Hi, 1st post.... Am saving up for a cerbera...
Discussion
I am probably jumping the gun a little as it will be 12 months before i can afford it, but i am patient, it took 5 years before i got my 1st Fiat Coupe. 
I fell in love after an Ex Coupe owner took me for a spin in his 4.5l car.
I had been in my ex landlords Griffith and to be honest it was a sorry state, the dials were falling into the dash and it was generally a sad example, but the Cerbera has always tempted me.
I have just started looking around at cars, and i thought about getting a Skyline, but talk about DULL interior. i have been in more exciting looking family run arounds than in that.
the TVR on the other hand just oozes quality.
So, the point of my ramblings!.
1) Realistically, when i 1st drove the Coupe it scared the pants off me!. I WAS going to get some advanced driving lessons, however by the time i got round to it i had learned to drive the car and all has been well (aside from writing my 1st one off but thats another story)
BUT, this is a whole new ball game. Did many of the owners her go from a relativly sensible car to a TVR, and if so, did you feel the need to get any driving improvements?
2) going on the specs, and reading about the engine sounds, the 4.5l seems to be the one to go for, however, in reality, is there much between the 3 engines. (not just performance, reliability as well)
3) I do have a garage, but i could barely but myt 306 in it and get out of the car, and my Fiat wont even go near it. I was thinking of keeping it on the drive but getting a car cover for through winter. Is this wise or am i just asking for trouble, which brings me onto my final point which has suddenly made me worry some what......
and 4 - my recent shock!... Do the chassis really tend to rot as bad as some of the images on here? if so i guess i should be looking to buy one which has had a full rebuild. The thought of driving in a car which can do in excess of 180mph with a frame which looks like its about to snap scares me some what.
I am not mechanically minded, i check my oil regularly (eseential with the fiat) and that is about it. Will i be biting off more than i can chew with maintaining this car. I would possibly be able to set aside a couple of K a year for serviing and maintanence etc. It would be a 2nd car and do probably around 5k a year in it.
Thanks for reading..... As i do not have the car i wont post much, however i expect i shall be lurking a lot reading others posts
cheers
M.
I fell in love after an Ex Coupe owner took me for a spin in his 4.5l car.
I had been in my ex landlords Griffith and to be honest it was a sorry state, the dials were falling into the dash and it was generally a sad example, but the Cerbera has always tempted me.
I have just started looking around at cars, and i thought about getting a Skyline, but talk about DULL interior. i have been in more exciting looking family run arounds than in that.
the TVR on the other hand just oozes quality.
So, the point of my ramblings!.
1) Realistically, when i 1st drove the Coupe it scared the pants off me!. I WAS going to get some advanced driving lessons, however by the time i got round to it i had learned to drive the car and all has been well (aside from writing my 1st one off but thats another story)
BUT, this is a whole new ball game. Did many of the owners her go from a relativly sensible car to a TVR, and if so, did you feel the need to get any driving improvements?
2) going on the specs, and reading about the engine sounds, the 4.5l seems to be the one to go for, however, in reality, is there much between the 3 engines. (not just performance, reliability as well)
3) I do have a garage, but i could barely but myt 306 in it and get out of the car, and my Fiat wont even go near it. I was thinking of keeping it on the drive but getting a car cover for through winter. Is this wise or am i just asking for trouble, which brings me onto my final point which has suddenly made me worry some what......
and 4 - my recent shock!... Do the chassis really tend to rot as bad as some of the images on here? if so i guess i should be looking to buy one which has had a full rebuild. The thought of driving in a car which can do in excess of 180mph with a frame which looks like its about to snap scares me some what.
I am not mechanically minded, i check my oil regularly (eseential with the fiat) and that is about it. Will i be biting off more than i can chew with maintaining this car. I would possibly be able to set aside a couple of K a year for serviing and maintanence etc. It would be a 2nd car and do probably around 5k a year in it.
Thanks for reading..... As i do not have the car i wont post much, however i expect i shall be lurking a lot reading others posts
cheers
M.
I went from an R-34 Skyline to the Cerbera.
There's no comparison.
The Skyline is a far more sensible car than a Cerbera (if you could call a Skyline sensible) but it's sooooooo boring to drive compared to the TVR.
Every time you take out the Cerbera you enjoy driving it ..... probably because you have to pay attention to what you are doing or it may just bite you.
Leaving it outside under a cover may be asking for trouble as the electronics do not like dampness and you may end up with all sorts of things happening with the windows / doors / etc taking on a mind of their own.
Also the chassis won't like the dampness.
It is only painted mild steel and it may start to rust (even if it's only surface rust).
Not all are as bad as you've seen here.
If you take care of it you will have a great car but be prepared to spend a few bob on it more often than perhaps even a Fiat.
There's no comparison.
The Skyline is a far more sensible car than a Cerbera (if you could call a Skyline sensible) but it's sooooooo boring to drive compared to the TVR.
Every time you take out the Cerbera you enjoy driving it ..... probably because you have to pay attention to what you are doing or it may just bite you.
Leaving it outside under a cover may be asking for trouble as the electronics do not like dampness and you may end up with all sorts of things happening with the windows / doors / etc taking on a mind of their own.
Also the chassis won't like the dampness.
It is only painted mild steel and it may start to rust (even if it's only surface rust).
Not all are as bad as you've seen here.
If you take care of it you will have a great car but be prepared to spend a few bob on it more often than perhaps even a Fiat.
Welcome to PH and the cerb forum Personally (and I may be a little biased) but I think the Cerbera is one of the best cars you can buy if you're a car enthusiast. To answer your questions:
1. It's almost mandatory to come from a performance car background, IMO. I doubt anyone who hasn't had a fast car before would consider one, but the usual things like knowing when you can and can't give it the beans, reading the road a long way ahead, self restraint and getting to know how the car behaves are as important as with any other high performance car. Having said that it's easy to drive and with its long throttle travel quite progressive.
2. This comes up a lot and they are all great engines. The speed6 is a bit more refined and closer to a 'normal' car, whereas the V8s are more gutteral, almost agricultural (hey that's how lambo started) in their character. None of them will disappoint in the performance stakes but you have to ask yourself: if you're buying a Cerbera, why settle for anything less than the 4.5 (decaff espresso anyone?) Just my opinion
3. You can keep it on the drive no problem. TVRs don't seem to attract vandals as much as comparable cars. Some cars leak around the window seals but this isn't common.
Ultimately, and again this is just my opinion, you need to buy into cerb ownership from the start. This means be prepared to spend money and/or time on it, forgive or even love its little quirks, treat it with respect and remember that you're lucky to own one of the fastest, most beautiful looking and sounding cars you can buy. Be prepared to deal with the occasional electrical gremlin and the very occaisonal big bill. They are not as unreliable as you might think, but if you buy a cheap one you'll have to accept that it will probably need nurturing (£££) to its best, and then require ongoing finessing to maintain it at its peak.
But if you buy one with a rotten chassis and/or engine you'll regret it, so get them both checked out
Personally (and I may be a little biased) but I think the Cerbera is one of the best cars you can buy if you're a car enthusiast. To answer your questions:1. It's almost mandatory to come from a performance car background, IMO. I doubt anyone who hasn't had a fast car before would consider one, but the usual things like knowing when you can and can't give it the beans, reading the road a long way ahead, self restraint and getting to know how the car behaves are as important as with any other high performance car. Having said that it's easy to drive and with its long throttle travel quite progressive.
2. This comes up a lot and they are all great engines. The speed6 is a bit more refined and closer to a 'normal' car, whereas the V8s are more gutteral, almost agricultural (hey that's how lambo started) in their character. None of them will disappoint in the performance stakes but you have to ask yourself: if you're buying a Cerbera, why settle for anything less than the 4.5 (decaff espresso anyone?) Just my opinion
3. You can keep it on the drive no problem. TVRs don't seem to attract vandals as much as comparable cars. Some cars leak around the window seals but this isn't common.
Ultimately, and again this is just my opinion, you need to buy into cerb ownership from the start. This means be prepared to spend money and/or time on it, forgive or even love its little quirks, treat it with respect and remember that you're lucky to own one of the fastest, most beautiful looking and sounding cars you can buy. Be prepared to deal with the occasional electrical gremlin and the very occaisonal big bill. They are not as unreliable as you might think, but if you buy a cheap one you'll have to accept that it will probably need nurturing (£££) to its best, and then require ongoing finessing to maintain it at its peak.
But if you buy one with a rotten chassis and/or engine you'll regret it, so get them both checked out
Thanks for the replies.
i suppose i should look into getting my advanced drivers licence then..... it will do no harm in any vehicle and esp so in something like the cerb i guess.
its interesting that 1 person thinks keep it in doors and another thinks its ok outside.
i look forward to more thoughts on that
i am guessing its worth paying a few hundred quid to get any car i buy to be fully checked out then.
thanks again. reading around this forum is a lot like the fccuk forum. a really nice bunch of folks, which is handy as it looks like you have to join the owners club to join the official TVR forum.
i suppose i should look into getting my advanced drivers licence then..... it will do no harm in any vehicle and esp so in something like the cerb i guess.
its interesting that 1 person thinks keep it in doors and another thinks its ok outside.
i look forward to more thoughts on that
i am guessing its worth paying a few hundred quid to get any car i buy to be fully checked out then.
thanks again. reading around this forum is a lot like the fccuk forum. a really nice bunch of folks, which is handy as it looks like you have to join the owners club to join the official TVR forum.
I went from family cars to TVR and grew into it gradually.Advanced driving doesn't prepare you for the supersonic performance but can't do any harm. On lots of recommendations I went for the V8 over the Sp6 from a reliability point of view but there are good SP6s out there. If you can't garage invest in a good quality cover. Our weather will test it to the full, and you don't want your pride and joy exposed in any way. If you're thinking of a 4.5 the chassis should be ok but have it checked and waxoyled. Look after it, and it's looks and sound will put a smile on your face every time. Good luck.
Hey Mike - good to see you on here and that you're still bitten by the bug. Can't think why
You know my thoughts on them so I'll stay out of it - its good to get the thoughts of as many as possible, plus I've bored you enough.
But I'll give you my car cover if you take the plunge with one (which isn't mine) and don't find a garage for her.
See you soon bud.
You know my thoughts on them so I'll stay out of it - its good to get the thoughts of as many as possible, plus I've bored you enough
.But I'll give you my car cover if you take the plunge with one (which isn't mine) and don't find a garage for her
.See you soon bud.
Edited by bobbins on Wednesday 23 September 17:50
FarmyardPants has said it all, and what to look for when buying has been done extensively on here. All I'd like to add is that in my case the Cerb is my first RWD car, never having driven anything over 130BHP before. Because of this I was cautious (and a tad nervous if I’m honest) from the start.
It's all common sense if you have been driving a few years. Avoid giving it lots of loud pedal in low gears in corners, even in the dry, as it will want to do bad things, and be very cautious in the wet in the lower gears even in a straight line. Having said that they are easy to drive if you want it to be that way, even in the wet, as the long throttle travel gives excellent power control. Increase the power progressively as you get used to it.
What surprised me is the way the revs rise and fall like a motor cycle when you use the throttle to match revs when you change down. Self restraint is essential if you want to keep your licence as the acceleration is akin to what you experience at a theme park.
Keep saving, getting a Cerb is the best thing I’ve done in a long time, the only regret is not doing it a few years earlier.
It's all common sense if you have been driving a few years. Avoid giving it lots of loud pedal in low gears in corners, even in the dry, as it will want to do bad things, and be very cautious in the wet in the lower gears even in a straight line. Having said that they are easy to drive if you want it to be that way, even in the wet, as the long throttle travel gives excellent power control. Increase the power progressively as you get used to it.
What surprised me is the way the revs rise and fall like a motor cycle when you use the throttle to match revs when you change down. Self restraint is essential if you want to keep your licence as the acceleration is akin to what you experience at a theme park.
Keep saving, getting a Cerb is the best thing I’ve done in a long time, the only regret is not doing it a few years earlier.
The 4.5 chassis is the same as all the others - no particular reason it should be any better (or worse).
A Cerb is perfectly happy living outside providing you fix any leaks. Mine is totaly watertight and has lived on the drive for a couple of years.
I really would avoid covers at all costs - they tend to cause condensation problems and unless you wash the car every time before you cover it will play havoc with your paint by dragging grit across it as it goes on and off, and grinding it well in when it flaps about in the wind.
A Cerb is perfectly happy living outside providing you fix any leaks. Mine is totaly watertight and has lived on the drive for a couple of years.
I really would avoid covers at all costs - they tend to cause condensation problems and unless you wash the car every time before you cover it will play havoc with your paint by dragging grit across it as it goes on and off, and grinding it well in when it flaps about in the wind.
good points i never thouhgt of that.
i would be so gutted if a loose chipping or a rough bit of cover scuffed the paint.
I could always build a car port on the front of my house.
not sure the mrs or my neighbours woudl approve however.
mind you they will hate me anyway if i decided to start up a 4.5 V8 @ 7am in the morning to go to work so what the hell
i would be so gutted if a loose chipping or a rough bit of cover scuffed the paint.
I could always build a car port on the front of my house.
not sure the mrs or my neighbours woudl approve however.
mind you they will hate me anyway if i decided to start up a 4.5 V8 @ 7am in the morning to go to work so what the hell
It's a good move! I came from a Coupe 20VT, which I think is a fantastic car. When I first got the Cerb I thought I was driving it much slower than the Coupe. It was only when accelerating from roundabouts and thinking 'why is everyone else going so slowly?' that you realise how quick they are. The Cerb isn't as sure footed as the Coupe, you find yourself looking at the road surface, much the same way as a motorcyclist.
There will be times when there 'always seems to be something wrong with' (so my wife says!), but as has been said, as long as you keep an eye on things and don't mind just looking under the bonnet regularly, it should be reliable. I find I spot potential problems when 'just browsing'. That is the good thing about the 4.2, it is easier to see the things that sit in the V!
I spent about a year wanting a Cerb, it was well worth the wait!
There will be times when there 'always seems to be something wrong with' (so my wife says!), but as has been said, as long as you keep an eye on things and don't mind just looking under the bonnet regularly, it should be reliable. I find I spot potential problems when 'just browsing'. That is the good thing about the 4.2, it is easier to see the things that sit in the V!
I spent about a year wanting a Cerb, it was well worth the wait!
grovest said:
What surprised me is the way the revs rise and fall like a motor cycle when you use the throttle to match revs when you change down.
Isn't that because it doesn't have the enviromental design/setup the boring euroboxes have these daysI keep mine in a garage and on an optimate battery charger and it's been great. If you're keeping it outside find somewhere for a powerpoint to keep that battery topped up when not in use.
I put aside £3k a year for running costs, then when I'm pleasantly surprised it hasn't cost me much I've money for improvements, upgrades etc.
Check the chassis. Surface rust is usual, I keep an eye on mine regularly and treat anything that looks remotely flakey, but obviously some is hidden. It's a fair shout that every cerbera will need chassis work at some point in the future, but if you find a good one then it's just how many years until it needs doing.
It is such a great all rounder performance car. A happy, comfortable long distance GT tourer or trackday car or occasional (small person) family car.
The performance of the Cerbera was all new to me and scared me to death at the thought of driving it hard/fast. Had my 4.5 for over 5-years now.
I would forget the advanced driving course and take the Cerb on a Novice track day. This way you'll get to drive your car around a safe track and even get your first few laps with an instructor if you go with GoldTrack for free. You learn a hell of a lot about the car and your ability over the day.
I was amazed on my first track day how good the car was and how easy it was to handle, the instructor just gives you the basics of the track, not how to drive, which gives you the confidence to push harder and find your limit and how the car reacts.
Be respectful and the Cerb will respect you, do something silly with cold wet tyres on a roundabout and pay the penalty. Some say the Cerbera is unpredictable but having rushed the car round a track in the dry and wet conditions I was amazed how predictable it was.
Good luck with the saving and purchase next year and don't buy a cheap one or you'll pay for it later!
I would forget the advanced driving course and take the Cerb on a Novice track day. This way you'll get to drive your car around a safe track and even get your first few laps with an instructor if you go with GoldTrack for free. You learn a hell of a lot about the car and your ability over the day.
I was amazed on my first track day how good the car was and how easy it was to handle, the instructor just gives you the basics of the track, not how to drive, which gives you the confidence to push harder and find your limit and how the car reacts.
Be respectful and the Cerb will respect you, do something silly with cold wet tyres on a roundabout and pay the penalty. Some say the Cerbera is unpredictable but having rushed the car round a track in the dry and wet conditions I was amazed how predictable it was.
Good luck with the saving and purchase next year and don't buy a cheap one or you'll pay for it later!
Hi Mike
Mine lives on the drive, but I did build a car port for it!
Lots of the youngester shout "Nice Car Mr" and I talk to them about it if they ask, so never had any "Jelousy" problems.
My cover has scatched it a bit and agree wash it before the cover goes on and keep it tight!
Already said, but you need to drive it like your riding a powerfull motor bike.
I have had big bikes for years, but still get that "OH s
t" feeling when I plant the pedal!
Have to agree, on dry warm roads she handles so well! Cornering grip is amazing!
But I did "loose it" on a straight damp cold road, and only my biking instinct made me keep on the gas and let it catch up!
Although going slightly sideways on a bit of opposite lock for about 60 metres was heart stopping with a smile!
Just did not let the tyres warm up enough and I really only just blipped the throttle as I changed up from 2nd to 3rd when it spun the rears!
That is the thing I have learnt with mine, respect it always and always expect the unexpected!
Mine lives on the drive, but I did build a car port for it!
Lots of the youngester shout "Nice Car Mr" and I talk to them about it if they ask, so never had any "Jelousy" problems.
My cover has scatched it a bit and agree wash it before the cover goes on and keep it tight!
Already said, but you need to drive it like your riding a powerfull motor bike.
I have had big bikes for years, but still get that "OH s
t" feeling when I plant the pedal!Have to agree, on dry warm roads she handles so well! Cornering grip is amazing!
But I did "loose it" on a straight damp cold road, and only my biking instinct made me keep on the gas and let it catch up!
Although going slightly sideways on a bit of opposite lock for about 60 metres was heart stopping with a smile!
Just did not let the tyres warm up enough and I really only just blipped the throttle as I changed up from 2nd to 3rd when it spun the rears!
That is the thing I have learnt with mine, respect it always and always expect the unexpected!
Hi Mike,
I must first say - What a brilliant, intelligent first post.
Secondly, as a genius once said to me, "If you are already thinking of future problems then you will have the resources to deal with them if they arrive"
Mine has always been kept in the garage so have no idea about being kept outside.
Driving history: As I say above; You won't have a prob. As most have said, the pedal travel is so long that you almost have to dislocate your hip to slam the loud pedal to the GRP and the response of the chassis when you take the pressure off is so 'feelable' that you can almost dial the degree of "tail out" with your right foot only.
Almost everyone refers to them as 'The Beast' but mine feels like a 390 bhp Pussycat.
Good luck with the savings scheme
I must first say - What a brilliant, intelligent first post.
Secondly, as a genius once said to me, "If you are already thinking of future problems then you will have the resources to deal with them if they arrive"
Mine has always been kept in the garage so have no idea about being kept outside.
Driving history: As I say above; You won't have a prob. As most have said, the pedal travel is so long that you almost have to dislocate your hip to slam the loud pedal to the GRP and the response of the chassis when you take the pressure off is so 'feelable' that you can almost dial the degree of "tail out" with your right foot only.
Almost everyone refers to them as 'The Beast' but mine feels like a 390 bhp Pussycat.
Good luck with the savings scheme
bigmike20vt said:
3) I do have a garage, but i could barely but myt 306 in it and get out of the car, and my Fiat wont even go near it.
cheers
M.
they are very long but thin (4.3m long). my old st focus needed the wing mirrors folded in get in in the garage but the cerb doesnt. do some googleing and find the dimentions then get the tape measure out. a bit of carpet on the wall will protect the door and some wood fixed into the floor will stop you rolling it to far back as you really cant see the end (or front) of the car when parking. cheers
M.
cheers for everyones post.
i shall measure up. to be honest i would much prefer to keep it in a garage.
The thing is, the coupe isnt slow (its no tvr mind you) but as its fwd it really is a forgiving ride, i have driven one as my only car since 2003 and have only ever once come close to losing it, it was only luck i didnt stack it..
That being said, i love the car so if i can afford i will be gettnig one.
i shall measure up. to be honest i would much prefer to keep it in a garage.
The thing is, the coupe isnt slow (its no tvr mind you) but as its fwd it really is a forgiving ride, i have driven one as my only car since 2003 and have only ever once come close to losing it, it was only luck i didnt stack it..
That being said, i love the car so if i can afford i will be gettnig one.
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