Help! Which Tuscan/Cerbera Should I Buy?
Discussion
Help!
I'm saving up hard for either a Tuscan S or Cerbera 4.5 next year (currently own a 99 Chimaera 400). However, I'm not sure what to go for and would appreciate some opinions and information (particularly on the different Cerbera models available).
Tuscan for:
- Awesome exterior (prefer to Cerbera)
- Awesome interior (prefer to Cerbera)
- Removeable roof.
- Top speed and stability at speed (better than Cerbera?)
Tuscan against:
- Dodgy reliability
- Higher price
- Inferior acceleration
- Doesn't sound as good
If the Tuscan S proves to be reliable (anyone who has one care to comment?) then I'll proabbly go for that, mainly because I love its looks inside and out and there surely cannot be much of a difference in performance between that and a Cerbera?! However, I am quite tempted by a Cerbera Red Rose - 450bhp! I've also seen Cerbera LW for sale - are these just lighter than a standard Cerbera or do they have more power too? Can you get a Cerbera 4.5RR LW for example? Basically, I suppose I'm asking, what (apart from the Speed 12) is the fastest factory standard Cerbera I'm likely to be able to buy for about £35-40k and just how much faster than a Cerbera 4.2/4.5 is it?
Finally, what are the relative merits of the Tuscan and Cerbera as regards practicality, i.e. running costs (I've heard a Cerbera clutch change can be £1k and tyres are incredibly expensive - hows does this compare to the Tuscan?), space, fuel consumption, insurance (I'm 24 so it's important!), etc. My Chimaera is great for storage space - I can do the shopping in it and everything!
Unfortunately I've never had more than 165 miles out of a full tank of fuel. 
Cheers.
roadsweeper.
I'm saving up hard for either a Tuscan S or Cerbera 4.5 next year (currently own a 99 Chimaera 400). However, I'm not sure what to go for and would appreciate some opinions and information (particularly on the different Cerbera models available).
Tuscan for:
- Awesome exterior (prefer to Cerbera)
- Awesome interior (prefer to Cerbera)
- Removeable roof.
- Top speed and stability at speed (better than Cerbera?)
Tuscan against:
- Dodgy reliability
- Higher price
- Inferior acceleration
- Doesn't sound as good
If the Tuscan S proves to be reliable (anyone who has one care to comment?) then I'll proabbly go for that, mainly because I love its looks inside and out and there surely cannot be much of a difference in performance between that and a Cerbera?! However, I am quite tempted by a Cerbera Red Rose - 450bhp! I've also seen Cerbera LW for sale - are these just lighter than a standard Cerbera or do they have more power too? Can you get a Cerbera 4.5RR LW for example? Basically, I suppose I'm asking, what (apart from the Speed 12) is the fastest factory standard Cerbera I'm likely to be able to buy for about £35-40k and just how much faster than a Cerbera 4.2/4.5 is it?
Finally, what are the relative merits of the Tuscan and Cerbera as regards practicality, i.e. running costs (I've heard a Cerbera clutch change can be £1k and tyres are incredibly expensive - hows does this compare to the Tuscan?), space, fuel consumption, insurance (I'm 24 so it's important!), etc. My Chimaera is great for storage space - I can do the shopping in it and everything!
Unfortunately I've never had more than 165 miles out of a full tank of fuel. Cheers.
roadsweeper.
I pretty much had to make this decision not long ago and after some research came to the following conclusions.
IMO (and others) the AJP is a superior engine to the Speed 6.
You should never by a brand new model of TVR as they don't have the capital to invest into development, so constantly evolve the cars as they grow. If you compare a '96 Cerbera with a LW there are mods to make them more reliable (heat shields for fuel lines to stop fuel evaporation to name one)
The LW 4.5 and the older 4.5 power wise, are pretty much the same, the only difference are the light weight components in the doors and bonnet and a change to the 'A' Frames, I prefer the older carbon fibre look.
For 40K you can pick up a 18+ month old Red Rose, or a decent Tuscan S.
The standard Cerbera 4.5's are noticeably quicker than the Tuscan S's as the power is full on through the rev range; peak BHP isn't that meaning full. I won't mention reliability of the speed six engines, as I don't have first had experience. And reliability concerns could also be aimed at the AJP (although un-justly ).
I think that the Cerbera has matured into a very decent performance car (touch wood). Taking nothing away from the Tuscan's they are nice cars, and allot of it is personal preference such as removable roof and styling. Personally I think the Cerbera styling is awesome, its sleek and sexy yet tough with its curved haunches. It is more understated as opposed to the 'look at me' type looks of the Tuscan.
As you can probably tell from my non objective view I went for a Red Rose 4.5 LW and it I am still grinning 6 weeks on. The power is serious.
Having just turned 25, the insurance isn't more than my old Chimaera, as long as you have full no claims (I guess you do at 24) then you should be looking at 1K a year. I gained very little from reaching the magic age of 25.
>> Edited by Ston on Monday 1st July 14:01
IMO (and others) the AJP is a superior engine to the Speed 6.
You should never by a brand new model of TVR as they don't have the capital to invest into development, so constantly evolve the cars as they grow. If you compare a '96 Cerbera with a LW there are mods to make them more reliable (heat shields for fuel lines to stop fuel evaporation to name one)
The LW 4.5 and the older 4.5 power wise, are pretty much the same, the only difference are the light weight components in the doors and bonnet and a change to the 'A' Frames, I prefer the older carbon fibre look.
For 40K you can pick up a 18+ month old Red Rose, or a decent Tuscan S.
The standard Cerbera 4.5's are noticeably quicker than the Tuscan S's as the power is full on through the rev range; peak BHP isn't that meaning full. I won't mention reliability of the speed six engines, as I don't have first had experience. And reliability concerns could also be aimed at the AJP (although un-justly
). I think that the Cerbera has matured into a very decent performance car (touch wood). Taking nothing away from the Tuscan's they are nice cars, and allot of it is personal preference such as removable roof and styling. Personally I think the Cerbera styling is awesome, its sleek and sexy yet tough with its curved haunches. It is more understated as opposed to the 'look at me' type looks of the Tuscan.
As you can probably tell from my non objective view
I went for a Red Rose 4.5 LW and it I am still grinning 6 weeks on. The power is serious. Having just turned 25, the insurance isn't more than my old Chimaera, as long as you have full no claims (I guess you do at 24) then you should be looking at 1K a year. I gained very little from reaching the magic age of 25.
>> Edited by Ston on Monday 1st July 14:01
With regard to acceleration/top speed, I went to Elvington Airfield back in March, and all the 4.2 Cerbies (& 4.5's) were quicker than the Tuscans there (including the Tuscan S's).
Stability wise, there probably isn't much in it, but early Tuscans apparantly had high speed stability problems....
We can get more Sainsburys shopping in the boot of our Cerbie, than we can in the boot of my wifes Polo, and you'll never have a roof in there in a Cerbie, so it's alway HUGE !
Looks like Cerbie owners are getting younger & younger !
Olly
(24)
Stability wise, there probably isn't much in it, but early Tuscans apparantly had high speed stability problems.... We can get more Sainsburys shopping in the boot of our Cerbie, than we can in the boot of my wifes Polo, and you'll never have a roof in there in a Cerbie, so it's alway HUGE !
Looks like Cerbie owners are getting younger & younger !
Olly
(24)
26, and had the Cerb 4.5 just over a year.
Roadrunner, sounds to me like you're a Tuscan man. I've always considered the Tuscan to be the 'pretty boy' option and the Cerbera to be the 'man's' option. If it interests you here are the latest performance statistics for Cerb 4.5 and Tuscan S (just blagged a copy of latest brochure from local dealer.
Cerb 4.5 (Tuscan S)
0-60 3.9 (3.8)
0-100 8.3 (8.1)
0-150 17.9 (?)
Top speed 195+ (195+)
I now drive a 195mph supercar as opposed to a 190mph one as previously - must be the cheapest power upgrade I know!
If I had the choice now it would be a Cerb RR as I feel the AJP V8s are a bit more reliable than the speed sixes (unless of course you go for a new model)
Dan
Roadrunner, sounds to me like you're a Tuscan man. I've always considered the Tuscan to be the 'pretty boy' option and the Cerbera to be the 'man's' option. If it interests you here are the latest performance statistics for Cerb 4.5 and Tuscan S (just blagged a copy of latest brochure from local dealer.
Cerb 4.5 (Tuscan S)
0-60 3.9 (3.8)
0-100 8.3 (8.1)
0-150 17.9 (?)
Top speed 195+ (195+)
I now drive a 195mph supercar as opposed to a 190mph one as previously - must be the cheapest power upgrade I know!
If I had the choice now it would be a Cerb RR as I feel the AJP V8s are a bit more reliable than the speed sixes (unless of course you go for a new model)
Dan
I think if you want something badly enough, you'll do what it takes to get it.
I drooled over everything TVR for a couple of years before thinking 'sod it, it can be done'. I had to lower my sights from a Tuscan to a Griff. (not much lower!), went out and bought myself one just before my 25th birthday.
Love it to bits, already working that bit harder for the Tuscan S....
I drooled over everything TVR for a couple of years before thinking 'sod it, it can be done'. I had to lower my sights from a Tuscan to a Griff. (not much lower!), went out and bought myself one just before my 25th birthday.
Love it to bits, already working that bit harder for the Tuscan S....
Hi,
Cerbera 4.5LW RR is the one to go for ...
BTW ;-), my beastie is for sale at the end of the summer (October):
Check out:
www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291841271
It's a well known car, so drop me a line, if you are interested...
Christof
Cerbera 4.5LW RR is the one to go for ...
BTW ;-), my beastie is for sale at the end of the summer (October):
Check out:
www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4291841271
It's a well known car, so drop me a line, if you are interested...
Christof
quote:
Started own design/advertising studio with best mate soon after graduating (Graphic Design). First 2-3 years were hard going, working 7 days a week (no holidays whatsoever!) to get the company established. Now beginning to reap the benefits (although still work 7 days a week!)
Dan.
Snap. Same as you Dan only I qualified twenty years ago so Apple Macs were still 'things of the future
' Wouldn't go back to old ways of production tho' ie a drawing board, cow gum and rotring pens– ugh!
Only got a Chim at present so either you're charging a lot and getting away with it
or I've gotta put me prices up. All the best, Mike
quote:
either you're charging a lot and getting away with it
Business partner / best mate is of Asian descent so both the above applies! If it was left to me to price jobs I'd still be driving the 12 year old BMW 316!
Am still living at home (still looking for a place - ideally a loft apartment with a garage, which probably explains why I'm still looking!), don't drink/smoke, and no wife to spend my money which all help.
Mind you the business partner can't bring himself to spend his money - still drives a Vauxhall Vectra Diesel
. Cheers, Dan
quote:
Wouldn't go back to old ways of production tho' ie a drawing board, cow gum and rotring pens– ugh!
I was extremely lucky Mike, if I'd been a year or two older I'd have been introduced to the above, fortunately the year I started college was the first year they introduced the Macs
. Thanks for the help everyone.
Christof: I have seen your car after hearing about it on various threads (very nice mate!) and would certainly be interested though the end of this summer might be a little too soon if I'm realistic as I've just bought a house and I've only had the Chimaera for about three months! I did think you lived in Germany though?
Regarding what I do. I worked for myself during University and immediately afterwards. I graduated last June and bought the TVR in March this year. I know work for another well-known IT consultancy firm but took a pay cut of £80k/annum when I joined so income is susbtantially reduced for the next year or so whilst I develop a plan for world domination (in a business sense ) with my soon to be business partners! 
< RANT>
Following on from JulianHJ's comments, I also believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it and work hard. I suppose that's why I get so annoyed when people tell me that I've been lucky or think that my dad bought the car for me.
In actual fact I've spent many an hour in the past with my mum looking for money down the back of the sofa so we could go to the shops. I've also worked since I was 13 and self-financed through University via working for the student bar, PC World and myself (as mentioned) - at the same time - which made getting a good result tricky!! OK, I'm getting off my soapbox now.
< /RANT>
Cheers again for the help and I guess Christoph's comments answer the question of whether there is such a thing as a Cerbera 4.5LW RR - bet it's a bit quick!
roadsweeper.
Christof: I have seen your car after hearing about it on various threads (very nice mate!) and would certainly be interested though the end of this summer might be a little too soon if I'm realistic as I've just bought a house and I've only had the Chimaera for about three months! I did think you lived in Germany though?
Regarding what I do. I worked for myself during University and immediately afterwards. I graduated last June and bought the TVR in March this year. I know work for another well-known IT consultancy firm but took a pay cut of £80k/annum when I joined so income is susbtantially reduced for the next year or so
whilst I develop a plan for world domination (in a business sense ) with my soon to be business partners! < RANT>
Following on from JulianHJ's comments, I also believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it and work hard. I suppose that's why I get so annoyed when people tell me that I've been lucky or think that my dad bought the car for me.
In actual fact I've spent many an hour in the past with my mum looking for money down the back of the sofa so we could go to the shops. I've also worked since I was 13 and self-financed through University via working for the student bar, PC World and myself (as mentioned) - at the same time - which made getting a good result tricky!! OK, I'm getting off my soapbox now. < /RANT>
Cheers again for the help and I guess Christoph's comments answer the question of whether there is such a thing as a Cerbera 4.5LW RR - bet it's a bit quick!
roadsweeper.
sh*t! this is getting addictive! Never going to get any work done...
FAIR PLAY TO YOU ALL! work hard: play hard. I've just turned 23 and worked my (man)tits off to get my Tuscan. Vietnamesse refugees with nowt to our name back in 1979. (sob story over!)
Tuscan v's Cerbera: personal preference, I would've picked a Cerbie if I was thinking with my brain but the Tuscan looks out of this world...!
I think you'd be chuffed to bits with whatever you decide.
FAIR PLAY TO YOU ALL! work hard: play hard. I've just turned 23 and worked my (man)tits off to get my Tuscan. Vietnamesse refugees with nowt to our name back in 1979. (sob story over!)
Tuscan v's Cerbera: personal preference, I would've picked a Cerbie if I was thinking with my brain but the Tuscan looks out of this world...!
I think you'd be chuffed to bits with whatever you decide.
A_7USC: Good idea for a number plate! Also, congratulations on having a Tuscan at 23 - very impressive! Did you do the whole Uni thing or start work early? (I ask because I've always said that not going to Uni and just working your way up rather than starting on a Grad scheme is just as plausible as going to Uni).
Christof: Any performance figures for your car? Must be a bit quicker than a standard 4.5 0-100mph I would guess?
roadsweeper.
Christof: Any performance figures for your car? Must be a bit quicker than a standard 4.5 0-100mph I would guess?
roadsweeper.
Roadsweeper:
Not really for me mate, working as a Financial Consultant in Bristol. Started 5 years ago on the tills. Just got my head down and made sure my P60 showed more than last year.
Never been very academic, just prepared to do more than the next man.
Was toying with T8SCN too(@ www.dvla-som.co.uk for £250 if anyone's interested)
Tried this chatroom/noticeboard malarky @ my investment webs(h)ite, but kept falling asleep cos of the replies...
>> Edited by A 7USC on Tuesday 2nd July 15:14
Not really for me mate, working as a Financial Consultant in Bristol. Started 5 years ago on the tills. Just got my head down and made sure my P60 showed more than last year.
Never been very academic, just prepared to do more than the next man.
Was toying with T8SCN too(@ www.dvla-som.co.uk for £250 if anyone's interested)
Tried this chatroom/noticeboard malarky @ my investment webs(h)ite, but kept falling asleep cos of the replies...
>> Edited by A 7USC on Tuesday 2nd July 15:14
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