Looking for a Cerbera

[c15]

Sold my Griff 500 earlier this year and I am now looking for a decent 98ish 4.2 / 4.5. However, many people have warned about the difference in reliability and running costs.

Has anyone here gone through the same change and regretted or not regretted it?

Cheers

Steve

[cirvy]

I went from a 4.3 Griff to a 1998 4.5 Cerb & found it to be fantastic. By using a good independant for servicing, there was no cost difference ( Griff being serviced at main dealer ), & in terms of useability, the Cerb wins it. Its also a more extreme experience, which, if its a weekender, is probably what you're looking for.

As far as reliabilty is concerned, mine has been superb. I found a one owner car, the owner being particularly fastidious, which i'm sure helped. I'm pretty much the same. I'm the first to admit that i have become 'anal' about oil changes/levels, warming up, preventative maintenance, etc, i'm convinced it makes all the difference.

I can certainly recommend the move, just do lots of looking. Have fun

[c15]

So is the performance between a griff and a cerbie, really that much different?

[mrmop]

I too went from a Griff 500 to a 4.2 Cerebera, the performance difference is very noticable, the engine is also very different, reliability has been great no issues at all in 14 Months of ownership.

My advise would be go for the best car regardless of engine size ( cant comment on speed 6)if buying privatley check engine warm up routine and use it as much as possible, always let the engine get to operating temp before going over 2k revs.

Buy and enjoy.

[cirvy]

[redacted]

[trackcar]

cirvy said:

I went from a 4.3 Griff to a 1998 4.5 Cerb & found it to be fantastic. By using a good independant for servicing, there was no cost difference ( Griff being serviced at main dealer ), & in terms of useability, the Cerb wins it. Its also a more extreme experience, which, if its a weekender, is probably what you're looking for. As far as reliabilty is concerned, mine has been superb. I found a one owner car, the owner being particularly fastidious, which i'm sure helped. I'm pretty much the same. I'm the first to admit that i have become 'anal' about oil changes/levels, warming up, preventative maintenance, etc, i'm convinced it makes all the difference. I can certainly recommend the move, just do lots of looking. Have fun

It's been a pretty good car for yuo that one hasn't it Simon? As you say, a sensible approach to care for the car wins in the end. About the only thing you've had a problem with was a leaking ohlins damper I think .. not a bad track record I think that if the time comes for you to sell that car on there'll be a line down the street of potential customers

[cirvy]

Thanks Joo, i think you're right. The only bugbear for me is being sure that what i replace it with give me the same rush! Just got back from a week in Spain, couldnt wait to get the Cerb out & tear off for a blat, it put a bigger grin on my face than all the previous week's Pina Colada's put together

Ahhh, the power of the Cerb, come on TVR, for christ's sake, make another one

[c15]

Well cheers guys... Can anyone tell me the rough costs per year for services / etc.. for a year of normal w/end driving.

My griff turned out to be a little on the expensive side after my first service at 2.5k (Bought the car from a reputable dealer with FTVRSH).... The service should have only been 500quid..

[gazzab]

Allow £3K pa - you should get in cheaper than that BUT all you need is a clutch or diff or gearbox and £3K is suddenly a realistic target! If you cant easily afford £2k pa and maybe £3k pa then .....?
Dont forget upgrades on top - therefore find one with suspension upgraded and spiders if you want to avoid those costs.

[c15]

Actually with the griff I budgeted just over 3k pa. to include all costs incl. some upgrades. But insurance costs alone were 3k... (I live in Germany and wanted to keep it as a UK car..... if I get a cerbie will register it in Germany).

[gazzab]

£3K in my books covers just servicing and repairs.
I include tyres in that but not insurance and fuel and upgrades.

[BCA]

If you wish to register it in Germany it may be worth talking to Christof Flugel (sp?) - hes a PH'er "Christof", and occaisionally posts. AFAIK he pretty much runs TVR Germany? though I could be wrong... either way, he's always appeared to be very helpful whenever people have asked him questions on here.