Discussion
I have until recently had a 911 which was a great car but had to go to raise funds for business purposes. However I have about £12,000 left over for a toy and having always loved TVR's I think now may be the time? A Cerbera my be good as I have a 5 yr old daughter however as it will be a second car it doesnt have to be a 2+2. So Griffith? Cerbera? Chimeara? Why? I look forward to your learned wisdom. Cheers, Ross.
Rossco1 said:
I have until recently had a 911 which was a great car but had to go to raise funds for business purposes. However I have about £12,000 left over for a toy and having always loved TVR's I think now may be the time? A Cerbera my be good as I have a 5 yr old daughter however as it will be a second car it doesnt have to be a 2+2. So Griffith? Cerbera? Chimeara? Why? I look forward to your learned wisdom. Cheers, Ross.
Chimaera. Cerbies aren't really available at that price, at least few good ones are. Griff's are the same under the skin as a Chimaera, but more expensive.
I'd therefore get the latest, most pampered Chimaera I could find.
D
i would go for a good, well looked after V8S with that budget. it is the complete TVR experience in one affordable package and will one day become a future classic (if it isn't already!) remember to buy as late as you can and condition/history is everything with TVR's.
good luck!
james.
good luck!
james.
Rossco1 said:
Thanks guys, that makes sense. It looks like its a Chimaera.....but I cant help wanting a Cerbera? Oh decisions decisions.....I could always tell the wife they are the same price! Thanks again. Ross.
Seriously, as a first TVR, I wouldn't buy a Cerb. They're absolutely fantastic, but they're certainly not cheap to run. Whilst you've got other commitments, I'd stick to an RV8 powered car. That way, the bills will be slightly more 'predictable'!
D
_Deejay_ said:
Rossco1 said:
Thanks guys, that makes sense. It looks like its a Chimaera.....but I cant help wanting a Cerbera? Oh decisions decisions.....I could always tell the wife they are the same price! Thanks again. Ross.
Seriously, as a first TVR, I wouldn't buy a Cerb. They're absolutely fantastic, but they're certainly not cheap to run. Whilst you've got other commitments, I'd stick to an RV8 powered car. That way, the bills will be slightly more 'predictable'!
D
Now thats a convincing argument, I did'nt realise there was a big diferrence in running costs. Thanks Deejay.
Rossco1 said:
_Deejay_ said:
Rossco1 said:
Thanks guys, that makes sense. It looks like its a Chimaera.....but I cant help wanting a Cerbera? Oh decisions decisions.....I could always tell the wife they are the same price! Thanks again. Ross.
Seriously, as a first TVR, I wouldn't buy a Cerb. They're absolutely fantastic, but they're certainly not cheap to run. Whilst you've got other commitments, I'd stick to an RV8 powered car. That way, the bills will be slightly more 'predictable'!
D
Now thats a convincing argument, I did'nt realise there was a big diferrence in running costs. Thanks Deejay.
No problem. To give you an idea, I'd budget 3k a year on running an average mileage Cerb and half that on a Chimaera. The difference is due to:
1) The power difference (gearboxes, clutches etc)
2) The Cerbera being a complex beasty (electronics wise)
3) The Cerb using a TVR specific engine. The old Rover v8's have been around for donkeys years and there's far more expertise out there at specialists.
Do a search on the Cerbera forum for running costs and you'll see what I mean!
On the other hand, the Griff, v8s and Chimaera will all cost the same to run (ish).
Hmm tricky one this. And I'm obviously biased, but I have tried chims and griffs. The Cerb is a totally different type of TVR.
The chims and griffs are loverly cars with grunty engines, but are a certain type of drive on torque engine. You know the type low down massive power, change early types.
The TVR is like going in a single seat racer on your favourite racetrack, a high pitched scream more akin to a motorcycle with everything happening much faster.
It is soo bloody difficult in the cerb to nail a clean gettaway, or to make the engine sound just right clutching down for a corner, but when you do it right it sounds just like a racecar, and as good as any ferrari, and the feeling to achievement is second to nothing.
It is a harder car to live with, but all the dealer diagnostic software, full workshop manuals, and even engine rebuild manuals are around the Cerbera forum for you to find, and there are a good scattering of very dedicated Cerb loving indies out there to give you help. I suggest there is probably more information in the Cerb forum than any other forum in PH.
So my advice is no pain no gain, and in my experience the biggest highs in life are worth significant risk.
The chims and griffs are loverly cars with grunty engines, but are a certain type of drive on torque engine. You know the type low down massive power, change early types.
The TVR is like going in a single seat racer on your favourite racetrack, a high pitched scream more akin to a motorcycle with everything happening much faster.
It is soo bloody difficult in the cerb to nail a clean gettaway, or to make the engine sound just right clutching down for a corner, but when you do it right it sounds just like a racecar, and as good as any ferrari, and the feeling to achievement is second to nothing.
It is a harder car to live with, but all the dealer diagnostic software, full workshop manuals, and even engine rebuild manuals are around the Cerbera forum for you to find, and there are a good scattering of very dedicated Cerb loving indies out there to give you help. I suggest there is probably more information in the Cerb forum than any other forum in PH.
So my advice is no pain no gain, and in my experience the biggest highs in life are worth significant risk.
Julian - As I said, the Cerb is a fantastic car. I didn't personally find the compromises worthwhile, but each to their own.
By advice was based on the fact that they aren't cheap to keep on the road. If he is concerned with running costs because of all the other projects he's currently doing, then I wouldn't want to recommend a car where their are many sources of 'big bills', which may or may not occur.
For example, has either your master or slave cylinder broken during ownership? How about any of the ECU's (window box's etc included)? How about the clutch? Starter Motor?
I believe there are too many substandard components in the car to risk if running on a tight budget and wouldn't want to tarnish someone's view of TVR's because they're all great, if you know what you're letting yourself in for!
D
By advice was based on the fact that they aren't cheap to keep on the road. If he is concerned with running costs because of all the other projects he's currently doing, then I wouldn't want to recommend a car where their are many sources of 'big bills', which may or may not occur.
For example, has either your master or slave cylinder broken during ownership? How about any of the ECU's (window box's etc included)? How about the clutch? Starter Motor?
I believe there are too many substandard components in the car to risk if running on a tight budget and wouldn't want to tarnish someone's view of TVR's because they're all great, if you know what you're letting yourself in for!
D
What great feedback, thanks guys, The Cerb certainly sounds appealing as I have been a biker for years I sold the Duc 999s last year in favour of the Porsche as I'm getting a bit older now. But I feel the Chim is the one for me to start with given my budget at the moment, it looks like I could get a reasonable Chim or a poor Cerb........Its gonna be a Chim and later on a Cerb hopefully. I am shopping around right now so anyoe knows of something suitable call me on 07958 608028 I am in Waterlooville Hants. Cheers, Ross.
_Deejay_ said:
Julian - As I said, the Cerb is a fantastic car. I didn't personally find the compromises worthwhile, but each to their own.
By advice was based on the fact that they aren't cheap to keep on the road. If he is concerned with running costs because of all the other projects he's currently doing, then I wouldn't want to recommend a car where their are many sources of 'big bills', which may or may not occur.
For example, has either your master or slave cylinder broken during ownership? How about any of the ECU's (window box's etc included)? How about the clutch? Starter Motor?
I believe there are too many substandard components in the car to risk if running on a tight budget and wouldn't want to tarnish someone's view of TVR's because they're all great, if you know what you're letting yourself in for!
D
By advice was based on the fact that they aren't cheap to keep on the road. If he is concerned with running costs because of all the other projects he's currently doing, then I wouldn't want to recommend a car where their are many sources of 'big bills', which may or may not occur.
For example, has either your master or slave cylinder broken during ownership? How about any of the ECU's (window box's etc included)? How about the clutch? Starter Motor?
I believe there are too many substandard components in the car to risk if running on a tight budget and wouldn't want to tarnish someone's view of TVR's because they're all great, if you know what you're letting yourself in for!
D
Everything you say is true, and I would suggest this chap might well be better off taking your advice. Just thought he might want to hear why some of us agree with you, and still take on the Cerb
Rossco1 said:
What great feedback, thanks guys, The Cerb certainly sounds appealing as I have been a biker for years I sold the Duc 999s last year in favour of the Porsche as I'm getting a bit older now. But I feel the Chim is the one for me to start with given my budget at the moment, it looks like I could get a reasonable Chim or a poor Cerb........Its gonna be a Chim and later on a Cerb hopefully. I am shopping around right now so anyoe knows of something suitable call me on 07958 608028 I am in Waterlooville Hants. Cheers, Ross.
Sounds like a good plan. I started with a Chim 400 which was great & hooked me into the TVR experience. Now moved on to a Cerb which is totally different & much more manic and mental (and expensive haha) - it really is like a cross between a bike and a race car with an amazing interior. I took a biker mate out for a blast who doesn't get excited by cars & he LOVED it. But I think its good to ease yourself into TVR ownership - that way if you do get stung later by something expensive in the more wild models it looks more like an opportunity for upgrade than the final straw to move to boring-german-car-land. Or something.
Even though a TVR is a very personal thing, (I budgeted for an S and bought a Chim) from what you say about business etc Money does pay a big factor.
I love the Cerb and one day may have one but i'm so glad i bought my Chim first. Its a well sorted 450 and still gives me a big grin when i drive it. (Thats from someone who is a serious adrenalin junkie, is easily bored and rides bikes too)
I've owned mine for well over a year now and the only expense apart from the annual service has been a dicky alarm when i first bought her and 2 track-rod ends.
Personally i think if you run too close to your budget and then get a few sizeable bills, its amazing how quickly that great driving experience can go a bit sour.
I love the Cerb and one day may have one but i'm so glad i bought my Chim first. Its a well sorted 450 and still gives me a big grin when i drive it. (Thats from someone who is a serious adrenalin junkie, is easily bored and rides bikes too)
I've owned mine for well over a year now and the only expense apart from the annual service has been a dicky alarm when i first bought her and 2 track-rod ends.
Personally i think if you run too close to your budget and then get a few sizeable bills, its amazing how quickly that great driving experience can go a bit sour.
Have you driven any yet? If not, do so before you set your heart on one. I drove a few Chimaeras and thought they were absolutely fantastic, and i'm sure you wouldnt be 'unhappy' with one.
However...i then drove a Cerb and a Chimaera back to back, and the rest is history.
The RV8 cars are lovely, easy drivers, with oodles of grunt. The Cerb is in a different place, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your hands clammy...its a full on racer, out and out intoxication. For me anyway
So it also depends on what experience you want from your driving. You may drive them and find that your head says Chimaera and your Heart says Cerbera...in which case you may always hanker after a Cerby if you buy a Chim.
Drive them you must IMHO
However...i then drove a Cerb and a Chimaera back to back, and the rest is history.
The RV8 cars are lovely, easy drivers, with oodles of grunt. The Cerb is in a different place, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your hands clammy...its a full on racer, out and out intoxication. For me anyway
So it also depends on what experience you want from your driving. You may drive them and find that your head says Chimaera and your Heart says Cerbera...in which case you may always hanker after a Cerby if you buy a Chim.
Drive them you must IMHO
robertjp said:
The Cerb is in a different place, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and your hands clammy...its a full on racer, out and out intoxication. For me anyway
So it also depends on what experience you want from your driving. You may drive them and find that your head says Chimaera and your Heart says Cerbera...in which case you may always hanker after a Cerby if you buy a Chim.
Drive them you must IMHO
So it also depends on what experience you want from your driving. You may drive them and find that your head says Chimaera and your Heart says Cerbera...in which case you may always hanker after a Cerby if you buy a Chim.
Drive them you must IMHO
Currently got the Chimaera and it is a fantastic car that I can never see me getting rid of. I've recently been thinking of what else to get and have tried several other performance cars, but they all seemed a little stale after the TVR experience, this was borne out by the fact that we went and drove a 4.5 Cerb (again) and once again it was the most fantastic driving experience ever, grinning and laughing out loud for the entire duration. Suffice to say I'm going to trouser a whole shed load of money and get a Cerb, the only way around it is to have both
God did the Chimaera feel basic - and a tad slow - after 30 mins or so in a Cerbie!
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