Which to Buy

[Jak]

I have a budget of about £25K and have seen 2 Cerbies that are crying out for my cash, but of differing ages.
1 is V (1999) Speed Six 30,000 miles 1 owner from new, the other is R (1997) 4.2 30,000 miles 3 owners from new.
Both have Full TVRSH and drive well.

Does the age matter, or is it all down to miles here?

[trefor]

I'd go for the Speed Six - a V reg'd is bound to have better build quality than the older car. Just get the mechanics checked over by someone who knows what they're looking at - I've not seen a Speed Six that cheap before and there could be a reason for it.

I don't see a problem with 30k miles on either engine - probably means the Speed Six engine hasn't spent too long back at Blackpool if anything!

T/.

[Jak]

Thanks for the input - The V reg is ex Company Car Contract Hire and is in a Specialist (non TVR) dealer - I suspect they want it off their hands.

[hazy]

Speed six is well cheap. I've just paid 30k for 1999v at TVR dealer, albeit with 10000 miles on it!

[Jak]

I am ruling out the 30,000 mile R 4.2, but have just seen another R 4.2 with 16000 in a TVR dealer (mustard Yellow though??) - again full TVRSH for £25K,
So would you still stick with the V 1999 Speed Six with 30,000 with full TVRSH, by the way they are asking £26K, which I still think is a bargain.

[Fraser]

I think it is important to buy what YOU want....if you are going to drive every day to work etc...then the speed six is noticeably smoother and more 'commuter' friendly....but personally I would not touch a speed six with a barge pole...especially if it is that cheap (as it may well be for a reason)..if you don't like the colour, the interior etc...then DON't buy it....be selective in what you buy as it is your money and £25k is still a lot of money....personally for value I would buy a 4.2 with some miles on the clock as it has a longer history and tested engine....but that is me....

K1 FJB 4.5 Cerbie

[Jak]

Thanks for the advice,Yellow is really not me!

Anyone else think that a Speed Six should be kept at barge pole length!
And is £26K for a V (Sep '99) 30,000 mile Speed Six with Full TVRSH so cheap it should be avoided?

[Fraser]

Sounds a little cheap to me.....maybe I got fleeced(probably) but I paid £32k for mine from a dealer and it is a 99T 4.5.....

[trefor]

Why not look at some other Cerberas? You've only selected 2 here. The 4.2 is pricey for the age (unless it's at a main dealer). I know it's not a nice thing to say, but you can probably pick up a good '97 4.2 for 20k if you look around. (I've seen R reg'd 4.5s for 25k .)

The Speed Six is cheap, but it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it - get it checked over by someone who knows what they're looking at and get a warranty. If it's a lease disposal then they're probably trying to get more than a TVR dealer have offered them for it. Early Speed Six engines had a few problems, but at the mileage you're telling us I'd hazard a guess that this one's not a dog (just guessing!!). TVRs like being used and play up when you leave them sitting in the garage.

I'd rather have a 1 year old car over a 3/4 year old car for the same money. Wouldn't you?

T/.

[Jak]

Thanks,

I have looked at a few more, but do not wish to travel too far, nor buy from-the-door.
Both the TVR and non TVR dealer cars have just been serviced by a TVR dealer.

I am also getting the non TVR dealer gather copy invoices for the car to ensure that it has a good history (hopefully I will be able to contact the previous driver and have a chat).

[Pit]

I don't think the S6 sounds particularly cheap for the mileage. I sold my 99T S6 Cerbie with 12k miles for £26k about 3 months ago. It's a buyers market and I think there are probably better deals to be had.

Mike.

[hazy]

As I said earlier, just waiting to pick up £30k's worth of speed six,(trading in BMW coupe) but my nerve is wavering.....alot of bad stuff in here about s6's. Car is gorgeous but I have reservations.....anyone done similar deal? Any regrets??????

[Martin Hunt]

Hazy / Jak,

I recently bought a Speed 6 1999 for 28k had 11000 miles on the clock, it has just gone back to Blackpool for the camshaft re fitting.

I still love the car and used every day for 3 months without a hitch, even thought the camshaft has allegedly gone it drove well until it went back to the dealers for a service.

I would recommend getting one, but just ensure that you get it properly checked over and get a good warranty.



Martin
Cerbera S 922 OPO

[hazy]

cheers Martin. Camshaft mods have apparently just been done on the car so hopefully all will be well......watch this space!!!!!

[M15ley]

Lots of different opinions here, obviously. However what if you could get a 97-P 4.2, 30k miles with loads of history and receipts for £19k which would leave circa £5-6k left over for any niggles etc!!!

[hazy]

The consensus of opinion seems to be buy the latest car you can possibly afford (or can,t really!) in a colour combo that appeals to you.Worry about breakdowns and re-builds as and when they happen.Lets face it, if you had a 2k fund to fettle your Cerby are you really gonna stop yourself buying those 18in wheels and Tuscan stylee lights???? I think not!

[Jak]

So. To recap,
Buy as new as you can afford
Ensure a Full TVRSH
Get it checked out by a TVR dealer before you buy.
Buy it with a good Warranty - (anyone know which is the defacto warranty).
Keep a couple of £K in your back pocket - coss you will need to spend it some day.
Don't let your Granny drive it.

[clarky5150]

Hmmm, Ive just purchased a 97P 4.2 20k FTVRSH Atlantis pearl/full magnolia (yippee). I was advised against an S6 by a very respected ex TVR mechanic and when i probed the dealer (who have been v.good) the salesman steered me away from S6's stating they have had v little problems with AJP8's and shed loads with 6's (stretched valves etc). Time will tell but for 19.5k from dealer in (MHO) a good and quite rare colour i think i made the right choice........(await me eating words in near future!)