What car? c.£30k for my 30th birthday

[Pulse]

I've decided I really should buy myself something nice, before I realise a few years down the line I've still not done it!

I am trying to find something that (being realistic) I will only keep for a maximum of 2 years - if I love it, I could keep it longer though. I wouldn't need to sell for the money or anything like that.

I have sort of narrowed it down, but not sure if I have missed something. I am going to test drive them all in the next couple of weeks, but would appreciate opinion.

I appreciate these are quite different cars in many respects, but I'm ultimately looking for something I will enjoy, can drive to work and use for general driving duties (up to 10k max a year), and won't cost me so much I look back in 2 years at the amount I've lost (understanding of course that it WILL cost a lot to run).

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2006)
+ What my heart tells me to buy
+ Best looking of the bunch
+ A properly special car
- Running costs (especially given the age)
- Bottom of the market

BMW M3 (2012)
+ A great looking car, with practicality
+ All the new gizmos, most of them are high spec
- Might depreciate like a stone
- It's a 3-Series, underneath it all

Mercedes C63 (2012)
+ Sounds amazing - potentially better than the AMV8?
+ A far nicer interior than the BMW
- Might depreciate like a stone (more than the BMW)
- Fuel costs may make me wince
- It's a C-Class, underneath it all

Porsche Cayman S (2011)
+ A proper sports car
+ Looks fantastic
- A bit boring/safe
- You don't get a lot for your money

Lotus Evora S (2011)
+ Looks like nothing else
+ Rare
+ Likely to be the best for depreciation
- May feel a bit cheap
- May get tiresome
- Pushing the budget a bit (although could go for NA)

[mondeoman]

MX5, and blow the rest on coke n hookers.

Thats the right answer isn't it?

[Pulse]

mondeoman said:

MX5, and blow the rest on coke n hookers.

Thats the right answer isn't it?

Mighty tempting...

[Pulse]

I should add, I'd be very happy to spend less if I can find something with a good blend of special and a modicum of reliability!

[Magic919]

I think the Cayman would be my choice. I haven't driven the C63, so I'd try that too.

[Omaruk]

Go with heart on this one

[Xaero]

Pulse said:

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2006)
+ What my heart tells me to buy

You answered your own question here.

[Voldemort]

Have a look at the Audi S1. Same money: brand new. Awesome pocket rocket.

[160]

a little over budget but a brand new 5.0 v8 mustang. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Pints]

Xaero said:

Pulse said:

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2006)
+ What my heart tells me to buy

You answered your own question here.

What he said.

[goevenfaster]

I went through a similar list......plus a 997 and ordered a new Land Rover Defender instead. The roads around here aren't great and I though the Defender would provide the 'fun' I was looking for. Currently planning trips to Wales and Morroco to make proper use of it. Will not be my commuter though!

[NelsonM3]

I went for the M3. Haven't had it for a summer yet which is the true test of a car but don't think I regret it.

[Debaser]

997S?

[W00DY]

How about a higher maintenance budget, but no depreciation to worry about?


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Edited by W00DY on Saturday 24th January 12:24

[btdk5]

You need a two seater sports car, something you can look back on and think I used to own one of them. I'm not going to get the chance to do that again for a while.

The m3 and c63, whilst good fun aren't that special.

[crusty]

The correct answer is a 996 Turbo

[Ilovejapcrap]

Are running costs an issue ?

[Corbeliere]

Bentley GT perhaps!

[Jasandjules]

When there is a chance to get an Aston Martin - you get the Aston Martin.

Just go drive one, then buy it.

[EricE]

btdk5 said:

You need a two seater sports car, something you can look back on and think I used to own one of them. I'm not going to get the chance to do that again for a while.

I can't comment on the C63 and M3 but I agree with the first statement.

The Evora and Cayman are good blend of decent looks, mid-engine layout, and decent engines in very capable chassis. They are both "junior supercars" in my eyes - cue the M135i jokes. Both should have relatively low depreciation, the Lotus because it's a Lotus and the Porsche because it's the last car with a hydraulic steering rack and one of the last with a N/A flat six.
One of those two would be my choice if the circumstances allowed for it, you can always get a more sensible powerful saloon/estate later on in life.