How unrealistic am I?
Discussion
Dear motoring friends,
My name is Henrik Andersson, I'm from Sweden and this is my first post to this forum. I ask for your forgiveness if you find my English a bit daft.
I need good advice on TVRs. And since there are about two TVR owmners in Sweden I turn to you, the inhabitants of the greatest sportscar nation of them all - Italy! Ehh, sorry, I mean - United Kingdom! The little island in the Atlantic ocean where light bodies and great chassies are the most important parts of sports cars. (Together with unreliability and lousy quality. But let's forget about that.) I love your heritage and car culture, you have: ACs, Caterhams, Ariels, Kit Cars, MGs, Lotus, Locosts, Nobles, TVRs, McLarens, Caparos and Radicals, among others.
There is only one big problem with your motoring culture and that is that you maintain drivning on the _wrong_ side of the road, while everybody else drive on the right side. I dont mind you driving on the wrong side. But it means that all nice cars you manufacture in small series have the steering wheel on the right side. Could you, the british people, please reconsider?
And what have Sweden got? Volvo and Saab. Cars made for dull people who do not care about cars.
OK, let's turn to my questions to you. I'm considering importing a Cerbera from your lovely little island. But how unrealistic am I?
1. Is it realistic to buy a ten years old Cerbera and use it as a everyday car all year round? To drive it for 1500 miles a year in rain, snow and cold? Today I have a 1996 BMW M3 E36 Convertible and it suits me just fine. But I'm always looking for a little more ooomf. And paying GBP11.000 for a 3.9s 0-60mph - with four seats - is a bargain, to say the least. It's not possible to find these figuers matched together anywhere else.
2. Could I fit a family of four in it? I have two little girls, three and five years old. (My wife have a Chrysler Grand Voyager for longer family hauls.)
3. What are the yearly servicing cost for a ten year old Cerb? (If I can get a qualified service in Sweden at all?)
4. I have read about a lot of engine breakdowns on Cerbs. Should I worry?
5. What would total ownership expenses be per year?
6. Are there any test articles online about TVR Cerbera?
Please give me your best advice. Then I might visit your island in spring next year to buy a Cerb.
Best Regards,
Henrik Andersson
My name is Henrik Andersson, I'm from Sweden and this is my first post to this forum. I ask for your forgiveness if you find my English a bit daft.
I need good advice on TVRs. And since there are about two TVR owmners in Sweden I turn to you, the inhabitants of the greatest sportscar nation of them all - Italy! Ehh, sorry, I mean - United Kingdom! The little island in the Atlantic ocean where light bodies and great chassies are the most important parts of sports cars. (Together with unreliability and lousy quality. But let's forget about that.) I love your heritage and car culture, you have: ACs, Caterhams, Ariels, Kit Cars, MGs, Lotus, Locosts, Nobles, TVRs, McLarens, Caparos and Radicals, among others.
There is only one big problem with your motoring culture and that is that you maintain drivning on the _wrong_ side of the road, while everybody else drive on the right side. I dont mind you driving on the wrong side. But it means that all nice cars you manufacture in small series have the steering wheel on the right side. Could you, the british people, please reconsider?
And what have Sweden got? Volvo and Saab. Cars made for dull people who do not care about cars.
OK, let's turn to my questions to you. I'm considering importing a Cerbera from your lovely little island. But how unrealistic am I?
1. Is it realistic to buy a ten years old Cerbera and use it as a everyday car all year round? To drive it for 1500 miles a year in rain, snow and cold? Today I have a 1996 BMW M3 E36 Convertible and it suits me just fine. But I'm always looking for a little more ooomf. And paying GBP11.000 for a 3.9s 0-60mph - with four seats - is a bargain, to say the least. It's not possible to find these figuers matched together anywhere else.
2. Could I fit a family of four in it? I have two little girls, three and five years old. (My wife have a Chrysler Grand Voyager for longer family hauls.)
3. What are the yearly servicing cost for a ten year old Cerb? (If I can get a qualified service in Sweden at all?)
4. I have read about a lot of engine breakdowns on Cerbs. Should I worry?
5. What would total ownership expenses be per year?
6. Are there any test articles online about TVR Cerbera?
Please give me your best advice. Then I might visit your island in spring next year to buy a Cerb.
Best Regards,
Henrik Andersson
Henrik100 said:
1. Is it realistic to buy a ten years old Cerbera and use it as a everyday car all year round? To drive it for 1500 miles a year in rain, snow and cold? Today I have a 1996 BMW M3 E36 Convertible and it suits me just fine. But I'm always looking for a little more ooomf. And paying GBP11.000 for a 3.9s 0-60mph - with four seats - is a bargain, to say the least. It's not possible to find these figuers matched together anywhere else.
the initial outlay can be small, but the ongoing cost is large[quote]
2. Could I fit a family of four in it? I have two little girls, three and five years old. (My wife have a Chrysler Grand Voyager for longer family hauls.)
3. What are the yearly servicing cost for a ten year old Cerb? (If I can get a qualified service in Sweden at all?)
expect about uk£2000 / uk3000 as a rough guess.
getting a "qualified service" will not be difficult, you can see the things that need to be checked here http://www.torquervt.co.uk/serviceschedule.html , if you need some parts for your service there are a few good online shops including
http://www.track-car-solutions.co.uk/
http://www.clever-trevor.net/
http://www.tvrcarparts.com/
http://www.tvr-parts.com/
http://www.bellhillgarage.com/
and many more, the forum members here are always helpful at advising you where to try if you need a part!
[quote]
4. I have read about a lot of engine breakdowns on Cerbs. Should I worry?
[quote]
5. What would total ownership expenses be per year?
[quote]
6. Are there any test articles online about TVR Cerbera?
google "cerbera review" etc etcHey Henrik,
To be fair it is not the sort of car I would consider importing. I suppose it really depends on much you are willing to pay a year to maintain the beast. Im not a cerb owner but I believe the approximate figure is to allow £3000 a year for servicing/repairs.
I don't know if there is any TVR specialists in Sweden but I would certainly be very reluctant to take it to an unexperienced mechanic.
My ex-girlfriend was Swedish and I used to visit Sweden (gothenberg) alot. I don't think the TVR would appreciate the permanently salty slushy Winter roads. The chassis can be prone to corrosion, not to meantion the balls of steel you will require to pilot it safely with or without snow tyres. You might find it being just a Summer car.
Don't want to sound discouraging, the cerbera is a mighty beast but it is very important you realise what you getting yourself in for. As it could end up being a costly mistake and not a very easy car sell abroad.
Maybe a bit easier to move you and family to England?
Oh yeah, we do drive on the correct side of the road, don't forget you guys also drove on the correct side of the road until 20 years or so ago aswell.
Have a look at the link below for a road test video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASpdWtXmce4
I hope you do get to sample TVR ownership. If not save your Crowns for a Keonigsseggedrhjggrge thingy.
To be fair it is not the sort of car I would consider importing. I suppose it really depends on much you are willing to pay a year to maintain the beast. Im not a cerb owner but I believe the approximate figure is to allow £3000 a year for servicing/repairs.
I don't know if there is any TVR specialists in Sweden but I would certainly be very reluctant to take it to an unexperienced mechanic.
My ex-girlfriend was Swedish and I used to visit Sweden (gothenberg) alot. I don't think the TVR would appreciate the permanently salty slushy Winter roads. The chassis can be prone to corrosion, not to meantion the balls of steel you will require to pilot it safely with or without snow tyres. You might find it being just a Summer car.
Don't want to sound discouraging, the cerbera is a mighty beast but it is very important you realise what you getting yourself in for. As it could end up being a costly mistake and not a very easy car sell abroad.
Maybe a bit easier to move you and family to England?
Oh yeah, we do drive on the correct side of the road, don't forget you guys also drove on the correct side of the road until 20 years or so ago aswell.
Have a look at the link below for a road test video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASpdWtXmce4
I hope you do get to sample TVR ownership. If not save your Crowns for a Keonigsseggedrhjggrge thingy.
Henrick - Great english, if you hadn't told us we wouldn't have known.
AlVal answered all your questions well, and here is a link to a road test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASpdWtXmce4
AlVal answered all your questions well, and here is a link to a road test.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASpdWtXmce4
Thank you for your replies AlVal, Paulo.dicanio, JensenA and C3BER.
1. I could live with GBP2-3.000 a year. My M3 costs me about GBP1.000 in servicing and repair a year. But it doesn't pack the same kind of power as the Cerb. Thank you for the service schedule.
2. Swedish weather. Thats exactly what people told me when I got the M3 as a all year car. But with winter tires there is absolutely no problem. You just have to be careful and drive with sense. Yes I know we have the damned salt, but my Cerb will just have to learn to live with it.
3. Breakdowns. I read the other day on this forum about one Cerb with two (!) broke crankshafts a couple of ten thousand miles apart. The AJP engines doesn't come with steel billet cranks? This guy paid more in repair over three years than he paid for the actual car... (I think he arranges sport car trips to the Alps and Norway this summer.)
4. Thanks for the Youtube clip. Great. And "Cerbera review" at Google worked just fine.
5. If you mean "Troll" as in cave dwelling, longhaired figure with long nails and gold jewelry we have a lot of them actually - up north. The male ones listens to "Lars" and females to "Lisa". But on the other hand, if you mean "Troll" as in plastic 1950s car with 30hp, it's actually from Norway. You now the country west of Sweden with no automotive industry at all, but with all the oil in the world.
Thank you! More advice and owners experience are welcome.
Best Regards,
Henrik Andersson
1. I could live with GBP2-3.000 a year. My M3 costs me about GBP1.000 in servicing and repair a year. But it doesn't pack the same kind of power as the Cerb. Thank you for the service schedule.
2. Swedish weather. Thats exactly what people told me when I got the M3 as a all year car. But with winter tires there is absolutely no problem. You just have to be careful and drive with sense. Yes I know we have the damned salt, but my Cerb will just have to learn to live with it.
3. Breakdowns. I read the other day on this forum about one Cerb with two (!) broke crankshafts a couple of ten thousand miles apart. The AJP engines doesn't come with steel billet cranks? This guy paid more in repair over three years than he paid for the actual car... (I think he arranges sport car trips to the Alps and Norway this summer.)
4. Thanks for the Youtube clip. Great. And "Cerbera review" at Google worked just fine.
5. If you mean "Troll" as in cave dwelling, longhaired figure with long nails and gold jewelry we have a lot of them actually - up north. The male ones listens to "Lars" and females to "Lisa". But on the other hand, if you mean "Troll" as in plastic 1950s car with 30hp, it's actually from Norway. You now the country west of Sweden with no automotive industry at all, but with all the oil in the world.
Thank you! More advice and owners experience are welcome.
Best Regards,
Henrik Andersson
Henrick - you have the same sense of humour as an Englishman - so buy a Carbera, you will love it
Get an AJP V8, not a Speed 6 (sorry Pepe) they are a strong reliable engine, if you enjoy working on Cars, you will enjoy owning a Cerbera. When you look at Cars make sure that you check the chassis, that is particularly important if you will be driving on salty roads a lot. (and if you ever need a new chassis I have one for sale)
Get an AJP V8, not a Speed 6 (sorry Pepe) they are a strong reliable engine, if you enjoy working on Cars, you will enjoy owning a Cerbera. When you look at Cars make sure that you check the chassis, that is particularly important if you will be driving on salty roads a lot. (and if you ever need a new chassis I have one for sale
) Henrik100 said:
3. Breakdowns. I read the other day on this forum about one Cerb with two (!) broke crankshafts a couple of ten thousand miles apart. The AJP engines doesn't come with steel billet cranks? This guy paid more in repair over three years than he paid for the actual car... (I think he arranges sport car trips to the Alps and Norway this summer.)
You mean DrtyBrknCrb 
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/profile.asp?mem...
Yes he has spent out some money on his car, but also plugged some serious miles on it, nearly 60k miles during his ownership which is pretty serious. Since his latest wallet emptier about 1 month ago, he has added another 6000+ miles to the car - that's in 30 days!!!! The early 4.2 did have a weak crankshaft and after Robins first one went he put the same basic spec back in and was unlucky enough to end up with the same results. I think it is safe to say he has taken measures to ensure it won't happen again to his car. From your point of view, just be aware that 4.5's are generally considered immune from this, as are 4.2's from 98 onwards.
Edited by touching cloth on Wednesday 25th July 01:08
More questions from me:
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Best,
Henrik
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Best,
Henrik
Henrik100 said:
More questions from me:
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
Not that many, but one here... 1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
Henrik100 said:
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
Again, one here Henrik100 said:
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
I'll get back to you on this one in a second...Henrik100 said:
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Best,
Henrik
DEFINATELY. Either a Cerb specialist or a long term Cerb owner.Best,
Henrik
BCA said:
Henrik100 said:
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
I'll get back to you on this one in a second...I think it averages at just over £3.8k a year including insurance, some years are good, some are bad. Scary, but worth it.
Or just under £3k a year excluding insurance - Gazzab's rule isnt far out!
Edited by BCA on Wednesday 25th July 21:35
Henrik100 said:
More questions from me:
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
me1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
Henrik100 said:
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
oooh, probably not me.Henrik100 said:
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
lots - not all spent by me but most spent by others - check out my profile, I'm on for £3.5k for servicing/repair this year (rolling 12 months). Car has averaged about 3k miles a year.Henrik100 said:
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
I think most independant garages would look over a cerb for you. I guess your considering flying in to view a few?Get one from a Piston Header then at least you can trace some of the info the owner has publicly shared. might be able to PM some previus owners too. Before coming to view.
Southend, how many years did the previous owner have it/ how many miles did he/she do in that time?
Including insurance ours is a similar figure (£26k) over seven years of ownership and 62,000miles recorded so far (this years stuff isnt up, but its been an alright year, excluding insurance and this years cost I reckon its been about £22k for eight years/ 71,000miles!!
Including insurance ours is a similar figure (£26k) over seven years of ownership and 62,000miles recorded so far (this years stuff isnt up, but its been an alright year, excluding insurance and this years cost I reckon its been about £22k for eight years/ 71,000miles!!
BCA said:
Southend, how many years did the previous owner have it/ how many miles did he/she do in that time?
Including insurance ours is a similar figure (£26k) over seven years of ownership and 62,000miles recorded so far (this years stuff isnt up, but its been an alright year, excluding insurance and this years cost I reckon its been about £22k for eight years/ 71,000miles!!
been very lightly used. Many owners (5) before me. Haven't got the early details of the first three years so yours and mine are similar in costs 99-2007. I haven't got the mile/year break down. I'll see if I can work it out from reciepts. Big jobs seem have been for a chappie who tracked the car a few times - would get a main dealer pre track check and then a post track day check. Including insurance ours is a similar figure (£26k) over seven years of ownership and 62,000miles recorded so far (this years stuff isnt up, but its been an alright year, excluding insurance and this years cost I reckon its been about £22k for eight years/ 71,000miles!!
Oh and clutches. Several clutches - I'm on my third since October!!!!!!
Dunno about insurance. I assume you could average that out at £500 per year. so add another £5k
ouch.
Please, could more Cerb owners answere my four questions below about your cerb ownership? I'm getting a bit worried about all the problems, service costs and unreliability issues I keep reading about here.
Henrik100 said:
More questions from me:
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
/Henrik1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Henrik100 said:
More questions from me:
1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Best,
Henrik
1. I do, it doesn't get used everyday, it depends on where I'm working, but I do circa 10k miles a year (45k over the last 4 years). Its my only car.1. How many of you Cerbera owners use your Cerb as a everyday car all year round?
2. How many of you Cerbera owners put down more than 10000 miles per year on your Cerb?
3. How much do you spend on your Cerbera every year in Service & Repair and how many miles do you drive?
4. Where should I go with a potential buying object (Cerbera) to get it checked properly? Who does this best and to best value?
Best,
Henrik
2. See above
3. Lots and lots - see my profile
4. Depending on where you find one you like, there will be a reputable independent garage around - my vote goes for APM down south, but there are plenty of others.
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