Tuscan or cerbera, Which is best for reliability / costs?
Discussion
Hi folks, i'm grant.
I've been searching the internet for a few days now, to answer my question but have no definitive answers.
I currently have a escort cosworth but looking to sell that to get a tuscan or cerbera.
I have £16k to spend but would prefer to spend less if it was a cerbera.
I have heard various stories about the tuscan engines being very soft if a strict oil warm up is'int stuck to?
What age do cerberas use the tvr engine from?
Which is a better engine the tvr one or the v8 and for power?
Which is more D.I.Y friendly for parts availability for the engine and better costs for the components. I'm very competent - please dont think i am a person that would skrimp on that sort of thing, I only use garges for mot's and petrol!
What would ultimatly be the the best car, model and engine to have?
I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
I allways beleive in don't buy if you can't run it so i'm not one of those! Just want a car that will be (reliable)
Thank you!
I've been searching the internet for a few days now, to answer my question but have no definitive answers.
I currently have a escort cosworth but looking to sell that to get a tuscan or cerbera.
I have £16k to spend but would prefer to spend less if it was a cerbera.
I have heard various stories about the tuscan engines being very soft if a strict oil warm up is'int stuck to?
What age do cerberas use the tvr engine from?
Which is a better engine the tvr one or the v8 and for power?
Which is more D.I.Y friendly for parts availability for the engine and better costs for the components. I'm very competent - please dont think i am a person that would skrimp on that sort of thing, I only use garges for mot's and petrol!
What would ultimatly be the the best car, model and engine to have?
I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
I allways beleive in don't buy if you can't run it so i'm not one of those! Just want a car that will be (reliable)
Thank you!
rsfudge said:
Hi folks, i'm grant.
I've been searching the internet for a few days now, to answer my question but have no definitive answers.
I currently have a escort cosworth but looking to sell that to get a tuscan or cerbera.
I have £16k to spend but would prefer to spend less if it was a cerbera.
I have heard various stories about the tuscan engines being very soft if a strict oil warm up is'int stuck to?
What age do cerberas use the tvr engine from?
Which is a better engine the tvr one or the v8 and for power?
Which is more D.I.Y friendly for parts availability for the engine and better costs for the components. I'm very competent - please dont think i am a person that would skrimp on that sort of thing, I only use garges for mot's and petrol!
What would ultimatly be the the best car, model and engine to have?
I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
I allways beleive in don't buy if you can't run it so i'm not one of those! Just want a car that will be (reliable)
Thank you!
Can't really comment on the SP6 engines on the Tuscan, needless to say they are fantastic engines, but don't have a forum specifically dedicated to them for no reason. They do require much love and attention, but then again, so do the Cerberas.I've been searching the internet for a few days now, to answer my question but have no definitive answers.
I currently have a escort cosworth but looking to sell that to get a tuscan or cerbera.
I have £16k to spend but would prefer to spend less if it was a cerbera.
I have heard various stories about the tuscan engines being very soft if a strict oil warm up is'int stuck to?
What age do cerberas use the tvr engine from?
Which is a better engine the tvr one or the v8 and for power?
Which is more D.I.Y friendly for parts availability for the engine and better costs for the components. I'm very competent - please dont think i am a person that would skrimp on that sort of thing, I only use garges for mot's and petrol!
What would ultimatly be the the best car, model and engine to have?
I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
I allways beleive in don't buy if you can't run it so i'm not one of those! Just want a car that will be (reliable)
Thank you!
If you go for a Cerbera, you have 3 engine choices.
The 4.0 Speed Six (As found in Tuscans)
The 4.2 AJP V8
The 4.5 AJP V8
All Cerberas and Tuscans use TVRs own engine.
I'd say, given the output of the AJP V8s, they're pretty good engines, stick to a sensible warm up proceedure, decent oil, servicing, and you should be okay. However, for every person spending £1k per year servicing, you'll hear of someone spending £5-£10k. You pays your money and takes your choice.
Tuscans and Cerberas are very different cars, personally, if I was you, I would go and have a look at each, then decide which you want, then do your research on what model you want.
I've had my Cerbera since September, having spent the best part of a year looking at them, reading the forums etc.
As above, go and try some of each. I don't mean to sound patronising at all, but they are very different. Look at several cars that sound the same and there will be significant differences. It depends what you want. it's actually a bit hard to describe.
For me, I know i want them - no question. So, I ask others to come with me that are not emotionally attached to the idea of having an x.
I've not driven a Tuscan yet, but I'd love one! Cerbs are perhaps more brutal (just) and true supercars - yet I miss my S2 which would not perform anything like them.
I think I'm trying to say experience them, visit the local meetings and ask for a spin in them. Then, think about it and finally go for it!
Good luck whatever you choose
For me, I know i want them - no question. So, I ask others to come with me that are not emotionally attached to the idea of having an x.
I've not driven a Tuscan yet, but I'd love one! Cerbs are perhaps more brutal (just) and true supercars - yet I miss my S2 which would not perform anything like them.
I think I'm trying to say experience them, visit the local meetings and ask for a spin in them. Then, think about it and finally go for it!
Good luck whatever you choose
I have a Tuscan and a Cerbera (well it was either that or investing in Woolworths - seems sensible now).
Both cars even in good condition will cost you a fair amount of money to keep on the road. In poor condition will probably cost you a fortune. Engine rebuilds, chassis repairs and even clutches on either are not cheap. A post-2003 (or rebuilt post-2003) Speed 6 engine is probably as reliable as an AJP8 now. Both Cerbs and Tuscans are overall probably about as reliable as each other. Do your research, drive a few and buy the one you like in the best condition, this will reduce the risk.
As far driving is concerned and bearing in mind both my cars are Speed Sixes, both with 18" Spiders, but the Tuscan has Nitron suspension I'd say the following. For eating miles in comfort with serious speed on a long drive I'd take the Cerb. For blasting round country lanes on a summer's day I'd take the Tuscan. For picking up girls (not that I'm allowed any more
) I'd take the Tuscan. For convincing your wife your car is family friendly even though you know it's bonkers buy a Cerbera.
Lastly the blue ones are the fastest
Tony
Both cars even in good condition will cost you a fair amount of money to keep on the road. In poor condition will probably cost you a fortune. Engine rebuilds, chassis repairs and even clutches on either are not cheap. A post-2003 (or rebuilt post-2003) Speed 6 engine is probably as reliable as an AJP8 now. Both Cerbs and Tuscans are overall probably about as reliable as each other. Do your research, drive a few and buy the one you like in the best condition, this will reduce the risk.
As far driving is concerned and bearing in mind both my cars are Speed Sixes, both with 18" Spiders, but the Tuscan has Nitron suspension I'd say the following. For eating miles in comfort with serious speed on a long drive I'd take the Cerb. For blasting round country lanes on a summer's day I'd take the Tuscan. For picking up girls (not that I'm allowed any more
) I'd take the Tuscan. For convincing your wife your car is family friendly even though you know it's bonkers buy a Cerbera.Lastly the blue ones are the fastest
Tony
rsfudge said:
Hi folks, i'm grant.
..... I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
Hi Grant,..... I only ask about costs and reliability as i have other cars/ projects that i plough money/time into. Mk2 rs2000 with cosworth engine, another mk2 escort to be a rally car with xe power, etc.
Mmmmmmm, I miss my Mk 2 RS almost every time I drive but a Cerb is in a different sensory universe. I have no experience of Tuscans but (hoping not to enrage owners) I think the history of the SP6 motor is sufficiently chequered to warn you away from purchase. There is also 'a bit of history' with V8 4.2 cranks which might scare you off ownership.
As yuou may have guessed I have a V8 4.5 which has been wonderful for 3.5 years now so beware of my bias.
I appreciate and admire your 'I can maintain it' spirit (as I have had with all my vehicles) but the main thing I would warn you of is particular model knowledge. You will find no end of recommendations here for approved dealers and independants who have vast accumulated knowledge and experience in servicing these models and, given the enormous costs of repairing incorrectly serviced motors, I would recommend that you budget for your services in your forecasts. Mine has cost me approx 2500 sovs p.a. and has been worth every penny.
I would also only buy a car that has a provable history of maintenance from respected names in order to avoid hidden problems that could arise from previous mis-servicing.
Best of luck
What she said - buy it, sort it, maintain it, drive it. Worked a treat for me so far. Cerb V8 everytime
early (pre98) 4.2's have a propensity to snap cranks but other than that there are no major flaws
There were updates throughout the cars life, so generally the later the car the more 'sorted' it is, however owners tend to lavish care and attention and retro fit better parts than std so always go on the condition of the car more than anything else.
Take a look here:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.hinns/software.h...
for a copy of the engine software and lots of other stuff
early (pre98) 4.2's have a propensity to snap cranks but other than that there are no major flaws
There were updates throughout the cars life, so generally the later the car the more 'sorted' it is, however owners tend to lavish care and attention and retro fit better parts than std so always go on the condition of the car more than anything else.
Take a look here:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.hinns/software.h...
for a copy of the engine software and lots of other stuff
Mr.Cerbera said:
I have no experience of Tuscans but (hoping not to enrage owners) I think the history of the SP6 motor is sufficiently chequered to warn you away from purchase.
Your right that is probably history ..i.e. in the past. Like all Skodas are rubbish, the world is flat and the Germans invade Poland every 25 years.... 
Thank you everybody! What a fantastic amount of responses youve taken time over, much appreciated!
Dirty boy - Thanks for the heads up that the v8's are tvr built and the engine codes! I agree with the 1k for some and 5k for others, it is a risky sods law affair but the risk with the type of car of this caliber.
Dave m - I like the sound of a third party coming along, as soon as i heard the engine revs rising in a test drive i would probably be throwing my money at the guy! Both the engines are just musical porn! I will see if i can go along to an earlish meeting as planning on getting the car may time. Going to a meet would be a big help, need to see what like they are in scotland.
Ykb - one of each, good man! You have your priorites sorted! I'm prepared to pay the costs, would just prefer the one that will be on the road more as i've other toys that take up time and cash. Both cars are amazing for looks but i think the tuscan has the edge on the posing and the picking up part sounds good!
I'm 24 so no worries about a wife!
Mr cerbera - the sp6 has whats made me ask the questions unfortunatly, i dint know about the 4.2 cranks, sounds worrying and i will put a 4.2 off the list thanks!
I will be going for a car that has full stamps by reputiable dealers as i wouldent want a car that may have been maintained by somebody that could of cut corners. From that point in my ownership i then know what is being done to the car. I will see what sort of companys there are in scotland and rates.
Amazon - I'd be scarred to drive it in winter and would be hoping to buy one that hasent seen salt after what i've heard about chassis corrosion.
350matt - snapping cranks but other than that no major flaws! Lol great sales pitch for a car lol. I'm goint to try and get a later car as agree with what your saying about the later cars. Thanks for the link!
Thanks guys!
Dirty boy - Thanks for the heads up that the v8's are tvr built and the engine codes! I agree with the 1k for some and 5k for others, it is a risky sods law affair but the risk with the type of car of this caliber.
Dave m - I like the sound of a third party coming along, as soon as i heard the engine revs rising in a test drive i would probably be throwing my money at the guy! Both the engines are just musical porn! I will see if i can go along to an earlish meeting as planning on getting the car may time. Going to a meet would be a big help, need to see what like they are in scotland.
Ykb - one of each, good man! You have your priorites sorted! I'm prepared to pay the costs, would just prefer the one that will be on the road more as i've other toys that take up time and cash. Both cars are amazing for looks but i think the tuscan has the edge on the posing and the picking up part sounds good!
I'm 24 so no worries about a wife!
Mr cerbera - the sp6 has whats made me ask the questions unfortunatly, i dint know about the 4.2 cranks, sounds worrying and i will put a 4.2 off the list thanks!
I will be going for a car that has full stamps by reputiable dealers as i wouldent want a car that may have been maintained by somebody that could of cut corners. From that point in my ownership i then know what is being done to the car. I will see what sort of companys there are in scotland and rates.
Amazon - I'd be scarred to drive it in winter and would be hoping to buy one that hasent seen salt after what i've heard about chassis corrosion.
350matt - snapping cranks but other than that no major flaws! Lol great sales pitch for a car lol. I'm goint to try and get a later car as agree with what your saying about the later cars. Thanks for the link!
Thanks guys!
rsfudge said:
Amazon - I'd be scarred to drive it in winter and would be hoping to buy one that hasent seen salt after what i've heard about chassis corrosion.
There's a a strong school of thought that it's better to use it sort of regularly all year round and do a good pressure wash on the underside (among other things) every week or so than to lay the car up for several months - apparently, unless you're *very* fastidious this may give more problems come re-awakening time than it's worth. Of course, if you live in Northern Scandinavia things may be different. If the wheel geometry and suspension set up are properly sorted and the engine well tuned so it's tractable enough on low rpm/throttle openings, a sympathetic driver won't have to many problems keeping the shiny side up in regular 'wintery' conditions, normally. Just adopt the biker mentality - foresight is better than hindsight, and you may be the among the slowest traffic where in better conditions you have just about the fastest car out there (it's that mental adjustment which causes trouble with drivers/riders of more specialised machinery - in unfavourable conditions, the driver of that little French sh*tbox in front of you may well be able to get away with more than you can, so don't blindly follow it at the same speed/acceleration!).
Edited by 900T-R on Saturday 31st January 07:35
rsfudge said:
Thank you everybody! What a fantastic amount of responses youve taken time over, much appreciated!
Dirty boy - Thanks for the heads up that the v8's are tvr built and the engine codes! I agree with the 1k for some and 5k for others, it is a risky sods law affair but the risk with the type of car of this caliber.
Dave m - I like the sound of a third party coming along, as soon as i heard the engine revs rising in a test drive i would probably be throwing my money at the guy! Both the engines are just musical porn! I will see if i can go along to an earlish meeting as planning on getting the car may time. Going to a meet would be a big help, need to see what like they are in scotland.
Ykb - one of each, good man! You have your priorites sorted! I'm prepared to pay the costs, would just prefer the one that will be on the road more as i've other toys that take up time and cash. Both cars are amazing for looks but i think the tuscan has the edge on the posing and the picking up part sounds good!
I'm 24 so no worries about a wife!
Mr cerbera - the sp6 has whats made me ask the questions unfortunatly, i dint know about the 4.2 cranks, sounds worrying and i will put a 4.2 off the list thanks!
I will be going for a car that has full stamps by reputiable dealers as i wouldent want a car that may have been maintained by somebody that could of cut corners. From that point in my ownership i then know what is being done to the car. I will see what sort of companys there are in scotland and rates.
Amazon - I'd be scarred to drive it in winter and would be hoping to buy one that hasent seen salt after what i've heard about chassis corrosion.
350matt - snapping cranks but other than that no major flaws! Lol great sales pitch for a car lol. I'm goint to try and get a later car as agree with what your saying about the later cars. Thanks for the link!
Thanks guys!
Get the Cerb.You know it makes sense..........................Dirty boy - Thanks for the heads up that the v8's are tvr built and the engine codes! I agree with the 1k for some and 5k for others, it is a risky sods law affair but the risk with the type of car of this caliber.
Dave m - I like the sound of a third party coming along, as soon as i heard the engine revs rising in a test drive i would probably be throwing my money at the guy! Both the engines are just musical porn! I will see if i can go along to an earlish meeting as planning on getting the car may time. Going to a meet would be a big help, need to see what like they are in scotland.
Ykb - one of each, good man! You have your priorites sorted! I'm prepared to pay the costs, would just prefer the one that will be on the road more as i've other toys that take up time and cash. Both cars are amazing for looks but i think the tuscan has the edge on the posing and the picking up part sounds good!
I'm 24 so no worries about a wife!
Mr cerbera - the sp6 has whats made me ask the questions unfortunatly, i dint know about the 4.2 cranks, sounds worrying and i will put a 4.2 off the list thanks!
I will be going for a car that has full stamps by reputiable dealers as i wouldent want a car that may have been maintained by somebody that could of cut corners. From that point in my ownership i then know what is being done to the car. I will see what sort of companys there are in scotland and rates.
Amazon - I'd be scarred to drive it in winter and would be hoping to buy one that hasent seen salt after what i've heard about chassis corrosion.
350matt - snapping cranks but other than that no major flaws! Lol great sales pitch for a car lol. I'm goint to try and get a later car as agree with what your saying about the later cars. Thanks for the link!
Thanks guys!
rsfudge said:
Mr cerbera - the sp6 has whats made me ask the questions unfortunatly, i dint know about the 4.2 cranks, sounds worrying and i will put a 4.2 off the list thanks!
Wo wo wo wo 
Hold your horses.....
I think it's a batch of 96 & early 97 cranks that are we are talking about here, so don't rule out all the 4.2's.In the five years I've been mooching on the Cerbera forum, there's been no more than a handful, A quick search reveals one in the last Two years.
My old 96 has been running around for Thirteen years.
The 4.2's are great fun/dangerous
& rev like a motorbike.IMO of course
rsfudge said:
Ah thats good thanks for clearing that up, glad its just a batch, can put that back on the list now!
I like the sound of the 4.2 being dangerous and rev happy!
Thats a nice cerb, whats intailed in putting the newer headlights on, is it a whole clam required?
many owners go for a lighting upgrade to include HID lamps. p.s. it's not a "clamshell" TVR's mostly have a bonnet lid, with the S Series being one exception.I like the sound of the 4.2 being dangerous and rev happy!
Thats a nice cerb, whats intailed in putting the newer headlights on, is it a whole clam required?
I have seen a few reports of early 4.2s with crank trouble, by a few I mean about 3. I have seen a lot of reports of S6 engines having much worse trouble. On balance I would go for something AJP engined or if finances don't allow it then Rover engined. I have seen claims that the later S6 engines were OK but the of course the prices are higher. I have also seen claims that "company x" has resolved all the S6 problems for £15k /engine with a 3 year warranty. Well at £15k each you have paid for the next 3 engines in advance so of course you can have a 3 year warranty.
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