Which Model

[Nick Brough]

Hi,

Is there anyone out there who has regularly driven the following TVR models Cerbera T350 Sagaris and would be able to tell me which model would be best for driving all year round. I am thinking of buying a TVR in around 18 months but I intend to use it most days. This is likely to be the last car I ever buy I tend to keep my cars a long time.

My budget would be around £25 to £30k. I would be looking to get the most recent model car I could, with the thought that any early problems should have been sorted by then. Is this the case or am I deluding myself?

What in your opinion would be the relative pros and cons of a T350 or Sagaris over the Cerbera. Also, I have concerns about my driving abilities for such a car. The last fast car I had was an RS2000 in 1980 since then I have owned various pre war cars and newer A to B sheds, nothing fast, although I do drive a white van these days!!!!.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Nick

[rpa.janwell]

Nick, have driven Cerb 4.2 daily for some periods - some may disagree, but the Cerb does like free roads, and found it not too comfortable with "domestic" driving. The 'Gris works equally well at both ends of the spectrum, but is out of that price bracket for a couple of years. Check out the T350 - price is about OK, and from what I understand they are similar to the 'Gris in their tolerance of driving routines.

[_deejay_]

I hate to be the one who mentions this, but how many miles are you intending to do in the car, and are you at all put off by the reputed problems with the speed 6?

To answer your question, having owned a Cerb, a t350c and driven a Sagaris I'd opt for the t350 as easiest to drive every day. You'll also get a newer car for your money.

The Cerb: Brutal, not the more linear power delivery/easiest to drive a round town.
T350: Quite easy as an everyday car (I did 12k miles in 7 months) but still not the best for longer journeys during the winter. They're by no means a relaxing car to drive, though 100% better than a Cerb in that regard IMHO
Saggy: As above, but feels more planted on the roads, so easier to drive in less than ideal conditions. Still a lightweight power car, so challenging!

D

[Nick Brough]

I should be doing under 10k miles a year. Engine problems do concern me, I can only go on my own experiences of car ownership over the years.Perception of problems is a good word, obviously there have been problems with TVR engines, it is proving hard to ascertain how bad it is and if it as bad as it is perceived to be, and whether it is getting better. My possibly naïve feeling at the moment is that it’s not as bad as perceived.

I have belonged to many clubs over the years, some members never have any trouble with their cars. Others are less lucky and have no end of trouble, I’m hoping with the right amount of research and help I can find a good one.

Getting all philosophical, TVR need and deserve to succeed. I built a kit car back in the eighties when TVR where still referred to by many as a kit car manufacturer. They have come a long way since then and can go further. We have precious little left of a great British manufacturing heritage, and we need to support what little there is left, they provide important employment and are a great show case for British engineering.

Finally, people may think I’m talking rubbish, and no TVR is reliable when driven on a daily basis by someone whose last car was a 1300 Maestro, and a Hyundai Stellar before that. If that is the case and they would like to lend me their TVR for a couple of years to prove me wrong I would consider the offer.

Nick