Have an itch for a Tuscan or Cerb. Is this a good idea?
Discussion
Hi all
As of this week, I have this random lust and desire for a Tuscan or cerb. Mainly a 4.5 cerb. The only British car I’ve owned was an exige v6 which was the most bulletproof car I’ve owned. Never had a TVR, not even sat in one let alone driven one.
How unreliable are they? What’s the safest most reliable choice?
Anything I need to look out for?
As of this week, I have this random lust and desire for a Tuscan or cerb. Mainly a 4.5 cerb. The only British car I’ve owned was an exige v6 which was the most bulletproof car I’ve owned. Never had a TVR, not even sat in one let alone driven one.
How unreliable are they? What’s the safest most reliable choice?
Anything I need to look out for?
Hi, sure you will get plenty of advice.
My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
NicBowman said:
Hi, sure you will get plenty of advice.
I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
To re-iterate again ... There's only a Tuscan Convertible ( not a MK1,Mk2 or Mk3) , a separate model , despite what Dealers will tell you ...confirmed again to me by Darren Hobbs (TVR Design Manager 1996-2006 and he designed the interior) last weekend. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
NicBowman said:
Hi, sure you will get plenty of advice.
My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
Thank you Nic, will take it all into account definitely! My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
I do plan to get one in a wild colour scheme which is a good start!
I will go and view some before finalising a decision
glow worm said:
To re-iterate again ... There's only a Tuscan Convertible ( not a MK1,Mk2 or Mk3) , a separate model , despite what Dealers will tell you ...confirmed again to me by Darren Hobbs (TVR Design Manager 1996-2006 and he designed the interior) last weekend.
I’m not sure you’ve hammered that point home frequently enough. Could you expand a little please.NicBowman said:
Hi, sure you will get plenty of advice.
My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
T cars don't rust badly as i understand it. My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Both have the same straight six engine (Cerbera has V8 option). Engines need a rebuild from new, almost without exception. Very late cars, maybe not. But almost every car you look at will need an expensive engine job if not done already. £10k risk there. Many or even most have this done.
They all rust, chassis outriggers and suspension mounts. Many been repaired, a few lovingly kept and don’t need it.
Always pay someone to check your car before you commit. £250 very well spent. I did this twice before buying. They will see things you won’t and can typically find any previous accident repairs etc. as well as mechanical issues, etc.
My approach is to buy the best I can afford. I have been looking at Tuscans, I would go late series 3 convertible. Rare, practical, will keep their value. Some exceptional cars do come up at all ages, so series 1 and 2 all good if the right car.
Then plan to keep it in a garage, they don’t like being wet too often. Put aside at least £200 a month to keep it running.
Careful with colours, black tend to fetch less money, ditto interior, make sure it is tastefully wacky. Not just distasteful
Lastly, look at cars from good dealers, James Aggar sells top end cars, there are other good dealers you can trust. Back street dealer with a Tuscan, risky.
Other than that, go wild! Nic
200 a month is punchy, id reckon 1.5 to 2k a year absent an engine rebuild.
Planetstank said:
Hi all
As of this week, I have this random lust and desire for a Tuscan or cerb. Mainly a 4.5 cerb. The only British car I’ve owned was an exige v6 which was the most bulletproof car I’ve owned. Never had a TVR, not even sat in one let alone driven one.
How unreliable are they? What’s the safest most reliable choice?
Anything I need to look out for?
Looking at your current fleet a TVR would be a very different experience. They are beguiling things in many ways but the ownership can be frustrating. If you really want one and like it when you try it then you learn to accept the build (and now the age). There are some cracking folks doing a better job of design/maintenance than the factory could do at the time. As of this week, I have this random lust and desire for a Tuscan or cerb. Mainly a 4.5 cerb. The only British car I’ve owned was an exige v6 which was the most bulletproof car I’ve owned. Never had a TVR, not even sat in one let alone driven one.
How unreliable are they? What’s the safest most reliable choice?
Anything I need to look out for?
Suggest you go see/feel them and make up your own mind. The Cerbera is somewhat unique in the lineup from that time, the Tuscan was the first of the pure design T-cars. I loved my Tuscan until it started to try to bankrupt me (not engine related). They're a bit like a thoroughbred racehorse, beautiful, fast, can be a bit temperamental.
I’ve a 4.5 (app) cerb and a 4.0 Tuscan.
I just love them
They are brilliant to have fun with on the roads at legal speeds - beautiful and wacky.
The Tuscan is more modern, and by that I mean less wacky, even though it looks more futuristic.
Basically the cerb driving position and cockpit and driving experience is just sublime.
The Tuscan is a hit with the roof off, but the Cerbera has something even more special to me.
I’m actually thinking of making a change as I’ve has Tuscans and Cerbera’s for like over 10 years and trying something else fun would be nice, but I can’t seem to think of anything I’d replace them with!!
If you’ve near Cambridge you’re welcome to come look around them
I just love them
They are brilliant to have fun with on the roads at legal speeds - beautiful and wacky.
The Tuscan is more modern, and by that I mean less wacky, even though it looks more futuristic.
Basically the cerb driving position and cockpit and driving experience is just sublime.
The Tuscan is a hit with the roof off, but the Cerbera has something even more special to me.
I’m actually thinking of making a change as I’ve has Tuscans and Cerbera’s for like over 10 years and trying something else fun would be nice, but I can’t seem to think of anything I’d replace them with!!
If you’ve near Cambridge you’re welcome to come look around them
My first Tuscan needed a rebuild straight away so the first repair 4 months after buying it was £11k.
Lesson learned.
I had a Cerbera 4.2 Speed8 which I loved but unfortunately it spent more time in for repair than on the road.
I bought a 2006 Tuscan Convertible in 2009.
It had 32k on the clock and 14 years later it now has 87K.
Been on many trips to Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.
Had to get it shipped home from Toulouse once when the Engine Management Computer went poof.
Shared the ferry with a bunch of other guys whose cars had broken down. The list included BMW, AUDI, etc., etc so TVR was not on it's own.
The only other brakedown problem I had was in southern France, where I got blocked in.....
Lesson learned.
I had a Cerbera 4.2 Speed8 which I loved but unfortunately it spent more time in for repair than on the road.
I bought a 2006 Tuscan Convertible in 2009.
It had 32k on the clock and 14 years later it now has 87K.
Been on many trips to Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.
Had to get it shipped home from Toulouse once when the Engine Management Computer went poof.
Shared the ferry with a bunch of other guys whose cars had broken down. The list included BMW, AUDI, etc., etc so TVR was not on it's own.
The only other brakedown problem I had was in southern France, where I got blocked in.....
stuthe
said:
said: I’ve a 4.5 (app) cerb and a 4.0 Tuscan.
I just love them
They are brilliant to have fun with on the roads at legal speeds - beautiful and wacky.
The Tuscan is more modern, and by that I mean less wacky, even though it looks more futuristic.
Basically the cerb driving position and cockpit and driving experience is just sublime.
The Tuscan is a hit with the roof off, but the Cerbera has something even more special to me.
I’m actually thinking of making a change as I’ve has Tuscans and Cerbera’s for like over 10 years and trying something else fun would be nice, but I can’t seem to think of anything I’d replace them with!!
If you’ve near Cambridge you’re welcome to come look around them
That's an offer not to be refused...I just love them
They are brilliant to have fun with on the roads at legal speeds - beautiful and wacky.
The Tuscan is more modern, and by that I mean less wacky, even though it looks more futuristic.
Basically the cerb driving position and cockpit and driving experience is just sublime.
The Tuscan is a hit with the roof off, but the Cerbera has something even more special to me.
I’m actually thinking of making a change as I’ve has Tuscans and Cerbera’s for like over 10 years and trying something else fun would be nice, but I can’t seem to think of anything I’d replace them with!!
If you’ve near Cambridge you’re welcome to come look around them
Polly Grigora said:
Electrical faults will cost you a fortune to fix if you can't DIY
I’ve had cerbs for 20 plus years. I think I’ve had one electrical problem in that time (indicators related). This was back in early 00’s. Don’t think it cost much to get APM to fix as part of a service. Cerbs are reputed to be the least reliable of the "modern" cars, and the most expensive to maintain.
There are plenty Speed 6 engines out there with no rebuild, so i wouldn't have that as a purchase pre-requisite (mine has 62k and is going strong).
Personally I'd want a car that gets used regularly and importantly has a good service history with a reputable dealer, low mileage cars that rarely see the light of day are likely to be less reliable.
If the car has a strong service history speak to the dealer who maintains it, they should give you an honest appraisal - if the seller isn't happy with that it perhaps raises a flag.
Finally there are rarely "bargains", a cheap car is likely to be cheap for a reason....
all my opinion of course..
There are plenty Speed 6 engines out there with no rebuild, so i wouldn't have that as a purchase pre-requisite (mine has 62k and is going strong).
Personally I'd want a car that gets used regularly and importantly has a good service history with a reputable dealer, low mileage cars that rarely see the light of day are likely to be less reliable.
If the car has a strong service history speak to the dealer who maintains it, they should give you an honest appraisal - if the seller isn't happy with that it perhaps raises a flag.
Finally there are rarely "bargains", a cheap car is likely to be cheap for a reason....
all my opinion of course..
NicBowman said:
Hi, sure you will get plenty of advice.
My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
Horses for courses, tuscan roof comes off head gets sunburnt My take. Have a long sit in a Cerbera, they are quite claustrophobic inside, for me, small windows. So, you either like that or you don’t. Personally I always like my play cars to have a targa top at least. So Cerbera too car like. Personal taste only.
Tuscan, different kettle of fish. Spacious feel, roof comes off and rear window out. To my eye more contemporary looking than the Cerbera.
plus only two seats, which get very hot if dark coloured. Many roofless owners sit on towels...Small Windows? Front maybe, certainly not the sides
huge doors and windows meaning you take the sides off the car when you drop them. Claustrophobic, I don't think so as the cabin is so much bigger.There's no doubting the T cars still look current today, the Cerberas look more classic, but as a GT car they ride really well with the longer wheelbase. They are also the fastest - especially red ones...
but then I might be biased.
Put up which bit of the country you're in and you may find some owners offering you a close inspection, maybe a drive etc...
Both Tuscan and Cerb seem to have some issues if you choose the wrong one. Have you considered the Chimaera? Many many more of those and easier to find a well sorted, well loved one. People always spend a fortune on Tivs, mainly to improve them and make them more reliable. They give back in driving experience though. Had my Chim for 7 years before I moved it on. Spent a lot making it perfect but it never gave me a day of problems. More choice in that particular market. 450 seems to be the sweet spot but there is the 500 available.
JM
JM
Stuthe was kind enough to show me round his Tuscan when I was thinking of adding one to my V8 Cerbera. They're different cars so we're currently wondering which one to take to Peaks to the Beach next weekend. The Tuscan makes a great noise whereas I'd describe the Cerb's AJP as interesting but addictive. Roof comes off the Tuscan obviously and that combined with the shorter diff on the Speed 6 cars makes it more of a sports car and the Cerbera more of a GT, particularly as mine has a higher 5th than standard. As a way of illustrating the difference I'd say from my limited experience of european driving I regard southern Switzerland/northern Italy as the high point. If you could guarantee sunshine I'd want to drive there in the Cerb then swap to the Tuscan. If you're closer to Sleaford in Lincolnshire you're welcome to drop by and chat about the pair I own.
was kind enough to show me round his Tuscan when I was thinking of adding one to my V8 Cerbera. They're different cars so we're currently wondering which one to take to Peaks to the Beach next weekend. The Tuscan makes a great noise whereas I'd describe the Cerb's AJP as interesting but addictive. Roof comes off the Tuscan obviously and that combined with the shorter diff on the Speed 6 cars makes it more of a sports car and the Cerbera more of a GT, particularly as mine has a higher 5th than standard. As a way of illustrating the difference I'd say from my limited experience of european driving I regard southern Switzerland/northern Italy as the high point. If you could guarantee sunshine I'd want to drive there in the Cerb then swap to the Tuscan. If you're closer to Sleaford in Lincolnshire you're welcome to drop by and chat about the pair I own.Gassing Station | General TVR Stuff & Gossip | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff