Young Newbie saving since 16
Discussion
I wonder if anyone would give me some impartial advice. I have loved cars since I was able to see and TVRs have always rocked my boat.
I have been saving since I've earnt any money, and now feel ready @ 26 to take the plunge.
I feel a pull toward a Cerb speed six - is this a wise buy (compared to 8 cylinders and any advice on age?)? Obviously I understand huge insurance premiums and annual costs (3k/annum I hear) are to be expected. I am willing - but just do not want to be put of this most amazing of British makes on my first foray!
Any advice would be appreciated...
I have been saving since I've earnt any money, and now feel ready @ 26 to take the plunge.
I feel a pull toward a Cerb speed six - is this a wise buy (compared to 8 cylinders and any advice on age?)? Obviously I understand huge insurance premiums and annual costs (3k/annum I hear) are to be expected. I am willing - but just do not want to be put of this most amazing of British makes on my first foray!
Any advice would be appreciated...
oli_quick said:
I have been saving since I've earnt any money, and now feel ready @ 26 to take the plunge.
Any advice would be appreciated...
If you've been saving hard for this purchase, then keep saving if you buy a Cerb. These things eat money faster than they drink fuel.
My recommendation for your first steps into TVR ownership would be a sorted Griff or Chim.
Boxter's are superb cars, great handlers and will introduce you well to the performance market.
I'd say leave the Cerbera bit alone for a wee bit, get the boxter for a depreciated price, enjoy her for the year, and look around next year for a good deal on a Cerbie.
Stay away from Cerbera's running with the speed 6 engine. When you get closer to the time, the 4.5 will be a good buy.
Speed 6 engines are sweet runners, but when pushed, they will fall apart, the newer speed 6's are miles ahead in reliability so I've been led to believe... but you never know... the 4.5 is a good machine, and there are good indies to look after you out there. Joospeed comes #1 for independant specialist.
Summary:
Buy a well sorted value-for-money Boxter/S, and enjoy her for the year.
Come next year, sell her off, and look at your finances and jump in for a 4.5.
But Cerbera ownership is very much a 'russian roullete' process... you could get one that gives you miles of pleasure and only typical problems... or you could end up with something which costs very dearly...
But if you have your heart set on a Cerbie, make sure you have at least 6k on standby just in case... average running costs vary from 2-3k a year... but the extra 3k is a safety net if anything, like I said, its all down to sods law...
They're cheap to buy, can cost the earth in ownership, many on here have max'd out credit cards due to running these beasts... but a few cant say anything negative towards the ownership... its the luck of the draw...
Good luck.
I'd say leave the Cerbera bit alone for a wee bit, get the boxter for a depreciated price, enjoy her for the year, and look around next year for a good deal on a Cerbie.
Stay away from Cerbera's running with the speed 6 engine. When you get closer to the time, the 4.5 will be a good buy.
Speed 6 engines are sweet runners, but when pushed, they will fall apart, the newer speed 6's are miles ahead in reliability so I've been led to believe... but you never know... the 4.5 is a good machine, and there are good indies to look after you out there. Joospeed comes #1 for independant specialist.
Summary:
Buy a well sorted value-for-money Boxter/S, and enjoy her for the year.
Come next year, sell her off, and look at your finances and jump in for a 4.5.
But Cerbera ownership is very much a 'russian roullete' process... you could get one that gives you miles of pleasure and only typical problems... or you could end up with something which costs very dearly...
But if you have your heart set on a Cerbie, make sure you have at least 6k on standby just in case... average running costs vary from 2-3k a year... but the extra 3k is a safety net if anything, like I said, its all down to sods law...
They're cheap to buy, can cost the earth in ownership, many on here have max'd out credit cards due to running these beasts... but a few cant say anything negative towards the ownership... its the luck of the draw...
Good luck.
Phoenix, many thanks - valuable advice (n.b. wow to your project!). Looks like I am being given some negative vibes...which to be honest were lurking at the back of my mind.
I think I will have to look into Porkers (maybe 993 can't really see my self in a Boxster no matter how logical the decision is...) or if I can 2nd hand 456 GT...or maybe T350.
May be worth mentioning I would only use the car @ weekends, my commute to the city will never involve cars...I can hardly see at that time in the morning - never mind handle Cerb!
p.s. My dad will thank you all!
I think I will have to look into Porkers (maybe 993 can't really see my self in a Boxster no matter how logical the decision is...) or if I can 2nd hand 456 GT...or maybe T350.
May be worth mentioning I would only use the car @ weekends, my commute to the city will never involve cars...I can hardly see at that time in the morning - never mind handle Cerb!
p.s. My dad will thank you all!
What the hell. If your heart is set on a Cerb (which it souns like it is), then go for it and get one 
. I never considered any other model. Just do a search of this forum to make sure the model you go for is the right choice, and have an idea of what you can expect in terms of cost etc etc. Good luck!
. I never considered any other model. Just do a search of this forum to make sure the model you go for is the right choice, and have an idea of what you can expect in terms of cost etc etc. Good luck!
oli_quick, you are about the same age as me when I bought mine. I have never looked back from the purchase and it was the only TVR for me. I also commute to city and only use the car to nip down the gym on evenings and for pure fun at weekends!
I have never regretted buying the car, and a car that makes you turn around every time you walk away, and makes you smile from ear to ear every time you hit 120 ish in 3rd is amazing. If you buy a porker, you will see at least another one on every journey. I have never seen another Cerb other than at dealers or at the rolling road day. And when you see them together they are a bloody impressive site. If you buy a boxster or older 911 I think you will end up regretting it as these cars no longer look special, just like audi's, beemers etc. Buy the Cerb, but don't quote me on that, as I have been very lucky so far (touch wood) and you to hear stories of bad uns!
Good luck
I have never regretted buying the car, and a car that makes you turn around every time you walk away, and makes you smile from ear to ear every time you hit 120 ish in 3rd is amazing. If you buy a porker, you will see at least another one on every journey. I have never seen another Cerb other than at dealers or at the rolling road day. And when you see them together they are a bloody impressive site. If you buy a boxster or older 911 I think you will end up regretting it as these cars no longer look special, just like audi's, beemers etc. Buy the Cerb, but don't quote me on that, as I have been very lucky so far (touch wood) and you to hear stories of bad uns!
Good luck
oli_quick said:
I think I will have to look into Porkers (maybe 993 can't really see my self in a Boxster no matter how logical the decision is...) or if I can 2nd hand 456 GT...or maybe T350.
I would ask on the ferrari forum about running costs of the 456GT. I've heard some 'amusing' stories.
BTW your car options suggest you're not sure what you want... someone in the market for a cerbera wouldnt have a boxster or 456GT as options. similarly someone in the market for a 456GT wouldn't have a cerbera or boxster as options... decide what would make you the happiest, and if you can afford the initial cost and then the on-going costs inc insurance, fuel, servicing, broken bits, then buy your dream.
All the best.
PS personally i'd say fk it, and get the Cerbera!
Awww nooo! Just resigned myself to wordly knowledge and now I find out you think like I do! 'What the hell'
My heart is really set on a Cerb, but I don't want my passion to be squashed...flat, dead.
I think as you say if I can prove it to myself - good service history, careful lady owner etc, etc...then it's only money hey!
I only ask if u ever see in a new porsche not to drop into second and accelerate past me...ppllleease!
My heart is really set on a Cerb, but I don't want my passion to be squashed...flat, dead.
I think as you say if I can prove it to myself - good service history, careful lady owner etc, etc...then it's only money hey!
I only ask if u ever see in a new porsche not to drop into second and accelerate past me...ppllleease!
if you want a cerb or any TVR go for it. I had one at your age and they were a much more difficult to own 30 years ago! I had a stage three 2500m and that was a beast! No one could service it locally and it was as striking then as modern ones are now. I had no problems with it and I loved every moment with it!
Just make sure its OK to start with!
Who Dares Wins !!
Just make sure its OK to start with!
Who Dares Wins !!
Oli,
I was in a similar position to you 2 years ago, had saved up for ages and got myself a 2nd hand 2000X tuscan when I was 26.
If you do go for one, the most painless way into ownership is probably to be lucky (as with any TVR), as I have had no additional costs above insurance (£700-£1000), routine servicing (£500-£800 per 6000miles), tyres (1x rear set) and cover about 6000 miles per year. I do run a cheap run-about car for everyday use, as I worked out in the long run this would be cheaper than trying to do 15000 miles per year in the tuscan given depreciation, extra servicing, fuel consumption, etc....
My advice to you is to go for it, you only live once, but make sure as I did, that you leave yourself with at least 3-4K spare over and above 2K per year minimum running costs (see my list above)
Si
I was in a similar position to you 2 years ago, had saved up for ages and got myself a 2nd hand 2000X tuscan when I was 26.
If you do go for one, the most painless way into ownership is probably to be lucky (as with any TVR), as I have had no additional costs above insurance (£700-£1000), routine servicing (£500-£800 per 6000miles), tyres (1x rear set) and cover about 6000 miles per year. I do run a cheap run-about car for everyday use, as I worked out in the long run this would be cheaper than trying to do 15000 miles per year in the tuscan given depreciation, extra servicing, fuel consumption, etc....
My advice to you is to go for it, you only live once, but make sure as I did, that you leave yourself with at least 3-4K spare over and above 2K per year minimum running costs (see my list above)
Si
oli_quick said:
Mmm...well to be honest I don't really 'like' those models. What would be the reasoning for this opinion?
Finacial, power...level of education? ;-)
I really like the Cerb because of its shape - it's either this or a Boxster...that would just be boring no?!
Ok, to balance my initial post, if you do buy a Cerb, it'll be the most jaw dropping car you will ever buy and everyone looks at it - it demands attention. The noise makes your hairs stand on end and the acceleration will have you pushed firmly into the back of the chair. It is an awesome car - no doubt.
The thing that made alarm bells ring for me was that you have saved up since you earned money. Financially, they are very demanding. S6's especially so due to the engine (sorry S6 guys).
Every Cerbera owner has a niggle at the back of his/her mind that the new noise that doesn't sound right is going to be expensive and believe me, they make a lot of noise. I'd hate for that niggle to ruin your relationship with TVR's, so that's why I suggested the Griff or Chim - two cars much cheaper and easier to work on.
If you do go for a Cerbera, do it with your eyes wide open and look for the best you can afford comfortably. Prehaps go on a TVR day out - there's plenty TVR events planned either through PH or the TVRCC, where owners will pass on their experience.
I had a Boxster some years ago and now own a Cerb 4.5. You just can't compare them! Personally I found the Boxster too slow and too quiet.
I feel very lucky to own an example of such a great marque - Meeting up last Sunday with 50 or so other owners and blatting around London is something that would never have happened owning a Porsche. You get so much more than just owning a beautiful, fast, loud car - You get exclusivity!
I love it - but I would support the comments below about cost. The worst part is when you first buy it. Once you've had a chance to really enjoy it, you'll never look back!
I feel very lucky to own an example of such a great marque - Meeting up last Sunday with 50 or so other owners and blatting around London is something that would never have happened owning a Porsche. You get so much more than just owning a beautiful, fast, loud car - You get exclusivity!
I love it - but I would support the comments below about cost. The worst part is when you first buy it. Once you've had a chance to really enjoy it, you'll never look back!
My two pences worth:
Two totally different types of car...
If you want a car "like a Cerb", you're talking Cerb, 456GT, Jag XKR, DB7, etc. The 456GT will set you back £68k if it needs a new engine at any point in time, so I'd count that out immediately (I've been through this process myself - the running costs could bankrupt a lottery winner). I had a Cerb - it was great. I'm picking up my XKR on Friday, though, and it's a MUCH more accomplished car. And it'll be every bit as fast by the time I'm finished with it. The DB7 is great looking car, but terrible value for money (nearly bought one of these last week, too). If you're going down this route, I'd consider the XKR and Cerb the only options, but I would suggest NOT having a Cerb as your first performance car. I'd go with Ash (Phoenix) and suggest putting it off for a year while you find a perfect one, "learn how to drive" (a sportscar), etc. I'd also steer clear of the S6 Cerb, but I'd probably go for a 4.2 rather than a 4.5.
A Boxster sits there with the (new) SLK, a Z4, Elise S2, VX-220, 350Z conv. etc. Personally, I'd either consider a Boxster S, Elise S2, or an S2000. To "learn how to drive", I'd recommend an S2 Elise for a year (a 111R if you can - a MUCH better engine) or an S2000. One that's a few years old won't depreciate much (buy and sell private), they're both fairly robust cars, etc.
Two totally different types of car...
If you want a car "like a Cerb", you're talking Cerb, 456GT, Jag XKR, DB7, etc. The 456GT will set you back £68k if it needs a new engine at any point in time, so I'd count that out immediately (I've been through this process myself - the running costs could bankrupt a lottery winner). I had a Cerb - it was great. I'm picking up my XKR on Friday, though, and it's a MUCH more accomplished car. And it'll be every bit as fast by the time I'm finished with it. The DB7 is great looking car, but terrible value for money (nearly bought one of these last week, too). If you're going down this route, I'd consider the XKR and Cerb the only options, but I would suggest NOT having a Cerb as your first performance car. I'd go with Ash (Phoenix) and suggest putting it off for a year while you find a perfect one, "learn how to drive" (a sportscar), etc. I'd also steer clear of the S6 Cerb, but I'd probably go for a 4.2 rather than a 4.5.
A Boxster sits there with the (new) SLK, a Z4, Elise S2, VX-220, 350Z conv. etc. Personally, I'd either consider a Boxster S, Elise S2, or an S2000. To "learn how to drive", I'd recommend an S2 Elise for a year (a 111R if you can - a MUCH better engine) or an S2000. One that's a few years old won't depreciate much (buy and sell private), they're both fairly robust cars, etc.
Everyone thanks for you opinions - I think my plan of action is to actually get my arse in the seat of a Cerb and give it a go...then do plenty of research (can I post potential purchases to this group for opinions? Or is there a good repository of information on the cars held anywhere?)
The problem is I just want one now! But good things come to those who etc, etc...
Look forward to telling you all about my first experience...
The problem is I just want one now! But good things come to those who etc, etc...
Look forward to telling you all about my first experience...
Byff said:Cerberas look stunning in photos, in real life they look even more so. The days of wooing when a porsche drives by are over, a TVR will give you more then tripple the enjoyment of a cerbera.
if you do buy a Cerb, it'll be the most jaw dropping car you will ever buy and everyone looks at it - it demands attention. The noise makes your hairs stand on end and the acceleration will have you pushed firmly into the back of the chair. It is an awesome car - no doubt.
I took someone for a spin in my Cerb last week, it took him 3 minutes to stop laughing. Laughing at the amazing experience that a Cerbera is. The sound is incredible, the amount of positive attention you get from the public just cant be compared to anything else. I had half a dozen thumbs up or shouts of praise in 15 minutes(ish) once. Its a smile a mile, drop a few cogs popping and banging down the road and the traffic lights themselves lean to, turn around and stare, listening
Forgive me for saying so (you and others probably value the merits a porsche does have more than I) but comparing a cerbera to a boxter is would be like comparing an old womans bicycle to a harley. The cerb is in the "blow your mind" fun-factor-league, and the porsche is most definitely not. If I could count the number of times Ive just burst out laughing at the incredible experience the Cerbera is, coupled with nods of agreement from passengers.
If a porsche motors by at 7k revs on a bypass, you'd likely think Tw@t. If a cerbera passes you with that many revs, you'll need a minute to compose yourself before lavishing the car with praise.
Two totally different beasts. Buy a cerbera, forget running costs, just do your best to buy a good one and put aside the necessary emergency money and I guarantee you will not look back.
Mine was not driven much before I bought it, and unsuprisingly its been this then that, one thing going wrong after the other, but in time it will be sorted, as much as the best of them out there. Whether you buy one which in 3 months will need a new clutch or starter motor is anyones guess. But buy one you should, because it will bring you more happiness than any other car for any price this side of £100k.
Get one now, you know you want to!
"To hell with it" - as some say, works if you're on financially good grounds...
Stay well clear of stallions...
Cerberas break down, clutch failures, starter motors, electric gremlins - locking you out of your own car, poor water sealing in some, soft alloys getting bent on potholes, weak front upper wishbones - havent heard of a serious failure yet, but its there...
But like most will tell you, its an exclusive car, and you will feel like the king of the road...
But at what cost? Thats down to sods law...
An early 911 turbo will give you as much fun, but the running costs can be just as high or worse... and of course, no porsche has the road presence of a cerbera...
Chose what colour you like, chose what interior you want, decide if you want the lightweight (newer) model or the older model... then just keep test driving until you find the one that fits the bill... I hear James Agger can source very good ones and will look after you very well... speak to our Graham (TCR administrator)....
But I would still say, buy something that fits financially even with the risk considered and not a 'it wont happen to me', and then make the choice... dont put yourself out just for exclusivity, you still want dosh to 'live'....
I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic, all TVR's are great sports cars, but the Cerbs and Tuscs can be an expensive bit of 'fun'... but if the disposable income allows for it... then there is no better car out there 'bang for pound' without the 'bang' (pardon the pun)...
PS. JSG is spot on about fezza ownership, an engine rebuild is every fezza owners worst nightmare... footballers cars, what you expect..
Stay well clear of stallions...
Cerberas break down, clutch failures, starter motors, electric gremlins - locking you out of your own car, poor water sealing in some, soft alloys getting bent on potholes, weak front upper wishbones - havent heard of a serious failure yet, but its there...
But like most will tell you, its an exclusive car, and you will feel like the king of the road...
But at what cost? Thats down to sods law...
An early 911 turbo will give you as much fun, but the running costs can be just as high or worse... and of course, no porsche has the road presence of a cerbera...
Chose what colour you like, chose what interior you want, decide if you want the lightweight (newer) model or the older model... then just keep test driving until you find the one that fits the bill... I hear James Agger can source very good ones and will look after you very well... speak to our Graham (TCR administrator)....
But I would still say, buy something that fits financially even with the risk considered and not a 'it wont happen to me', and then make the choice... dont put yourself out just for exclusivity, you still want dosh to 'live'....
I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic, all TVR's are great sports cars, but the Cerbs and Tuscs can be an expensive bit of 'fun'... but if the disposable income allows for it... then there is no better car out there 'bang for pound' without the 'bang' (pardon the pun)...
PS. JSG is spot on about fezza ownership, an engine rebuild is every fezza owners worst nightmare... footballers cars, what you expect..
I bought my Cerbera as my first TVR about 3 months ago and love it. Originally was going to buy a Chim but had one drive in a Cerb whilst waiting for the Chim to come back and was converted. Looked at loads and bought the one I liked most. So far I have been really lucky and it has never let me down...yet. I commute to the city, but make time to drive it in the evenings and weekend. Had my mate in it yesterday who has a boxster and he thought it was awesome compared to his, and it's only the 4.2.
I am 26 this week and owned a Lotus prior to this, if you do buy one as a first performance car I would definitely recommend going to someone like RideDrive who were brilliant in getting me to get most out of the car...safely.
I am 26 this week and owned a Lotus prior to this, if you do buy one as a first performance car I would definitely recommend going to someone like RideDrive who were brilliant in getting me to get most out of the car...safely.
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