear, what are the most common faults that I should be looking out for when I start viewing vehicles?
3. If I'm expecting to do c6k miles per year, what should I budget annually for servicing/maintenance costs?
Finally, of the Cerbies currently advertised on the classifieds section - which would you recommend, i.e. which of these are the histories known by board members?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3586870.htm (blue 4.0)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3616258.htm (yellow 4.5)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3583536.htm (silver 4.2)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3352196.htm (white 4.2)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3009240.htm (yellow 4.5)
Cheers,
Mike
I'm new to the forum, as I am looking to buy a Cerbera. I've always had a dream of owning one since I saw the Clarkson video from around 1997 when the Cerbie totally pasted a line-up most of the then current supercars over a standing quarter mile. I promised myself I'd own one by the time I was 40. Well I just passed my 39th birthday, and as my company car is due for replacement at the end of March I decided to take the cash and start looking for my own vehicle.
The plan is to get a cheap diesel runabout for £1500, for the run to the shops & any trips in poor weather etc, and then use the Cerbera for longer journey's, and weekends. I also have a garage built into the house, so it can be garaged and battery drip fed etc.
First off, a few questions - I've already trawled the board so have a rough idea of the pro's & con's, hence these more detailed questions:
1. Is the Speed6 in reality less reliable than a 4.2 or 4.5? Would I be taking a bit of a risk if I went for one that hadn't had an engine rebuild already? What is the mileage point at which the greatest risk for the Speed6 is starting to break-down?
2. Other than electrics, clutch wear, and tyre wear, what are the most common faults that I should be looking out for when I start viewing vehicles?
3. If I'm expecting to do c6k miles per year, what should I budget annually for servicing/maintenance costs?
Finally, of the Cerbies currently advertised on the classifieds section - which would you recommend, i.e. which of these are the histories known by board members?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3586870.htm (blue 4.0)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3616258.htm (yellow 4.5)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3583536.htm (silver 4.2)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3352196.htm (white 4.2)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3009240.htm (yellow 4.5)
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Micky,
My ownership is similar to yours although I still havent replaced my type R with a diesel!
I think you have your head in the right place. There is plenty of information on here of the Sp6 vs V8 debate. Ultimately they are both cracking engines, for me it had to be a V8 but if the right Sp6 was found then I dont see why that wouldnt be a great choice as well. Personally I would ensure a reputable rebuild on this option. There are normally more V8's to choose from and I wouldnt worry too much between 4.2/4.5 unless you are looking to tune in which case the 4.5 has more scope.
I would add to your list chassis condition and in particular 'outriggers'. If you look at a car with a few miles more often than not the outriggers will need replacement. A good service history would also be desirable, see when the last 12k was carried out.
I wouldnt like to say which of those cars I prefered, normally when you go to see a car you can get a feel about how well it has been cherished above and beyond the paperwork. Electrics are normally quite easy to sort out yourself. Try and be strict with checks when looking at these cars, as its easy to get 'love at first sight' syndrome.
Another consideration would be suspension. Cars with upgraded setups would be favourable as the standard setup isnt the best. Nitron/Gaz gold's would be good here.
Running costs each year depends on so many things and luck but if you buy a car with lots of work carried out previously then in theory that could help you.
My ownership is similar to yours although I still havent replaced my type R with a diesel!
I think you have your head in the right place. There is plenty of information on here of the Sp6 vs V8 debate. Ultimately they are both cracking engines, for me it had to be a V8 but if the right Sp6 was found then I dont see why that wouldnt be a great choice as well. Personally I would ensure a reputable rebuild on this option. There are normally more V8's to choose from and I wouldnt worry too much between 4.2/4.5 unless you are looking to tune in which case the 4.5 has more scope.
I would add to your list chassis condition and in particular 'outriggers'. If you look at a car with a few miles more often than not the outriggers will need replacement. A good service history would also be desirable, see when the last 12k was carried out.
I wouldnt like to say which of those cars I prefered, normally when you go to see a car you can get a feel about how well it has been cherished above and beyond the paperwork. Electrics are normally quite easy to sort out yourself. Try and be strict with checks when looking at these cars, as its easy to get 'love at first sight' syndrome.
Another consideration would be suspension. Cars with upgraded setups would be favourable as the standard setup isnt the best. Nitron/Gaz gold's would be good here.
Running costs each year depends on so many things and luck but if you buy a car with lots of work carried out previously then in theory that could help you.
If you do a search, you'll find that there has been quite a bit written up already about this subject! However it boils down to the following:
Buy on condition, not just on mileage... Low mileage cars can potentially have more problems than something which has been driven often!
Most cars are 10+ yrs old... There WILL be problems & niggles. Work out how much it costs to fix the major stuff (Clutch, 12k service, outriggers, etc...) and then factor that into your search. i.e. if you have a budget of £13k, find your ideal car for £9k but it needs outriggers... Don't be put off as it'll probably be better to get that and fix the outriggers!
M
Buy on condition, not just on mileage... Low mileage cars can potentially have more problems than something which has been driven often!
Most cars are 10+ yrs old... There WILL be problems & niggles. Work out how much it costs to fix the major stuff (Clutch, 12k service, outriggers, etc...) and then factor that into your search. i.e. if you have a budget of £13k, find your ideal car for £9k but it needs outriggers... Don't be put off as it'll probably be better to get that and fix the outriggers!
M
Thanks for the input guys.
Yes I did like the look of the 35k yellow one....I'm in Bournemouth, so whilst not around the corner, at least it isn't in Newcastle.
As for major repair costs, what typically does a replacement clutch, outriggers etc cost?
Electrics - no problems, I can do that myself. I'd also be quiet capable of replacing the discs & pads, oil filter, etc, assuming they don't have any particularly unusual demands.
I'm aware a standard cost for 12k service & replacement of basic renewables is roughly £750 plus the cost of any additional parts needing sorting - so I'd assume it'd make sense to budget around £1500 for a 12k service. If I'm doing say 6k per year, and assuming a 6k service is approx half of a 12k, then I'm spending £2250 every 2 years or thereabouts, which isn't actually too bad. Tyres, discs, pads etc extra no doubt, and if I assume (is this correct?) that they need replacing every 6k or so, then that's another £1500/year gone! :-) Nevertheless c.£2500 per year isn't too bad for maintenance costs on a sports car of this calibre.
Now just for the insurance......gulp.....
Yes I did like the look of the 35k yellow one....I'm in Bournemouth, so whilst not around the corner, at least it isn't in Newcastle.
As for major repair costs, what typically does a replacement clutch, outriggers etc cost?
Electrics - no problems, I can do that myself. I'd also be quiet capable of replacing the discs & pads, oil filter, etc, assuming they don't have any particularly unusual demands.
I'm aware a standard cost for 12k service & replacement of basic renewables is roughly £750 plus the cost of any additional parts needing sorting - so I'd assume it'd make sense to budget around £1500 for a 12k service. If I'm doing say 6k per year, and assuming a 6k service is approx half of a 12k, then I'm spending £2250 every 2 years or thereabouts, which isn't actually too bad. Tyres, discs, pads etc extra no doubt, and if I assume (is this correct?) that they need replacing every 6k or so, then that's another £1500/year gone! :-) Nevertheless c.£2500 per year isn't too bad for maintenance costs on a sports car of this calibre.
Now just for the insurance......gulp.....
outriggers will sting you about 1500 squid
clutch will be a grand fitted,there are always offers on
if you spread the costs it dont seem so bad
,as an example im having my tappets done when she is mot'd rather than wait till next service.
just enjoy her sir and cross any issues if they come up,these motors are worth their weight in gold,your smile will always be prescent...sure it may dwindle some times but hey thats cars
clutch will be a grand fitted,there are always offers on
if you spread the costs it dont seem so bad
,as an example im having my tappets done when she is mot'd rather than wait till next service.just enjoy her sir and cross any issues if they come up,these motors are worth their weight in gold,your smile will always be prescent...sure it may dwindle some times but hey thats cars
bloody whipper snappers
I Have spoken to the Guy selling the Blue Sp6 seems like a nice car with lots of mods and history.
I have just gone down the same route as you , picking up my SP6 in a couple of weeks (no snow hopefully)
try both out, I liked the grunt and noise of the V8 but my young sons found it a touch intimidating, the SP6 seems to be the easier car to live with and a little more forgiving maybe ?
whichever you choose it will be fun and an eye opener I am sure.
look forward to your choice and stories as a newbie like me .
cheers Dazza
I have just gone down the same route as you , picking up my SP6 in a couple of weeks (no snow hopefully)
try both out, I liked the grunt and noise of the V8 but my young sons found it a touch intimidating, the SP6 seems to be the easier car to live with and a little more forgiving maybe ?
whichever you choose it will be fun and an eye opener I am sure.
look forward to your choice and stories as a newbie like me .
cheers Dazza
Mike,
I see you are in Bournemouth, I am just down the road in New Milton. If you want to come and have a look at one which is up together (in my opinion anyway!), I'm not selling but I can show you the bits and pieces I have had to do since I bought it, might give you an insight on why to look for, also happy to take you out for a spin if you want to see what a 4.2 goes like.
Paul.
I see you are in Bournemouth, I am just down the road in New Milton. If you want to come and have a look at one which is up together (in my opinion anyway!), I'm not selling but I can show you the bits and pieces I have had to do since I bought it, might give you an insight on why to look for, also happy to take you out for a spin if you want to see what a 4.2 goes like.
Paul.
Hey Greencerb
Sounds like a great idea. I'm viewing the Blue Speed6 tomorrow evening, which seems pretty much up together, and the owner was very honest about a minor steering fluid leak (good to be aware), but well sealed chassis & outriggers, engine rebuild 18k ago etc etc.
However, if I am honest, I do think the 4.5 is the one to go for, but right now I think it will depend on condition, work done & the price which will make my decision (aside from looks!!).
If you PM me your phone number, I'll give you a bell, maybe pop down Weds or Fri evening to take a look?
Cheers
Mike
Sounds like a great idea. I'm viewing the Blue Speed6 tomorrow evening, which seems pretty much up together, and the owner was very honest about a minor steering fluid leak (good to be aware), but well sealed chassis & outriggers, engine rebuild 18k ago etc etc.
However, if I am honest, I do think the 4.5 is the one to go for, but right now I think it will depend on condition, work done & the price which will make my decision (aside from looks!!).
If you PM me your phone number, I'll give you a bell, maybe pop down Weds or Fri evening to take a look?
Cheers
Mike
greencerb said:
Mike,
I see you are in Bournemouth, I am just down the road in New Milton. If you want to come and have a look at one which is up together (in my opinion anyway!), I'm not selling but I can show you the bits and pieces I have had to do since I bought it, might give you an insight on why to look for, also happy to take you out for a spin if you want to see what a 4.2 goes like.
Paul.
Was the best thing I ever did... Getting taken out by a couple of (proud) owners. Not many sellers will let you test drive to any extent, so take the opportunity to meet some fellow local owners. Gives you a feel for the cars, and you'll pick up from the stories/experience of what to look for.I see you are in Bournemouth, I am just down the road in New Milton. If you want to come and have a look at one which is up together (in my opinion anyway!), I'm not selling but I can show you the bits and pieces I have had to do since I bought it, might give you an insight on why to look for, also happy to take you out for a spin if you want to see what a 4.2 goes like.
Paul.
The silver one is mine and its great 
Obviously I am biased! The pictures don't do cerberas justice
You're more than welcome to come and have a look and a poke about (no pressure, I'm kind of hoping it doesn't sell until after the summer!) I'm in Plymouth so not that far from Bourny, I dont mind showing you all the things I was told to look out for when I was buying. It's booked in for a 12k service at Dulford automotive in two weeks, they are very helpful to speak to.
I looked at and drove 5 before buying mine, it really is quite surprising how much they all vary, two seemingly indentical 4.2's can have totally different feel to them
Obviously I am biased! The pictures don't do cerberas justiceYou're more than welcome to come and have a look and a poke about (no pressure, I'm kind of hoping it doesn't sell until after the summer!) I'm in Plymouth so not that far from Bourny, I dont mind showing you all the things I was told to look out for when I was buying. It's booked in for a 12k service at Dulford automotive in two weeks, they are very helpful to speak to.
I looked at and drove 5 before buying mine, it really is quite surprising how much they all vary, two seemingly indentical 4.2's can have totally different feel to them
Also if you do buy one that needs outriggers, this offer from MB Motorsport looks good
http://www.mbmotor-sport.com/10.html
http://www.mbmotor-sport.com/10.html
Mattmoss,mine is in there on monday for outriggers so will post up the details once they have done em.Really nice chaps to talk to and the owner has a cerb.Im in Exeter and have seen you heading down towards plymouth from exeter,i was in my works van on the way to Newton abbot where the car is stored,will keep an eye out for ya bud
mickydoo said:
Thanks for the input guys.
Now just for the insurance......gulp.....
lol - no worries there, as long as your not thinking of using it as 12k a year daily driver! As long as you have experience with powerful RWD cars in the past Mannings should quote you happy. Mine is a garage queen so a 3k a year limit, an accepted 3rd party valuation plus some restrictions on having to be garaged at certain hours etc and costs me less than £300Now just for the insurance......gulp.....
Spongy, will be interesting to see the pics and your opinions when its done if you don't mind putting them up, I did think about booking mine into there for my 12k service but I've gone back to where I went last year on the basis that they've already seen the car once, but Kingsbridge is a lot closer so maybe next service if I've still got it I will take it there. Give me a wave if you see me plodding along the inside lane again 
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