So Tell Me, What's a Cerb REALLY Like to Live with
Discussion
I'm thinking what to do for my next car at the moment.
I've always like TVRs but never been brave enough.
SWMBO says the next car MUST have space for the kids, so no 2 setaers, that leaves me the Cerb as a option.
I'd take on her car as my daily commuter car & she's get to use the Cerb to do the school run etc, thus keeping miles (and fuel costs) to a miniumum, then come weekend/evenings etc, we;d use the Cerb where possible.
My question is what are they actually like to live with?
I've always like TVRs but never been brave enough.
SWMBO says the next car MUST have space for the kids, so no 2 setaers, that leaves me the Cerb as a option.
I'd take on her car as my daily commuter car & she's get to use the Cerb to do the school run etc, thus keeping miles (and fuel costs) to a miniumum, then come weekend/evenings etc, we;d use the Cerb where possible.
My question is what are they actually like to live with?
Edited by TheDetailDoctor on Monday 21st September 12:33
Speaking personally, it is a great car - but I would suggest having something slightly more practical on the drive as well. 
It does have 4 seats, of sorts, but not for children any older than 8 or 9 I would suggest.
You WILL spend weekends tinkering with it
and not always with great success 
As for a daily commute, these things need to warm up before you can really have any fun with them, in which case you need to commute a decent distance if you want to start your day with a grin once you arrive at work !
It does have 4 seats, of sorts, but not for children any older than 8 or 9 I would suggest.
You WILL spend weekends tinkering with it
and not always with great success As for a daily commute, these things need to warm up before you can really have any fun with them, in which case you need to commute a decent distance if you want to start your day with a grin once you arrive at work !
Great
One of the most useable TVR's ever made
Quiet (for a TVR) providing you're just tootling
Handle safely and neatly - providing you've got decent dampers and its all set-up correctly, but they'll still try and kill you if you take liberites
Quick enough to see off 99% of everything else on the road
a bit thirsty in real terms ( about 20mpg) but when you look at teh level of performance quite economical really
Parts availability is better than when they were being made and whilst some parts prices are a bit pricey ( £100 a brake disc) on the whole they're reasonable cars to run.
If you can wield a spanner then you'll save a ton of cash as they do need regular going over and being vigilant with the small things before they develop into big things
One of the most useable TVR's ever made
Quiet (for a TVR) providing you're just tootling
Handle safely and neatly - providing you've got decent dampers and its all set-up correctly, but they'll still try and kill you if you take liberites
Quick enough to see off 99% of everything else on the road
a bit thirsty in real terms ( about 20mpg) but when you look at teh level of performance quite economical really
Parts availability is better than when they were being made and whilst some parts prices are a bit pricey ( £100 a brake disc) on the whole they're reasonable cars to run.
If you can wield a spanner then you'll save a ton of cash as they do need regular going over and being vigilant with the small things before they develop into big things
They are wonderful 
.
But as a car for the school run etc.(okay more at the weekends), I'm not sure it would be my first choice.
I would however, get the Cerbera and then plan to get something functional for the school run (doesn't have to cost too much these days) if I could possibly get away with it
.But as a car for the school run etc.(okay more at the weekends), I'm not sure it would be my first choice.
I would however, get the Cerbera and then plan to get something functional for the school run (doesn't have to cost too much these days) if I could possibly get away with it Great machines my kids love it (well hardly kids 23, 26) they can both get in although only one in the back with front seat right forward is okay. Dailly drive? I dont but when I do use it its daily and love it School run could be dangerous all those Mums chaseing you down the road ofr a ride!!! get one???
It's great that you would like to by a cerb, but to be honest a cerbera for the school run is just a no no. It would'nt have time to warm up properly, it would be very expensive to use and worst of all, there would be a higher chance of it getting damaged and grp repairs are expensive. It really is not the right car for that kind of use, it would be pointless. You cant beat a euro box for that type of driving. The cerb is a beast best let loose out on the open road where it belongs.
NeilH said:
It does have 4 seats, of sorts, but not for children any older than 8 or 9 I would suggest.
I used to sit in the back of ours because SBaby was in a rear-facing seat at the time. It can be done. Just not entirely comfortably. 
Agree with what others have said on here regarding "not for the school run". It'd be good if you had a 12-mile trip to school and then remember to park away from the main school parking area though. (I do this even with my old Volvo, because some of the dimwit parents - male and female alike - have absolutely no idea of the rules of the road, even down to driving on pavements and verges. But don't, as they say, get me started...!)
All in all, for what you're suggesting I think a Cerb for "fun times" and a cheap Eurobox would be your best way forward, if you can afford two lots of insurance. The kids will love the Cerb, and it's a lot safer than a Griff or Chimaera, and not as simple to get out of shape as a Griff. (Can't speak for the Chimaera, I've never owned one.)
Good luck with whatever you decide to buy.
I hate to say it but it's just not a school run car. You know little things like if the kerb you pull up against is too high you cant open the door without damaging the bottom. It takes 5 plus miles to warm up so lots of short stop start journeys won't do it nay good.
But buy one anyway and then get a shed for the school run etc - you will not regret it
But buy one anyway and then get a shed for the school run etc - you will not regret it
I cant think of anything worse for a school run TBH.
Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
Something like a e46M3 would be a much better bet (get it with the 18" alloys, the 19's would be scraped in a week trying to bustle over curbs etc.) I used to have one and it would be fine for this role, then you can open it up at weekends! (plus longer sevice interval too)
Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
Something like a e46M3 would be a much better bet (get it with the 18" alloys, the 19's would be scraped in a week trying to bustle over curbs etc.) I used to have one and it would be fine for this role, then you can open it up at weekends! (plus longer sevice interval too)
Edited by stuthemong on Monday 21st September 18:58
Don't listen to anyone who says 'short runs won't do it any good'. Sorry, but that's rubbish - I had mine for 3 years and drove it around 3 miles to work every day.
The only time it let me down was when I flattened the battery in a traffic jam with the stereo and it wouldn't start again .. doh
It was as reliable as the Porker I have now. And that's not a hint that my 911 has been unreliable either ;-)
The only time it let me down was when I flattened the battery in a traffic jam with the stereo and it wouldn't start again .. doh
It was as reliable as the Porker I have now. And that's not a hint that my 911 has been unreliable either ;-)
I hate using a cerb for short runs eg less than a couple of miles. I have had 3 Cerbs now (over 8 years I guess). I just bought a new age Mini for the pop to shops, station run, wife to take kids to school when I need the Disco for a longer commute. I find a cerb used everyday stops feeling special. But each to their own.
stuthemong said:
I cant think of anything worse for a school run TBH.
Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
Something like a e46M3 would be a much better bet (get it with the 18" alloys, the 19's would be scraped in a week trying to bustle over curbs etc.) I used to have one and it would be fine for this role, then you can open it up at weekends! (plus longer sevice interval too)
OK, that's the negative.Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
Something like a e46M3 would be a much better bet (get it with the 18" alloys, the 19's would be scraped in a week trying to bustle over curbs etc.) I used to have one and it would be fine for this role, then you can open it up at weekends! (plus longer sevice interval too)
On the positive side, my son was school hero for a while when I dropped him off it it a couple of times.
Crawled up to the school in first gear, it popped and banged then apparently a decent size flame from the exhausts as I dropped him off. School legend has it upto 6 feet long now
Byker28i said:
stuthemong said:
I cant think of anything worse for a school run TBH.
Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
OK, that's the negative.Steering lock is rubbish, and most speed bumps are a pain. You can't climb curbs. They don't like traffic jams IMO as they get incredibly hot inside unless AC is on max. Although the cerb is a 2+2 There isn't really enough room in the back, it will not be comfy. I actively try to not take mine into town whenever possible.
I think your wife would last 1 week before she asked you to sell it, unless she is a total petrolhead (i.e. a lot moreso than me!).
On the positive side, my son was school hero for a while when I dropped him off it it a couple of times.
Crawled up to the school in first gear, it popped and banged then apparently a decent size flame from the exhausts as I dropped him off. School legend has it upto 6 feet long now
...now don't get me wrong, Byker is spot on the money. 'Cerbing the kids in every so often would be mahoosive massive bonus points in the school yard no doubt, and a 'novel' drive to boot.
Everyday though?
No thanks.
Seriously, your wife would HATE you after a week. This is a bad idea. It also accurately demonstrates why having children wreaks havoc on sportscar ownership dreams
... if you can park a beater somewhere to use on the rubbish days though, get a cerb. (I just bought a audi A4 for the 'other duties' - they are exceedingly good value at the moment IMO)
Everyday though?
No thanks.
Seriously, your wife would HATE you after a week. This is a bad idea. It also accurately demonstrates why having children wreaks havoc on sportscar ownership dreams
... if you can park a beater somewhere to use on the rubbish days though, get a cerb. (I just bought a audi A4 for the 'other duties' - they are exceedingly good value at the moment IMO)
there are always cues in posts like this that give crucial information... as soon as you starting mentioning daily driver, and keeping costs down - i'd start thinking of a different TVR if I were you! Besides, school run won't keep the costs down, as lots of short journeys will take their toll on the contents of the fuel tank and eventually the mechanicals if you can stick it that long. There are people that use TVRs, and even Cerbs as daily drivers, but they are pretty rare and are usually either very lucky to have found a car during a period of its life where it needs very little doing to it, or they are extremely handy and can diagnose and sort issues as they emerge, at the roadside and on the driveway. Don't be fooled by the rear seats, they are not practical by any stretch when compared to cars in general. Best as a second car I feel. Also your missus is pretty unlikely to enjoy driving it every day, unless you are a fortunate fellow with a petrolhead missus!
I'd agree with the other posts.
A Cerb will be a life affirming choice - but really as a second car if you need something for all the crappy little day to day town work. You'll get such pride of ownership, turn every drive into an event, and it's great for family trips out (I use mine most weekends, it helps make the trips to the park / IKEA / zoo / relatives / etc into an event - the kids love going anywhere in "daddy's sportscar"). Use the search function to look up advice on kiddy seats if you need 'em.
However, it's best if you buy a cheap snotter as the family hack - that you don't mind all the short distance start stop stuff - they can be pretty cheap now and any costs incurred will be significantly lower that running the Cerb for these trips (fuel, wear and tear, insurance if you have limited miles policy, danger of school parent driving).
YOu can still take the kids to school in it - just that you don't HAVE to have it as the only car....
A Cerb will be a life affirming choice - but really as a second car if you need something for all the crappy little day to day town work. You'll get such pride of ownership, turn every drive into an event, and it's great for family trips out (I use mine most weekends, it helps make the trips to the park / IKEA / zoo / relatives / etc into an event - the kids love going anywhere in "daddy's sportscar"). Use the search function to look up advice on kiddy seats if you need 'em.
However, it's best if you buy a cheap snotter as the family hack - that you don't mind all the short distance start stop stuff - they can be pretty cheap now and any costs incurred will be significantly lower that running the Cerb for these trips (fuel, wear and tear, insurance if you have limited miles policy, danger of school parent driving).
YOu can still take the kids to school in it - just that you don't HAVE to have it as the only car....
I completely agree with what's already been said... You should also consider that winter is approaching and the weather will turn nasty at some point. A Cerb will bite you if you don't respect it, and that is doubly true when it's wet, or even worse when it's icy. It's not the easiest car to drive around car parks, poor turning circle, doors that need to open really wide (with no bumper strip), and give it too much loud pedal when it's a bit wet and you will light up the rears very easily - not the best thing to do in front of a school - the kids will love it, but the other parents won't.
It's a great car, but there are far better cars out there for this sort of thing. A Cerb is bought with the heart and not the head - it is a love affair that will turn sour if you (or worse still the OH) are ~forced~ to use it when the conditions make it less than fun. More likely than not it will do annoying stuff from time to time like the boot not opening, or the doors - will your OH take that in her stride, or will she expect it just to 'work'?
I'd still say buy one, but it's a car for the open road when the journey is more important than the destination.
It's a great car, but there are far better cars out there for this sort of thing. A Cerb is bought with the heart and not the head - it is a love affair that will turn sour if you (or worse still the OH) are ~forced~ to use it when the conditions make it less than fun. More likely than not it will do annoying stuff from time to time like the boot not opening, or the doors - will your OH take that in her stride, or will she expect it just to 'work'?
I'd still say buy one, but it's a car for the open road when the journey is more important than the destination.
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