Any regrets on Cerbera ownership?
Discussion
I'm part way through saving up for a new-ish crazy car & have been reading up on various TVR's recently to gauge prices, running costs, practical-or-not-ness, fun and so on in order to try & decide what I want. I really really (really really really) like the idea of a Cerbera but am everso slightly put off by the whole reliability thing. I've read a whole stack of threads on here about occasional scary servicing costs & things breaking. But I've also read a whole lot about people who don't seem to have any problems.
So, the question is, do any of you Cerbera owners have any regrets? If I do go ahead and get one in the next few months will I be so blown away by the fun that any problems will be irrelevant or will I go craaaaaazy? Does anyone wish they'd bought something different? The costs aren't so much an issue as all cars cost money especially if you go for something this outrageously cool. Its more the 'I can't believe it's f***ing broken down again' part.
cheers
Stew
So, the question is, do any of you Cerbera owners have any regrets? If I do go ahead and get one in the next few months will I be so blown away by the fun that any problems will be irrelevant or will I go craaaaaazy? Does anyone wish they'd bought something different? The costs aren't so much an issue as all cars cost money especially if you go for something this outrageously cool. Its more the 'I can't believe it's f***ing broken down again' part.
cheers
Stew
I bought mine in Sept. and although I have had to spend a few quid since (Clutch, warranty and 12K service) I have no regrets whatsoever. The car is a real head-turner where ever you go. The exhaust sound is wonderful. Insurance costs are okay, but the car you get for the money is the determining factor here.
You have to spend a few pounds to keep any car running at its best so dive in and enjoy the fun. "You'll not regret it!"
You have to spend a few pounds to keep any car running at its best so dive in and enjoy the fun. "You'll not regret it!"
My only regret was selling the car due to redundancy, although I'm just about to take delivery of my T350C, I still miss my cerbera.....Lets hope the new beastie delivers the same feeling...
GO for it, it's the fastest straight line car after a Zonda or a McLaren....and all for about £20K
GO for it, it's the fastest straight line car after a Zonda or a McLaren....and all for about £20K
No regrets at all, I will buy another one as soon as I get a garage....
just sold it to another car lover after 2.5 yrs, loved every single minutes of it and it was very very sad to see it go this afternoon...
it was weird as I have never see it from the outside with someone else driving it, it sounded loud loud loud and lovely
but i will be back!!!!
just sold it to another car lover after 2.5 yrs, loved every single minutes of it and it was very very sad to see it go this afternoon...
it was weird as I have never see it from the outside with someone else driving it, it sounded loud loud loud and lovely
but i will be back!!!!
Just to provide a bit of balance, I bought a Cerbie and regretted it. It was my 4th TVR and it pissed me off so much that I sold it and bought a Boxster S instead (...prepares to be flamed!). 6 months of ownership, 9K depreciation, c. 3K repairs and numerous visits to my local TVR specialist. I also wasn't impressed with the handling - although it seems that this could have been due to the way it was set up by the original dealer. If I hadn't sold my Chimaera to buy the Cerbie then I'd probably still be with the marque. Maybe mine was a lemon, but according to my local TVR specialist most of the problems with mine were fairly typical. All IMHO etc.
I'm in my third year of ownership and loving every minute. It's fast, looks and sounds fantastic and gives me a huge grin every time I drive it. Shop around and test drive as many as you can but most important, BUY ONE.
So far I've had to replace the speedo, speed sensor and starter motor (all done under warranty at no cost to me and done next day) front shocks, battery and charging fuse. Total cost in 2.5 years = £400.
Last service was £1100 but this was a 2 day 24000 mile with tappet adjustment. That was 9 months and 4000 miles ago and I've only put in petrol (18mpg) and 1 litre of oil since.
Mike
So far I've had to replace the speedo, speed sensor and starter motor (all done under warranty at no cost to me and done next day) front shocks, battery and charging fuse. Total cost in 2.5 years = £400.
Last service was £1100 but this was a 2 day 24000 mile with tappet adjustment. That was 9 months and 4000 miles ago and I've only put in petrol (18mpg) and 1 litre of oil since.
Mike
With hindsight loved it (though at the time always felt a touch nervous).
Strangely enough drove the 4.5 RR at the TVR Centre on Sat (as well as Tamora & T350) - and it doesn't feel that fast any more. I remember being a passenger in Anjams on a track once and thought i'd gone through a time-warp. I have fond thoughts of an older one in a couple of years time.
I think it's a specific car that TVR have neglected as they've done all their other stuff. Where else can you get that sort of performance (could even be less) in a 2+2 that you can actually fit legs in the back.
If they just extended the rear seats a little, put in a T-targa roof (so still rigid)....and maybe a Corvette V8 (
) with 100k major service intervals, i'd shift out of the M5.
Strangely enough drove the 4.5 RR at the TVR Centre on Sat (as well as Tamora & T350) - and it doesn't feel that fast any more. I remember being a passenger in Anjams on a track once and thought i'd gone through a time-warp. I have fond thoughts of an older one in a couple of years time.
I think it's a specific car that TVR have neglected as they've done all their other stuff. Where else can you get that sort of performance (could even be less) in a 2+2 that you can actually fit legs in the back.
If they just extended the rear seats a little, put in a T-targa roof (so still rigid)....and maybe a Corvette V8 (
) with 100k major service intervals, i'd shift out of the M5.No regrets with buying it, and no other car (that I can afford) will be such an experience to drive everytime I fire it up.
The sound, the looks, and the performance are brilliant.
Reliability is often in the back of the mind, but this is largely due to hearing the reputation. The car has never let me down yet.
It seems to be said many times on here that although the car car "use" ancillaries, it's engine is sound and thus it doesn't often let you down.
In the context of a £45k supercar the servicing bills are acceptable, and the reliability seems fine.
BUY ONE
The sound, the looks, and the performance are brilliant.
Reliability is often in the back of the mind, but this is largely due to hearing the reputation. The car has never let me down yet.
It seems to be said many times on here that although the car car "use" ancillaries, it's engine is sound and thus it doesn't often let you down.
In the context of a £45k supercar the servicing bills are acceptable, and the reliability seems fine.
BUY ONE Regrets? I've had a few, but then again ( "SHADDUP!! you snore in tune better than you sing"...) Ooops sorry Mrs Junkie.
Where was I? I've loads of regrets really. Cerbera ownership has been an endless trial of patience against adversity. Take my advice and do not enter into the sordid world of the cursed Cerbera owner, at least not without taking the following into consideration......
I regret:
- not having the car when I was single.
- loosing any semblance of anonimity
- not being able to pick my nose at traffic lights
- not going out drinking anymore (what? get a taxi? no way I'll take the car and drink orange juice thank you)
- not being able to avoid talking to complete strangers
- loosing that excited feeling when you see a sportscar (TVRs excluded of course)
- not being able to moan about noise polution
- having to look for slightly wider parking spaces
- not being able to u-turn on anything less than a 3 lane highway (without attracting too much attention
)
- loosing my virginity in a Simca 1100
- ever owning a Lada
- not being able to solve world hunger
- having to DRIVE hundreds of miles to get my car serviced
- having to sell the children now that they've outgrown the back seats
In summary, think twice, then JFDI
Enjoy
"SHADDUP!! you snore in tune better than you sing"...) Ooops sorry Mrs Junkie. Where was I? I've loads of regrets really. Cerbera ownership has been an endless trial of patience against adversity. Take my advice and do not enter into the sordid world of the cursed Cerbera owner, at least not without taking the following into consideration......
I regret:
- not having the car when I was single.
- loosing any semblance of anonimity
- not being able to pick my nose at traffic lights
- not going out drinking anymore (what? get a taxi? no way I'll take the car and drink orange juice thank you)
- not being able to avoid talking to complete strangers
- loosing that excited feeling when you see a sportscar (TVRs excluded of course)
- not being able to moan about noise polution
- having to look for slightly wider parking spaces
- not being able to u-turn on anything less than a 3 lane highway (without attracting too much attention
) - loosing my virginity in a Simca 1100
- ever owning a Lada
- not being able to solve world hunger
- having to DRIVE hundreds of miles to get my car serviced
- having to sell the children now that they've outgrown the back seats
In summary, think twice, then JFDI
Enjoy
Am i the only person that gets totally hacked off with the whole "reliability" questions.
TVR's aren't jelly moulded plastic crap from Japan. They are hand made sportscars, and far more reliable than Aston's Ferrari's and other cars of this ilk. Even the teutonic Porsche couldnt manage a day in the life of a TVR (Top Gear) !!!
If people are that worried about reliabilty that it clouds their judgement, let them buy some plastic turbocharged saloon car and pretend its sporty.
Having had my Cerb 4 years, and a Chimp for four before that. I have yet to have a serious mechanical problem, and only very minor electrical issues.
My Volvo on the other hand has enjoyed a new engine, replacement auto box, and still has less soul than a double glazing salesman on the last appointment before payday.
(moan over!)
TVR's aren't jelly moulded plastic crap from Japan. They are hand made sportscars, and far more reliable than Aston's Ferrari's and other cars of this ilk. Even the teutonic Porsche couldnt manage a day in the life of a TVR (Top Gear) !!!
If people are that worried about reliabilty that it clouds their judgement, let them buy some plastic turbocharged saloon car and pretend its sporty.
Having had my Cerb 4 years, and a Chimp for four before that. I have yet to have a serious mechanical problem, and only very minor electrical issues.
My Volvo on the other hand has enjoyed a new engine, replacement auto box, and still has less soul than a double glazing salesman on the last appointment before payday.
(moan over!)
I'm new to this forum and have not purchased a Cerb yet, (currently browsing net now for one and of course going through old threads) and at first I was put off looking through but the more I read the more I think that these cars are just top class and have to be respected.
I had a Merc once that gave me nothing but trouble and cost me a fortune and what did I get out of it?? NOTHING!! No fun and enjoyment, no reliability, no buzz, I don't need to go on.
Just can't wait to get one.
T.
>> Edited by Big T on Wednesday 26th February 23:08
>> Edited by Big T on Wednesday 26th February 23:08
I had a Merc once that gave me nothing but trouble and cost me a fortune and what did I get out of it?? NOTHING!! No fun and enjoyment, no reliability, no buzz, I don't need to go on.
Just can't wait to get one.
T.
>> Edited by Big T on Wednesday 26th February 23:08
>> Edited by Big T on Wednesday 26th February 23:08
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