Why won`t they admit it ?
Discussion
Having have a nightmare experience with a TVR Cerbera why didn`t the factory recall all the early Cerbera`s. It is because they new that the majority of cars wouldn`t show signs of major engine problems untill after the 12 months warranty have expired.
I`ve just got my Cerbera back after it spent 17 weeks of the road getting the engine overhauled ( 15,000 miles ), this was the second major mechanical failure within 12 months so in total it has been off the road for about 6 months.
The factory don`t want to know and the dealers are just as bad. Why did TVR put the AJP8 / Speed Six engine into the market place without proper development and have not put their hands up and admit they have a problem. I for one will never ever recommend a Cerbera to anybody, If you have to have one, make sure get one which has just had a full engine overhaul, that way you will have at least 12 months warranty from TVR. Otherwise you will be out of pocket 7k.
The factory and Peter Wheeler himself hasn`t even replied to my letters and the customer relations department at TVR are next to useless. TVR the next Marcos ?
TVR admit it?
All I want is recognition that they put the AJP8 engine into the market place without proper development, You will probably see 80% of the early Cerberas have had major engine work, many not under warranty leaving the owner with a bill upto 7k. Why won`t the factory recognise they have a problem, and compinsate those out of pocket. And they want to sell in the USA yeah right.
Why wasn`t there a recall??????
Your frustration is felt by many. TVR only produce a 'few' engines in real world terms so 'endurance' development is left to customers. I think lots of owners understand that, and many more would be sympathetic if TVR did offer more support when problems arise. After all many TVR's only do some thousands of miles per year.
What I feel, and this seems to be a one of the underlying reasons behind complaints, its all VERY VERY personal service until the day you part with your cheque....then nothing unless you have 'contacts'. Its all left to the dealer and youre in their hands.
TVR do need to ramp up their 'factory' after sales support is at the bottom of it all.
I had a speed 6 and its problems etc etc....but I still want another TVR BADLY.
I am waiting, the S6 engine will be sorted I am sure and then TUSCAN here I come...or maybe a 4.5 cerbie.
TVR do seem to 'upgrade' engines for first owners it seems, is this a realistic observation?
They make such great cars it would be a pity to see them go the way of other british mfrs of the past, for the same reason...apathy to the customers needs!
No manufacturer does free engine work out of warranty...do they.
quote:So we expect to pay 7k to get an engine overhauled at 15k miles then? after 12 months I don`t see in the service schedule at 12k miles replace bearings,crank,camshafts etc. If TVR are not capable of providing a reliable engine on their own, why not fit a proven engine, the Cerbera was meant to be like a 928 Porsche, a GT car, funny I often see Porcshe`s with 150k miles plus. The AJP8 is a race engine, its obviously not suited for the road ( high mileage )and needs a race car mechanical attention.
No manufacturer does free engine work out of warranty...do they.
undertstand your frustration, and you should reasonably expect 50k+ miles from a 'road car'.
There are exceptions to every rule, I know a new 330 BMW owner who had to reject the car under the 1994 SOG act,but BMW did replace it. I would say 150k miles porsches are rare without major mechanical work...ie gearbox's ( two rebuilds by this mileage)
TVR offer a 3 year warranty on AJP engines now as standard. My Oct' '97 Cerbera was covered by this. How old was the Cerbera in question, it wasn't a '96 car by any chance was it?
I think most people who are in the market for a Cerbera understand the need to get a car with all the updates. From my experience and what I've seen and heard the AJP8 engines are pretty much sorted now and the Speed 6 engine should be too (now the finger followers and cylinder head lubrication have been addressed).
In this sector of the market it's more down to how the mileage is put on a car rather than how much. I would generally go for a car with higher mileage as this indicates it's been used and therefore must be quite sorted.
Don't be mistaken in thinking the Rover V8s are bullet-proof. They still suffer from premature cam wear and are nowhere near as powerful as the AJP engines.
OK Angry beats - has your TVR been life - threatening? My NEW Chimaera had a small hole in the petrol tank which gradually filled the boot with petrol whilst I was in a traffic jam on the M1. By the time I got home anmid clouds of fumes, liquid petrol was dripping onto the hot exhaust. I have had a fuel gauge failure which left me stranded in the middle of nowhere with no fuel, the door mirror fell off, various electrical glitches, a leaking manifold gasket. So I'm not a muppet, as you kindly suggest, and I don't spend my time moaning about past problems. Now my car is sorted, (and the dealer and factory were extremely helpful), I can use my car as intended. So try to be a bit courteous, I'm in the same boat, and bailing as fast as I can!! Save your anger for someone else.
Couldn't agree with Nibbin more. Why descend to abuse? You made your point, what more do you want from the thread? When you get resolution post it here, it may be of interest. What else do you expect to achieve?
For the record I have owned 2 x Porsches they were fine, but I never just went down to the garage and drove them for the sake of it, whereas with my Griffith I do. Also for the record I had a few issues with my car when it was delivered (paint). Both dealer (Portfield) and TVR (Ben S) were extremely helpful. I had a Chimaera loan car for the month it was away, and aside from the paint being re-done, I got an engine upgrade from TVR (Power) and a free service from the dealer. Perhaps a different approach is needed Angrybeats?
Off to gratuitously burn off some hydrocarbons around Oxfordshire now - see you later. 
Rich...
Rich...
quote:RichB - If you're passing thro' Wallingford way perchance this evening enjoying the nearby stretches (they're pretty good)- would love to see those wheels !!!! On the off chance of course - call 7980940667
Off to gratuitously burn off some hydrocarbons around Oxfordshire now - see you later.
quote:You're not the only one, but there's no need to go off on one at others here. My Chimaera has been off the road for 6 months in 12.5, and has cost me a large amount of cash in terms of time off the road, lost business, depreciation, interest and so on. Maybe not 8k, but still not cheap in anyone's language.
I hope you don`t suffer like I have, You don`t have to read the thread you Muppett. 6months off the road in 12 months and spent over 8k.
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