New Car advice/recommendations please!
Discussion
Hi Chums,
Posting on here as an ex. Aston owner and because I've always been impressed with the sane and rational (relative terms I grant you!) arguements that take place compared with other forums.
So, I (may) be getting a little tired of the constant 'next must have toy treadmill' and am thinking of buying my next car with a view to keeping forever. I've always rather envied people who've owned their cars for many years and once you're over the first few years it can make financial sense too.
Anyway - without argueing with my reasoning for doing this as that'll take us straight down tangent boulevarde - the basic requirements are:- The car must be bought new with a budget of up to £150k but that does NOT mean I won't look at suggestions way cheaper than that. It obviously has to be a performance car capable of the occassional 'Ring trip, Continental Holiday, Waitrose/Town run etc and handling maybe 8/10,000 miles a year. It needs to be a car that will go through it's new phase into older phase without a 'just another oldish car phase'. Rather like the 355 did as opposed to a (standard) 996 for example.
It can be a car that is currently available or one that is being launched soon - don't worry, I've got orders in for them all!
My list is F430, Californian, BoxsterS, AMV8 Roadster, 997S (with sports suspension and power upgrade) er and that's about it. What am I missing?
Cheers.
Posting on here as an ex. Aston owner and because I've always been impressed with the sane and rational (relative terms I grant you!) arguements that take place compared with other forums.
So, I (may) be getting a little tired of the constant 'next must have toy treadmill' and am thinking of buying my next car with a view to keeping forever. I've always rather envied people who've owned their cars for many years and once you're over the first few years it can make financial sense too.
Anyway - without argueing with my reasoning for doing this as that'll take us straight down tangent boulevarde - the basic requirements are:- The car must be bought new with a budget of up to £150k but that does NOT mean I won't look at suggestions way cheaper than that. It obviously has to be a performance car capable of the occassional 'Ring trip, Continental Holiday, Waitrose/Town run etc and handling maybe 8/10,000 miles a year. It needs to be a car that will go through it's new phase into older phase without a 'just another oldish car phase'. Rather like the 355 did as opposed to a (standard) 996 for example.
It can be a car that is currently available or one that is being launched soon - don't worry, I've got orders in for them all!
My list is F430, Californian, BoxsterS, AMV8 Roadster, 997S (with sports suspension and power upgrade) er and that's about it. What am I missing?
Cheers.
Jaguar XKRS - I can see why you chose your forum name! (And before the Jag fanboys come online, I know they're good cars. But really).
Aston Martin DBS - too expensive. Chav'd up.
Second hand 612 Scaglietti - too ugly.
Bentley Continental GT Speed - too fat. And ugly. And you'd look like Peter Stringfellow.
F430 Scuderia - too expensive.
997 GT3/GT2 - hmmm. GT2 would be my choice, but limited supply.
tbh Pugsey, I'm not sure there is anything new in that bracket that I would think you'd want to keep for any length of time. GT2 might come closest for me, but not easy to get hold of at sensible money I would think.
The latest Gallardo looks a lot nicer (outside at least) and might be something I'd try,
Alfa 8C if you can get hold of one? Wouldn't have a soft top, but the coupe's different enough. Flawed in many ways, but I reckon flaws are needed in a car you end up keeping.
Vantage RS is likely to be over budget and a bit chav'd up.
Is the new Lotus Espirit ever going to be built? Might be nice, but a keeper? Doubt it.
Nah, modern cars aren't built to be keepers on the whole IMO, and few of the above will merge from current to classic as the F355 did (and, dare I say it, the Aston V8 will).
Other options I'd look at:
1) Keep doing what you're doing for a couple of years, then grab a 599.
2) Split the budget and buy a nice new "everyday" car and a classic (I know I bang on about this route, but I think you'll like it!).
A new RS4/M3/Carrera 2S etc would leave a nice fund for something older. You can learn to drive and look after the older car, pass it on as an heirloom and live happy in the knowledge that it won't depreciate (and may even appreciate!
What about one of the above and a nice Dino?
Aston Martin DBS - too expensive. Chav'd up.
Second hand 612 Scaglietti - too ugly.
Bentley Continental GT Speed - too fat. And ugly. And you'd look like Peter Stringfellow.
F430 Scuderia - too expensive.
997 GT3/GT2 - hmmm. GT2 would be my choice, but limited supply.
tbh Pugsey, I'm not sure there is anything new in that bracket that I would think you'd want to keep for any length of time. GT2 might come closest for me, but not easy to get hold of at sensible money I would think.
The latest Gallardo looks a lot nicer (outside at least) and might be something I'd try,
Alfa 8C if you can get hold of one? Wouldn't have a soft top, but the coupe's different enough. Flawed in many ways, but I reckon flaws are needed in a car you end up keeping.
Vantage RS is likely to be over budget and a bit chav'd up.
Is the new Lotus Espirit ever going to be built? Might be nice, but a keeper? Doubt it.
Nah, modern cars aren't built to be keepers on the whole IMO, and few of the above will merge from current to classic as the F355 did (and, dare I say it, the Aston V8 will).
Other options I'd look at:
1) Keep doing what you're doing for a couple of years, then grab a 599.
2) Split the budget and buy a nice new "everyday" car and a classic (I know I bang on about this route, but I think you'll like it!).
A new RS4/M3/Carrera 2S etc would leave a nice fund for something older. You can learn to drive and look after the older car, pass it on as an heirloom and live happy in the knowledge that it won't depreciate (and may even appreciate!
What about one of the above and a nice Dino?
Thanks guys - and forgive me if I say it was all pretty predictable, in a good way. Murph you're a pain - as in I think that you're right again. I did come close to getting a Dino a while back but just couldn't get my head round it reliably - and relatively comfortably - doing a couple of long Euro jaunts every year. And it seems mad to have something lovely in the garage only to leave it behind.
Currently thinking of 'more of the same' - next big thing for me will be the Californian - and in the meantime looking out for a REALLY good 355 - spider or coupe. Seems to have the advantages of already being a classic but still feeling relatively modern - with modern performance too.
Re the Alfa - it would seem I'm the only one who things it's a trifle ill proportioned and not that attractive. Seeing it in the flesh the other day only confirmed it for me.
GT2 will just be a very fast, out of date 911 very soon IMO. I'd rather keep and treasure an AMV8 frankly. And I think a GT3RS would also be more of a keeper but maybe a bit too aggressive and lacking in style for the Italian lakes?
I probably need to get a classic in the garage at which point all these new toys will become even more irrelevant than they are already starting to appear now.
Currently thinking of 'more of the same' - next big thing for me will be the Californian - and in the meantime looking out for a REALLY good 355 - spider or coupe. Seems to have the advantages of already being a classic but still feeling relatively modern - with modern performance too.
Re the Alfa - it would seem I'm the only one who things it's a trifle ill proportioned and not that attractive. Seeing it in the flesh the other day only confirmed it for me.
GT2 will just be a very fast, out of date 911 very soon IMO. I'd rather keep and treasure an AMV8 frankly. And I think a GT3RS would also be more of a keeper but maybe a bit too aggressive and lacking in style for the Italian lakes?
I probably need to get a classic in the garage at which point all these new toys will become even more irrelevant than they are already starting to appear now.
Edited by Pugsey on Tuesday 20th May 09:32
Go classic! Look what Chris Evans has just paid for his California? I have a 993 Cab that I have had for 10+ years, will never sell it? I hope!
I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
Edited by Facel Vega on Tuesday 20th May 12:55
Facel Vega said:
Go classic! Look what Chris Evans has just paid for his California? I have a 993 Cab that I have had for 10+ years, will never sell it? I hope!
I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
Ooooh, a Facel Vega. Care to tell us some more about it? If you do, probably best in the classics section rather then the Aston section. I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
Edited by Facel Vega on Tuesday 20th May 12:55
toohuge said:
I know you said it had to be new, but i think you are just in the budget for a second hand Aston DB7 Zagato, i think this would be a lovely car to keep for years to come as they are rare, sort after and look sublime.
Good suggestion, but IF I go the use it a lot/keep forever new route then new means new. I'd like to be one of those people who in umpteen years time has a two foot thick file with pics of picking up at dealer, original receipt, bills MOT etc etc etc!Facel Vega said:
Go classic! Look what Chris Evans has just paid for his California? I have a 993 Cab that I have had for 10+ years, will never sell it? I hope!
I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
Some nice suggestions! Although I must admit to thinking that - with the possible exception of Clarkson himself - to my eyes the Spyker is quite the vilest thing to have appeared on Top Gear!I also have/had 360, 612, GT2 etc, etc, all of which I have lost fortunes on. The other side of my collection is classics, Facel Vega's, Dino, Countach, Bentleys etc. All of which have increased in value and offer a real feel good factor that you can spend thousands of pounds chasing in new cars. What about restoring a classic to your spec? It's a great if expensive adventure. I'm having a 2nd Facel Vega HK500 done in Poland with uprated engine, circa 400BHP, four pot calipers, air-con, etc, basicaly a new car. If you are looking for a "new keeper" what about a Spyker or new Morgan Aero Coupe. Classics of the future!
Edited by Facel Vega on Tuesday 20th May 12:55
As some on here already know I don't loose money on my new cars so that's not a problem - I think I'm just bored with them so classic is looking more and more appealing although - and I seem in the minority here - I'm looking forward to the Californian and think that could, maybe, be a keeper - although they may make too many.
If you want something exculsive that only a few will be made, get onto Aston Martin at their head office. They have a habit of producing special editions, sometimes one off's depending on how they are feeling. One recent example is a Vanq with a glass roof that looks fantastic!
here it is:
http://astonmartins.com/vanquish/vanquish_s_glass_...
here it is:
http://astonmartins.com/vanquish/vanquish_s_glass_...
I agree about the Alfa tbh. And definitely the Spyker.
But that sort of taste would also rule out the Weissman and the...California.
The good thing about Dinos is that they are simple. You can learn to put right the few things that may go wrong by the roadside. Keep it well serviced between jaunts and it should be just fine.
But that sort of taste would also rule out the Weissman and the...California.
The good thing about Dinos is that they are simple. You can learn to put right the few things that may go wrong by the roadside. Keep it well serviced between jaunts and it should be just fine.
Murph7355 said:
I agree about the Alfa tbh. And definitely the Spyker.
But that sort of taste would also rule out the Weissman and the...California.
The good thing about Dinos is that they are simple. You can learn to put right the few things that may go wrong by the roadside. Keep it well serviced between jaunts and it should be just fine.
But that sort of taste would also rule out the Weissman and the...California.
The good thing about Dinos is that they are simple. You can learn to put right the few things that may go wrong by the roadside. Keep it well serviced between jaunts and it should be just fine.
Much as I'd love to be pursuaded that last para. shows how little you know me Murph! Me and spanners DON'T gell.Weissman - yuk (or snigger). California, sorry but I really do think it's going to work in the flesh.
toohuge said:
If you want something exculsive that only a few will be made, get onto Aston Martin at their head office. They have a habit of producing special editions, sometimes one off's depending on how they are feeling. One recent example is a Vanq with a glass roof that looks fantastic!
here it is:
http://astonmartins.com/vanquish/vanquish_s_glass_...
Toodear I would say toohuge.here it is:
http://astonmartins.com/vanquish/vanquish_s_glass_...
Surely what we are talking about is something affordable within some kind of sane boundary, exciting to drive and in appearance, of serious engineering integrity, and not manufactured in such numbers that they are simply never going to hold their value in the long term (nothing holds its value in the short term).
If I was sitting with £140k waiting for a minted low mileage DBS I bet I wouldn't have to wait that long, and I doubt if I would go past a DBS given the chance. If that didn't take your fancy, then, since the OP mentioned the F355, why not an F430. The same thing is bound to happen to the F430, which is better, better than just about anything I hazard a guess.
Edited by cardigankid on Wednesday 21st May 13:09
Edited by cardigankid on Wednesday 21st May 13:22
Facel Vega said:
Back to the Morgan Areo Coupe? Handbuilt, Quick, Heritage, Decodance, Rare as hell, Stunning, and like a Philip Patek you could pass it on to your kids.
Good idea! What about one of those restorations of a DB5 etc to your specification i think they are in the price range?Nice position to be in!!
With 8-10k a year you will loose your shirt on Ferraris, Lambos & the like, the only car for that mileage is Pork IMO, but after your recent stable they will seem a bit ordinary when you have already had the pinnacle in the 997 GT3 followed by a 430!!
But if you went (sort of) sensible..the new Facelift 997S will have circa 385 BHP, with the new PASM 20mm lowered option, PDK 7 speed box, new more functional interior(touch screen Nav etc)& Bose upgrade you could easily live with this fabulous beast... in reality not far short of 430 performance on road!
This would then leave you clear to invest the other 75k in something else, a used AMV8 roadster (what a fabulous combination, a facelift 997S + AMV8 cab!!!), better still a nearly new 987 Boxster S, plus a Caterham/Radical or the other extreme a used Jag to waft!
Bottom line for me is.. if I was spending 150k on a keeper, it wouldn't be one car, rather a mix of fab driver, soft-top + daily user!
Of course before you settle down it's time to add a LAMBO to the portfolio first, so the latest Gallardo is first on the list.
Personally I am still loving the 997 GT3 over 1 year on, you have missed some quality time by bailing out early with yours! But I am up for a change next, probably with the 4.7 litre AMV8, then the 997 GT3 facelift or 998 GT3!
Best of luck!
With 8-10k a year you will loose your shirt on Ferraris, Lambos & the like, the only car for that mileage is Pork IMO, but after your recent stable they will seem a bit ordinary when you have already had the pinnacle in the 997 GT3 followed by a 430!!
But if you went (sort of) sensible..the new Facelift 997S will have circa 385 BHP, with the new PASM 20mm lowered option, PDK 7 speed box, new more functional interior(touch screen Nav etc)& Bose upgrade you could easily live with this fabulous beast... in reality not far short of 430 performance on road!
This would then leave you clear to invest the other 75k in something else, a used AMV8 roadster (what a fabulous combination, a facelift 997S + AMV8 cab!!!), better still a nearly new 987 Boxster S, plus a Caterham/Radical or the other extreme a used Jag to waft!
Bottom line for me is.. if I was spending 150k on a keeper, it wouldn't be one car, rather a mix of fab driver, soft-top + daily user!
Of course before you settle down it's time to add a LAMBO to the portfolio first, so the latest Gallardo is first on the list.
Personally I am still loving the 997 GT3 over 1 year on, you have missed some quality time by bailing out early with yours! But I am up for a change next, probably with the 4.7 litre AMV8, then the 997 GT3 facelift or 998 GT3!
Best of luck!
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