Right I'm in the market for a Cerbera
Discussion
I had a Griff a few years ago and was toying at the time of getting a Cerb but the top down Starmist Crimson won in the end.
Now I have the funds to pursue the dream of getting the car I really want. And I want a Cerbera.
Going to have a look at this, this weekend http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1775833.htm just to get the jucies flowing so to speak and go from there.
So my question is, and will be in all probability quite numerous over the coming months, and after being out the loop for a while. What are my real points to be looking out for other than the obvious history,HPI,mods,£££'s,look&feel.....
Now I have the funds to pursue the dream of getting the car I really want. And I want a Cerbera.
Going to have a look at this, this weekend http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1775833.htm just to get the jucies flowing so to speak and go from there.
So my question is, and will be in all probability quite numerous over the coming months, and after being out the loop for a while. What are my real points to be looking out for other than the obvious history,HPI,mods,£££'s,look&feel.....
CedGTV said:
I had a Griff a few years ago and was toying at the time of getting a Cerb but the top down Starmist Crimson won in the end.
Now I have the funds to pursue the dream of getting the car I really want. And I want a Cerbera.
Going to have a look at this, this weekend http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1775833.htm just to get the jucies flowing so to speak and go from there.
So my question is, and will be in all probability quite numerous over the coming months, and after being out the loop for a while. What are my real points to be looking out for other than the obvious history,HPI,mods,£££'s,look&feel.....
Now I have the funds to pursue the dream of getting the car I really want. And I want a Cerbera.
Going to have a look at this, this weekend http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1775833.htm just to get the jucies flowing so to speak and go from there.
So my question is, and will be in all probability quite numerous over the coming months, and after being out the loop for a while. What are my real points to be looking out for other than the obvious history,HPI,mods,£££'s,look&feel.....
- Chassis
- Ignore old history to a degree, have a look over recent invoices to see the detail of work done and satisfy your own mind
- Look at when expensive items have been completed, a new clutch will cost the best part of a grand, they last 'around' 30k (depends on use obviously)
Other than that, condition is key. Look at plenty, and ask away! Happy hunting!
dirty boy said:
- Chassis
- Ignore old history to a degree, have a look over recent invoices to see the detail of work done and satisfy your own mind
- Look at when expensive items have been completed, a new clutch will cost the best part of a grand, they last 'around' 30k (depends on use obviously)
Other than that, condition is key. Look at plenty, and ask away! Happy hunting!
Its a S6 with 47000 miles - has it had a rebuild recently? When were the valve clearances last done and is there evidence of this being done on a regular basis?
Ad states over £10ks worth of bills throughout the cars 7 year life.
When was the clutch last changed and did it have the slave done at the same time?
Who's carried out the regular servicing? IMHO I wouldn't trust a S6 with some garages if you know what I mean.
Nice colour combo though and if it checks out could well be a good buy. Get it inspected by another non-linked party though.
Ad states over £10ks worth of bills throughout the cars 7 year life.
When was the clutch last changed and did it have the slave done at the same time?
Who's carried out the regular servicing? IMHO I wouldn't trust a S6 with some garages if you know what I mean.
Nice colour combo though and if it checks out could well be a good buy. Get it inspected by another non-linked party though.
Good advice above.
S6's are cheaper than V8's. A 2003 V8 from a dealer would be £24K plus probably. so you in effect could argue you buy yourself £10K wiggle to fix the engine if it goes bang.
Its a nice looking car.
Get the car checked carefully - buying from a dealer means the car may not be 'known' and just cos its a dealer doesnt mean its a good 'un.
I agree that the last 2 yrs worth of bills are important - if there is nothing spent on niggles, fixes, consumables etc then budget a few K to get teething probs fixed (starter, tyres, brakes, water pipes, clutch etc)
The chassis condition is vital. Get it on a ramp fora decent check and a proper poke around.
Ensure no big accidents previously and not on HPI.
You really do want to see evidence of a post 2005 rebuild by a reputable garage OR allow £4K upwards for a rebuild.
S6's are cheaper than V8's. A 2003 V8 from a dealer would be £24K plus probably. so you in effect could argue you buy yourself £10K wiggle to fix the engine if it goes bang.
Its a nice looking car.
Get the car checked carefully - buying from a dealer means the car may not be 'known' and just cos its a dealer doesnt mean its a good 'un.
I agree that the last 2 yrs worth of bills are important - if there is nothing spent on niggles, fixes, consumables etc then budget a few K to get teething probs fixed (starter, tyres, brakes, water pipes, clutch etc)
The chassis condition is vital. Get it on a ramp fora decent check and a proper poke around.
Ensure no big accidents previously and not on HPI.
You really do want to see evidence of a post 2005 rebuild by a reputable garage OR allow £4K upwards for a rebuild.
Gazzab said:
Whatever you do dont buy it without the chassis inspection and without proof of the recent bills and without proof of recent rebuild (or allow for the cost of one soon).
LISTEN TO THIS MAN!DO NOT buy the first one you look at. Cerbera's vary massively between each invididual car.
Buying a 'cheap' late model SP6 Cerbera with near on 50k and no engine work is a massive gamble without having it thoroughly inspected by an expert.
If it's a good one, it's a good one, if it's not >>>
However, I will agree on one thing - it does look nice.
It looks good, great colour combo. good price, being sold by a respected TVR Indie garage that knows the car and has serviced it. Ask them to get it up on the ramps and check the chassis outriggers, ask the garage lots of questions, check everything works - all the boring stuff that you don't bother with on a normal car eg, lights, wipers, Air Con, 4 way flashers, main beam, emergency door release, cig lighter, windows. If you like it the car, and have a good 'feeling' about the car AND the seller, then go for it.
I have a 2003 SP6 Cerbera,
29k miles no problem with the engine and when checked at last service 1000miles ago they said it looked fine.
I have just touched up a few very small areas of the chassis as they were showing some light surface rust. The shocks have been changed on the one you are looking at which is good as this would have needed done by now. The only area I would be concered about would be Clutch /engine. As its on 47k miles Im sure the clutch would have been replaced at some point, clutches can go at 12k miles or 30k miles depends on how it has been driven. Check at what miles it was replaced the later for you the better. Engine is a bigger issue as a rebuild is £5k there is no real way of knowing whats going on but this is the same for the AJP8 have a look and make sure the service book is up to date and see how it drives.
I drove a few AJP8 but like the drivability of the 6 and it aint slow!!!, and lots of parts still available and easy to get and some real good specialists out there to take care of it for you.
The SP6s are great value as on average about £6-£8 cheaper than the equivalant V8 (2003)..a no brainer in my opinion.
29k miles no problem with the engine and when checked at last service 1000miles ago they said it looked fine.
I have just touched up a few very small areas of the chassis as they were showing some light surface rust. The shocks have been changed on the one you are looking at which is good as this would have needed done by now. The only area I would be concered about would be Clutch /engine. As its on 47k miles Im sure the clutch would have been replaced at some point, clutches can go at 12k miles or 30k miles depends on how it has been driven. Check at what miles it was replaced the later for you the better. Engine is a bigger issue as a rebuild is £5k there is no real way of knowing whats going on but this is the same for the AJP8 have a look and make sure the service book is up to date and see how it drives.
I drove a few AJP8 but like the drivability of the 6 and it aint slow!!!, and lots of parts still available and easy to get and some real good specialists out there to take care of it for you.
The SP6s are great value as on average about £6-£8 cheaper than the equivalant V8 (2003)..a no brainer in my opinion.
Hi Dirty Boy, thanks for your email and the others who sent them as well. Some sound advice lads.
Didn't make Offord on sat due to work but managed to hit TVR Arkley instead, where Mark was washing down a new to them 02 S6, 29K, in Crystal Topaz. Had stood for 2 years in Bedford and needs a little work done to it.
This one; http://www.tvr-centre.co.uk/used-cars/view/454456
Got the old "hair on the back of the neck" feeling when he started it up and the sports exhaust sounded lovely burbling away.
It's got to have a service, if the clutch needs doing it'll be done, new carpets as the old ones had this weird yellow tinge to the black carpets. seat back had fallen off the drivers side, wheels re-furbed.
All in all a very nice car, not my fav colour and as has been said on here my first to see so won't buy that one.
The search has only just begun and I've got quite a way to go yet. I remember taking nearly a year to get the Griff.
Anyway thanks again for the emails and advice lads.
Here we go
Ced
Didn't make Offord on sat due to work but managed to hit TVR Arkley instead, where Mark was washing down a new to them 02 S6, 29K, in Crystal Topaz. Had stood for 2 years in Bedford and needs a little work done to it.
This one; http://www.tvr-centre.co.uk/used-cars/view/454456
Got the old "hair on the back of the neck" feeling when he started it up and the sports exhaust sounded lovely burbling away.
It's got to have a service, if the clutch needs doing it'll be done, new carpets as the old ones had this weird yellow tinge to the black carpets. seat back had fallen off the drivers side, wheels re-furbed.
All in all a very nice car, not my fav colour and as has been said on here my first to see so won't buy that one.
The search has only just begun and I've got quite a way to go yet. I remember taking nearly a year to get the Griff.
Anyway thanks again for the emails and advice lads.
Here we go
Ced
WorAl said:
WorAl said:
I'm toying with parting with my car for similar moneys. I know it's a '99 car but it's newer than that one really, by quite some margin. PM me for details while I think about it if you like?
Or you not man enough for the colour?
Edited by WorAl on Monday 21st June 13:46
Always wanted a purple one.
Go on then, send the details.
CedGTV said:
WorAl said:
WorAl said:
I'm toying with parting with my car for similar moneys. I know it's a '99 car but it's newer than that one really, by quite some margin. PM me for details while I think about it if you like?
Or you not man enough for the colour?
Edited by WorAl on Monday 21st June 13:46
Always wanted a purple one.
Go on then, send the details.
CedGTV said:
WorAl said:
WorAl said:
I'm toying with parting with my car for similar moneys. I know it's a '99 car but it's newer than that one really, by quite some margin. PM me for details while I think about it if you like?
Or you not man enough for the colour?
Edited by WorAl on Monday 21st June 13:46
Always wanted a purple one.
Go on then, send the details.
they are addictive 
ETA:
Briefly.
New engine in 2005, covered 12k miles and just had it's 12k service (in Green Star Sports Cars [Blackpool] now)
Gearbox just been rebuilt (also why it's there)
New Chassis in 2005 covered 15k(ish)
4 Wheel aligned at this service.
I did bump it in 2008, removing the rear quarter. (not on V-car as it was repaired? will have to HPI to check this). Anyway, car fully restored by Surface and Design and it really does look better than before hand. (Strictly fibre glass damage only).
New wheels, with almost new T1-R Tyres.
Whole folder full of receipts along with old Tax discs for some reason and also old V5's (which was handy as I tracked down the original owner to answer a few queries). Confirmed he had re-mortgaged his house to pay for the work carried out on it.
Clutch will need changed in about 5000 miles.
My own designed and greatly improved Slave Cylinder.
New Battery.
Sports Exhaust
Almost forgot, it's only done 36k miles in total.
There is more, just can't think off the top of my head, but if you want any more info, please do ask.
ETA: Like I said though, I'm still thinking, so would only let it go if I get the right money as there is no need for me to do so as such.
EETA: Anyone think I'm mad selling up if I don't have to?
Edited by WorAl on Monday 21st June 15:25
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