Discussion
Hi guys,just popped over from the cerbera forum.
I`ve owned a cerbera for a few years now and use it as often as possible (2-4 times per week). I`m tempted to buy an Ultima but need to know can it be used as a daily run-around?
I was behind a black Ultima in Southport Lancs the other day and the sight, sound and smell was amazing!
What are they like for parts availability and places to service?
How much of a budjet do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy.
What do you guys do?
Finally which is the best?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
I`ve owned a cerbera for a few years now and use it as often as possible (2-4 times per week). I`m tempted to buy an Ultima but need to know can it be used as a daily run-around?
I was behind a black Ultima in Southport Lancs the other day and the sight, sound and smell was amazing!
What are they like for parts availability and places to service?
How much of a budjet do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy.
What do you guys do?
Finally which is the best?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
You need to try one to get some idea of what type of car the ultima is. An everyday car is dependent on each person perspective and compromise. I disagree with the car being "hands-on" as many people pay other hands to look after the car. I am sure other owners that have driven/owned an ultima for a length of time (andy?) will give an opinion. Also look at Stigs web site as the can am he built was very much made as an everyday car.
I think you'd need to try one too. Many of the guys here have very, very nice but highly modified cars which don't tend to lend themselves to everyday use for obvious reasons. If you're serious try and find one with off the shelf parts, off the shelf engine, off the shelf ECU and you should be fine. Only problem is that there aren't many like that about as the owners have fiddled with them!
Q. What are they like for parts availability?
A. Parts are plentiful - it's a kit car! If it works - use it!
Q. Places to service?
A. Any competent mechanic should be able to carry out routine servicing. More involving matters (engine, etc.) will necessitate taking the car to someone who is familiar with the components in question.
Q. How much of a budget do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
A. Difficult to say - routine servicing (like any car) is reasonable. If things break / blow up... who knows!
Q. I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy. What do you guys do?
A. I built it, so I'll fix it myself (I would hazard a guess that this is what the majority of owners do).
Q. Finally which is the best?
A. Entirely subjective.
Q. Everyday driver?
A. I see no reason why not. I drove an Exige as my 'only car' for a time and it was no great hardship. Forget it in the snow / ice!
Sure, you can buy one that someone else has built and pay someone else to maintain it, but for me that's not what kit cars are all about.
It's a personal thing.... there are no rules!
A. Parts are plentiful - it's a kit car! If it works - use it!
Q. Places to service?
A. Any competent mechanic should be able to carry out routine servicing. More involving matters (engine, etc.) will necessitate taking the car to someone who is familiar with the components in question.
Q. How much of a budget do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
A. Difficult to say - routine servicing (like any car) is reasonable. If things break / blow up... who knows!
Q. I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy. What do you guys do?
A. I built it, so I'll fix it myself (I would hazard a guess that this is what the majority of owners do).
Q. Finally which is the best?
A. Entirely subjective.
Q. Everyday driver?
A. I see no reason why not. I drove an Exige as my 'only car' for a time and it was no great hardship. Forget it in the snow / ice!
Sure, you can buy one that someone else has built and pay someone else to maintain it, but for me that's not what kit cars are all about.
It's a personal thing.... there are no rules!
To be fair, Pete uses his car very hard with many videos on PH to enjoy (thanks Pete!). Anytime you use machinery hard, it will take more work keeping it working properly. Just check out this video where he is burying his tack on, what I believe, is a relatively new motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tFch4vO-ME
Please note, this isn't a criticism of him or his use of the car, it is just an observation and another guys opinion.
I expect to find that my LS7 used 25% for track and 75% around town, will be very reliable. But then again, I'm pretty respectful of the car awesome potential and, since I'm not a professional driver, I keep a decent margin between the max abilities of the car and my skills.
Good luck with your decision,
Paul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tFch4vO-ME
Please note, this isn't a criticism of him or his use of the car, it is just an observation and another guys opinion.
I expect to find that my LS7 used 25% for track and 75% around town, will be very reliable. But then again, I'm pretty respectful of the car awesome potential and, since I'm not a professional driver, I keep a decent margin between the max abilities of the car and my skills.
Good luck with your decision,
Paul
San Diego GTR said:
To be fair, Pete uses his car very hard with many videos on PH to enjoy (thanks Pete!). Anytime you use machinery hard, it will take more work keeping it working properly. Just check out this video where he is burying his tack on, what I believe, is a relatively new motor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tFch4vO-ME
Please note, this isn't a criticism of him or his use of the car, it is just an observation and another guys opinion.
Totally fair comment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tFch4vO-ME
Please note, this isn't a criticism of him or his use of the car, it is just an observation and another guys opinion.
Scott
Sorry to correct you but neither the GT3 or the Turbo have RMS failure- they use a different engine(derived form the Le Mans engine) than the standard Porker. Look at the vmax and see how many Porkers attend and do numerous runs then drive home! However the ultima is cheaper run than the porker at vmax and a lot of fun.
Sorry to correct you but neither the GT3 or the Turbo have RMS failure- they use a different engine(derived form the Le Mans engine) than the standard Porker. Look at the vmax and see how many Porkers attend and do numerous runs then drive home! However the ultima is cheaper run than the porker at vmax and a lot of fun.
Neil
Just following an Ultima down the road is nothing like actually being in one.
I'm a proper newbie here and just had my test drive on Thursday with Ted and now I'm planning the financial side of things in order to get one.
An Ultima is like no other car.
If you are a petrolhead, (and you drive a very good TVR so there is hope) then the Ultima will suck you in to the most fantastic driving experience ever (my personal opinion).
Whether it's for everyday use is a different matter and a totally personal choice.
If you really are interested then I would recommend giving Ultima a call, 01455 633306 and arrange a visit which should include meeting the extremely helpful staff, being able to view various cars and parts at different stages of construction and a short passenger ride with Ted, MD of Ultima Sports.
Please understand I am completely new to the Ultima scene but so far, every single aspect has double ticked all my boxes and I have promised myself that I will build and own one.
Give them a ring and go see for yourself.
Well worth it.
Phil
Just following an Ultima down the road is nothing like actually being in one.
I'm a proper newbie here and just had my test drive on Thursday with Ted and now I'm planning the financial side of things in order to get one.
An Ultima is like no other car.
If you are a petrolhead, (and you drive a very good TVR so there is hope) then the Ultima will suck you in to the most fantastic driving experience ever (my personal opinion).
Whether it's for everyday use is a different matter and a totally personal choice.
If you really are interested then I would recommend giving Ultima a call, 01455 633306 and arrange a visit which should include meeting the extremely helpful staff, being able to view various cars and parts at different stages of construction and a short passenger ride with Ted, MD of Ultima Sports.
Please understand I am completely new to the Ultima scene but so far, every single aspect has double ticked all my boxes and I have promised myself that I will build and own one.
Give them a ring and go see for yourself.
Well worth it.
Phil
bluesatin said:
Scott, sorry to correct you but neither the GT3 or the Turbo have RMS failure- they use a different engine(derived form the Le Mans engine) than the standard Porker. Look at the vmax and see how many Porkers attend and do numerous runs then drive home! However the ultima is cheaper run than the porker at vmax and a lot of fun.
No need to be sorry!I clearly have my apples and oranges mixed up (wouldn't be the first time, and i suspect it won't be the last!).
Neil
There is nothing much in an Ultima that your everyday, competent, mechanic cannot deal with. Moreover the reaction you will get at the garage almost guarantees their undivided attention. My car brings the whole workshop to a standstill when it goes in for MOT.
Servicing will be nothing more than oil and filter changes with a general check around for anything worn or not as it should be. Brake pads or discs (when they need replacing) are just take them off and put new ones on. I don't know if anyone has done it but I'm sure if you asked the Factory they would be able to supply a service schedule for your mechanic to work to.
As for daily use I'm not convinced. I've done about 15K miles in mine now so it gets used but it is not a car you can easily just jump into in the pouring rain and drive off putting your seat belt on as you go.
Each drive is an event and I believe that is how it should be after parting with that much money. Each drive should also command your utmost attention as you have a significantly more powerful vehicle than a normal daily driver which will bite if you are not paying attention.
I think you will find almost all owners would say it was because 'they had to have/build one' not that they were looking around for a different car.
If you do not have an Ultima itch that just has to be scratched then it is not for you.
Steve
There is nothing much in an Ultima that your everyday, competent, mechanic cannot deal with. Moreover the reaction you will get at the garage almost guarantees their undivided attention. My car brings the whole workshop to a standstill when it goes in for MOT.
Servicing will be nothing more than oil and filter changes with a general check around for anything worn or not as it should be. Brake pads or discs (when they need replacing) are just take them off and put new ones on. I don't know if anyone has done it but I'm sure if you asked the Factory they would be able to supply a service schedule for your mechanic to work to.
As for daily use I'm not convinced. I've done about 15K miles in mine now so it gets used but it is not a car you can easily just jump into in the pouring rain and drive off putting your seat belt on as you go.
Each drive is an event and I believe that is how it should be after parting with that much money. Each drive should also command your utmost attention as you have a significantly more powerful vehicle than a normal daily driver which will bite if you are not paying attention.
I think you will find almost all owners would say it was because 'they had to have/build one' not that they were looking around for a different car.
If you do not have an Ultima itch that just has to be scratched then it is not for you.
Steve
My experience is that if you can "fix" a TVR you could maintain an Ultima. My sons 400SE TVR to work on is slightly more difficult/awkward than servicing a saturn5 rocket booster!
Re every day.... Yes fine except for the luggage space, which in a TVR is great, but in an ultima - slightly limited to the space for a folding toothbrush, but if you travel alone you can use the other seat I guess.
Re every day.... Yes fine except for the luggage space, which in a TVR is great, but in an ultima - slightly limited to the space for a folding toothbrush, but if you travel alone you can use the other seat I guess.
I have a Cerbera which I do not use as an every day car but it is far more practical than an Ultima (I have been lusting after an Ultima for a few years now). The Cerbera is for those special days and an Ultima would be the same but there would be even fewer trips to the shops etc (multi-story car parks - I think not).
Most Cerberas only do 3k to 5k miles a year and I suspect most Ultimas only do 2k to 3k miles a year (see Classified adds) which should tell you how practical they are.
You don't buy an Ultima as a practical car. You buy it for the sheer pleasure it will give on the few occasions you will use it.
Most Cerberas only do 3k to 5k miles a year and I suspect most Ultimas only do 2k to 3k miles a year (see Classified adds) which should tell you how practical they are.
You don't buy an Ultima as a practical car. You buy it for the sheer pleasure it will give on the few occasions you will use it.
I use to own a cerbera.. In fact my car's have gone like this.. supra TT (8 years), Evo FQ320 (2 months), Cerbera 8months, and then i bought the Ultima Spyder in June.
The ultima's awesome in every way, however as the other's pointed out, it's not an everyday car. It's a lot easier to work on than the cerbera, however the other car's i've had I've always driven in every concievable weather condition but in the Ultima there is no chance of that - mainily because i'll get wet. It's also worth noting that it's a bugger to park, and get over speedhumps.
If you have another car (maybe buy a cheap runaround) then it'll be great, as you'll have the best of both worlds.
The ultima's awesome in every way, however as the other's pointed out, it's not an everyday car. It's a lot easier to work on than the cerbera, however the other car's i've had I've always driven in every concievable weather condition but in the Ultima there is no chance of that - mainily because i'll get wet. It's also worth noting that it's a bugger to park, and get over speedhumps.
If you have another car (maybe buy a cheap runaround) then it'll be great, as you'll have the best of both worlds.
neil0205 said:
Hi guys,just popped over from the cerbera forum.
I`ve owned a cerbera for a few years now and use it as often as possible (2-4 times per week). I`m tempted to buy an Ultima but need to know can it be used as a daily run-around?
I was behind a black Ultima in Southport Lancs the other day and the sight, sound and smell was amazing!
What are they like for parts availability and places to service?
How much of a budjet do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy.
What do you guys do?
Finally which is the best?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
My two bits in answer to your questions:I`ve owned a cerbera for a few years now and use it as often as possible (2-4 times per week). I`m tempted to buy an Ultima but need to know can it be used as a daily run-around?
I was behind a black Ultima in Southport Lancs the other day and the sight, sound and smell was amazing!
What are they like for parts availability and places to service?
How much of a budjet do you expect to spend on servicing per year?
I haven`t got time myself to start replacing things when they break myself and usually take my cerb to an indy.
What do you guys do?
Finally which is the best?
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
Parts are readily available from the factory for the running gear and body. Plenty of indies can fit these if you don't fancy it yourself (my local mechanic did a brake servo for me AND he likes working on the car as it's all so easy to get at).
Budget for Servicing depends on the motor you're running, I think if you go with a later Alloy LS motor e.g. LS2 out of a Monaro you'll have hassle free/minimal spend, just really filters and oil. I've got a LT5 (efi) and it's been painless so far in fact I had it standing for almost three weeks and was able to just reach in and fire it up with no bother at all. Just gotta love a sorted EFI system.
I too get someone else to do my work as I have no time at all (and no garage).
Which is best? For me a GTR cos it lives outside.
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