buying advice

[stevie1982]

guys been toying with the idea of a cerbera or tuscan

when it comes to the cerbera i am in two minds to use all the cash to buy one or buy one cheaper and leave a little cash in the bank for servicing and reapirs.

is it advisable to buy the latest one within your budget, i have been looking at 15-17k which should get me a 2000/2001 4.2 or 4.5 with 25k'ish on the clock
or to buy an older one on a 97/98 for 13-14k but would have 40k plus on it.

i am not too sure on which way to turn, on the earlier model would there be the chance of as the higher millage and age that more time would be in the service shop having things fixed and putting right?

did they make any major changes on the later cars? and are they more reliable stronger engines etc?

please guys and girls i could do with some pointers as i dont want to buy the wrong thing (i no it can be hit or miss but i would just like to up my chances)

thanks

steve

[RUSSELLM]

Don't get put off by high mileage Cerberas.

From experience... ten years of cold starts with 25K miles covered versus five years of cold starts with 50k covered...
I'd opt for the high mileage 5 year old car.

I've no doubt other people have got opinions/experiences

Edited by RUSSELLM on Wednesday 14th November 10:16

[Gazzab]

stevie1982 said:

i have been looking at 15-17k which should get me a 2000/2001 4.2 or 4.5 with 25k'ish on the clock
or to buy an older one on a 97/98 for 13-14k but would have 40k plus on it.

Not sure you will find many 00/01 cars at 15-17K unless they are dogs.
Tend to be 4k higher than that.
Buy the best you can afford and ensure you can afford the running costs.
A decent 99 4.5 can be had for 15K.
Ulitmately its a lottery, I would advise going for a known car. I would go for a 99 4.5.

[touching cloth]

Pre 98 4.2 had a potentially weak crank and they can snap but I suspect you will avoid these even with your lower budget (and a lot of them have been sorted anyway now) - other than that the AJP is quite strong and can do mileage without too much concern. Some are getting rebuilds around 50k mark now, others not - seems to stem from how they were run in which you will never really know. Other than the crank even then they don't tend to go bang due to the mileage, just start using more oil. Newer cars not necessarily going to stop you putting your hand in your pocket, I think Cereal Surfer had an 51 and still ranks one of the highest spend/mile during his tenure of ownership. See here

http://www.pistonheads.com/members/showcar.asp?car...

What you should spend is really a toughie, I bought the cheaper end and spent money sorting (actually I did that in a rather extreme way) but at least that way knowing what had just been done and who by, worked for me but others would say buy the newest you can afford (whilst still having a reserve fund). It may come down to spec for you also, post 2001 4.5 were designated as lightweight models, they have Tuscan seats, the twin headlights and a thinner roll bar giving a larger windscreen view from the inside.. I still like the slotcar view from my 98 but people who are used to later cars often comment that the earlier ones feel claustrophobic. A lot of earlier cars may have had the headlight conversion anyway but worth sitting in proper pre and post examples of both to see which you prefer from the inside.

Will drop you a mail re mention on the other thread about popping over to see mine, think I am about on Sunday if that suits.

[stevie1982]

okthanks guy sthat has all be noted and taken in.

i will bare in mind tahat a 00-02 at my budget could be a dog and will look for the 99 4.5 as this seems to be the better option of lighter weight and a more visible screen. thanks for your help

touching cloth i appreciate your offer but i am away as from saturday untill the 1st of december so if it would be possible to make it the following week aropund the 8th i think it would be then i would love to take you up on your offer please let me know if that woul dsuit you

[touching cloth]

Sat 8th is good but morning time (say 10ish) as out in the afternoon and the Sunday that weekend is busy also. Let me know and I will pencil you in for then.

Cheers TC

[stevie1982]

mate sat morning woul dbe fantastic and 10ish is all good by me. what would be easier for you, do you want to give me your number and address and we can take it from there or shall i give you mine i am easy either way, as i can com eto you as you are doing me the good turn or if you want to drive to me that is cool.

where are you based? i am in Allenby Road Maidenhead just off the bath road

[touching cloth]

stevie1982 said:

where are you based? i am in Allenby Road Maidenhead just off the bath road

Ah, thought you had already had my email from your previous post - I sent one via PH with my address and mobile number on. Ignore the date part on it when you get it, as I was still working on this Sunday when I sent it earlier, but all other details the same just now 10ish on the 8th, probably better if you come to me if that's all right.

Cheers
TC.