Possibly buying a 4.5 - ownership questions

[craig_rich]

Hi all,

Wanted to get some consolidated opinions on owning a Cerby 4.5. This will be my first TVR and I am moving to it from a Mitsubishi Evo VI (prior to that a Twin Turbo Mazda RX7).

If I go for the Cerby, I am planning on using it for the 20 mile daily jaunt to and from work, as well as weekend enjoyment. Any comments on comfort levels, trafficjam behaviour, etc ?

I'd like some opinions before I spend the money....

Cheers for now, Craig

[bilton_d]

I use mine every day and has been fine. In traffic the temp guage does rise at an alarming rate but the fans do cut in and cool it down, running costs can be high but they are great fun to own and drive. Check the profile for additionla costs etc.

[basher]

It is luck of the draw mate really....if you get a 98 or later 4.5 then you stand a better chance as build quality was beeter from that point.....I used to commute occasionally 35 miles and it was ok apart frrom running a little hot from time to time it was ok.....can be a little tiring on the old clutch foot but otherwise bliss.....however they are all prone to unpredictable behaviour from time to time.....its never going to have the reliability of a Mitsubishi but it has so many other advantages apart from just the aesthetics...

[cinman]

I've been using my '97 4.2 for over a week now (just got it) for the daily commute, and its great fun. Actually gives me something to look forward to each day - feels great - and the car's a beauty to drive. Like previous bloke said - clutch foot gets tired sometimes, but you get used to it (bit like tired wrists the first time you buy a sports bike). MPG isn't amazing - but who cares? I'd recommend Shell Optimax juice to keep it running smooth if you're in traffic a lot (start/stop stuff) just to treat her a little nicely considering the commute is generally a shite, stop-start, roll.
Let us know how you get on ...

[beemer]

agree with cinman - only had mine ('99 4.5) for a week and using to drive into town from Wimbledon. No problems so far, does get a bit hot though. Clutch work saves going to the gym = more time to go the long way home now its light (and sunny!)

go for it - I swapped from an M5 and certainly have no regrets.

sean

[chrissy g]

Agree with whats been said, a cerb is no problem in traffic, the clutch maybe a bit heavy but thats something you get used to (along with the turning circle), they do get hot expect the fans to cut in at 95C (something to check on test drive). The only other points are the not very effective handbrake. The main difference would be running costs, 2 services via main dealer bank on £2-3k a year, and big fuel bills is something to be aware of when swapping from the evo. However cerb is an incredible car, try one and see how you get on....

Chris

[craig_rich]

Well considering the Evo is tuned up a bit, and I'm (at best) getting 17-18 mpg, I'm used to shoddy fuel consumption. Also, the clutch is pretty wearing, although I'm sure not quite as heavy as the Evo.

I'm used to wrestling the car, so think me and the Cerby will get along just fine.

BTW, any pointers to where I can find a 'buyers guide' with tips as to what to look out for when viewing 4.5s ?

Cheers, Craig

[beemer]

craig

list from gazzab posted a few weeks ago - very useful

Ensure owner doesnt thrash from cold.
ensure is used regularly.
ensrue uprights and other mods have been done.
ensure car is well cared for.
ensure fsh.
ensure big pile of bills.
look at tyres, exhaust, dampers, chasssis (especially for crash repair)...
dont worry about bodywork repairs.
ensure it has aircon. ensure this works.
Ensure all lxs work.
Ensure engine is very quiet once 5 mins into warm up.
ensure it isnt driven fast (voer 3k revs) until oil pressure drops.
Ensure oil pressure looks good in terms of dropping as car warms, moves up under load and doesnt idel at 0.
ensure no smoking.

only thing I would add is

ensure you buy one!

cheers
sean