Help !...Should I take the plunge for a 4.5 Cerb ?

Help !...Should I take the plunge for a 4.5 Cerb ?

Author
Discussion

M4TTY

Original Poster:

6 posts

257 months

Saturday 14th June 2003
quotequote all
Hi guys !, just wanted some clarification from other TVR drivers that getting one is going to be the best move that I've ever done. I've read loads of threads over the last couple of days and heard some great stories, and upsetting ones.

Will I ever look back if I purchase one?

Big T

1,337 posts

261 months

Sunday 15th June 2003
quotequote all
The answer to your topic is YES!!
Get one and you will not regret it.
You'll see alot of info on here regarding the three different engine models, so you don't have to just consider the 4.5.

You will get problems, hopefully minor ones as I have had but do not let that deter you from getting one. I had the same queries when I was looking for a Cerbera, but if you buy right and budget for a few grand a year for servicing and repairs, you should be OK.

There's really too much to list in one thread regarding advice but search through the site and you will find plenty of it.

Put it this way, I don't think I'll be driving another type of car for a long while yet. Nothing compares to it. BUY ONE.

A few pointers,

* Take your time in finding one, don't rush it
* Test drive several ones before parting with your cash
* Don't be put off buying privately, look through the classifieds on PH. And there's plenty of people out there that will check the car out for you at a small cost.
* Be prepared to have the best fun you'll ever have.

Good luck.

T.


>> Edited by Big T on Sunday 15th June 10:52

hut49

3,544 posts

269 months

Sunday 15th June 2003
quotequote all

Will I ever look back if I purchase one?


Only when it's a nice, sunny day and you see Chimaera bbbburble past with the top down!

Saw 3 Cerbs yesterday in/around Kingston (hello Jeremy!) and they do have such amazing road presence that the only rational solution is to have a Cerbera and a Chimaera.

>> Edited by hut49 on Sunday 15th June 11:32

mike_e

588 posts

270 months

Sunday 15th June 2003
quotequote all
Hi M4TTY

Do it. Don't be too put off by the comments made on here, after all, most people that post about their problems are seeking solutions from other owners. It tends to give a false picture on their reliabilty.

I was in the same position as you three years ago, all I can say is I've never regretted it for a moment. Go to TVRCC and Pistonhead meets and talk to as many owners as you can. Test drive as many as you can, you'll find them all a bit different.

Don't expect it to be faultless but equally don't expect it to keep going wrong. Look into running costs, Cerbs can be expensive to maintain, but most important of all......

Buy One

shadowninja

77,509 posts

289 months

Sunday 15th June 2003
quotequote all

hut49 said:

Will I ever look back if I purchase one?


Only when it's a nice, sunny day and you see Chimaera bbbburble past with the top down!



one of the reasons i'd rather have a chimaera (have you seen the weather today??? )




Saw 3 Cerbs yesterday in/around Kingston (hello Jeremy!) and they do have such amazing road presence that the only rational solution is to have a Cerbera and a Chimaera.

>> Edited by hut49 on Sunday 15th June 11:32


don't put such ideas into my head!!!

gixxer1000

786 posts

259 months

Monday 16th June 2003
quotequote all
M4TTY - would this be your first TVR? How about first performance car?

A 4.5 Cerb would certainly be a baptism of fire as it's a real beast.

beemer

378 posts

265 months

Monday 16th June 2003
quotequote all
simple answer - YES, of course you should!!

just got back from Le Mans in my 4.5, and apart from a couple of minor niggles (bonnet lock rods, alternator fuse, dodgy indicator relay), it went like a train, all weekend!!

what else does all this?
- transport for my whole family (better half, two young kids) and all their clobber
- popping and banging on the overrun
- 180mph + (don't ask me to corroborate that, I couldn't possibly comment, but people on the A154 south of Rouen last Thursday afternoon may know better!!)
- excellent doughnuts!!!!

go for it!!

cheers
sean

yellow peril

5,131 posts

279 months

Monday 16th June 2003
quotequote all

Hi guys !, just wanted some clarification from other TVR drivers that getting one is going to be the best move that I've ever done. I've read loads of threads over the last couple of days and heard some great stories, and upsetting ones.

Will I ever look back if I purchase one?


NO!!!!!!!

Unless.....you haven't costed likely general repairs and servicing bills, which can be high, especially if you want a dealer stamp.
You may regret it if you find you can't afford to keep it running.....and you would be very sad to see it go..............

Other than that......they are awesome......go for it!!!!!


.....//P//

M4TTY

Original Poster:

6 posts

257 months

Tuesday 17th June 2003
quotequote all
Cheers for the info guys.

I went and saw a couple of 4.5's for sale in Kent at a TVR showroom, sat in one 4.5.....WOW!....do I want one...mmmmmmm definitely.

I am aware of the running costs and understand that they go wrong from time to time, (what car doesn't!). I'll take my time in looking for one, but can't wait.

In response to one of the comments in this thread about driving any performance cars before...well....several years ago owned a Renault 5 Turbo, constantly had my hand in my pocket, just handing over the Zafira GSI to the missus to drive so that I can get my Cerb....as far as power goes, not ever driven anything more than about 210BHP, so I suppose I'll be in for a SHOCK !......

I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again.

gazzab

21,232 posts

289 months

Tuesday 17th June 2003
quotequote all
I used to own a R5 Turbo many yrs ago, mine was tuned and it felt nippy enough BUT the difference between that and a cerb is enormous. You are in for a big shock. try and get loads and loads of test drives so you get used to them and get into booting them big time. when I fist got a Chim 4.5 I found it to be the first car where I didnt feel the accelerator was an on and off button and felt I would lift on straights (until I got used to it and then it felt 'slow').