Thinking of buying a 1999/2000 Cerbera, but need advise!
Discussion
Hi all,
I am new here so thanks for having me!
I am changing my Honda S2000 (advert at www.PWCIreland.com/s2000) as we have a new baby and have just been thinking that I MIGHT be able to afford to realise one of my dreams and buy a Cerbera! However I have a few quesions:
OK, 1st things 1st I guess..... and this is a long shot and not that important.... but one of the reasons I am selling the S2000 is that it is a 2 seater and we have a new baby. Myself and my wife never get to use it and I can not even bring the little one in at as you can not disable the airbag in the passenger seat. So... could the Cerbera fit a Baby seat in the back... or even in the front (or is there an airbag that can not be disabled?). It's not too important to me as we have a second car we use for family stuff... this will be my toy, but I would like at least the option of using it to transport the baby the odd time.
Are some engines (the speed 6 etc) meant to be more reliable then others?
I have been reading that some engines have required rebuild to correct underlying problems with their set up. Is this very common?? Perhaps more commong in some models then others? Any advice would be great thanks.
Next, what is the service interval on a Cerbera? I only do about 5 or 6k miles a year. Also, would you really need to let a TVR specialist at the car or could my long time mechanic do it?
Are parts expensive or hard to find, for example a clutch etc?
Next....Is a Rebuild needed on every on the cars as they pump out so much Power? How often is a rebuild needed and should someone like myself who is new to the market be buying one with a rebuild already done?
I have seen some models which differ in price so much, what would I need to be spending on a 1999 or a 2000 model?
How reliable are they really? I have been reading alot of bad things but alot of good stories too. I have never had one spot of bother with my S2000 and my Mmitsi FTO before that.... are Cerb owners in the same boat?
Can the Cerbs run on 95 RON petrol as this is really all we can get in Ireland at the moment.
And finally... the big questions... should I let the servicing, maintenance and all that talk put me off buying one?? I really want one but I do not have a whole pile of time on my hands to be maintaining a car alot... however, I do put time into my motors and so the odd weekend to do a bit of preventative maintenance would be no problem.
Thanks a million everyone,
Adrian
I am new here so thanks for having me!
I am changing my Honda S2000 (advert at www.PWCIreland.com/s2000) as we have a new baby and have just been thinking that I MIGHT be able to afford to realise one of my dreams and buy a Cerbera! However I have a few quesions:
OK, 1st things 1st I guess..... and this is a long shot and not that important.... but one of the reasons I am selling the S2000 is that it is a 2 seater and we have a new baby. Myself and my wife never get to use it and I can not even bring the little one in at as you can not disable the airbag in the passenger seat. So... could the Cerbera fit a Baby seat in the back... or even in the front (or is there an airbag that can not be disabled?). It's not too important to me as we have a second car we use for family stuff... this will be my toy, but I would like at least the option of using it to transport the baby the odd time.
Are some engines (the speed 6 etc) meant to be more reliable then others?
I have been reading that some engines have required rebuild to correct underlying problems with their set up. Is this very common?? Perhaps more commong in some models then others? Any advice would be great thanks.
Next, what is the service interval on a Cerbera? I only do about 5 or 6k miles a year. Also, would you really need to let a TVR specialist at the car or could my long time mechanic do it?
Are parts expensive or hard to find, for example a clutch etc?
Next....Is a Rebuild needed on every on the cars as they pump out so much Power? How often is a rebuild needed and should someone like myself who is new to the market be buying one with a rebuild already done?
I have seen some models which differ in price so much, what would I need to be spending on a 1999 or a 2000 model?
How reliable are they really? I have been reading alot of bad things but alot of good stories too. I have never had one spot of bother with my S2000 and my Mmitsi FTO before that.... are Cerb owners in the same boat?
Can the Cerbs run on 95 RON petrol as this is really all we can get in Ireland at the moment.
And finally... the big questions... should I let the servicing, maintenance and all that talk put me off buying one?? I really want one but I do not have a whole pile of time on my hands to be maintaining a car alot... however, I do put time into my motors and so the odd weekend to do a bit of preventative maintenance would be no problem.
Thanks a million everyone,
Adrian
Edited by AdrianGraham on Saturday 10th March 19:33
Edited by AdrianGraham on Saturday 10th March 19:34
Edited by AdrianGraham on Saturday 10th March 19:36
Hello Adrian,
I've had my 1999 Cerbera for 2 year now so I'll have a stab at answering your questions.
Yes it is possible to fit a child seat in the back, not sure about the front but the Cerbera doesn't have air bags, seat belts are the only modern concession to safety, that and a dirty great roll cage.
The speed six generally is reported as being the least reliable although many have had a trouble free time with them, others, well I'll let them tell you. Mines a 4.5 and has been fine until yesterday when the starter packed in but other than that the engine seems very strong and generally relaible. Same applies to the 4.2. On the road there's very little to choose between the two. The 4.2 is supposed to have a snappier throttle response and the 4.5 is the easier engine to tune. But in standard form there's little to choose especially on the road. A well looked after V8 shouldn't require a rebuild some have clocked up 70,000 to 100,000 miles plus without a rebuild.
Service intervals are 6,000 miles or 12 months indy prices vary beteen £450 to £650, tappets can/should need doing every 12,000 so add another £150 or so.
Some parts can be expensive but no more that any other 350 to 400bhp cars. Clutches were a problem but now there are a couple of alternatives which are supposed to be longer lasting than the original AP unit. Clutch change will be about £1,200 inc. labour. Windscreens seem to be the biggest problem at the moment.
Prices do vary and price isn't always an indicator as to whether it's a good or bad car. I probaly paid over the odds but then prices have dropped considerably over the last year. Try and buy from an enthusiast and buy on condition rather than mileage, number of owners etc.
They can have some silly and annoying faults but generally it'll get you where you're going (mostly).
I always try to use 97 ot 98 ron but at a push will use 95. I think most people do but it should run okay on 95 but I'd think about octane booster if it begins to knock or pink which could prove expensive.
Well it's only an engine after all and quite a simple one too. It does have a few unique set up features though. I have used dealers and indys for mine. I'll give you a horror story on my old Griff. Put it into my local prestige car specialist for a few things one being replace drive belt. They managed to fit the wrong belt which obviously shouldn't hve fitted but hey they managed to make it fit by choosing the route around the various pulleys that took up the slack in the belt. What they actually managed to do was fit the belt so the water pump ran backwards.
I needed a new short engine - they denied all. As they say you pays your money and takes your choice.
In short buy one there really is no substitute.
Good luck
David
I've had my 1999 Cerbera for 2 year now so I'll have a stab at answering your questions.
Yes it is possible to fit a child seat in the back, not sure about the front but the Cerbera doesn't have air bags, seat belts are the only modern concession to safety, that and a dirty great roll cage.
The speed six generally is reported as being the least reliable although many have had a trouble free time with them, others, well I'll let them tell you. Mines a 4.5 and has been fine until yesterday when the starter packed in but other than that the engine seems very strong and generally relaible. Same applies to the 4.2. On the road there's very little to choose between the two. The 4.2 is supposed to have a snappier throttle response and the 4.5 is the easier engine to tune. But in standard form there's little to choose especially on the road. A well looked after V8 shouldn't require a rebuild some have clocked up 70,000 to 100,000 miles plus without a rebuild.
Service intervals are 6,000 miles or 12 months indy prices vary beteen £450 to £650, tappets can/should need doing every 12,000 so add another £150 or so.
Some parts can be expensive but no more that any other 350 to 400bhp cars. Clutches were a problem but now there are a couple of alternatives which are supposed to be longer lasting than the original AP unit. Clutch change will be about £1,200 inc. labour. Windscreens seem to be the biggest problem at the moment.
Prices do vary and price isn't always an indicator as to whether it's a good or bad car. I probaly paid over the odds but then prices have dropped considerably over the last year. Try and buy from an enthusiast and buy on condition rather than mileage, number of owners etc.
They can have some silly and annoying faults but generally it'll get you where you're going (mostly).
I always try to use 97 ot 98 ron but at a push will use 95. I think most people do but it should run okay on 95 but I'd think about octane booster if it begins to knock or pink which could prove expensive.
Well it's only an engine after all and quite a simple one too. It does have a few unique set up features though. I have used dealers and indys for mine. I'll give you a horror story on my old Griff. Put it into my local prestige car specialist for a few things one being replace drive belt. They managed to fit the wrong belt which obviously shouldn't hve fitted but hey they managed to make it fit by choosing the route around the various pulleys that took up the slack in the belt. What they actually managed to do was fit the belt so the water pump ran backwards.
I needed a new short engine - they denied all. As they say you pays your money and takes your choice.
In short buy one there really is no substitute.
Good luck
David
Edited by davidn on Saturday 10th March 20:52
Edited by davidn on Saturday 10th March 20:55
I promised to write a FAQ a few weeks back... must get on with that.
I wouldn't put a baby in a Cerb. It's very loud and you'll need the baby in a laid-down position for some months yet, and there most certainly isn't the room to do this in the back, even with the front pax seat as far forward as it'll go... and once you try the pax seat all the way forward, you may find your wife not wanting to sit in it.
Anyway, the volume is quite something. Children's ears are quite sensitive. I tend to drive very slowly with my 2yo in the car, so as to avoid making too much noise. He has a pair of Peltor "Kids" but won't wear them for long.
There is a custom Cerbera child seat which I thought would be the answer but even that needs the front pax seat pushing a reasonable distance forward to give Jr enough space for his feet. In the end I put his conventional child seat in the front and the pair of us went out without Mommy.
I'm tempted to sell the custom seat but I might give it another go yet.
I wouldn't put a baby in a Cerb. It's very loud and you'll need the baby in a laid-down position for some months yet, and there most certainly isn't the room to do this in the back, even with the front pax seat as far forward as it'll go... and once you try the pax seat all the way forward, you may find your wife not wanting to sit in it.
Anyway, the volume is quite something. Children's ears are quite sensitive. I tend to drive very slowly with my 2yo in the car, so as to avoid making too much noise. He has a pair of Peltor "Kids" but won't wear them for long.
There is a custom Cerbera child seat which I thought would be the answer but even that needs the front pax seat pushing a reasonable distance forward to give Jr enough space for his feet. In the end I put his conventional child seat in the front and the pair of us went out without Mommy.
I'm tempted to sell the custom seat but I might give it another go yet.
Just to add some negative comments
I bought my 2003 car with low miles and the engines coming out to be stripped with an unknown oil pressure problem.
End of the day whatever car you buy, it's down to some common sense checking the car over when buying it and luck.
A honda will always be more reliable that most TVR's
That said, you will love it and not regret it even when its bankrupting you
I bought my 2003 car with low miles and the engines coming out to be stripped with an unknown oil pressure problem.
End of the day whatever car you buy, it's down to some common sense checking the car over when buying it and luck.
A honda will always be more reliable that most TVR's
That said, you will love it and not regret it even when its bankrupting you
Adrian,
I got my Cerbera for exactly the same reason - needed an additional seat for the new baby. We got the TVR-supplied baby seat which served us very well (my daughter is now 8), although we couldn't really use it until she was about 9 months old as the child has to sit upright and, even with the fitted front cusion (difficult to describe - but effectiuve at holding younf children in place), the child needs to be able to support him or herself to some extent.
She has always loved the noise (4.2 with sports exhaust) although I guess every child is different.
The seat converts into a standard booster cusion when the child is old ennough - and looks great in the car as it is matching leather!
Let me know if you need a baby seat (with or without an attached Cerbera) as unfortunately mines for sale.
Andy
I got my Cerbera for exactly the same reason - needed an additional seat for the new baby. We got the TVR-supplied baby seat which served us very well (my daughter is now 8), although we couldn't really use it until she was about 9 months old as the child has to sit upright and, even with the fitted front cusion (difficult to describe - but effectiuve at holding younf children in place), the child needs to be able to support him or herself to some extent.
She has always loved the noise (4.2 with sports exhaust) although I guess every child is different.
The seat converts into a standard booster cusion when the child is old ennough - and looks great in the car as it is matching leather!
Let me know if you need a baby seat (with or without an attached Cerbera) as unfortunately mines for sale.
Andy
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