Everyday 'Supercar' for 15-20k - is it viable?
Discussion
Djtemeka said:
Apart from the terrible numberplate, that looks pretty good. I'd drive itmattman said:
I've had a fair few cars over the years but am now looking for something a little bit special that won't break the bank. I know it's not going to be a cheap option, but wanted to ask your advice whether running a Supercar as a daily driver is viable. I do around 6k miles a year, short commute to the station and back. We have another car for family duties so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't start one day!
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
Quattroporte for me out of that list. I've had one for a wee while now and still love it.Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
Can't see why '300 is getting any flak for that suggestion, seems perfectly reasonable to me.
I have been running around in a car of a similar ilk (2006 Mustang GT) for nigh on six and a half years and 62,000 joyous miles, LHD has never been a problem and the automatic 'box gives it the perfect Jekyll and Hyde persona that a car like that needs to have.
Its difficult for me to tally the exact running costs because it has been so heavily modified things like suspension bushes have been replaced with poly ones before the old rubber ones have worn. I dare say if I wasn't racing it the servicing would be cheaper (less of it). Imho if you can afford to run a hot hatch (in terms of servicing, insurance and tax) then a Mustang, Camaro, Trans Am etc. are all very realistic propositions. I'm currently averaging 20mpg on my daily commute (mixed driving) even with changing the axle gears from 3.31:1 to 3.73:1.
The only non service item that has broken on it was the alternator that cost me a couple of hundred quid (difficult to do re-con returns with the US, and I bought a higher amp one otherwise it would have been about £100) and an hour and a half of my time with a basic tool kit.
Other than people freaking out over LHD (don't know why, just an excuse if you ask me) I can't see why you wouldn't buy one, parts are plentiful and cheap, easy to work on, easy to drive and look far more striking and interesting than the vast majority of European cars, especially the faceless corporate German stuff. But then I am not into anything sleeperish, I like cars that are as subtle as a kick in the nuts.
I have been running around in a car of a similar ilk (2006 Mustang GT) for nigh on six and a half years and 62,000 joyous miles, LHD has never been a problem and the automatic 'box gives it the perfect Jekyll and Hyde persona that a car like that needs to have.
Its difficult for me to tally the exact running costs because it has been so heavily modified things like suspension bushes have been replaced with poly ones before the old rubber ones have worn. I dare say if I wasn't racing it the servicing would be cheaper (less of it). Imho if you can afford to run a hot hatch (in terms of servicing, insurance and tax) then a Mustang, Camaro, Trans Am etc. are all very realistic propositions. I'm currently averaging 20mpg on my daily commute (mixed driving) even with changing the axle gears from 3.31:1 to 3.73:1.
The only non service item that has broken on it was the alternator that cost me a couple of hundred quid (difficult to do re-con returns with the US, and I bought a higher amp one otherwise it would have been about £100) and an hour and a half of my time with a basic tool kit.
Other than people freaking out over LHD (don't know why, just an excuse if you ask me) I can't see why you wouldn't buy one, parts are plentiful and cheap, easy to work on, easy to drive and look far more striking and interesting than the vast majority of European cars, especially the faceless corporate German stuff. But then I am not into anything sleeperish, I like cars that are as subtle as a kick in the nuts.
300bhp/ton said:
threadlock said:
OP, have you considered a Jaaag XKR?
what exactly is supercar about an XKR?No offence intended
(And I wouldn't call any of the OP's suggestions a supercar, and I didn't suggest the XKR is either.)
Pau1 said:
mattman said:
I've had a fair few cars over the years but am now looking for something a little bit special that won't break the bank. I know it's not going to be a cheap option, but wanted to ask your advice whether running a Supercar as a daily driver is viable. I do around 6k miles a year, short commute to the station and back. We have another car for family duties so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't start one day!
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
Quattroporte for me out of that list. I've had one for a wee while now and still love it.Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary
PGNCerbera said:
to the OP, if you are ever in the North London area you are more than welcome to take the Cerb for a spin. I also have full excel spreadsheets 
of all the costs of my 911, Cerb, Tuscan, Ferrari etc so that you can get a flavour of running costs.
Ooh...how far north London....a 430 is the car I would consider changing my Cerb 4.5 for...I work at in EC1 during the week. of all the costs of my 911, Cerb, Tuscan, Ferrari etc so that you can get a flavour of running costs.
Is this one of those threads where 300bhp/tonne takes over, posts every second post, argues every point, gives bizarre suggestions and generally ruins the thread and turns it all into a massive battle over the pros and cons of owning random LHD American muscle cars?
I've missed those threads.
I've missed those threads.
Japveesix said:
Is this one of those threads where 300bhp/tonne takes over, posts every second post, argues every point, gives bizarre suggestions and generally ruins the thread and turns it all into a massive battle over the pros and cons of owning random LHD American muscle cars?
I've missed those threads.
But obviously your reading ability hasn't improved unless you think a Jag, Lotus or Ferrari are American cars...I've missed those threads.
Calm down dears...its only a car suggestion thread
For another 'left-field' option then the C6 Corvette could be an option. Sure they have a rep for being lowish quality on the fittings and fixtures but with simple engineering comes a certain type of performance that brings a smile to the face.
I drove one of these at the Nurburgring a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised how it coped with the track.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
For another 'left-field' option then the C6 Corvette could be an option. Sure they have a rep for being lowish quality on the fittings and fixtures but with simple engineering comes a certain type of performance that brings a smile to the face.
I drove one of these at the Nurburgring a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised how it coped with the track.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...
mattman said:
That looks stunning!
Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary
Biased, obviously, but I'd suggest QP 5 too. Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary
Duo Select is a 6-speed robotised manual - has an auto mode (which is poor), works very well using the paddles in sport mode. Clutch wear is not an issue, despite what people will tell you. There's a 'real' auto option in the later cars, but that loses the dry sump engine.
Drive one - it's not a 'supercar' by some definitions, but they are most assuredly rather splendid
Prices make them a steal at the moment - and as for no Maserati forum, take a look on SportsMaserati.co.uk for as much advice as you will need.
As the 928 has been mentioned a few times, some of you might enjoy this MotorWeek video review of the Porsche & z28.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NBOjGyGmz4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NBOjGyGmz4
mattman said:
That looks stunning!
Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary
Yes its a Duoselect, and as SoftwareSorcerer has mentioned, as long as you treat it like a robotized manual and don't expect it to be an Auto you'll be fine. I drive mine 95% of the time in manual and lift off the accelerator during changes, it also has a Tubi exhaust fitted so it'll also give a lovely crackle on changes, the noise also ensures that most members of the public turn around and think there's a Supercar coming...Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary
I wanted a full Automatic at first but I'm more than happy with the Duoselect after living with it.
Edited by Pau1 on Friday 14th August 15:06
I ran a Maser 4200 GT as a daily driver for 2 years and it was fabulous, always felt truly special. I never had any significant issues with it and provided you get a PPI done and the car has been looked after, properly serviced and used regularly, you should be fine. Unlike 911s it has two proper seats in the back that your teenagers will actually fit in, makes a fabulous noise, has great looks and always brings a smile to your face.
I changed mine for a QP5 GTS which was also a wonderful car, but very different, much more grown up and refined but didn't have the edge the 4200 had. I was only running the QP for a year whilst my GranTurismo S was on order but enjoyed the year I had it nonetheless.
In terms of running costs, yes a Maser can ruin you very quickly if you buy a poor one, but the same is also true of 911s, which have had some very significant engine related issues over the years, more so than the Maser V8 which is virtually bullet proof. General annual service was in the region of about £600-700 and you will go through rear tyres faster than you would prefer, but otherwise I found mine to be quite good value to run given what it was. Many of the parts have been sourced from other parts of the Fiat empire and there is plenty of knowledge about what parts can be substituted, making even running repairs reasonable affordable.
If I was you I would be looking at the 4200 and 928 options, although space in the back of the 928 will be at a premium, but have always fancied having one. Sadly, given the price rise they appear to be going through at the moment suspect that dream may not happen. Either way a 4200 or 928 will, I suspect, offer depreciation free motoring and I reckon values of 4200s are due a rise given how good and affordable they currently are. Get out and drive a few, I suspect you may be surprised!
I changed mine for a QP5 GTS which was also a wonderful car, but very different, much more grown up and refined but didn't have the edge the 4200 had. I was only running the QP for a year whilst my GranTurismo S was on order but enjoyed the year I had it nonetheless.
In terms of running costs, yes a Maser can ruin you very quickly if you buy a poor one, but the same is also true of 911s, which have had some very significant engine related issues over the years, more so than the Maser V8 which is virtually bullet proof. General annual service was in the region of about £600-700 and you will go through rear tyres faster than you would prefer, but otherwise I found mine to be quite good value to run given what it was. Many of the parts have been sourced from other parts of the Fiat empire and there is plenty of knowledge about what parts can be substituted, making even running repairs reasonable affordable.
If I was you I would be looking at the 4200 and 928 options, although space in the back of the 928 will be at a premium, but have always fancied having one. Sadly, given the price rise they appear to be going through at the moment suspect that dream may not happen. Either way a 4200 or 928 will, I suspect, offer depreciation free motoring and I reckon values of 4200s are due a rise given how good and affordable they currently are. Get out and drive a few, I suspect you may be surprised!
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