Help required with my £80k dilemma!
Discussion
Thanks to a brainless Imprezza driver, my very bent 997TT has been written off and now that NU have finally dipped deeply into their pockets, it's time for car shopping again, but here is the problem...
The 997TT (and 996C4S before it) were fantastic, no question, but having had 911's since my 30th birthday I want to try something a bit less 'sensible/German' for 12-18 months, something with the drama and a real sense of occasion that the 911's lack. I drive 8-9k miles a year, almost entirely on B-roads, without passengers. The family car is a 535d M-Sport, so no more than 2 seats required. The budget is £80k (a little less would be good though!) and I don't want to experience stella depreciation (happy to be patient and buy privately!), or completely crazy running costs. It will see regular use, so needs to be reasonably reliable, so anything too eccentric is out the question.
After much consideration, the shortlist is:
1. Gallardo 04/54 plate
2. F360 Modena 54/05 plate
3. F360 Spider 03/53 plate AND Golf GTi / Mini Cooper for rainy days
4. AMV8 06/56 plate AND Elise S2 for sunny days
I would be really interested to hear opinions on the above, particularly from those that own or have owned, in terms of costs, excitement, and practicality to drive every day. I am also torn on the 'spare' car idea. Is it REALLY a cost saving once the additional insurance, maintenance, depreciation etc. is taken into account? And isn't supercar ownership all about enjoying them as often as possible, not leaving them in the garage whilst driving a shopping car? Finally, are there any better options than those listed above?
All feedback appreciated as the 1.8 C-class hire car is getting VERY dull!
The 997TT (and 996C4S before it) were fantastic, no question, but having had 911's since my 30th birthday I want to try something a bit less 'sensible/German' for 12-18 months, something with the drama and a real sense of occasion that the 911's lack. I drive 8-9k miles a year, almost entirely on B-roads, without passengers. The family car is a 535d M-Sport, so no more than 2 seats required. The budget is £80k (a little less would be good though!) and I don't want to experience stella depreciation (happy to be patient and buy privately!), or completely crazy running costs. It will see regular use, so needs to be reasonably reliable, so anything too eccentric is out the question.
After much consideration, the shortlist is:
1. Gallardo 04/54 plate
2. F360 Modena 54/05 plate
3. F360 Spider 03/53 plate AND Golf GTi / Mini Cooper for rainy days
4. AMV8 06/56 plate AND Elise S2 for sunny days
I would be really interested to hear opinions on the above, particularly from those that own or have owned, in terms of costs, excitement, and practicality to drive every day. I am also torn on the 'spare' car idea. Is it REALLY a cost saving once the additional insurance, maintenance, depreciation etc. is taken into account? And isn't supercar ownership all about enjoying them as often as possible, not leaving them in the garage whilst driving a shopping car? Finally, are there any better options than those listed above?
All feedback appreciated as the 1.8 C-class hire car is getting VERY dull!
Hi there,
You should also post this Topic on the Aston Martin forum. See what they say.....
Right, As far as looks are concerned, they all look fantastic.
Likewise with sound. The V8 Vantage sounds the best in my opinion, followed closely by the Gallardo then the 360.
The Gallardo's clutch is awful! Some get replaced at 4-5k miles. I know a bloke who has his Gallardo's clutch replaced after just 1,500 miles! He must of been driving it in a horrid way though. Ferrari isnt much better but the Aston can pull about 12k out the bag before requiring a new clutch.
One bloke on PH was saying it cost him £9,000 to run his 360 for 1 year.
All about the same for running costs, I would think. I would definately buy trade, not a wise move to buy privately unless you know everything about the car.
Aston's are classier. Rich people who buy Ferrari's and Lamborghini's just because they can afford them and want to show off make people very sterotypicall.
If you read the Aston forum, you will find people saying that they get let out of juctions and traffic.
Isn't that just worth it in itself???
I bet thats a load of s**t but its only what Ive heard from owners but Im only trying to help. lol.
Olie
Ps: The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fantastic car.
You should also post this Topic on the Aston Martin forum. See what they say.....
Right, As far as looks are concerned, they all look fantastic.
Likewise with sound. The V8 Vantage sounds the best in my opinion, followed closely by the Gallardo then the 360.
The Gallardo's clutch is awful! Some get replaced at 4-5k miles. I know a bloke who has his Gallardo's clutch replaced after just 1,500 miles! He must of been driving it in a horrid way though. Ferrari isnt much better but the Aston can pull about 12k out the bag before requiring a new clutch.
One bloke on PH was saying it cost him £9,000 to run his 360 for 1 year.
All about the same for running costs, I would think. I would definately buy trade, not a wise move to buy privately unless you know everything about the car.
Aston's are classier. Rich people who buy Ferrari's and Lamborghini's just because they can afford them and want to show off make people very sterotypicall.
If you read the Aston forum, you will find people saying that they get let out of juctions and traffic.
Isn't that just worth it in itself???I bet thats a load of s**t but its only what Ive heard from owners but Im only trying to help. lol.
Olie
Ps: The Porsche 911 Turbo is a fantastic car.
sjn2004 said:
What did the Imprezza do to make you crash?
He pulled out of a blindish side road, hitting my front driver's side wing, which forced me on to a verge and into a lamp post. Quite a mess considering I was stationary 75m previous! His insurers will be looking at well over £100k! I'll post some pictures if someone tells me how!
Sorry to hear about your incident with a the prat, at least you came out of it ok.
Having 80k to spend on a car sounds gerat and you'd think you would have loads of options but when it comes down to it there isn't a lot to chose from. The big names, Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Aston, Maserati and Bentley are really the only places to go.
You've removed Porsche, I'll remove Maserati & Bentley as the Granturismo isn't quite yet in the 80k bracket and the Continental GT is I think a little, dare I say it old man (runs and hides)
So Ferrari, Lambo or Aston.
Lambo Gallardo at 80k you are looking at the cheapest available right now, so they won't be the best examples around. The '03/'04 car clutch issue is only on the E Gear cars and they should all of been updates under warranty by now, and the new clutches and software have no issues at all anymore. All this don't buy early Gallardos cos the clutch needs replacing after 2k is just scare mongering by people who have never owned one or had an early car with the original clutch (and they should know better)
There are plenty of 360s and 360 spiders available in your price range.
I had always stayed away from Ferrari because of the servicing horror stories but if you look at Verdi Ferrari maintenance web page Although more than a Porsche independant Ferrari serving isn't as bad you might think. as for Ferrari clutch life? I cannot comment. An I think you will definitely be on the higher end of the depreciation deal with a Ferrari.
Aston Martin, there are a few AMV8s around but I wouldn't say the market is flooded with them so not many to chose from and finding right one may take a while. And I think coming out of a 997tt you might be a little dissapointed with the AMV8 perfromance.
Have you considered also an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish there are a few '04 coupes around inside of 80k and they are a lot rarer than any of the other cars on your list which may help at resale time.
Having 80k to spend on a car sounds gerat and you'd think you would have loads of options but when it comes down to it there isn't a lot to chose from. The big names, Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Aston, Maserati and Bentley are really the only places to go.
You've removed Porsche, I'll remove Maserati & Bentley as the Granturismo isn't quite yet in the 80k bracket and the Continental GT is I think a little, dare I say it old man (runs and hides)
So Ferrari, Lambo or Aston.
Lambo Gallardo at 80k you are looking at the cheapest available right now, so they won't be the best examples around. The '03/'04 car clutch issue is only on the E Gear cars and they should all of been updates under warranty by now, and the new clutches and software have no issues at all anymore. All this don't buy early Gallardos cos the clutch needs replacing after 2k is just scare mongering by people who have never owned one or had an early car with the original clutch (and they should know better)
There are plenty of 360s and 360 spiders available in your price range.
I had always stayed away from Ferrari because of the servicing horror stories but if you look at Verdi Ferrari maintenance web page Although more than a Porsche independant Ferrari serving isn't as bad you might think. as for Ferrari clutch life? I cannot comment. An I think you will definitely be on the higher end of the depreciation deal with a Ferrari.
Aston Martin, there are a few AMV8s around but I wouldn't say the market is flooded with them so not many to chose from and finding right one may take a while. And I think coming out of a 997tt you might be a little dissapointed with the AMV8 perfromance.
Have you considered also an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish there are a few '04 coupes around inside of 80k and they are a lot rarer than any of the other cars on your list which may help at resale time.
Ferrari 360 spider + sports exhaust.No contest. The rest dont come close, you will never regret it for a second. The 360's are very very reliable, I'm on my third with no issues at all apart from a failed F1 pump in the first month of ownership. Use the right indie, build a relationship and servicing can be very reasonable too....
hazy said:
Ferrari 360 spider + sports exhaust.No contest. The rest dont come close, you will never regret it for a second. The 360's are very very reliable, I'm on my third with no issues at all apart from a failed F1 pump in the first month of ownership. Use the right indie, build a relationship and servicing can be very reasonable too....
But you havn`t owned a gallardo,which is a much better car(newer/faster/handles better/looks nicer)and 360 values are in freefallted 191 said:
hazy said:
Ferrari 360 spider + sports exhaust.No contest. The rest dont come close, you will never regret it for a second. The 360's are very very reliable, I'm on my third with no issues at all apart from a failed F1 pump in the first month of ownership. Use the right indie, build a relationship and servicing can be very reasonable too....
But you havn`t owned a gallardo,which is a much better car(newer/faster/handles better/looks nicer)and 360 values are in freefallDazmo said:
ted 191 said:
hazy said:
Ferrari 360 spider + sports exhaust.No contest. The rest dont come close, you will never regret it for a second. The 360's are very very reliable, I'm on my third with no issues at all apart from a failed F1 pump in the first month of ownership. Use the right indie, build a relationship and servicing can be very reasonable too....
But you havn`t owned a gallardo,which is a much better car(newer/faster/handles better/looks nicer)and 360 values are in freefallGallardo 04/54 for up to £80k (private sale - PH classifieds best place to look).
I'd only buy a 360 if spending £50-£60k (+£'s for Spider). 360CS may be worth a look too, if willing to up budget to £90k (private sale). http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/329374.htm - Prices coming down though as more bought by chavs that like to pose outside Casino's in them, than do trackdays.
Don't see the Aston as an exciting car to dig out for B road blasts and more a nice, everyday car.
I'd only buy a 360 if spending £50-£60k (+£'s for Spider). 360CS may be worth a look too, if willing to up budget to £90k (private sale). http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/329374.htm - Prices coming down though as more bought by chavs that like to pose outside Casino's in them, than do trackdays.
Don't see the Aston as an exciting car to dig out for B road blasts and more a nice, everyday car.
I would agree about the nastiness of the crash, and you were both travelling at legal speeds? That's a heck of a lot of damage for what appears to be a built up estate type area so maybe 30/40mph, and the Porsche looks to have come off much much worse?
Also i think you meant to say, 'brainless driver in an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the brainless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be brainless, which the the majority are not
Also i think you meant to say, 'brainless driver in an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the brainless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be brainless, which the the majority are not
Edited by ScoobieWRX on Monday 25th February 10:23
ScoobieWRX said:
I would agree about the nastiness of the crash, and you were both travelling at legal speeds? That's a heck of a lot of damage for what appears to be a built up estate type area so maybe 30/40mph, and the Porsche looks to have come off much much worse?
Also i think you meant to say, 'mindless driver of an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the mindless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be mindless, which the the majority are not
I think it's because the Impreza hit him and came to a stop.Also i think you meant to say, 'mindless driver of an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the mindless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be mindless, which the the majority are not
He, once hit by the Impreza then continued to hit a lamppost? Resulting in the two sections of damage shown.
My guess?
The car looks terrible! Ouch. Now I love Lambos so I say go for one of them. Different and aggressive. Saying this, I have no expirence of any of them.
Good luck with your hunt.
Dazmo
Firstly (and most importantly!) - thanks heavens you survived!
Those images of multiple double-knackeration all around, flopped out airbags, bent bits, twisted shapes etc etc - shuddddddderrrrrrrrrrr...
A Gallardo at any age and at any purchase price remains a £120k+ car's worth of maintenance... same applies to similar level Ferraris as well. Italian cars in the 'higher range' will always require a degree of commitment that is absent in Porsche ownership (usually) but will be all the more rewarding once all that's understood.
As you may already know, there can be no better car to import a sense of occasion to any driving than a Lamborghini be it a trip to the far side of the local corner shop or a colossal jaunt around Europe before breakfast.
If a Gallardo (or any Lamborghini) is what you want, you should join LCUK and we'll help you find a good car and try to fix some Lamborghini Club UK Missile Defences that eliminate vehicles that splurge out from unsighted bends before you hit can 'em! (patent pending, currently in testing in various 'secret' locations such as Kabul and Skelmersdale...)
but seriously... those pictures... it's the empty airbags that really make them look frightening!!
Firstly (and most importantly!) - thanks heavens you survived!
Those images of multiple double-knackeration all around, flopped out airbags, bent bits, twisted shapes etc etc - shuddddddderrrrrrrrrrr...
A Gallardo at any age and at any purchase price remains a £120k+ car's worth of maintenance... same applies to similar level Ferraris as well. Italian cars in the 'higher range' will always require a degree of commitment that is absent in Porsche ownership (usually) but will be all the more rewarding once all that's understood.
As you may already know, there can be no better car to import a sense of occasion to any driving than a Lamborghini be it a trip to the far side of the local corner shop or a colossal jaunt around Europe before breakfast.
If a Gallardo (or any Lamborghini) is what you want, you should join LCUK and we'll help you find a good car and try to fix some Lamborghini Club UK Missile Defences that eliminate vehicles that splurge out from unsighted bends before you hit can 'em! (patent pending, currently in testing in various 'secret' locations such as Kabul and Skelmersdale...)
but seriously... those pictures... it's the empty airbags that really make them look frightening!!
ScoobieWRX said:
I would agree about the nastiness of the crash, and you were both travelling at legal speeds? That's a heck of a lot of damage for what appears to be a built up estate type area so maybe 30/40mph, and the Porsche looks to have come off much much worse?
Also i think you meant to say, 'brainless driver in an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the brainless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be brainless, which the the majority are not
No offence intended Scoobie, sorry! You are right, even Grandma in her Micra counld have caused a similar accident if she didn't look / didn't see, albeit with perhaps less catastrophic results!Also i think you meant to say, 'brainless driver in an Impreza'. I don't think it matters much what the brainless driver was driving, be it a Nissan Skyline or Audi A4, or whatever, the fact of the matter is he was in the wrong. Sorry to be a bit ped and i am glad you came out of this unscuffed unlike your P & J, but your comment makes Impreza drivers out to be brainless, which the the majority are not
Edited by ScoobieWRX on Monday 25th February 10:23
The accident was on an industrial estate. No one truly knows the speeds involved, but my guess is that both cars were doing 30-40. The Imprezza must have hit me at some speed to inflict the damage you see to his front end and my wing/wheel/suspension. The initial impact caused him to spin 180deg before coming to a standstill on the curb. I was pushed onto the grass verge where I flattened the lamp post causing the second round of damage to my near side. If it wasn't for the lamp post the car would be (fairly) easily repairable. It is a testament to modern car safety that no one was seriously hurt, including my passenger. In fact I was back at work an hour later and down the gym the following morning!
Sorry to hear about your crash mate, looks awful!
With regard to your next car................It has to be a Gallardo. Of the cars listed its the one with the biggest sense of occasion. Get an orange, manual with a decatted Tubi and you'll never wipe that smile off your face. Did I mention mines for sale? lol
With regard to your next car................It has to be a Gallardo. Of the cars listed its the one with the biggest sense of occasion. Get an orange, manual with a decatted Tubi and you'll never wipe that smile off your face. Did I mention mines for sale? lol
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