What car? c.£30k for my 30th birthday

[danzman1991]

TWPC said:

1994 Merc E320 Convertible (not very PH but I think they're great)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Spat my tea out when I read this I'm afraid..

[Dick Dastardly]

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago and was looking at pretty much the same group of cars. I went for the V8V and I'm glad I did. The look and sound of it are amazing and people love the brand - I regularly get people coming up to chat about it or take photos.

Don't let comments about handling put you off as whilst it's not the most accurate sports car ever made, it handles bloody well and certainly has more grip than I ever need it to. Could do with a little more power though, if I'm being picky.

Running costs for me, knock on wood, have been minimal and no more than my M BMWs were in the past. Insurance is tiny so that helps towards paying for the £2k warranty and expensive tyres.

My biggest problem is what to change it for. The only other cars I quite fancy are an SLS or 458 and they are between three and five times the price, yet I doubt I'd have much more fun in them, so I'll stick with this for a while longer.

[spud989]

TTwiggy said:

If the OP fancies a Vantage, how about one with 12 cylinders and a clutch pedal?

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

I can't be the only one who doesn't really like the DB7. Hasn't aged well (screams 1990s to me, and not in a good way). Other than V12 > V8, surely a Vantage must be a better choice if it has to be an Aston?

[Pints]

spud989 said:

TTwiggy said:

If the OP fancies a Vantage, how about one with 12 cylinders and a clutch pedal?

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

I can't be the only one who doesn't really like the DB7. Hasn't aged well (screams 1990s to me, and not in a good way). Other than V12 > V8, surely a Vantage must be a better choice if it has to be an Aston?

Even if money were no object, I'd still get the V8 Vantage.

[ORD]

Pints said:

Even if money were no object, I'd still get the V8 Vantage.

So so engine. 10 a penny car.

V12 every day of the week

[Pulse]

Voldemort said:

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

I know a couple of people scoffed at your suggestion, but actually it was on the list not long ago! A quick, practical, do all car. I did say I wanted other suggestions I may have missed, but don't think the S1 would be for me at the moment.

W00DY said:

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


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

Edited by W00DY on Saturday 24th January 12:24

As ever, Woody, you have made a cracking suggestion! That would really tempt me, if it were a little cheaper. I'd take the risk! Is the ordinary 4200 a bit, well, ordinary?

EricE said:

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.

I believe you're right. On the Evora, at least. Something a bit special, and would do well on the depreciation as well. I'm not sure how liveable it would be, day to day, compared to the other choices?

GetCarter said:

If you buy the Aston and intend an Aston main dealer to service it, check out the hourly rate, then how long they take to do the service. It hurts!

Eye watering? What was your experience?

stuno1 said:

Nothing will tell you more than a test drive. Especially with the range you have there. It will be fun trying them all as well. I have been looking at the evora s and I wouldn't buy older than 2012 as there were something like 140 improvements to that model year over and above the 2011.

Stu

Absolutely! There's an AMV8 I plan to test drive on Saturday; so that's first up (and the one I really want now, reaffirmed by everyone's comments). I just hope it stacks up!

justin220 said:

Aston is a special car to own, the Evora is a special car to drive and not nearly as 'Lotus' as you'd expect it to be. Fantastic car, and very nearly as special as the Aston due to its rare factor.

Both are an event to drive.

BMW and Merc aren't special enough.

Cayman is also a brilliant car, if a little common but probably the obvious choice. Not as special as the Vantage or Evora.

Knew I knew your name from somewhere! I read your posts when you first got your Evora, and then when you sold it, to make way for the Aston! I'd say those two cars are the hot favourites, so may like to pick your brains at some point!

jayemm89 said:

Just throwing this out there, give a Z4 M Coupe a try... although as you've had a Z coupe before not sure if this will float your boat?

To me a Cayman is an awesome car, as is the boxster. I have had two 911s so "done that" and my next Porsche would probably be a Boxster.

The AMV8 is nice to look at and listen to but, in my opinion, outclassed in the driving stakes by the Cayman by a country mile. Probably by the M3 too and almost certainly by the Evora.

The Evora always makes me look twice when I see one, which is unusual for me.

Funnily enough, it started with thoughts of a Z4M Coupe. I just haven't got the patience to find one in decent condition! I've also had a Z4M (Roadster), so it perhaps is a little boring to return! As much as I'd love one.

cerb4.5lee said:

I would go Aston if your heart is telling you too, I spent £30k on a E92 M3 and it was one of the worst decisions I have ever made, so that gives you an idea of how important it is to buy something that feels special I think.

I knew you'd post up at some point to help me along the way of avoiding the M3! I've seen your numerous posts about it, and funnily enough remember seeing your post on Z4-Forum when you got it!

Steamer said:

Well... You can... But...

My thinking is: you arnt going to rush into buying a 348 - so by the time you've found the right one you'll have saved a few extra quid to buy a nice one.

Therein lies the problem with anything too specialist. I haven't got the time, patience, or understanding.

CMYKguru said:

You need your head tested to spend 30k on a car at that age.

I know you got jumped on a bit, but actually I do see what you're saying. I have the (sort of) disposable for a £30k car, but perhaps I should, as the first post said, spend it on having a bit of a good time elsewhere!

Wills2 said:

http://www.911virgin.com/porscheforsale/812/997C2M...

Try the V8V and then try one of these, the Aston knocks the 911 hollow for looks but to drive...no contest.

Lots of suggestions for the 911. And I understand why. They just aren't me. I really dislike the shape of them - the Cayman is simply a far better looking car (to me). No appeal, really. (That normally means within a few years, I'll have one!)

TWPC said:

OP, without being fully aware of your requirements, my message to you would be to spread the net wider.
As others have written, this is the opportunity to be really silly before, perhaps, the demands of family life really hit... So look at Nobles, Caterhams, old cars, unreliable & impractical stuff while you can.
I got a bit over-excited in the classifieds, but how about one of these (in no particular order)?

2005 Lotus Exige
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
2005 997 C2S (though personally I like the earlier 996 Turbo recommendations)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
2003 VX220 Turbo
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...
1994 Merc E320 Convertible (not very PH but I think they're great)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...
1997 Esprit GT3
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
2007 Corvette C6
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
1982 911 Carrera SC
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
1986 944 Turbo
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...

Or what about a V12 Dax Cobra http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/k... or a 600HP Merc SL65...? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Some interesting suggestions there! Out of them all, I'd be seriously tempted by an Exige S! Especially as they're a bit cheaper than an Evora (albeit older). Not sure I could live with one day-to-day though! I wear a suit to work, carry a laptop with me, and would like a bit of boot space! Coming from the MR2, that is one thing which has really grated on me, over time. The lack of a bit of comfort is another factor!




Thanks everyone... A lot of thinking to do. I will start with the AMV8 test drive (unless of course, like most dealerships, they just ignore me, or make a test drive really difficult)... See where we get from there!

[TTwiggy]

The adVantage of the DB7 I linked to would be minimal depreciation over the likely 2 years the OP is planning to keep the car for.

That and the fact that it's the last of the 'hand built by old blokes in brown overalls with a slide rule in their pockets' era of Aston Martin. Oh, and it's a V12. With a clutch pedal.

[johnnyBv8]

Pulse said:

GetCarter said:

If you buy the Aston and intend an Aston main dealer to service it, check out the hourly rate, then how long they take to do the service. It hurts!

There are a couple of good independents, but beyond that it's main dealer all the way. A lot of buyers of V8V want main dealer service history at resale time. Make sure it's been serviced annually, irrespective of mileage. There are some years that are more than others on the standard schedule, but allow £1000 per year. The last two of mine have been in the £700-£900 bracket (main dealer).

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Monday 26th January 23:38

[anonymous-user]

Of the original choices I would pick the Cayman S. But I would be tempted by a manual 997 such as:

http://www.cameronsportscars.com/cars/porsche/911/...

[carl_w]

V8 Vantage or C63 for me. But in a similar price bracket you could get a Bentley Conti GT (not really my cup of tea, but just putting it out there). Are there Audi R8s for that sort of cash?

[cerb4.5lee]

Pulse said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I would go Aston if your heart is telling you too, I spent £30k on a E92 M3 and it was one of the worst decisions I have ever made, so that gives you an idea of how important it is to buy something that feels special I think.

I knew you'd post up at some point to help me along the way of avoiding the M3! I've seen your numerous posts about it, and funnily enough remember seeing your post on Z4-Forum when you got it!

The funny thing is that I was over the moon when I first got my M3 genuinely and I remember it like it was yesterday posting it up on the Z4-Forum but the reality soon brought me back down to earth...and that is why I wanted to make sure that you don't make the same mistake as I did and buy something that is truly special.

[Pints]

ORD said:

Pints said:

Even if money were no object, I'd still get the V8 Vantage.

So so engine. 10 a penny car.

V12 every day of the week

The sound of the V8 though...

[ORD]

Pints said:

The sound of the V8 though...

It's fine. It sounds like a V8 (which some like and some, like me, find a bit dull unless it's a screamer - see E92 M3); but the V12 is properly exotic.

Also, the OP wants a fun car to drive and people are suggesting slushbox automatics! Did I miss something?! All utterly insipid to drive thanks to the rubber band feeling.

[johnnyBv8]

ORD said:

So so engine. 10 a penny car.

V12 every day of the week

If a V8V is 10 a penny, the Cayman is approx 17 a penny, even though it's been produced for significantly fewer years. There are over 60% more Caymans on the road!

I really like the Cayman, but there are a lot of them about. Really not sure it matters though!

The Vantage is only borderline in budget, so the V12 is not an option.

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 27th January 12:28

[raceboy]

Pretty sure that all V8 Vantages at the OP price point are going to be manuals anyway.

[blueg33]

Today I am in Surrey. I have seen more Astons than Porsches and there has been quite a few of each. My car is still the only Evora

[TTwiggy]

johnnyBv8 said:

If a V8V is 10 a penny, the Cayman is approx 17 a penny, even though it's been produced for significantly fewer years. There are over 60% more Caymans on the road!

I really like the Cayman, but there are a lot of them about. Really not sure it matters though!

The Vantage is only borderline in budget, so the V12 is not an option.

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 27th January 12:28

The V12 I linked to was a DB7. So in budget (and unlikely to lose any more money).

[johnnyBv8]

TTwiggy said:

johnnyBv8 said:

If a V8V is 10 a penny, the Cayman is approx 17 a penny, even though it's been produced for significantly fewer years. There are over 60% more Caymans on the road!

I really like the Cayman, but there are a lot of them about. Really not sure it matters though!

The Vantage is only borderline in budget, so the V12 is not an option.

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 27th January 12:28

The V12 I linked to was a DB7. So in budget (and unlikely to lose any more money).

Yep, sorry - I wasn't referring to the DB7 you suggested - I was just meaning Vantages.

[ORD]

johnnyBv8 said:

ORD said:

So so engine. 10 a penny car.

V12 every day of the week

If a V8V is 10 a penny, the Cayman is approx 17 a penny, even though it's been produced for significantly fewer years. There are over 60% more Caymans on the road!

I really like the Cayman, but there are a lot of them about. Really not sure it matters though!

The Vantage is only borderline in budget, so the V12 is not an option.

Edited by johnnyBv8 on Tuesday 27th January 12:28

Sure, but the Cayman is also in a different league in terms of being a driver's car. You wouldn't buy either AM for how it drives.

If, on the other hand, the OP wants something special and exotic, he shouldn't go for a fairly common car with a fairly uninspiring engine. He should go for the bonkers V12.

[raceboy]

You can actually get a DB9 for slightly less than a Vantage, ticks the V12 box, but will be an Auto.