Cerbera as evey day car?

[wallywallbridge]

As someone tempted by the unsubtle charms of the cerb, I do wonder about its abilities as an every day vehicle. I need some guidance as to the most reliable engine as well as every day use(I do about 35-40k miles a year). Also, I know the seats? in the back are ok for small people, anyone know what happens with the new kids seats laws (just in case I'm forced to do a school run every now and then)?

Appreciate your views.

A

[jensena]

As your only car then 35-50k miles a year is not feasible. A lot of people will say they are better if used every day, but forget it, You'll need 6 services a year, probably a new clutch every year, driving it in the winter isnt fun, etc etc etc, a lot of negatives I could list.
If you want a sort of supercar to do that mileage in, then get a Honda NSX, or better still BMW with a big diesel.

[minimax]

I'm the kind of mentalist who would use it as my everyday car - and I say if you're prepared and you know what you're getting in to and you still want to...then do it!

I ran my Ginetta G33 every day, all around europe and through a northern winter (snow was fun) and it was fine, if a little impractical...

it cost me 12k per annum in maintenance alone, but I was prepared for it

I now run an Elise every day and am hoping that the running costs will not be so dramatic...but then it's a far more practical car

[Extra 300 Driver]

I used my car every day, never left me stranded, with very reasonable servicing costs.

Sold her with 65,000 miles on the clock and one engine rebuild, previous owner didnt believe in checking the oil.

[BCA]

Ours is used everyday... has been for six years now.

but 35k/40k a year is just too much, I'd look to getting a lupo diesel and with the fuel saving alone, splashing out on a Cerb or two for the weekends.

[mark r skinner]

jensena said:

As your only car then 35-50k miles a year is not feasible. A lot of people will say they are better if used every day, but forget it, You'll need 6 services a year, probably a new clutch every year, driving it in the winter isnt fun, etc etc etc, a lot of negatives I could list.
If you want a sort of supercar to do that mileage in, then get a Honda NSX, or better still BMW with a big diesel.

Wise words. Everyday use is possible, but that sort of milage is just folly.

[Tripps]

jensena said:

As your only car then 35-50k miles a year is not feasible. A lot of people will say they are better if used every day, but forget it, You'll need 6 services a year, probably a new clutch every year

Assuming average TVR miles of around 6-8k miles a year, your estimated mileage is at best 4.4 and at worst 8.33 times more miles that Joe Average. Given the standard estimate of £3k per year to run a Cerb (after fuel, insurance and depreciation), you could be looking at between £13200 and £24990 running costs each year

Obviously this over-simplifies some aspects, but consumables will still run out, and eight services will include at least two major (24k) services as well as everything else that goes regulary on Cerbs (starters, clutches etc.).

In short, you'd probably be better off with a 911 if you want something fast for everyday use like that, or run two cars instead.

[cirvy]

I've occasionally used mine for the everyday, & i reckon you'll fall out of with it more quickly. It does'nt suit it somehow, especially your first winter! For me, the cerb is best savoured for those special moments, bit like a fine wine really

[wallywallbridge]

Thanks all! Best to keep the Saab for those long winter trips then!
A

[leszekg]

cirvy said:

I've occasionally used mine for the everyday, & i reckon you'll fall out of with it more quickly. It does'nt suit it somehow, especially your first winter! For me, the cerb is best savoured for those special moments, bit like a fine wine really

Quite the opposite in my case. Using the car on a day to day basis has resulted in me loving the car more and more. So much so that although (for family reasons)I know I have to sell the car, I've got cold feet and withdrawn it from sale several times over the last few months! Whether I've had a bad day at work or not driving it each day helps make my day - I love driving the Cerb to/from work.

I do agree though that driving the car in snow/ice is no fun and I draw the line at that.

[guydw]

I did 20k miles a year in mine, and I reckon it cost about 9k to service, and god knows what on petrol. Fun though - so long as you don't mind getting stranded every so often....

[gbbird]

A 4.5 litre V8 170mph+ machine with a sauna type cockpit in summer, no mod cons, some 'maintenance' issues, high running costs, not the best driving view, small rear seats, bodyshape to die for, attention grabbing, etc etc, is not an everyday car in my view.

Save it for the special drives

Edited by gbbird on Thursday 19th October 11:25

[cerby4.5]

gbbird said:

A 4.5 litre V8 170mph+ machine with a sauna type cockpit in summer, no mod cons, some 'maintenance' issues, high running costs, not the best driving view, small rear seats, bodyshape to die for, attention grabbing, etc etc, is not an everyday car in my view.

Save it for the special drives

Edited by gbbird on Thursday 19th October 11:25

Sorry gbbird, I don't agree. I understand your preference to use it for the 'special drives', and appreciate that along with other views; but as I have found the ownership experience (now on my 2nd Cerb) the cars ARE useable on a day to day basis.

Our current Cerbera is an everyday car, regular DIY checks/preventative maintenance and a bit of care and attention make sure we can use it daily and rely on it (as much as you can with any car).
The cockpit is not like a sauna in hot weather as the A/C works very well (I get it re-gassed once a year). The running costs are a little on the high side but worth every penny (IMHO people don't buy a Cerb or any other performance car if they are that worried about high running costs, as they are almost inevitable).
The driving view I find absolutely no problem at all, I don't really care about the rear seats (big enough for a briefcase and a coat etc). What I do love is the bodyshape to die for (as you mentioned), the performance, the noise and the overall Cerbera "experience"!!!

The whole point for me is that the Cerbera can make even the most mundane journey a "Special Drive"!!! (Thats why I bought another one as opposed to something else!)

Cerby4.5

Edited by cerby4.5 on Thursday 19th October 13:40