Everyday 'Supercar' for 15-20k - is it viable?

[mattman]

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

[mattman]

Thanks guys - good to know these things aren't so fragile you can't use them every day.

Not sure a Supra would be special enough for what I'm after - I'm sure it's quick and handles well, but it's a toyota and it doesn't really get the juices flowing (although sure it would get something flowing when it's sideways on a roundabout!)

A neighbour of mine has recently bought an 06 Vantage - beautiful car but he seems to have loads of little niggles and the main dealer experience has been shocking. Of course that was double my budget but an early DB7 could be possible

[mattman]

PGNCerbera said:

red_duke said:

Not wishing to start an argument but none of the cars being discussed are "supercars".

there is that!

Probably not, but there isn't a maserati forum which is my current favourite so nowhere else to really ask the question

If I could stretch the budget, a 355 would be the answer and a taxi for the kids or a maserati granturismo - perhaps the next purchase

[mattman]

Hmm, not really considered the 944 - off to have a look - is the 968 a bigger version or a whole different beast?

Need to get out and see a few, don't want to be driving around in a 944 thinking I should have gone 928!!

SL's are lovely but only 2 seats, and I do like American stuff - more Camaro/challenger than trans am though butthe LHD aspect stops it being viable as the other half wouldn't ever drive it and it does really need to be something she could drive if we needed

Keep getting drawn to the E31's - as I get older (42 this year) I seem to hanker more for the older stuff than the new metal - they appear to be less generic to me than modern cars.

This shortlist is getting longer.......

[mattman]

Thanks for the offer PGN - I now realise I need to do a LOT more research and test driving to make a choice. I'm terrible for buying the first car I look at because it's there and then get itchy feet after 7-8months.

I'm fully aware that these cars cost more to run, service etc, but only doing 6-8k pa makes it more viable for me. I've had 48 cars in 25 years of driving, some have been fun, some have been dull and boring or 'needed' to do a job. I'm now approaching 42, the kids are young teenagers and I want something that looks and sounds good and is a bit different. Too many people around our area are more hung up on having the newest number plate or 'must have' car than something they actually want - I do not want to conform and plan to wake them every morning with my V8 rumble!!

I know the 911 is a brilliant car, it's just not a car I have ever really desired so not sure it will feel 'special' to me whereas there is something a bit hmmm about saying yo u drive a Maserati, likewise a TVR Cebera is a 4 seat hooligan that you know will never be made again.

And please be gentle on 300 - I love American motors, and his left field suggestions, the LHD thing doesn't work for me but I like his options. Likewise some consider my shortlist not to be true super cars, but they are to me, a Ferrari, lambo etc are a step above though.

The Mondial really doesn't help does it!!! If I just stretch the budget a bit more.........

Edited by mattman on Wednesday 12th August 17:51

[mattman]

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.

That looks stunning!

Is it the duo select auto? All reports I read on the pre-07 gearboxes aren't very complimentary