Going to look at a Cerb - What should i look for?

[sim shane]

Hi all, This is the first time i have posted on the Cerbera section, but if things go to plan it prob won't be the last!

I currently own a T350c and for various reasons i am probably going to sell it and buy a cerbera instead,

Ideally i am looking for something i can do work on myself inc at some stage a chassis restoration, so small bits and bobs and wear and tear dont really bother me.

However what are the major / expensive things i should be looking for and what questions should i be asking with regarde to service history etc?

The car i am planning on going to see (mainly as its local to me and around the price range i am prepared to spend) is a 1996 4.2 with 29k on the clock - http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1807902.htm

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance Shane..

[supersix]

I'm sure others who know the cars better can help, me having just bought mine. But the chap selling that car told me it was sold when I asked my usual set of questions, despite it being advertised for ages before and since without a break, including constant relisting on ebay at the time. Did I ask an awkward question, or was he just let down by a buyer? Dunno.

[Mattmoss]

Been forsale a long time, it was up for 12995(i think) when I first started looking. Thats not to say it isn't a good one, the location probably makes it harder to sell.

[Smooth Smith]

Mileage is low, averaging 2,000 per yr which is not always a good thing. Regular use seems to benefit these cars.

Chassis condition is important on Cerbs but you've already mentioned that. As with all TVR's, I would check whether or not the clutch has been changed.

I've heard that there were problems with the crank on a small no. of the earlier Cerbs. Other than that, the AJP8 is meant to be pretty reliable. A specialist I spoke to said that the Cerb is the most expensive TVR to run.

[JensenA]

That's a nice looking Cerb. I wouldn't be put off by the low mileage. As long as it has been used regularly, that's what matters, so a weekend car would be fine. Check the chassis outriggers, a lot of the chassis's on Cerb's can look a bit scabby but still be solid. You already own a TVR so you should be familiar with the 'risks' and expense of owning one. They ain't a cheap car to run, but costs are relative,ie you need to be comparing the cost of running one with 12 year old cars like Ferrari/Lotus/Porsche not a 12 year old Imprezza (for eg).
If you do a lot of the spanner work yourself costs can be brought down considerably. It's a relatively simple car to work on, it doesn't have rocket science technology, any work that needs doing is mechanically simple, but often ridiculously fiddly. Go and take a look at it.

[sim shane]

Thanks for the replys.

i can report i went to see the car yesterday, With mixed feelings, I didnt give the seller much advance notice of me coming to see the car, (i kind of did this as i wanted to see the car in its raw condition and not warmed up already) When i got there the seller was in the garage with the car where it looks like it had been sitting for a while and he told me he was unable to find the remote - im not sure if this was actully the case or if he needed more time to prepare the car?

The car its self was in fair but definatly not mint condition the paintwork was tried and showing signs of wear and the interior condition was questionable. (intrestingly the carpets which were grey on the ad photos are now red??)

On the plus side the car seems straight enough and is in standard condition otherwise also the chassis seems sound (on what i could get at anyway)

However the two things i asked about "has the car ever had a new clutch" & "Has the crank ever been changed" The seller answered NO to both!

I know if the crank was going to go it prob would of done already - however the mileage is low and the car does seem to of been lying around a bit - anyone any thoughts on this??

Obviously i am not going to buy the car without getting a run in it first (The seller recons he will find the keys by monday and has my number) i will update on here after i get to drive it.

Over all i am happy enough with the car as i am after a "project" i dont think it would be for me if i hadn't owned a TVR before - however i am not sure i couldn't get a "project" for less money elsewhere.

Thanks for your help.

Shane..

PS. This seller has sold this car before and the pics in the ad were from the first time!

[Dave 500]

sim shane said:

i can report i went to see the car yesterday, With mixed feelings, I didnt give the seller much advance notice of me coming to see the car, (i kind of did this as i wanted to see the car in its raw condition and not warmed up already) When i got there the seller was in the garage with the car where it looks like it had been sitting for a while and he told me he was unable to find the remote - im not sure if this was actully the case or if he needed more time to prepare the car?

Like you say its a bit odd... However I lost the keys for my Chimaera for 3 weeks found them in the ignition

sim shane said:

The car its self was in fair but definatly not mint condition the paintwork was tried and showing signs of wear and the interior condition was questionable. (intrestingly the carpets which were grey on the ad photos are now red??)

Its a 10k cerb it will never be mint. It might be worth looking for signs of water leaks.

sim shane said:

On the plus side the car seems straight enough and is in standard condition otherwise also the chassis seems sound (on what i could get at anyway)

Have a look around the engine bay near the exhaust manifolds.

sim shane said:

However the two things i asked about "has the car ever had a new clutch" & "Has the crank ever been changed" The seller answered NO to both!

I know if the crank was going to go it prob would of done already - however the mileage is low and the car does seem to of been lying around a bit - anyone any thoughts on this??

I don't know much about the early 4.2 cars however my clutch lasted 45K

sim shane said:

Obviously i am not going to buy the car without getting a run in it first (The seller recons he will find the keys by monday and has my number) i will update on here after i get to drive it.

Make sure you hear it from cold it will probably sound like a bag of spanners when its first started but should settle down after a few minutes. You should get good oil pressure from the start and the fans should kick in at 90 degrees. Take it for a nice long test drive if he will let you, nothing should feel wrong, gears should be smooth and direct, no knocks from the suspension or drive train. Have a play with all the electrics, aircon etc etc.

[BCA]

Shane out of interest why are you looking to sell your T350 for a Cerb?

We are potentially going the other way... also, what kind of a project Cerb are you looking for exactly?

[sim shane]

Thanks for the reply BCA. I have sent you a PM.

Shane.

[Sparey]

Come and look at mine if you wish!?

[BCA]

sim shane said:

Thanks for the reply BCA. I have sent you a PM.

Shane.

I'll have a look tomorrow Shane, apologies for not spotting it sooner, work has been a bit mental of late!

[Mr Cerbera]

.... an IV drip of Morphine to sedate you after your first drive

Sorry Shane, always have to have a giggle.

I wouldn't touch it !

Owner already sounds dodgy. If I ever sell a car - and that's very rarely, I would always gather all the essentials together to show the prospective new owner. Sounds like he doesn't value it....or you, at all.

Also sounds like the photos that have been shown are from an earlier sale, what with wheels and carpets being different.

Walks away and buy from an enthusiast on PH.

Edited by Mr Cerbera on Tuesday 12th October 16:56