Some questions
Discussion
Ive done a few searches but could not uncover the following info.
My situation is that my current car (MR2 Rev3 turbo) have just been written off. It still drives and the damage is light but it has quite a few niggles that need sorting and as I have some money from the insurance now seems like a good time for a change.
I know I am not going to get the same reliability as with a Jap car.
I have an LDV convoy van I run for my band and the Mrs is buying a clio for getting her to work and back so a TVR would be used once or twice a week to get me to work (90 mile round trip) and for enjoyment really.
I was looking at Cerbera's but have recently been drawn to the Tuscan.
The questions I have are as follows: What sort of MPG do you get on sensible motorway driving. I am not too bothered about the fuel consumption as long as its not terrible. I get 25mpg out of the MR2 on the motorway but single figures on track days.
Ive read a lot on the engine rebuild front. From what I have read all engines will need a rebuild and it can be on average every 20-30k. Am I right in saying even once its had a rebuild you need to start saving for the next one as even once a rebuild has been done the engine only lasts 20-30k. I guess what I am trying to say is there is nthing inherently wrong with the engine that a rebuild fixes, its the fact its a race engine and they require regular rebuilds? I am guessing this is the same for the Cerbera Speed 6? How much roughly does an engine rebuild cost? I am not that far from TVR Power from reading reviews on here I would probably have them look after any potential purchase.
Apart from the engine rebuilds and the odd niggle is the Tuscan more reliable than the Cerbera? I have read a lot on the Cerbera forums about chassis rot problems as well as clutch, electrical, battery etc... issues, are these the same for all TVR models and if you get a good one your lucky, if not get your wallet out?
I would be looking at the bottom of the market tbh as I am paranoid and would want to keep some money in reserve in case the worst happened, is this sensible or should I spend more from the outset? Ive seen quite a few CATD accident repaired cars here too? are they a no no or worth taking a look at. So far I have kept all the cars I have owed a long time so I am not that bothered about a low re-sale value in the future.
I guess the next decision if Cerbera or Tuscan.
Thanks in advance for your replys.
Chris
My situation is that my current car (MR2 Rev3 turbo) have just been written off. It still drives and the damage is light but it has quite a few niggles that need sorting and as I have some money from the insurance now seems like a good time for a change.
I know I am not going to get the same reliability as with a Jap car.
I have an LDV convoy van I run for my band and the Mrs is buying a clio for getting her to work and back so a TVR would be used once or twice a week to get me to work (90 mile round trip) and for enjoyment really.
I was looking at Cerbera's but have recently been drawn to the Tuscan.
The questions I have are as follows: What sort of MPG do you get on sensible motorway driving. I am not too bothered about the fuel consumption as long as its not terrible. I get 25mpg out of the MR2 on the motorway but single figures on track days.
Ive read a lot on the engine rebuild front. From what I have read all engines will need a rebuild and it can be on average every 20-30k. Am I right in saying even once its had a rebuild you need to start saving for the next one as even once a rebuild has been done the engine only lasts 20-30k. I guess what I am trying to say is there is nthing inherently wrong with the engine that a rebuild fixes, its the fact its a race engine and they require regular rebuilds? I am guessing this is the same for the Cerbera Speed 6? How much roughly does an engine rebuild cost? I am not that far from TVR Power from reading reviews on here I would probably have them look after any potential purchase.
Apart from the engine rebuilds and the odd niggle is the Tuscan more reliable than the Cerbera? I have read a lot on the Cerbera forums about chassis rot problems as well as clutch, electrical, battery etc... issues, are these the same for all TVR models and if you get a good one your lucky, if not get your wallet out?
I would be looking at the bottom of the market tbh as I am paranoid and would want to keep some money in reserve in case the worst happened, is this sensible or should I spend more from the outset? Ive seen quite a few CATD accident repaired cars here too? are they a no no or worth taking a look at. So far I have kept all the cars I have owed a long time so I am not that bothered about a low re-sale value in the future.
I guess the next decision if Cerbera or Tuscan.
Thanks in advance for your replys.
Chris
On a 2800 mile tour through France and Spain in Aug, my Tuscan averaged about 26 mpg. At a steady 80 or so on the m'way you can get about 30.
Regarding the rebuilds, things are getting better all the time. Look at the warranties now being offered by Power on their work.
Mine has done just over 40k since it's last factory rebuild in late 2002, when the S6 motor was still being developed really. I'm hoping to get another 10k or so before it needs major work and, given the improved parts now available, I would expect to get a lot more from the next rebuild.
Regarding the rebuilds, things are getting better all the time. Look at the warranties now being offered by Power on their work.
Mine has done just over 40k since it's last factory rebuild in late 2002, when the S6 motor was still being developed really. I'm hoping to get another 10k or so before it needs major work and, given the improved parts now available, I would expect to get a lot more from the next rebuild.
My Tuscan was my daily drive as were the Chimaera and Wedge before it.
The Tuscan had a rebuild at 30k and again at 70k but there was a big difference between the two rebuilds. the later introduced improved materials, modified oil ways etc which would have seen it good for 50k or so.
Unfortunately I "broke" it like your MR2.
I bought a Mk2 Tuscan in May which now has 34k and whose engine is running realy sweet. I feel very confident in this newer engine and expect quite a few more miles yet.
As far as mpg, I used to get 29 or so on motorway drives to Germany and again similar in the Mk2 this summer driving down to Spain so quite good realy.
Reliability wise all my TVR's have been reliable but the first Tuscan cost me a small fortune in repairs. This was not so much due to the make or model but that I didnt check it out when I bought it and that it had been an exotic rental so, you can imagine, had had a very hard life and was in need of some love and attention.
The Mk2 has cost a liitle bit since I bought it in May but then any car can get a radiator leak.
Cant speek about track use as after smashing up my last Tuscan I'm not going to risk my Mk2 convertible, they only made 84 (or 104 depending on what you read).
Beautiful car.
The Tuscan had a rebuild at 30k and again at 70k but there was a big difference between the two rebuilds. the later introduced improved materials, modified oil ways etc which would have seen it good for 50k or so.
Unfortunately I "broke" it like your MR2.
I bought a Mk2 Tuscan in May which now has 34k and whose engine is running realy sweet. I feel very confident in this newer engine and expect quite a few more miles yet.
As far as mpg, I used to get 29 or so on motorway drives to Germany and again similar in the Mk2 this summer driving down to Spain so quite good realy.
Reliability wise all my TVR's have been reliable but the first Tuscan cost me a small fortune in repairs. This was not so much due to the make or model but that I didnt check it out when I bought it and that it had been an exotic rental so, you can imagine, had had a very hard life and was in need of some love and attention.
The Mk2 has cost a liitle bit since I bought it in May but then any car can get a radiator leak.
Cant speek about track use as after smashing up my last Tuscan I'm not going to risk my Mk2 convertible, they only made 84 (or 104 depending on what you read).
Beautiful car.
20 to 25 MPG can be acheived on a run if you dont keep 'booting it' With regard to rebuilds, lots of the engines were assembled using below spec components but there is no real way of telling which did and which didn't. It's a bit of a lottery. It is fairly safe to say howvever, that if the engine has reached 25,000 miles without needing a rebuild, then it is probably going to be good for 40 to 60,000. Later engines tend to be using better internal components and are more likely to last longer.
My advice would be not to buy at the bottom end of the market as this will almost certainly result in you having to shell out for a rebuild sooner rather than later, also the car is more likely to have other hidden surprises. You would be better to buy a well loved and well documented and maintained car (the newer the better).
Tuscans are no more or less reliable than Cerbs (IMO) It really depends on whether you want to go topless!
GG
My advice would be not to buy at the bottom end of the market as this will almost certainly result in you having to shell out for a rebuild sooner rather than later, also the car is more likely to have other hidden surprises. You would be better to buy a well loved and well documented and maintained car (the newer the better).
Tuscans are no more or less reliable than Cerbs (IMO) It really depends on whether you want to go topless!
GG
My daily drive to work is about 45 miles and was done on back roads which used to make me spend about £10 per day. Haven't worked that out on MPG but sure you can do the maths. Motorway miles is much better.
On a different note, what happened to your MR2? If it still drives and you still have it, may be interested in buying it at the right price.
PM if you fancy it.
On a different note, what happened to your MR2? If it still drives and you still have it, may be interested in buying it at the right price.
PM if you fancy it.
I cant seem to figure out how to PM. Car has a cracked bumper and dented passenger door. Thats about it damage wise. It has a couple of other niggles like leaky T-bar, sticky n/s caliper (which I am going to replace) central locking has stopped working on the drivers door. Paint is very faded. It drives great though and I am using it currently, Its done about 90k miles I am the only UK owner as I imported it myself from Japan. I might be interested in selling as it will be either going on ebay or being broken once I have decided which TVR to go for.
Chris
Chris
I've had a Cerbera for 5 years and have recently added a Tuscan to the collection.
Both do similar mpg; I calculated the mileage in the Tuscan last week: On a long run it did 26mpg, around town the following week it did 18.
In terms of reliability, well I think TVR had learnt a few things since the Cerb, and certainly the chassis is a little more immune to rust (although was still only powder-coated, not galvanised). Engine-wise, the Cerb's V8 is probably the stronger of the two, particularly if it's a post-98 V8.
Clutches are the same, look to replace after approx 25k, more if you're lucky. Mine had done 32k when it popped. Depends how you drive!
Handling? Well both really need suspension upgrades, my Cerb has Nitron shocks fitted and it feels excellent - well planted. The Tuscan has had Gaz Golds fitted but they're coming off soon - not good at all. It's very nervous and feels twitchy and hard to control at speed, especially on uneven road surfaces.
I think its easier to get the Cerbera to handle well, however I'm sure the Tuscan can be made to behave.
In terms of power, speed, acceleration - although the Cerbera's 4.5 V8 (or even the 4.2) is officially slightly more powerful than the Tuscan's Speed 6, it seems to me that its very difficult to tell the difference.
Having tried both of them on a new bypass last weekend, they both felt as scarily fast!
The Tuscan is finished better than the Cerbera, it looks more like a production car inside than the Cerbera, albeit an eccentric one.
In short, as regards performance - similar. Reliability - similar but depends on how you drive it and whether you get a 'good' one or a 'bad' one!
Looks? to me the Tuscan has the edge, but only a little.
Fun? Both!
Andy.
Both do similar mpg; I calculated the mileage in the Tuscan last week: On a long run it did 26mpg, around town the following week it did 18.
In terms of reliability, well I think TVR had learnt a few things since the Cerb, and certainly the chassis is a little more immune to rust (although was still only powder-coated, not galvanised). Engine-wise, the Cerb's V8 is probably the stronger of the two, particularly if it's a post-98 V8.
Clutches are the same, look to replace after approx 25k, more if you're lucky. Mine had done 32k when it popped. Depends how you drive!
Handling? Well both really need suspension upgrades, my Cerb has Nitron shocks fitted and it feels excellent - well planted. The Tuscan has had Gaz Golds fitted but they're coming off soon - not good at all. It's very nervous and feels twitchy and hard to control at speed, especially on uneven road surfaces.
I think its easier to get the Cerbera to handle well, however I'm sure the Tuscan can be made to behave.
In terms of power, speed, acceleration - although the Cerbera's 4.5 V8 (or even the 4.2) is officially slightly more powerful than the Tuscan's Speed 6, it seems to me that its very difficult to tell the difference.
Having tried both of them on a new bypass last weekend, they both felt as scarily fast!
The Tuscan is finished better than the Cerbera, it looks more like a production car inside than the Cerbera, albeit an eccentric one.
In short, as regards performance - similar. Reliability - similar but depends on how you drive it and whether you get a 'good' one or a 'bad' one!
Looks? to me the Tuscan has the edge, but only a little.
Fun? Both!
Andy.
Edited by alinton on Sunday 1st November 14:27
Well not a great deal really - I will probably replace the rear Pioneers for something with a bit better bottom end, and I think fit some small piezo tweeters in the front.
They'll not do a lot, but just a tiny amount of level from them will bring the sound forward a bit.
I'd like to put a sub in, but where to put it and still look OK? I'm not into very obvious subs, I'd like it hidden away. The boot isn't a good place, its got to be in the cabin.
Maybe one of those all-in-one subs under the passenger seat?
The next thing thats gonna happen, though, apart from the suspension, is a decatt. I was driving behind my car yesterday - girlfriend was driving it, and its not loud enough!
No pops and bangs - I don't like the 'ticks' you hear underneath as the pops get muted by the cats, not to mention what those explosions are actually doing to the cats!
I want the exhausts to spit fire like the Cerbera does!
A.
They'll not do a lot, but just a tiny amount of level from them will bring the sound forward a bit.
I'd like to put a sub in, but where to put it and still look OK? I'm not into very obvious subs, I'd like it hidden away. The boot isn't a good place, its got to be in the cabin.
Maybe one of those all-in-one subs under the passenger seat?
The next thing thats gonna happen, though, apart from the suspension, is a decatt. I was driving behind my car yesterday - girlfriend was driving it, and its not loud enough!
No pops and bangs - I don't like the 'ticks' you hear underneath as the pops get muted by the cats, not to mention what those explosions are actually doing to the cats!
I want the exhausts to spit fire like the Cerbera does!
A.
Edited by alinton on Sunday 1st November 14:38
I drive quite gently most of the time, to be honest I think thats why my MR2 has cost so little to maintain, the only time I really go for it is on the track and then I prepare the car in advance.
It looks like my other half is going to buy a Clio now so I will have that and my mini bus to drive if I did buy a TVR and it breaks.
I think now the other half is looking at a Clio the Tuscan is what I would go for because I would not need the rear seats of a Cerb. The problem is with her buying a Clio my budget will be a little smaller so I am looking at the 10-14k bracket with a bit in reserve to fix any problems, is this realistic or should I keep saving. There are a couple of cars near me on the classified which I like the look of, but I am working almost 7 days a week until Jan (its the busy time of year) so will have to go looking in 2010. Ive got TVR Power near me (its almost on my way to work) so thats a good thing I guess.
I am an extremely cautious person when it comes to buying anything, so I will probably be asking a lot more questions.
Chris
It looks like my other half is going to buy a Clio now so I will have that and my mini bus to drive if I did buy a TVR and it breaks.
I think now the other half is looking at a Clio the Tuscan is what I would go for because I would not need the rear seats of a Cerb. The problem is with her buying a Clio my budget will be a little smaller so I am looking at the 10-14k bracket with a bit in reserve to fix any problems, is this realistic or should I keep saving. There are a couple of cars near me on the classified which I like the look of, but I am working almost 7 days a week until Jan (its the busy time of year) so will have to go looking in 2010. Ive got TVR Power near me (its almost on my way to work) so thats a good thing I guess.
I am an extremely cautious person when it comes to buying anything, so I will probably be asking a lot more questions.
Chris
Hi
I've had two Cerbs and now on a Tuscan 2.
IMO - The Cerbs are great if you want your spleen ripped out, especially the 2nd one I had, stupidly fast but fun.
If you want something more day to day and touring then get a Tuscan, better looking and better built car IMO (although mines just been the garage and none of the Cerbs ever did!!!)
I've had two Cerbs and now on a Tuscan 2.
IMO - The Cerbs are great if you want your spleen ripped out, especially the 2nd one I had, stupidly fast but fun.
If you want something more day to day and touring then get a Tuscan, better looking and better built car IMO (although mines just been the garage and none of the Cerbs ever did!!!)
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