Discussion
I currently own a Cerbera SP6 that has just had an upgraded rebuild to 4.3, and complete body off....not much that has not been renewed so well sorted but I’m still seriously tempted by the above (on their own merits) despite already having the performance and rarity factor in the Cerb, which I love.
I plan on driving both this year to see if I like them enough behind the wheel, but would really like to have a heads up from people in the know regarding the buying do’s and don’ts of each beforehand.
TIA.
I plan on driving both this year to see if I like them enough behind the wheel, but would really like to have a heads up from people in the know regarding the buying do’s and don’ts of each beforehand.
TIA.
This was essentially my choice after discounting a 911 Turbo on the basis you can get much more for your money with an R8/GT-R. I drove both and eventually settled on a R8 V8 manual.
The GT-R was much quicker however the slight boy-racer image and relatively soulless drive weren't for me. The R8 was the right blend of style, performance (my first car of that type) and running costs. I tried both gear boxes and instantly gelled with the manual and haven't looked back since.
What to look out for on R8's is well documented on here (loads of threads) - from what I recall about GT-R's was a) finding one that hadn't be modified was hard and b) the over use of launch control could lead to large bills. No idea if this is the same now though.
The GT-R was much quicker however the slight boy-racer image and relatively soulless drive weren't for me. The R8 was the right blend of style, performance (my first car of that type) and running costs. I tried both gear boxes and instantly gelled with the manual and haven't looked back since.
What to look out for on R8's is well documented on here (loads of threads) - from what I recall about GT-R's was a) finding one that hadn't be modified was hard and b) the over use of launch control could lead to large bills. No idea if this is the same now though.
Edited by PompeyReece on Thursday 13th February 09:26
Same quandry here last year, and I too went for the R8 V8 Manual for the same reasons as PompeyReece. GTR is a bit quicker, but having had a number of R32 / R33 / R34 GTRs in years gone by, the GTR just lacked the charisma of the older ones and just didnt feel special.
The R8 is a great car though - its one that makes you smile when you look at it, but inside you could be sitting in any Audi.
The other one on my list was the Aston Vantage 4.7 too so maybe consider this?
Drive a few and see what you like.
C
I had this decision and went the gtr route at the time. Have had my r35 gtr for 4years and have loved it. It's great to drive and having an independent like litchfield who look after it is total piece of mind.
Much the same as having great indies who look after you in the tvr world like tvr power.
With a gtr performance is not an issue as it can be easily made to what you want. In terms of driving it you have to learn to drive it how it was designed but I have never felt it dull. It's fantastic, sounds sweet with an exhaust, goes like the clappers and puts a big grin on my face and most people that see it everytime
Running cost aren't bad cheapest service being under 200 and most expensive under 800. The car has been brilliant in 4years.
I am tempted at moving it on for something different like a v10 plus or 570s but that's purely because I've had it 4-5 years and I have a keeper with my tvr so would be stupid not to try other things.
I can recommend but I'm sure either option is a good one!
Much the same as having great indies who look after you in the tvr world like tvr power.
With a gtr performance is not an issue as it can be easily made to what you want. In terms of driving it you have to learn to drive it how it was designed but I have never felt it dull. It's fantastic, sounds sweet with an exhaust, goes like the clappers and puts a big grin on my face and most people that see it everytime
Running cost aren't bad cheapest service being under 200 and most expensive under 800. The car has been brilliant in 4years.
I am tempted at moving it on for something different like a v10 plus or 570s but that's purely because I've had it 4-5 years and I have a keeper with my tvr so would be stupid not to try other things.
I can recommend but I'm sure either option is a good one!
Thanks Fella’s.
As far as the R8 goes I’m not limiting myself at all on engine/spec so like you I’m just going to try a few and see. Bit disappointing that the interior is like any Audi but I’ll just have to experience it before passing judgement I suppose.
Yes the boy racer part of the GTR maybe puts me off a bit as well, but again I’ve just got to get in and drive and that may become insignificant. I did read about the number of launches being a potential issue and to get the computer data log before buying. I didn’t see a modded version though as being a problem (subject to it being looked after and serviced properly) if it was by Litchfield...or maybe that’s more a purists view?
General running costs sound ok!
I did think Aston but it might be a little too safe for me, although I do love them to look at and listen to.
I will have a good read through the previous posts etc to see what I need to be careful of when buying though.
Cheers.
As far as the R8 goes I’m not limiting myself at all on engine/spec so like you I’m just going to try a few and see. Bit disappointing that the interior is like any Audi but I’ll just have to experience it before passing judgement I suppose.
Yes the boy racer part of the GTR maybe puts me off a bit as well, but again I’ve just got to get in and drive and that may become insignificant. I did read about the number of launches being a potential issue and to get the computer data log before buying. I didn’t see a modded version though as being a problem (subject to it being looked after and serviced properly) if it was by Litchfield...or maybe that’s more a purists view?
General running costs sound ok!
I did think Aston but it might be a little too safe for me, although I do love them to look at and listen to.
I will have a good read through the previous posts etc to see what I need to be careful of when buying though.
Cheers.
Edited by PhilH42 on Saturday 15th February 08:37
I owned a T350 with the 4.3 Power engine and sold about a year ago following 10 years ownership. It was a great car but not without its problems (totally reliable but build, rattles, handling etc that many TVR owners seem to think makes them the greatest cars in the world).
I tested a V8 R8 a few years back as I was looking to change out (about 5 years ago). The V8 was nice, handled very well but had no oomph compared to the 4.3 in the TVR. It just felt slow. The interior as well was very bland.
2 months later I tested the V10 spider - that was something else entirely. A totally different experience with the roof down, that V10 and the sports exhaust. You could also just lower the rear glass instead of the roof if the weather was a little iffy to get that theatre. The V10 I loved but at the time couldn't stretch to it.
Last year I very nearly bought a V10 plus (also has the advantage of being on std dampers rather than mag ride) and that was stunning but just felt so dated inside.
Instead I opted for an RS6 performance and that's being traded next weekend for an AMG GTS - the closest car I can get to the TVR for the theatre and special feeling but with modern tech, running gear and comfort. I don't know your budget but the standard AMG GT may be in reach, if not he GTS?
I tested a V8 R8 a few years back as I was looking to change out (about 5 years ago). The V8 was nice, handled very well but had no oomph compared to the 4.3 in the TVR. It just felt slow. The interior as well was very bland.
2 months later I tested the V10 spider - that was something else entirely. A totally different experience with the roof down, that V10 and the sports exhaust. You could also just lower the rear glass instead of the roof if the weather was a little iffy to get that theatre. The V10 I loved but at the time couldn't stretch to it.
Last year I very nearly bought a V10 plus (also has the advantage of being on std dampers rather than mag ride) and that was stunning but just felt so dated inside.
Instead I opted for an RS6 performance and that's being traded next weekend for an AMG GTS - the closest car I can get to the TVR for the theatre and special feeling but with modern tech, running gear and comfort. I don't know your budget but the standard AMG GT may be in reach, if not he GTS?
Gtr wise, I bought a face lift 11 plate as the early ones seemed to have a few more niggles but they are at an age where all of them should be sorted.
Bell housings can and will rattle at some point, Litchfield measure this with every service and have a limit before they advise on replacing. To do this the downpipes are taken off and for most people they will then fit modified ones along with injectors at this time because then it can then map the car to around 680bhp
Brake discs are around 400 a corner and tires are between 700 and 1300 a set dependent on what you want
They are involving to drive and will happily leave most junctions sideways if that's what you like. You can get in a flow with them and they are enjoyable down any road but you just need to be very switched on to just how quick it is even compared to a tvr.
R8 wise all I hear is issues with mag suspension and ac not to many other big issues though if it has ceramics they will be a scary price if there's an issue.
Main difference is there lack of indie support other than reperformance I think it is
Bell housings can and will rattle at some point, Litchfield measure this with every service and have a limit before they advise on replacing. To do this the downpipes are taken off and for most people they will then fit modified ones along with injectors at this time because then it can then map the car to around 680bhp
Brake discs are around 400 a corner and tires are between 700 and 1300 a set dependent on what you want
They are involving to drive and will happily leave most junctions sideways if that's what you like. You can get in a flow with them and they are enjoyable down any road but you just need to be very switched on to just how quick it is even compared to a tvr.
R8 wise all I hear is issues with mag suspension and ac not to many other big issues though if it has ceramics they will be a scary price if there's an issue.
Main difference is there lack of indie support other than reperformance I think it is
FezSpider said:
WCZ said:
gtr's are less hated by jealous members of the general public too which is a bonus
Isn't it a shame when this has to be factored into the buying process. Some of joe public in the UK has a nasty trait of hating people who has some thing like a supercar.
FezSpider said:
WCZ said:
gtr's are less hated by jealous members of the general public too which is a bonus
Isn't it a shame when this has to be factored into the buying process. Some of joe public in the UK has a nasty trait of hating people who has some thing like a supercar.
davek_964 said:
Is it really an issue? Over many years I could count on the fingers of one hand the amount of negative reactions I've had to my cars. It's not even the slightest bit close to being enough to make any difference to what I'd choose, and 99.99999999999% is very positive.
Yes it really is that bad in the uk compared to other European countries. For the last 25 years I regularly tour Europe and on a scale of 1-10 for jealously this country is the worst.And FYI I never said it would effect myself buying any of my supercars, I said it's a shame this has to be a factor in the buying process.
Trev450 said:
I wonder if this jealous behaviour will extend to all ic engined cars in the future once they are outlawed by uninformed governments.
I truly believe this is a possibility, I mean look at how 4 wheel drive SUVs are persevered and at times the owners abused for having them.FezSpider said:
davek_964 said:
Is it really an issue? Over many years I could count on the fingers of one hand the amount of negative reactions I've had to my cars. It's not even the slightest bit close to being enough to make any difference to what I'd choose, and 99.99999999999% is very positive.
Yes it really is that bad in the uk compared to other European countries. For the last 25 years I regularly tour Europe and on a scale of 1-10 for jealously this country is the worst.And FYI I never said it would effect myself buying any of my supercars, I said it's a shame this has to be a factor in the buying process.
WCZ said:
gtr's are less hated by jealous members of the general public too which is a bonus
I don't think that is a thing with the R8, not in the slightest, think it's an advatage of the much loved brandcrimbo said:
Main difference is there lack of indie support other than reperformance I think it is
I'd say any trusted VAG place can work on them that you'd take an RS4 or similar to. Ricky knows them inside out but how many indi garages for Porsche, Ferarri, Lambo, have a tech running the place that helped develop the platform. It's highly unusual.jakesmith said:
WCZ said:
gtr's are less hated by jealous members of the general public too which is a bonus
I don't think that is a thing with the R8, not in the slightest, think it's an advatage of the much loved branddavek_964 said:
I still wonder what brands it is an issue with. I've never had a problem with Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin or McLaren. Maybe everybody hates Lambos?
Ferrari seems to be the most talked about on here, I was given a w*nker sign in a Porsche but was more to do with revving it in my youth. Had nothing but positive reactions to my Audi. My feeling is the negative reactions are exasperated by driver behaviour and possibly the car...
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