15k weekend warrior - Cerb v 911
15k weekend warrior - Cerb v 911
Author
Discussion

hornetrider

Original Poster:

63,161 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
If you were looking for a weekend 2+2 what would you go for? I'm concerned the 996 won't be enough of an event, but the Cerb too fragile. I've started researching Cerbs and they seem absolutely epic though! In terms if otger contenders, what am i missing?

Maser maintenance frightens the st out of me. I'd love a 993 but at 15 it's the bottom of the market. The 15 figure doesn't include fundus borkimus, so I've kept a bit in reserve... thoughts?

Captain Muppet

8,540 posts

292 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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I'd spend the 15k on an FD RX7 with a massive V8 in it.

Given your selection I'd go for the Porsche, but mostly because I just don't get TVRs. Dunno why, I've just never felt even a momentary yerning for one.

blueg33

45,896 posts

251 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
For a weekender a regular 96 is a bit dull IMO, much better sense of occasion with a TVR. Is fragility an issue with a weekend toy? It wasn't an issue for me, but the TVR will have more niggles.

Maserati - I looked at these when I was looking at 996's, absurdly expensive to maintain, not a quick as you would hope, a GT car rather than a weekend toy.

Do you want to put adults or kids in the back? IMO neither the 996 or the TVR are any good for adults in the rear unless either the trip or the people in the front are very short.

Interestingly, there seems to be more space n the back of a 993 than in a 997, particularly in terms of headroom.

Watchman

6,391 posts

272 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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Cerb but make sure it's a 4.5 V8 and you've read through the Cerb forum on PH (the best Cerb forum) to understand what you need to look for. They aren't as fragile as the internet would have you believe BUT they do come with "baggage".

hornetrider

Original Poster:

63,161 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
I do like Mazdas - I'm on my 2nd MX5 and own another for the mrs. The RX7 isn't the type of car I'm after though, there's reliability concerns and they've mostly been butchered by the 'scene'. I don't really want engine transplant/modded cars either.

I guess I'm after a gentlemans express rather than a rice rocket wink

blueg33

45,896 posts

251 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
I was also tempted by a DB7. You get a goodish 996 for £15k but they are boring.

If you want something a little different there is an excellent Alpine A610 for sale on PH at the moment. The owners club say its one of the very best in terms of condition. You can fit adults in the back, its rare, its pretty quick, here is the link PH Sales Alpine A610

If I had a spare £14k I would but it today.


McSam

6,753 posts

202 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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hornetrider said:
doesn't include fundus borkimus
I must remember that one hehe

Little to add from personal experience as they're ten years away for me, but here's my 2p - if you don't buy the Cerb now, you will quite possibly always be wondering. If you're this interested, I think it's something you're gonna have to do at least once, and even if you don't like it that much it's a weekend car you could take your time selling, and you would be unlikely to lose money.

Buy a good one and, so long as it's used regularly, I don't hear of fragility being much of an issue.

And like you say.. They're epic! A 996 is, by comparison.. very good. But I'm not sure it could take your brain out, blend it, and put it back every time you turn the key..

hornetrider

Original Poster:

63,161 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
blueg33 said:
For a weekender a regular 96 is a bit dull IMO, much better sense of occasion with a TVR. Is fragility an issue with a weekend toy? It wasn't an issue for me, but the TVR will have more niggles.

Maserati - I looked at these when I was looking at 996's, absurdly expensive to maintain, not a quick as you would hope, a GT car rather than a weekend toy.

Do you want to put adults or kids in the back? IMO neither the 996 or the TVR are any good for adults in the rear unless either the trip or the people in the front are very short.

Interestingly, there seems to be more space n the back of a 993 than in a 997, particularly in terms of headroom.
I've got a six week old, so I do want to get a child seat in the back occasionally yes.

I'm not after ultimate pace, just an enjoyable weekend/summer car with some class, go and a bit of an occasion. I've always wanted a 911 as a keeper and 996 prices are hard to ignore - I just don't think a water cooled car can be a keeper. That said if I had a Targa or a 4S I'm sure I could stretch it out 5 years or so before getting itchy feet.

Hence me starting to think about a Cerb, however I'm a complete Trevor virgin.

Chrisw666

22,655 posts

226 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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850i

XK (Albeit a leggy one)

XKR (XK8 shape)

Monaro (Probably the most bork proof option)

Ferrari Mondial (they must be cheap to run wink )

But as you asked about the Cerb V the 911 - Heart = Cerb, Head = 911.


_Neal_

2,934 posts

246 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
As mentioned above, Cerbs are nowhere near as fragile as people think they are. I had a 4.5 (bought for sub-£15k) for just less than a year, and it only let me down when the clutch went (as it could on any car). Do your research, have it inspected by a specialist, and enjoy!

There are very few cars that are as much of an event to drive/own, but go into it with your eyes open - they need pre-emptive maintenance.

Captain Muppet

8,540 posts

292 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
hornetrider said:
I do like Mazdas - I'm on my 2nd MX5 and own another for the mrs. The RX7 isn't the type of car I'm after though, there's reliability concerns and they've mostly been butchered by the 'scene'. I don't really want engine transplant/modded cars either.

I guess I'm after a gentlemans express rather than a rice rocket wink
How much do BMW 850s go for? Pop-up lights rock.
Or a new 6 series.
Or a classic 635CSi (I'm sure someone will take £15k for one).

blueg33

45,896 posts

251 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
hornetrider said:
I've got a six week old, so I do want to get a child seat in the back occasionally yes.

I'm not after ultimate pace, just an enjoyable weekend/summer car with some class, go and a bit of an occasion. I've always wanted a 911 as a keeper and 996 prices are hard to ignore - I just don't think a water cooled car can be a keeper. That said if I had a Targa or a 4S I'm sure I could stretch it out 5 years or so before getting itchy feet.

Hence me starting to think about a Cerb, however I'm a complete Trevor virgin.
I test drove my Tuscan and a 997c2s back to back. Tuscan was much more exciting. I agree with you about 996 prices but ultimately to me I can only sum them up as fast company cars, very competent but unless its a GT3 or a maybe a Turbo, ultimately a bit dull.

TVR's are no where near as bad as people make out. Look around for a good one, get TVR Power or Rob Ingleby to inspect it. TVR will cost more to service though.

deadmau5

3,197 posts

207 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
hornetrider said:
If you were looking for a weekend 2+2 what would you go for?
Cerb

Chris71

21,549 posts

269 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
I'd go for the Cerb. Porsches make fantastic all-rounders and I'd go for the 911 without question if it was a daily driver, but they take time to get under your skin. Whereas, even if you only fire up the Cerb once a month for a quick blast it will still make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up (or at least it should do).

I guess there are other options, but not many. The XK8 is way too staid in this company IMHO. The Maserati 4200 GT is a thing of beauty but even further towards the GT end of the scale than the 911 in most respects.

Sticking with the Maserati theme, what about a Ghibli? I gather they can be pretty scary prospects mechanically, but you'd have enough budget for a good one and a decent contingency fund.



They're not the most photogenic cars, but those angles and creases do look good in the flesh.

hornetrider

Original Poster:

63,161 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
Chrisw666 said:
850i

XK (Albeit a leggy one)

XKR (XK8 shape)

Monaro (Probably the most bork proof option)

Ferrari Mondial (they must be cheap to run wink )

But as you asked about the Cerb V the 911 - Heart = Cerb, Head = 911.
XK - maybe in my late forties wink

Monaro - too council tongue out

Ferrari - see Maser comments above smile

Just thought of maybe a nice 928 though... scratchchin

_Neal_

2,934 posts

246 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
hornetrider said:
XK - maybe in my late forties wink

Monaro - too council tongue out

Ferrari - see Maser comments above smile

Just thought of maybe a nice 928 though... scratchchin
I'd have a 968 over a 928, but I'd query whether either are "special" enough.

_Batty_

12,268 posts

277 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
quotequote all
996 with PSE.
Epic noise, and still very much an event. Take one out.
It is a very good balance between not falling to pieces and something fun.
No Elise in the list?

ApexJimi

27,540 posts

270 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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Does it absolutely HAVE to be a 2+2?


Sexual Chocolate

1,583 posts

171 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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Elise with a honda conversion but its not a 2+2.

If it was my hard earned I would go for the cerb over the 911.

sparks_E39

12,738 posts

240 months

Wednesday 29th August 2012
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I would get an Aston DB7.