Discussion
Rob.Cartwright said:
Hi Im thinkink of buying a cerbera I want to use it regularly (daily) are there many things I should look out for, like models or years to avoid Im thinking of spending around £20k
Seriously , read through the threads on ownership
3 choices of engine speed 6 6 cylinder , prone to problems with cams ......check that these have been adjusted serviced
4.2 and 4.5 similar performance from v8 engines .
4.5 lightweight .....lighter bonnet etc.
essential that car has ...FTVRSH
prone to clutch / slave cylinder problems ...advantageous if this has been recently replaced.
electrical problems. Early cars leaks door seals etc
chassis although fibreglass body shell inspect chassis for rust ..
A good independant specialist would be
www.jamesagger.com/
Do your homework and be prepared for the possibility of big bills ( allow up to 2k a year )
a low mileage example may not necessarily be better than a well run in model with 40k on the clock !!
do your homework ,
and enjoy the thrills ........one day I may sell the Lotus and make the jump always wanted one ......but working away commitments would mean she would be stuck in the garage for 8 months a year .....a TVR is meant to be driven
when my circumstances change i would give James A a call and see whats on offer.
good luck mate
cheers
DBS
There are many of us who do use our Cerbs every day, I use mine about half the week.
Mine's a 4.5, 99 year. Drives a little better around town than my previous 4.2, even better now with new ECU chip from Trackcar.
I would echo the clutch sentiments, especially if you have a pre-99 car, as I found with my previous, which was a 98, as the clutch type changed it was a bugger to replace cluct and slave cylinder.
Remember its a performance car - so expect it not to be as reliable as a Toyota, (but that goes just as truthfully for a Porsche or Ferrari). Its also a hand built, low volume car, so it hasn't all the refinement of a mass-produced car, but then look at the price!
20k should easily get you a nice, sorted 99 or 2000 V8 model. My preference? The 4.5 V8.
Another good guy to talk to, and find the car of your dreams is Rob Ingleby at www.findasportscar.co.uk
Hope this helps - good luck!
Andy.
Mine's a 4.5, 99 year. Drives a little better around town than my previous 4.2, even better now with new ECU chip from Trackcar.
I would echo the clutch sentiments, especially if you have a pre-99 car, as I found with my previous, which was a 98, as the clutch type changed it was a bugger to replace cluct and slave cylinder.
Remember its a performance car - so expect it not to be as reliable as a Toyota, (but that goes just as truthfully for a Porsche or Ferrari). Its also a hand built, low volume car, so it hasn't all the refinement of a mass-produced car, but then look at the price!
20k should easily get you a nice, sorted 99 or 2000 V8 model. My preference? The 4.5 V8.
Another good guy to talk to, and find the car of your dreams is Rob Ingleby at www.findasportscar.co.uk
Hope this helps - good luck!
Andy.
Edited by alinton on Sunday 11th June 20:16
Buy on condition above all else. After that, your second criteria should be condition.
I drove all sorts before buying mine, something I enjoyed but also learn a lot from.
From that I knew that what I really wanted was a clatter cam 4.2 just like a friend of mines, it just seems to be a bit meaner, can't put my finger on it - pure joy
You'll hear lots about which is faster, 4.2 or 4.5 - on paper it should be the 4.5 but in the real world it's not so clear cut. Having said that, the 4.5 does have more potential for upgrades.
Of all the standard V8's (4.2 and 4.5) mine seemed to be the fastest (but I would say that) - ended up buying my friends car, a known history counts for a lot and it's in stunning condition (which is very important).
Drive a few, go to some meets and ask nicely and a few owners might take you for a spin.
Condition is all important, did I mention that?
My opinions about my own car to one side, at then end of the day you can be certain of only one thing, green is fastest.
Duke
I drove all sorts before buying mine, something I enjoyed but also learn a lot from.
From that I knew that what I really wanted was a clatter cam 4.2 just like a friend of mines, it just seems to be a bit meaner, can't put my finger on it - pure joy
You'll hear lots about which is faster, 4.2 or 4.5 - on paper it should be the 4.5 but in the real world it's not so clear cut. Having said that, the 4.5 does have more potential for upgrades.
Of all the standard V8's (4.2 and 4.5) mine seemed to be the fastest (but I would say that) - ended up buying my friends car, a known history counts for a lot and it's in stunning condition (which is very important).
Drive a few, go to some meets and ask nicely and a few owners might take you for a spin.
Condition is all important, did I mention that?
My opinions about my own car to one side, at then end of the day you can be certain of only one thing, green is fastest.
Duke
Edited by Duke Thrust on Sunday 11th June 20:09
The FTVRSH is not something to go after - the specialists such as Joospeed, APM, Austec etc... are more worthwhile than dealers stamps.
If £20K is your budget then go for a private yr 2000 4.5.
BUT everyday car it isnt - unless you are very handy with spanners and/or very rich and/or very very chilled out.
spend £18K on a 99 4.5 and buy a £2K run about.
If £20K is your budget then go for a private yr 2000 4.5.
BUT everyday car it isnt - unless you are very handy with spanners and/or very rich and/or very very chilled out.
spend £18K on a 99 4.5 and buy a £2K run about.
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