What to buy....

[simonr100]

About 18 months agoI bought a mint DB9, I love the car and its glorious V12 but it doesn't feel special enough. I will keep it as it is beautiful and I love driving it but I would like to add another car to the garage. Budget is £100k to £200k, it must feel special and at least hold its value(hopefully go up) I know the market is falling but cash in the bank is earning zero interest so I might as well enjoy some of it.
My thoughts are a 599, a Diablo (love the Amari roadster one but out of budget), the gallardo Singapore edition on here, a 12c or 650 spider(sat in Andys mantis green one a couple of months ago and loved it) or something else. What would you do? I don't need to keep cash, I have other houses etc

[simonr100]

I am still looking at 599's what appears to be a better one as just come up. I don't have enough experience of owning supercars to gauge fully so am after opinions. Maybe I am like a child in a sweet shop but spending a reasonable amount of money I should ask for others opinions who have more knowledge than me.

[simonr100]

70proof said:

if, note if, you do decide to go the way of a Gallardo...... the 300k Singapore edition will st money if driven, so unless you are a collector, don't bother.....

personally, I think the alcantara interior makes it more special on the inside, and that there is more fun to be had with a 2wd... http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l... , not a manual but manuals are very rare, and mastering the egear is possible to learn

It was the other Singapore edition that I was thinking of - the one at VVS for £140k. Not sure why this one has orange on it and the £300k one doesn't? Is it paint, decals etc.
It stands out as being very different and I like the looks a lot. Mileage at 25k means I could still drive it and enjoy it,

[simonr100]

dang2407 said:

Get a Vauxhall Meriva. The DB9 will feel plenty special then...

Omsk

[simonr100]

SL550M said:

OP. It looks like you keep returning to the 599, which suggests that's where your heart is. Like F355GTS, I'm biased, but they are indeed very special. Quick, comfortable and good luggage space, while the size (often quoted on here as a drawback) isn't an issue. Not sure if you've driven one yet? I think when you do it'll add fuel to the fire. I can't see it turning you away from one. Of your other options, the Diablo is surely not usable enough and will feel like a truck compared to the modern metal. For me, the 650S was crossed off the list when I almost put my back out climbing in and out of the driver's seat! I think I'd have spent more money on sessions with a physio than I would have on petrol

I do keep coming back to the 599, I love the look of them and have always wanted a Ferrari.
Getting into the 650 really surprised me - not the easiest thing to do!
The Diablo was a thought as it was a poster on my wall as a child, it's so over the top it would be amazing to own. I have seen Ian's at a couple of events and loved it.

[simonr100]

MDL111 said:

I constantly think about new cars (although in a slightly lower price bracket / lower upper limit). some ideas that I thought about at one point or other:

512TR
Scuderia
F12 (lovely LHD argento one with racing seats and forged alloys at Ferrari in Munich ...)
355 Challenge car
a nice 550 (but then I'd probably sell the Aston and replace it with sth sporty)

996 or 997.2 GT3RS
a good 2.7RS, 2.8RSR or ST replica

LP640 (maybe with a manual conversion ....)
Murcielago Roadster (as above)
a manual Superleggera (premium over automated manual quite steep though)
I personally could not buy a Diablo at current prices

Lots of suggestions there, the 512 has always been a childhood dream. I saw Robs 512tr a few months back and loved it,
The F12 is breathtaking but I would want RHD do couldn't afford it.
I love 355's and will have a look - they are beautiful cars.
I wanted a 550 for years but others appeal more now.
GT3's lovely but not for me.
I have been looking at a manual murcielargo online, not 100% sold on the looks though compared to others, a great looking car but not quite as nice as others.

[simonr100]

70proof said:

Your budget is so broad the choice is endless...

You really need to ask yourself what you want out of the car....
Modern or more analogue
Real feel or contrived feel
Fun or outright speed
Natural aspiration and throttle response or outright shove ie turbo
Tourer or sports car
Large or small for b roads...

Then you will know...

Very good points, I just want something fun, that feels special/ like an event. No need to carry much luggage not worried about speed/acceleration. I just want to get in the car and feel WOW this is lovely.

[simonr100]

TISPKJ said:

You already have a GT car with the Aston so not sure why you would also have a 599 as lovely as they are.
12c @ 120k would be a safe bet, or 458 @ 140 ? 650 starter is around 155k so a bit more.
12c very easy to use, 458 more noise and look at me.
Not sure I would pay huge premium over standard LP car for lambo ltd thingy.
Mk1 or Mk2 superleggera be nice but again you have to weigh up the additional cost over std car.

Fair point about the GTs I just loved the lol of the 599 and the fact that prices hadn't gone mental.

The 458 is lovely but I worry that the price won't be as stable as the others short term.

The 12C would be nice but only in the right colour - I love mantis green, volcano red and yellow, not sure if those colours were available on the 12C.

The limited edition gallardo is a superleggera but yes it is more expensive, not sure if worth it or if a non UK car may put off a buyer when I eventually sold.

[simonr100]

kenyon said:

F12 kicks ass and has more performance then most and class and style. Nothing compromised on the F12 just awesome!!

I agree. I followed F12MAD on a meet and the speed at which it accelerated was amazing. The looks are great too. I saw one in black at southern sky that looked so awesome

Edited by simonr100 on Thursday 30th June 22:18

[simonr100]

BishBosh said:

650s Spider, just for the fact it's so dam hard to get in or out. That's an event all on its own!! Even funnier is watching others attempt it too

In the right colour up close it's certainly got the wow factor.

Oh and it shifts when you want, roof drops down when it's sunny. The world is a wonderful place when your driving it.

It's British.

Other Brits love it

Your not so self conscious when your driving it, just feel proud of it.

Yes on every count

[simonr100]

Davo456gt said:

how about a cheaper Diablo - there's a few less than £200k - you won't regret it. Plenty in the classifieds at the moment.

Still get excited just looking at mine in the garage, never mind driving it - which is really an experience every time I take it out.

I M definitely looking at them, still learning eg the binnacle change, fixed lights v pop ups etc and which is best.

[simonr100]

RamboLambo said:

Don't think you will find a mantis green 12C as its a 650S colour but you can get volcano red and volcano yellow 12C's.
Volcano colours are fantastic and look different from different angles and different light conditions. In bright sunlight the depth and colour is amazing

My vote would go for a VR 12C spider if you could find one

Do you get commission from McLaren? or are you a brand ambassador? you certainly do all you can to promote the brand

[simonr100]

Nijius Maximus said:

Funnily enough I was just looking at this myself:



http://www.romansinternational.com/car/1246/mclare...

Simon, firstly it's good to see you're still gonna be keeping the Aston. Secondly I'm going for a test drive tomorrow morning in a 12c myself. Good price and performance and looks and sounds a lot better in person. Could go nicely with an Aston. Good luck.

Hi,
I saw you at the recent Goodwood breakfast - I was also in the convoy from the BP garage, your car looked lovely, I saw the badge on the back and obviously knew it was you.

That does like nice - I had been looking at it myself for a few days. I just kept thinking that for just a little bit more I could get a 650 and then it gets confusing.

[simonr100]

nickinafrica said:

I would look a little older, if you are concerned about getting a return, look at a Diablo 2wd, as you say, a real poster car, look at the way the Miura & Countach have gone, Diablo prices are sure to go the same, just make sure you have it checked out, the newer Supercars are extremely complex machines and very expensive to maintain, a Diablo is far from cheap, but not too complicated, and if the EFI packs up, it can be replaced with a modern system improving the performance!!!!

I am looking st the diablos - they were one of my original thoughts, I like the ex rod Stewart one at Amari but it's out of my budget

[simonr100]

EpsomJames said:

With your budget and if you don't care about losing a few £s in the longer run then I'd put my name down for a 570GT/570S/540C.

It's the first of the modern McLarens that is actually a looker IMO, by all accounts just as quick as a 12C/650S up to stupid speeds, meant to be more road focused and is easier to get in and out of (if you are worried about that).

I like McLarens but due to not wanting to lose money I could realistically only buy a 12C to fit in with not losing money. A 12C in a volcano colour would be awesome

[simonr100]

F12MAD said:

This week, I drove the 599 for the last time. I traded for a 458 to keep the F12 company. ...miss the 599 already.

Get an F12, you will not be disappointed, if not a 599. I think both are superior to the shouty 458 goKart

An F12 is out of my budget in RHD but the 599 looks great and is one of my favourites st the moment

[simonr100]

johnnyreggae said:

Do you honestly believe that none of your other choices will depreciate - dream on......

Ok what do YOU think won't depreciate? I think a Diablo a 599 and maybe a 12C amongst others are limited depreciation with a potential upside. I am buying to own and buying with cash but I am not rich enough to not worry about resale.......

[simonr100]

mattf93 said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

How about this, lower mileage. Lots of Carbon. Italian V12, whats not to like?

That's the 599 that has caught my eye! It looks great.

[simonr100]

F12MAD said:

599 is a good choice. At present I cannot see a 599 loosing you anything. If you do decide. Im happy to answer questions on what to look out for. PM me if you like.

I will be selling a perfect set of HGTE wheels with good tyres soon. Also a set of monolithic wheels with good tyres.

Thankyou, that's very kind. If I go with a 599 I will definitely be in touch.

[simonr100]

Nijius Maximus said:

Thank you my friend! Were you in your DB9 - if so what colour was it? It was a great drive to Goodwood with all those cars and amazing roads.

How goes your hunt? I test drove a 12c on Friday and ended up putting down a deposit. I highly recommend you try one. Bargain price for what you're getting and so much better in every way in the flesh...

PS Were you at Burghley yesterday by the way?

Hi,
Yes I was in the DB9 at Goodwood, it is tungsten silver, I was parked up about 10 cars ahead of you at BP before we set off.
Congratulations, which 12C did you buy? I am thinking of going to look at the red spider at Romans, it's strong money though. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your 12C.

No I wasn't at Burghley yesterday, I had other commitments.