Cerbera Dilemma
Discussion
Just been looking for a new weeknd toy and made the mistake of going into my local TVR dealership.... Last time I did that I bought a Chimaera.
Anyways, been looking at a Cerbera 4.5 on a 99 plate. To be honest I have been out the TVR scene for a few years now and would love some advice folks.
The one I have been looking at has 42k miles, just had an engine re-build as one of the rings had stuck due to lack of use. Totally clean car etc.
Can anyone tell me service prices etc? Every 6k? And if I remember valve shims every 12k is it? And the clutch every 25k mls, at around £1600 to replace?
Any advice appreciated, thanks folks.....
Anyways, been looking at a Cerbera 4.5 on a 99 plate. To be honest I have been out the TVR scene for a few years now and would love some advice folks.
The one I have been looking at has 42k miles, just had an engine re-build as one of the rings had stuck due to lack of use. Totally clean car etc.
Can anyone tell me service prices etc? Every 6k? And if I remember valve shims every 12k is it? And the clutch every 25k mls, at around £1600 to replace?
Any advice appreciated, thanks folks.....
Hi Paul,
I don't know the car you're interested in but since you have been a TVR owner before you have an understanding of what you're getting into. If this car has not been used recently and had an engine rebuild, I would want to treat it as a running in car and give it a 1000 miles of bedding in and then a major service if it has not had this already. Would the person/company who rebuilt the engine do this at a sensible price to validate their work. A clutch will last according to the way it has been treated but if it does have to be replaced then get the slave cylinder done too. The car is a bit old also, so, as mentioned, have a good look at the chassis. You would be unlucky to get a car with major rust issues to the mainframe chassis but the infamous outriggers on TVRs, Cerbs too, have reached the age where they are rusting through unless they have been garage queens or protected since year one or replaced/restored already.
It's very common that the ajp engine needs a rebuild between 30-40k miles, whether it's just top end or full. It will not be the end of all engine problems and bills but, if the rebuild was good, then future bills should be kept within the relms of sevicing and minor work for some while. Then you can spend your money on suspension, tyres and brake pads.
I know how you feel. You will do what you want regardless but it's good to hear some opinions first before you do it anyway. The perfect choice is a result of research, patience, timing and luck and possibly contacts. You can have 4 of those and be disappionted or have one and get it so right.
I don't know the car you're interested in but since you have been a TVR owner before you have an understanding of what you're getting into. If this car has not been used recently and had an engine rebuild, I would want to treat it as a running in car and give it a 1000 miles of bedding in and then a major service if it has not had this already. Would the person/company who rebuilt the engine do this at a sensible price to validate their work. A clutch will last according to the way it has been treated but if it does have to be replaced then get the slave cylinder done too. The car is a bit old also, so, as mentioned, have a good look at the chassis. You would be unlucky to get a car with major rust issues to the mainframe chassis but the infamous outriggers on TVRs, Cerbs too, have reached the age where they are rusting through unless they have been garage queens or protected since year one or replaced/restored already.
It's very common that the ajp engine needs a rebuild between 30-40k miles, whether it's just top end or full. It will not be the end of all engine problems and bills but, if the rebuild was good, then future bills should be kept within the relms of sevicing and minor work for some while. Then you can spend your money on suspension, tyres and brake pads.
I know how you feel. You will do what you want regardless but it's good to hear some opinions first before you do it anyway. The perfect choice is a result of research, patience, timing and luck and possibly contacts. You can have 4 of those and be disappionted or have one and get it so right.
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