First Cerbera advice needed?
Discussion
Good evening all, I need some advice please. I'm after a Cerbera. I was going to get one a couple of years ago but ended up buying an R33 GTR in the end. Anyway, I've just sold the Skyline and I'm being drawn in again by Cerberas.
The thing is I know nothing about them, what are they like to drive, and realistically what are they like with reliabilty? Yes everyone goes on about em being unreliable but I'd rather find out from owners such as yourselves not the usual pub drivel "I hope you're in the AA"
I don't do a lot of miles in my "toys" I just want something that's different from the norm you know, I love mechanical engineering and how things are put together, hence why I loved the GTR. Something I can just get into for a blast every now and again.
Is it worth paying the extra and getting the 4.5? ARe there any to stay clear of?
Cheers all, any other websites I can research em on?
Andy
The thing is I know nothing about them, what are they like to drive, and realistically what are they like with reliabilty? Yes everyone goes on about em being unreliable but I'd rather find out from owners such as yourselves not the usual pub drivel "I hope you're in the AA"
I don't do a lot of miles in my "toys" I just want something that's different from the norm you know, I love mechanical engineering and how things are put together, hence why I loved the GTR. Something I can just get into for a blast every now and again.
Is it worth paying the extra and getting the 4.5? ARe there any to stay clear of?
Cheers all, any other websites I can research em on?
Andy
If there looked after and serviced ok then the reliability will be about the same as any car with the same performance, just keep about £3k per year for looking after it
Is it worth paying the extra and getting the 4.5? ARe there any to stay clear of?
If you do a search on here about the differences between the 4.2 and 4.5, theres loads of topics!! But as a general rule they both have about the same performance as standard but the 4.5 has a more tunable engine. Have a wee shot of both and decide what you like best, i feel the 4.2 revs more freely the the 4.5.
Ad say this site is the best source of info for all things cerbs!!
Is it worth paying the extra and getting the 4.5? ARe there any to stay clear of?
If you do a search on here about the differences between the 4.2 and 4.5, theres loads of topics!! But as a general rule they both have about the same performance as standard but the 4.5 has a more tunable engine. Have a wee shot of both and decide what you like best, i feel the 4.2 revs more freely the the 4.5.
Ad say this site is the best source of info for all things cerbs!!
Hi Andy,
Have just been in very much the same boat as yourself. Had a silver R32 GT-R for 3 or 4 years, built it up to 500bhp and eventually sold it as I just wasn't using it enough.
Bought a '97 4.2 Cerb and absolutely love it. Get a good one and they're pretty reliable. I've used mine daily and had no major issues. Maintenance is the key.
For daily use I have to admit that my (fairly standard) Cerb is even thirstier as a daily driver than the GT-R. But it delivers sooooo much more character and zest in how it opens up when you put your foot down compared to the GT-R.
As a RWD lightweight car you learn VERY quickly that you only use your right foor when weather, road conditions and traffic are perfect. Point to point, the GT-R is quicker because it has more grip, ABS, etc. The GT-R was faster.
But would I go back to a GT-R from a Cerbera? Nope. No way. The Cerb gets respect from just about anyone and everyone. Plus the noise of the Cerb (sports exhaust) is just amazing. Never yet heard a Skyline that can compete IMHO. You might get a louder one, but never, ever have I heard a meatier, more purposeful exhaust noise.
Best moment? Sunny day, window down. Stuck behind a Scooby WRX on a private runway. Runway comes round corner and widens. Snick the old girl into 4th gear at 70 - foot down and she turns from a rumbling cruiser into a howling banshee - snick her into 5th gear as you nudge 130. The sound is just - well - think F1
For daily driving I'm Mr Sensible. Too many ways to kill yourself on the roads these days and too many pillocks who're perfectly happy to see it happen. I stick to 70 on the motorway, go slowly round corners and always give way. But driving like that sees 16-19mpg. Good motorway run will see 22-25mpg.
My personal opinion is that although the 4.5 might have more grunt on paper, you'll only ever really be able to safely and legally get any benefit from that on the track. For day-to-day use I concluded that the 4.2 was a better choice. Sharper throttle response, and seeing how there's pretty much naff all difference in price between a decent 4.2 and 4.5 it really doesn't come down to cost. My personal opinion is to avoid the Speed6 engine like the plague if yours is to be used on the roads. Great top end but poor low end torque. The AJP V8 in both 4.2 and 4.5 guise have the magic combination of good low down torque AND good top-end power, which makes them better all-rounders IMHO. Speed6 for the track, AJP V8 for the road.
Whereabouts are you from?
Have just been in very much the same boat as yourself. Had a silver R32 GT-R for 3 or 4 years, built it up to 500bhp and eventually sold it as I just wasn't using it enough.
Bought a '97 4.2 Cerb and absolutely love it. Get a good one and they're pretty reliable. I've used mine daily and had no major issues. Maintenance is the key.
For daily use I have to admit that my (fairly standard) Cerb is even thirstier as a daily driver than the GT-R. But it delivers sooooo much more character and zest in how it opens up when you put your foot down compared to the GT-R.
As a RWD lightweight car you learn VERY quickly that you only use your right foor when weather, road conditions and traffic are perfect. Point to point, the GT-R is quicker because it has more grip, ABS, etc. The GT-R was faster.
But would I go back to a GT-R from a Cerbera? Nope. No way. The Cerb gets respect from just about anyone and everyone. Plus the noise of the Cerb (sports exhaust) is just amazing. Never yet heard a Skyline that can compete IMHO. You might get a louder one, but never, ever have I heard a meatier, more purposeful exhaust noise.
Best moment? Sunny day, window down. Stuck behind a Scooby WRX on a private runway. Runway comes round corner and widens. Snick the old girl into 4th gear at 70 - foot down and she turns from a rumbling cruiser into a howling banshee - snick her into 5th gear as you nudge 130. The sound is just - well - think F1
For daily driving I'm Mr Sensible. Too many ways to kill yourself on the roads these days and too many pillocks who're perfectly happy to see it happen. I stick to 70 on the motorway, go slowly round corners and always give way. But driving like that sees 16-19mpg. Good motorway run will see 22-25mpg.
My personal opinion is that although the 4.5 might have more grunt on paper, you'll only ever really be able to safely and legally get any benefit from that on the track. For day-to-day use I concluded that the 4.2 was a better choice. Sharper throttle response, and seeing how there's pretty much naff all difference in price between a decent 4.2 and 4.5 it really doesn't come down to cost. My personal opinion is to avoid the Speed6 engine like the plague if yours is to be used on the roads. Great top end but poor low end torque. The AJP V8 in both 4.2 and 4.5 guise have the magic combination of good low down torque AND good top-end power, which makes them better all-rounders IMHO. Speed6 for the track, AJP V8 for the road.
Whereabouts are you from?
I moved from an R-34 Skyline to a Cerb and I find the Cerbera more economical than the Skyline.
But with either of these cars economy doesn't really come into it.
For me the Skyline bit is now well and truly out of my system but I'd certainly think about getting another, newer, Cerbera.
Don't bother thinking about if you want a Cerbera ..... you do.
Just go find one you like and enjoy it.
Life's too short not to experience one.
BTW mine's a '97 4.2 and I've put about 15,000 miles on it in just over 18 months with no major troubles (just lots of niggles).
But with either of these cars economy doesn't really come into it.
For me the Skyline bit is now well and truly out of my system but I'd certainly think about getting another, newer, Cerbera.
Don't bother thinking about if you want a Cerbera ..... you do.
Just go find one you like and enjoy it.
Life's too short not to experience one.
BTW mine's a '97 4.2 and I've put about 15,000 miles on it in just over 18 months with no major troubles (just lots of niggles).
Cheers all for the comments, Jim, I'm in Newbury but I work all over the UK.
I know exactly what you're all getting at, I loved the GTR's presence and handling, but it has no character, an amazing machine, but I didn't love it.
I spend a lot of my time working with Supercars and I want my own supercar, an affordable one. I'm pleased to see the 4.2 is just as good as the 4.5, there's a lovely 4.2 on the classifieds I'm very tempted by, just wasn't sure what the ctack was with them.
Do any of you know Steve Howard from Euphoria racing? I work with him alot and he knows a lot about TVR's. Gonna quiz him next time I see him.
Is it a big job uprading the front and rear lights?
I know exactly what you're all getting at, I loved the GTR's presence and handling, but it has no character, an amazing machine, but I didn't love it.
I spend a lot of my time working with Supercars and I want my own supercar, an affordable one. I'm pleased to see the 4.2 is just as good as the 4.5, there's a lovely 4.2 on the classifieds I'm very tempted by, just wasn't sure what the ctack was with them.
Do any of you know Steve Howard from Euphoria racing? I work with him alot and he knows a lot about TVR's. Gonna quiz him next time I see him.
Is it a big job uprading the front and rear lights?
I know Steve well - He knows all there is to know about Cerberas - and a bit more, but you know what he's like, if he laughs at your stupidity, smiles wryly, and gives his normal less than enthusiastic thumbs up, he actually means it's a cracking car, so get one. If you move from a Skyline to a Cerbera, I think your appreciation of the difference that exists between a real car and a fast, powerful, technically superior car will change significantly, if you are really into cars, you'll appreciate the Cerbera, it's a car where the only thing that makes the difference between driving it fast and safe, or crashing it - is the thing between your ears and the feeling in the seat of your pants. it's certainly nothing to do with electronic trickery and gizmos, it's all down to you.
No real difference between a 4.2 or 4.5, just go for the best you can find.
Upgrading the front and rear lights? Not a huge job, depends what you want, but once youv'e got one that will be the last thing you'll be bothered about, so ask us again then
No real difference between a 4.2 or 4.5, just go for the best you can find.
Upgrading the front and rear lights? Not a huge job, depends what you want, but once youv'e got one that will be the last thing you'll be bothered about, so ask us again then
Edited by JensenA on Monday 28th April 00:44
Edited by JensenA on Monday 28th April 00:46
motorsportrescue said:
Cheers all for the comments, Jim, I'm in Newbury but I work all over the UK.
Do any of you know Steve Howard from Euphoria racing? I work with him alot and he knows a lot about TVR's. Gonna quiz him next time I see him.
LOL - there's a couple of us work in Newbury so I was going to offer you to look over my car, but if you work with Steve you've got the best advice available surely?Do any of you know Steve Howard from Euphoria racing? I work with him alot and he knows a lot about TVR's. Gonna quiz him next time I see him.
Things that are a big plus:
recent FULL clutch if it has any significant miles on it and is on the TVR (AP) original or barter for the £500 it will cost you quite soon.
Aftermarket ECU or a remapped standard and short intakes make a big difference, faster, smoother, cooler and better MPG.
Standard 4.5 suspension is good but there are aftermarket kits that really work and do add to the value of the car.
Aircon that works is a big plus.
A Lightweight fetches a small premium.
The later light configuration also makes them a bit more desirable.
A handbrake that works is unheard of, maybe thats why the clutches have limited life.
The 4.5 holds better residuals though it's not a huge difference compared with the 4.2. There is another engine but we won't go there as it will degenerate into a bun fight.
Points to watch:
The ONLY mega expensive bit of the car is the engine, if it is not 100% walk away but don't be put off if it sounds s
te when cold. All the V8 cerbs have slipper pistons with no skirt to speak of so they sound terrible until the pistons expand. If the person selling it gets much past 1/4 throttle before it reaches 80c run away. Slipper pistons and people with no mechanical sympathy are a bad combination. Boxes, brakes, diffs, suspension etc are peanuts compared with the engine and not a deal more than the same bits on a mid range eurobox. Way less than Porsche/Italian money.
Condition and presentation matters more than age. Mine is a 2000 and it's mint but not for sale. I have seen earlier ones as good and later ones that were fked. They are quite expensive to maintain so if you have doubts about the seller having the means to have looked after it do your checks.
As for driving it. It's an animal and not much more you can say. A very raw experience compared to an all electronic ricer. You are much more connected to it and getting round that next bend is your job, not just the cars job. Getting home alive likewise. A thrill a minute and people just love the look of it, nobody other than a few ricer lovers would even notice an R32 passing by. People walk into lamp posts when a Cerb goes past. Different league.
Reliability, well I have no major problems although I'm only into 7 months of ownership. That said it's my daily car so its probably done more running than some will do in the next 3 years. Nothing has packed up but the clutch, nothing has fallen off and it starts on the button everytime. The doors work, the windows work, everything works bar the handbrake. It has had a small oil leak but it was a nothing job.
Jon
recent FULL clutch if it has any significant miles on it and is on the TVR (AP) original or barter for the £500 it will cost you quite soon.
Aftermarket ECU or a remapped standard and short intakes make a big difference, faster, smoother, cooler and better MPG.
Standard 4.5 suspension is good but there are aftermarket kits that really work and do add to the value of the car.
Aircon that works is a big plus.
A Lightweight fetches a small premium.
The later light configuration also makes them a bit more desirable.
A handbrake that works is unheard of, maybe thats why the clutches have limited life.
The 4.5 holds better residuals though it's not a huge difference compared with the 4.2. There is another engine but we won't go there as it will degenerate into a bun fight.
Points to watch:
The ONLY mega expensive bit of the car is the engine, if it is not 100% walk away but don't be put off if it sounds s
te when cold. All the V8 cerbs have slipper pistons with no skirt to speak of so they sound terrible until the pistons expand. If the person selling it gets much past 1/4 throttle before it reaches 80c run away. Slipper pistons and people with no mechanical sympathy are a bad combination. Boxes, brakes, diffs, suspension etc are peanuts compared with the engine and not a deal more than the same bits on a mid range eurobox. Way less than Porsche/Italian money.Condition and presentation matters more than age. Mine is a 2000 and it's mint but not for sale. I have seen earlier ones as good and later ones that were f
ked. They are quite expensive to maintain so if you have doubts about the seller having the means to have looked after it do your checks.As for driving it. It's an animal and not much more you can say. A very raw experience compared to an all electronic ricer. You are much more connected to it and getting round that next bend is your job, not just the cars job. Getting home alive likewise. A thrill a minute and people just love the look of it, nobody other than a few ricer lovers would even notice an R32 passing by. People walk into lamp posts when a Cerb goes past. Different league.
Reliability, well I have no major problems although I'm only into 7 months of ownership. That said it's my daily car so its probably done more running than some will do in the next 3 years. Nothing has packed up but the clutch, nothing has fallen off and it starts on the button everytime. The doors work, the windows work, everything works bar the handbrake. It has had a small oil leak but it was a nothing job.
Jon
Edited by fatjon on Monday 28th April 18:46
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