looking to buy a cerb, 15-16k max
Discussion
There are a few threads that you should search back through and read, but this one would be a good start...
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=6&h=0&t=140549
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=6&h=0&t=140549
You can get one at that budget in the used arena, but its pretty much bottom dollar, so you'd be unlikely to get mint car of any sort.
Just be sure you have the budget (£2k - £3k) per year to keep it running.
If I were you I'd also take a look at Griffiths and Chimaeras at that budget, as you'd get yourself a peach of a car.
Just be sure you have the budget (£2k - £3k) per year to keep it running.
If I were you I'd also take a look at Griffiths and Chimaeras at that budget, as you'd get yourself a peach of a car.
wotcha,
got mine for 16K middle of summer
looks fantastic ... condition was equal to same aged car offords had at the time for 5k more
my milage is high 52k but with excellent history
(12k miles higher than offords)
have had to have clutch but that could have been true of the more expensive car!!
buy carefully but dont rule out the cheap ones!!
DAS
got mine for 16K middle of summer
looks fantastic ... condition was equal to same aged car offords had at the time for 5k more
my milage is high 52k but with excellent history
(12k miles higher than offords)
have had to have clutch but that could have been true of the more expensive car!!
buy carefully but dont rule out the cheap ones!!
DAS
Sorry to hear that John, must be that number plate.... 
I agree with keeping the money in the bank - I budgeted £20-22k for a Cerb, paid £16k, and have so far spent about £1500 getting it up to spec:
Realignment / geometry
New speakers / amps
Throttle pots and coils
Headlamp refectors and wiring
Sports exhaust
Windows and seals
But then, with the cash in the bank, and an independant who's helpful above and beyond the call of duty (Mike @ Horizon Motorsport), it's all been fairly painless and no more or less than I expected. Ive done 2500 miles in six weeks in her, and she's just wonderful.
I'll probably finish off the work with a full new set of Toyos to replace the &)%! Bridgestone lumps, and then think about Nitrons in the New Year.
There were three other Cerbs there in the time Mike was working on mine - one was in for its routine 6000mile service, and it's the only time it ever hits the garage floor despite 12k a year, one was in for a new sump as it had been grounded, but was otherwise neat, despite being a 96 like mine. The final one was a 1998 and the guys in there nearly cried everytime I asked about it.....
So the moral? Buying with your head isn't going to help! Be prepared for monstrous bills, and then with a bit of luck you'll be pleasantly surprised. Size up the paperwork and condition of a car (and owner!) and decide for yourself whether you think it has been looked after or not.
My car for example is one of the very first cars off the line, so has a few odd things missing, such as no adjustable steering column. But the previous owner has had a complete interior retrim, full body respray, 4.5 clutch, whisper cams etc etc etc etc. However, many of the little things have been ignored - door seals, indicators, wiring etc.
You pays your money, you takes your choice.... Go for it, come crying to us, and we'll help out, but don't say we didn't warn you - about the highs as well as the lows.
To put it all into perspective, my wife, in an unusually insightful moment said yesterday "I could never drive this, it's noisy, there's no electric seats, it's all too much hard work, and you spend too much time talking to the garage - but I can see why you love it to bits!"
Says it all really!
I agree with keeping the money in the bank - I budgeted £20-22k for a Cerb, paid £16k, and have so far spent about £1500 getting it up to spec:
Realignment / geometry
New speakers / amps
Throttle pots and coils
Headlamp refectors and wiring
Sports exhaust
Windows and seals
But then, with the cash in the bank, and an independant who's helpful above and beyond the call of duty (Mike @ Horizon Motorsport), it's all been fairly painless and no more or less than I expected. Ive done 2500 miles in six weeks in her, and she's just wonderful.
I'll probably finish off the work with a full new set of Toyos to replace the &)%! Bridgestone lumps, and then think about Nitrons in the New Year.
There were three other Cerbs there in the time Mike was working on mine - one was in for its routine 6000mile service, and it's the only time it ever hits the garage floor despite 12k a year, one was in for a new sump as it had been grounded, but was otherwise neat, despite being a 96 like mine. The final one was a 1998 and the guys in there nearly cried everytime I asked about it.....
So the moral? Buying with your head isn't going to help! Be prepared for monstrous bills, and then with a bit of luck you'll be pleasantly surprised. Size up the paperwork and condition of a car (and owner!) and decide for yourself whether you think it has been looked after or not.
My car for example is one of the very first cars off the line, so has a few odd things missing, such as no adjustable steering column. But the previous owner has had a complete interior retrim, full body respray, 4.5 clutch, whisper cams etc etc etc etc. However, many of the little things have been ignored - door seals, indicators, wiring etc.
You pays your money, you takes your choice.... Go for it, come crying to us, and we'll help out, but don't say we didn't warn you - about the highs as well as the lows.
To put it all into perspective, my wife, in an unusually insightful moment said yesterday "I could never drive this, it's noisy, there's no electric seats, it's all too much hard work, and you spend too much time talking to the garage - but I can see why you love it to bits!"
Says it all really!
I paid £14,750 for my 97P 4.2 with 33K full TVRSH stamped in book and it has been the best thing I've ever done. Apart from a snapped driveshaft (£50 to fix DIY) and the usual stonechipped bonnet it has been great.
I can't see the logic in spending more on a Cerb of similar age and mileage - if you spend £20K there's no guarantee that it won't have any mechanical problems. I'd much rather buy a cheaper car with a budget to fix and run.
Just do it, they're the most fun per pound vehicle you can possibly buy at the moment!
I can't see the logic in spending more on a Cerb of similar age and mileage - if you spend £20K there's no guarantee that it won't have any mechanical problems. I'd much rather buy a cheaper car with a budget to fix and run.
Just do it, they're the most fun per pound vehicle you can possibly buy at the moment!
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