The Cerbera dilema
Discussion
My current car which is an MR2 turbo is going to be written off by the insurance company after someone crashed into my girlfriend. Were getting the car back as the damage is minor and can be fixed but I have been saving for another car for a while so now seems a good time.
I have always liked the Cerbera and have contemplated buying one over the last 5 years. The main thing that put me off it the reliability. I have always had Jap performance cars and while my FTO was loverly car it had loads of problems (as do most FTO's) The MR2 by contrast has been much better but its still had its faults.
I don't do a regular job as it were and have to travel about 80 miles (round trip) twice a week. The rest of the time I work from home. I have another vehicle which is an LDV minibus (I play in a band and this gets us about).
I cannot justify buying a cheap run about for 2 trips a week especially as I also have the minibus. I would want to drive the Cerb regularly but I have the mini bus as backup if this did go wrong.
I want something which will not disapoint after the MR2 which does 0-60 5sec and the last qtr mile I did at Santapod was 13.2. Having some sort of back seat would be useful for rare occasions. Also the Mrs has to like the car and she hates BMW's, Audis etc.. she is a designer so only likes cars with a bit of design flare.
I have about 10k to spend and 2k budgeted a year I would use for servicing and maintance etc... I could stretch a little further on the budget for the right car.
I have looked at other things, I recently posted on the Maserati forum about getting a 4200 but it seems they are no more reliable than a TVR and the whole point at looking elsewhere was for the reliability factor.
I have a garage it can live in and a sissor lift so I can inspect the underside and do basic maintanance. I don't have to time to do all the work myself so would take it to a good indy to do servicing or larger work.
I guess my question is what do you think? Am I being realistic?
Chris
I have always liked the Cerbera and have contemplated buying one over the last 5 years. The main thing that put me off it the reliability. I have always had Jap performance cars and while my FTO was loverly car it had loads of problems (as do most FTO's) The MR2 by contrast has been much better but its still had its faults.
I don't do a regular job as it were and have to travel about 80 miles (round trip) twice a week. The rest of the time I work from home. I have another vehicle which is an LDV minibus (I play in a band and this gets us about).
I cannot justify buying a cheap run about for 2 trips a week especially as I also have the minibus. I would want to drive the Cerb regularly but I have the mini bus as backup if this did go wrong.
I want something which will not disapoint after the MR2 which does 0-60 5sec and the last qtr mile I did at Santapod was 13.2. Having some sort of back seat would be useful for rare occasions. Also the Mrs has to like the car and she hates BMW's, Audis etc.. she is a designer so only likes cars with a bit of design flare.
I have about 10k to spend and 2k budgeted a year I would use for servicing and maintance etc... I could stretch a little further on the budget for the right car.
I have looked at other things, I recently posted on the Maserati forum about getting a 4200 but it seems they are no more reliable than a TVR and the whole point at looking elsewhere was for the reliability factor.
I have a garage it can live in and a sissor lift so I can inspect the underside and do basic maintanance. I don't have to time to do all the work myself so would take it to a good indy to do servicing or larger work.
I guess my question is what do you think? Am I being realistic?
Chris
If its any help mate, i had a Cerb but sold it and bought a skyline r33 gtr running over 600 bhp, i also had an evo 8 fq running 412 bhp, a s200, a e46 M3 smg and a Z4 smg but in everyone of those cars i missed the Cerb and to be honest the whole drama and sence tingling experience of driving a TVR. The others where all fab cars but a TVR just feels different...it has an unexplainable something. Any how i am now back with TVR ( a Tamora ) and im loving every minute of it. NOT ONE REGRET!!!!
I have had mine for almost two years now. Replaced a front wheel bearing, sorted various minor electrical niggles thats bean about it. Only broke down once when a radiator hose blew. It's been as reliable as any other car I have had.
However even checking service history, condition etc. it can still be a lottery, I've been lucky , so far. Others , as you can see from numerous posts on here, have not. I'm on a high today as just back from the MOT, IT PASSED.
However even checking service history, condition etc. it can still be a lottery, I've been lucky , so far. Others , as you can see from numerous posts on here, have not. I'm on a high today as just back from the MOT, IT PASSED.
Chris Lynch said:
I have about 10k to spend and 2k budgeted a year I would use for servicing and maintance etc... I could stretch a little further on the budget for the right car.
£10k might get you an okay car, who knows, do your research on the engine options available to you first.Buy on this criteria - condition condition and condition.
£2k a year is sensible to budget, but you'll end up spending more unecessarily
Chris Lynch said:
I have looked at other things, I recently posted on the Maserati forum about getting a 4200 but it seems they are no more reliable than a TVR and the whole point at looking elsewhere was for the reliability factor.
If anything, i'd have thought Massers were worse. TVRs are not unreliable as such, they just get lots of niggles.Chris Lynch said:
I have a garage it can live in and a sissor lift so I can inspect the underside and do basic maintanance. I don't have to time to do all the work myself so would take it to a good indy to do servicing or larger work.
Garage will keep it dry and keep your premiums down. If you can do basic maintenance, then you're already going to save some pennies over us numpties.Chris Lynch said:
I guess my question is what do you think? Am I being realistic?
Yes. Good luck finding the right car in your budget..... £9,995
£9,995
£12,795
Thanks for the replys. I think the Cerb is the way were going to end up going. Insurance have been on the phone again to agree the settlement with them so we will have the money soon.
There is one here which is near me which I might try and view at the weekend.
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/TVR+...
There is one here which is near me which I might try and view at the weekend.
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/TVR+...
Edited by Chris Lynch on Friday 11th September 12:20
Your situation sounds pretty much ideal for cerb ownership to me - enthusiast with spare car, garage and a willing wife 
. As said, the cerb is fundamentally pretty reliable with a strong engine and rust proof body, electrics sometimes give niggles but are often diy fixable. The clutch slave is a regular source of agro but if you have a lift in the garage you could change it yourself when it goes. The chasses (is that the plural of chassis) are getting on and condition varies greatly so needs a thorough inspection - newer does not always mean better in this regard.
Performance wise, once sorted/remapped the cerb will be quicker than the mr2 but won't get off the line as well as a rear engined car obviously. The best thing about the cerb is the sound it makes, which is as spine-chilling as a fezza IMO. I recommend you take a drive in a well sorted 4.5, after that everything else will be rendered moot
. As said, the cerb is fundamentally pretty reliable with a strong engine and rust proof body, electrics sometimes give niggles but are often diy fixable. The clutch slave is a regular source of agro but if you have a lift in the garage you could change it yourself when it goes. The chasses (is that the plural of chassis) are getting on and condition varies greatly so needs a thorough inspection - newer does not always mean better in this regard.Performance wise, once sorted/remapped the cerb will be quicker than the mr2 but won't get off the line as well as a rear engined car obviously. The best thing about the cerb is the sound it makes, which is as spine-chilling as a fezza IMO. I recommend you take a drive in a well sorted 4.5, after that everything else will be rendered moot
Chris Lynch said:
Thanks for the replys. I think the Cerb is the way were going to end up going. Insurance have been on the phone again to agree the settlement with them so we will have the money soon.
There is one here which is near me which I might try and view at the weekend.
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/TVR+...
I think that one has gone to another PH'er a couple of days ago, check out 'Phil Dicky's' thread on 'new arrival'There is one here which is near me which I might try and view at the weekend.
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/TVR+...
Edited by Chris Lynch on Friday 11th September 12:20
I would suggest perhaps looking at this one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1003284.htm
Lot of motor for the money with this.
pat_y said:
I would suggest perhaps looking at this one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1003284.htm
Lot of motor for the money with this.
Yum yum http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1003284.htm
Lot of motor for the money with this.
That purple one looks very nice indeed, its just a bit far for me to go and view just at the moment. I guess its going to be a case of keeping my ear to the ground. I am not in a rush as the MR2 is still driveable and has 2 months left on the MOT tax and insurance. Plus I have always got the LDV to keep me getting about.
Thanks for everyones help I really appeiciate it. Who knows if we do find a good one and enjoy it we might start going to meets and track days again.
Chris
Thanks for everyones help I really appeiciate it. Who knows if we do find a good one and enjoy it we might start going to meets and track days again.
Chris
Chris Lynch said:
Thanks for everyones help I really appeiciate it. Who knows if we do find a good one and enjoy it we might start going to meets and track days again.
Chris
But...if you pulled your finger out and bought one soon...there's always http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Chris
FUBAR said:
Chris Lynch said:
Thanks for everyones help I really appeiciate it. Who knows if we do find a good one and enjoy it we might start going to meets and track days again.
Chris
But...if you pulled your finger out and bought one soon...there's always http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...Chris
Looks like a fantastic trip. Maybe next year if I can find the right car.
Do you guys do trips to places like santapod rolling roads and track days??
When I was with the FTOOC I used to attend lots of events which were great for both using the car to its full potential and socialing with other like minded people.
Chris
Do you guys do trips to places like santapod rolling roads and track days??
When I was with the FTOOC I used to attend lots of events which were great for both using the car to its full potential and socialing with other like minded people.
Chris
Hey Chris,
I am in the fortunate position of owning both a Cerbera and Maserati 4200, and let me tell you right from the start, apart from both being a 4.2 V8, there is nothing similar about the cars !!!
The TVR WILL require much more "tinkering" with and generally loving in order to keep it tip top, but you should get a decent one for about £10k. However, the chances of you getting a decent Maser for £10k are slim based on my experience. Putting the purchase prices aside however, the Maserati is by far the more practical of the 2 cars - having proper rear seats for a start that will fit adults - the TVR does not - small children yes, adults no ! But, the maintinance costs of the Maserati are slightly higher given that they really are not the type of car you spend a Sunday afternoon underneath doing some DIY jobs !
The TVR is faster than the Maserati, but you really know you are going quickly in the TVR, the Maserati is a lot smoother and a totally different animal. Given the choice on a Sunny day, I will take the TVR out if only 2 of us are going anywhere - it is just more fun to drive. If the weather looks a bit doggy (read dam / going to rain) then the Maserati every time - not as much fun, but more comfortable, leaks less and sticks to the road more !!!!
Hope some of my ramblings help !
I am in the fortunate position of owning both a Cerbera and Maserati 4200, and let me tell you right from the start, apart from both being a 4.2 V8, there is nothing similar about the cars !!!
The TVR WILL require much more "tinkering" with and generally loving in order to keep it tip top, but you should get a decent one for about £10k. However, the chances of you getting a decent Maser for £10k are slim based on my experience. Putting the purchase prices aside however, the Maserati is by far the more practical of the 2 cars - having proper rear seats for a start that will fit adults - the TVR does not - small children yes, adults no ! But, the maintinance costs of the Maserati are slightly higher given that they really are not the type of car you spend a Sunday afternoon underneath doing some DIY jobs !
The TVR is faster than the Maserati, but you really know you are going quickly in the TVR, the Maserati is a lot smoother and a totally different animal. Given the choice on a Sunny day, I will take the TVR out if only 2 of us are going anywhere - it is just more fun to drive. If the weather looks a bit doggy (read dam / going to rain) then the Maserati every time - not as much fun, but more comfortable, leaks less and sticks to the road more !!!!
Hope some of my ramblings help !
Sounds good. Its been a while since I have been on the track but I am starting to get the bug back with all this talk. Need to find a car first.
Neil Thanks for the info. I would have spent a bit more on the 4200, am inclined to spend less on the TVR so I have some in reserve just in case.
Chris
Neil Thanks for the info. I would have spent a bit more on the 4200, am inclined to spend less on the TVR so I have some in reserve just in case.
Chris
Edited by Chris Lynch on Friday 11th September 16:08
FUBAR said:
pat_y said:
I would suggest perhaps looking at this one
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1003284.htm
Lot of motor for the money with this.
Yum yum http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1003284.htm
Lot of motor for the money with this.
I truly wish I didn't have to sell it, but with a 25% deposit needed to purchase a house nowadays, I don't have much of an option
We looked at one today but did not have a chance to take it for a test drive. The Mrs approves so were definatly in the market for one now.
Scrooloose your car is just about perfect for us, the distance is just a bit of a problem, I would not want to mess you about, if its still for sale once our insurance company sort out the money for the MR2 I may very well make the trip to view your car.
Chris
Scrooloose your car is just about perfect for us, the distance is just a bit of a problem, I would not want to mess you about, if its still for sale once our insurance company sort out the money for the MR2 I may very well make the trip to view your car.
Chris
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