V8 Vantage vs Grancabrio vs F-Type

V8 Vantage vs Grancabrio vs F-Type

Author
Discussion

red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
So I'm in the very enviable position of trying to decide between the Aston Martin V8 Vantage convertible, Jaguar F-Type (V6 and possibly V8) convertible or the Maserati Grancabrio. I have 50k max to spend.
I have test driven the Vantage and Maserati and both are excellent in their own way but very different.

At some point I think I will have all 3 but which first? I'm by far rich and keep telling people who ask me how I can afford it that the banks have thousands of pounds I haven't borrowed yet! So I need to keep depreciation to a minimum. I'll probably have two euro trips per year so a max of about 6000 miles per year.

So, do I buy a 2009 4.3 low miles Vantage, keep it a year, sell it - by which time the 2010 Grancabrio I can afford now will turn into a 2012 Grancabrio Sport one I can afford then?

Where does the Jag fit in? Much more modern but not as prestige but Oh so lovely. And the sound is something else entirely.

Any suggestions welcome.

Cheers

Andy



red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
Not easy. I'm sort of on track with Herbs. The Grancabrio was so easy to drive and didn't feel as big as it looks. Smooth lovely gearbox, absolute luxury inside outstanding engine with a beautiful note. I could have driven it for miles. I reckon I could get 2 pairs of socks and a pair of undercrackers the boot - It's tiny and I do need it for touring. I could you the the back seat though.

The Vantage was altogether tauter but a disapointing gear change 1-2, 2-3 and the boot is twice the size. The cabin is very well made but not as special as the Maser. The one I looked at had a cherry black interior, red hood over a graphite body.

I did feel special in both, I don't think the Jag can compete with them on that score.

I've just sold my 996 X50 which was in a different class when it came to speed.

You comments are giving me food for thought...thanks

red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Tuesday 27th September 2016
quotequote all
Yeah the Vantge was a 2008 model registered in March 2009. 16k miles and like new. Main dealer with a years warrenty. There is a 4.7 30k for £48k just 30 miles from me so I might take a look.

Has anyone drove the 4.3 compared with the 4.7? Youtube reviews say more torque and less of a need to rev. I think the sportshift 'box didn't get upgraded until 2012.

red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
quotequote all
I've been swung with every argument. I think the I'm going to wait 3-4 months to see how much the Grancabrio prices fall. I think this is my favorite. If they fall to aroung 40k then that is a lot of car for your money.

red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Wednesday 2nd November 2016
quotequote all
So I decided on a 4.7 Vantage convertible which I think I got for a good price. 23k miles and FAMSH. The more I look at it the more I fall in love with it. It has a Larini exhaust which sounds amazing.

red12

Original Poster:

19 posts

118 months

Wednesday 2nd November 2016
quotequote all
I drove the Maserati and that was my first choice but the one I saw at JTC600 in Leeds was right on my price limit. I has previously driven 2 4.3 Vantages but the performance was a little sluggish after my 996 turbo. the 4.7 feels much more responsive and I'm getting the hang of the sportshift now. I didn't drive the Jag.