Is a Zonda really worth it?
Discussion
As above really.
I toyed with the idea of putting an order in for a Huayra after going to the launch party. I love the Pagani attention to detail and the car was stunning in the flesh. Once I had returned, I got some input from friends who were of the general opinion that the money would be better spent on a Zonda than the new car.
I always resisted taking the plunge with early Zondas. They seemed too expensive for an unknown company in the very early days, even though I loved the car. I had an opportunity to buy an F years ago for £450K. It wasn't the best example but now the price of an S of any description seems to be £500K + and an F is anything north of £800k.
At the risk of being accused of starting another "what will it be worth in 10 years" thread, I'm interested in what people think.
Put it this way, if the car was the same price as it was 5 years ago, I would already have one. Is the Zonda really going to be in the same league as a Mclaren F1 in years to come? Everyone who has ever tried to sell me one, tells me that this is a car that will be worth £2M one day but it's hardly an objective opinion. The hardest thing for me to overcome is the fact that it's twice the price that it was new.
I would also have to sell a car or 3 to justify this purchase and I'm not sure if it's worth it. I asked the same question on here about the Huayra and I decided not to proceed based on the fact that it meant chopping in 2 Lambos and flipping my Mclaren when it arrives; but I still love the car and I'm unsure about the future value of either Pagani. Is one Hyper car worth more than the choice of 3 super cars.
I never ever consider the future value of a car when I buy it. I buy for pleasure and never investment. Cars are generally a bad place to put money and I've always kept investments separate from leisure.
If I were to buy a Zonda or indeed a Huayra, resale/future values would be high on my priority list where they haven't been before.
No one specific question really, just opening the subject up for conversation.
I toyed with the idea of putting an order in for a Huayra after going to the launch party. I love the Pagani attention to detail and the car was stunning in the flesh. Once I had returned, I got some input from friends who were of the general opinion that the money would be better spent on a Zonda than the new car.
I always resisted taking the plunge with early Zondas. They seemed too expensive for an unknown company in the very early days, even though I loved the car. I had an opportunity to buy an F years ago for £450K. It wasn't the best example but now the price of an S of any description seems to be £500K + and an F is anything north of £800k.
At the risk of being accused of starting another "what will it be worth in 10 years" thread, I'm interested in what people think.
Put it this way, if the car was the same price as it was 5 years ago, I would already have one. Is the Zonda really going to be in the same league as a Mclaren F1 in years to come? Everyone who has ever tried to sell me one, tells me that this is a car that will be worth £2M one day but it's hardly an objective opinion. The hardest thing for me to overcome is the fact that it's twice the price that it was new.
I would also have to sell a car or 3 to justify this purchase and I'm not sure if it's worth it. I asked the same question on here about the Huayra and I decided not to proceed based on the fact that it meant chopping in 2 Lambos and flipping my Mclaren when it arrives; but I still love the car and I'm unsure about the future value of either Pagani. Is one Hyper car worth more than the choice of 3 super cars.
I never ever consider the future value of a car when I buy it. I buy for pleasure and never investment. Cars are generally a bad place to put money and I've always kept investments separate from leisure.
If I were to buy a Zonda or indeed a Huayra, resale/future values would be high on my priority list where they haven't been before.
No one specific question really, just opening the subject up for conversation.
Edited by Lambo FirstBlood on Sunday 1st May 00:19
Streetrod said:
Let me add my two pence worth. The Zonda is probably the last and the greatest of its type, i.e., A large capacity high revving V12 attached to a manual gearbox (in the C, S and F) covered in a pornographic carbon body the likes of which we are unlikely to see every again. Legislation will see to that.
Over the last 11 years just over 130 have been built including one offs and the R. I suspect a Zonda would rank in large number of people’s top five of cars to own if they could.
Pagani has done what a huge number of people have tried to do and failed, i.e. He has built a successful supercar company that started out with the aim of taking on the big boys but now does not even bother to compete with Lamborghini or Ferrari. Its future seesm to be in good shape.
What Pagani does next I feel will not have much effect on Zonda values. The Huayra is a very different car and if things go to plan will be built in much larger numbers. Although it has not met with the almost universal approval that the Zonda did let’s not forget that they already have over 50 orders in the bag even before the first customer car has been delivered. So the Zonda will always be the rarer beast.
As for current values, I personally think they are too high and have had discussions to that effect with a couple of dealers. If you check back over the last years sales records you would probably come to the same conclusion.
As for future values I would expect prices to be stable for a year or so then start to creep up again as people realise how important the Zonda really is in the great scheme of things. Also the fact that these cars are very tough, easy to work on and have an engine unlikely to need any major work for at least 100k miles makes them an easy car to live with.
LamboFirstBlood, if you are going to see the car I suspect you are, then I think you will be impressed. I have been to see it twice and it is probably the best example available at this time apart from the fact that I think it is priced £100k to high at the moment.
Thanks Street rod, I know you're a big Pagani fan from previous posts - I remember having some dialogue about the Huayra preview. I very nearly gave them a deposit on the night, I loved it so much!Over the last 11 years just over 130 have been built including one offs and the R. I suspect a Zonda would rank in large number of people’s top five of cars to own if they could.
Pagani has done what a huge number of people have tried to do and failed, i.e. He has built a successful supercar company that started out with the aim of taking on the big boys but now does not even bother to compete with Lamborghini or Ferrari. Its future seesm to be in good shape.
What Pagani does next I feel will not have much effect on Zonda values. The Huayra is a very different car and if things go to plan will be built in much larger numbers. Although it has not met with the almost universal approval that the Zonda did let’s not forget that they already have over 50 orders in the bag even before the first customer car has been delivered. So the Zonda will always be the rarer beast.
As for current values, I personally think they are too high and have had discussions to that effect with a couple of dealers. If you check back over the last years sales records you would probably come to the same conclusion.
As for future values I would expect prices to be stable for a year or so then start to creep up again as people realise how important the Zonda really is in the great scheme of things. Also the fact that these cars are very tough, easy to work on and have an engine unlikely to need any major work for at least 100k miles makes them an easy car to live with.
LamboFirstBlood, if you are going to see the car I suspect you are, then I think you will be impressed. I have been to see it twice and it is probably the best example available at this time apart from the fact that I think it is priced £100k to high at the moment.
The thing I keep coming back to is this - have I missed the opportunity to buy a Zonda for the right money? It may sound wrong to some people. I am a true petrol head but I have worked very hard for what I have and this car is right at the very top of what I can afford. Would my life change if it was worth £200K in 3 years, no. Would I be majorly pissed off -yes.
I'm going to see the car tomorrow for a closer look. I'll let you guys know what I think.
I think most of the Zondas on sale have been SOR guys just testing the market. There was as one agreed at £850K from Bob Forstner's which the buyer pulled out of. Don't know why, but I think it needs to be under £800K for me to take the plunge.
Of course, this might all change when I sit in it tomorrow.
Watch this space.
Right - just got back so I thought I would give it to you unedited and whilst its fresh in my mind.
Firstly, it is the car at Romans.
They want £950K for it and it is SOR.
It is in the process of being registered in the UK and will end up on either 57 plate or an 08 plate. A service will also be included which be carried out by Joe Macari.
In answer to the question about the Veyron and Koenigsegg:
Veyron first: I realised that I never really fell in love with the Veyron. I haven't drive it so of course my opinion is uninformed. I realised wanting one was never about liking the car though, it was about what it was to others more than what is was to me. With hindsight, I'm glad I didn't take it further. I'm not saying I never will, but It never stole my heart like the LP640 or the Zonda.
Koenigsegg: As some here will know, I did test drive it and I did like it for being bonkers but there was something missing. I'm no motoring journalist so I won't use a lot of clever metaphor but I didn't covet it and it was a lot of money too.
Back to today.
The car is practically brand new. I didn't drive it. The current owner has apparently expressly forbid anyone from doing so! The salesman wants to go back to him with an offer before organising a test drive. I have made it very clear that I won't even consider buying it without a proper test drive- and I don't mean half a mile up the road!
If one could ever use the word understated to describe the spec of a Zonda F, this would be it. it is certainly the least offensive exterior/interior combo I have seen. A minor thing - with a contrast paint colour, the raw carbon bits really stick out which I like. In this colour way the difference is a lot more subtle. It has a couple of optional extras over and above the norm. They are
Clubsport pack
Carbon Ceramic brakes
Titanium/Inconel Exhaust System
T907F gearbox upgrade.
Most are self explanatory. I'm not sure what a gearbox upgrade is. Dealer didn't seem to be too sure either. Any ideas anyone?
To put it bluntly, it is fantastic and really is a special bit of kit. It was sat next to a Veyron on one side and an Enzo on the other, and I only had eyes for the Pagani.
I think it's too expensive and I expressed that. The sales man disagreed. (of Course). I know Mosi's mate sold his for £850K but it fell out of bed and I suspect the white car that Tommy has can be bought for £850k too. If I was to put an offer in, it would be in that ball park.
As fas at the mechanics of the deal are concerned, I would indeed sell my LP640 and my Mclaren shortly after it arrives.
I drove back in my LP640 which I had valeted yesterday so its gleaming and I'm genuinely torn. I really do love that Lambo and it costs a fraction of the Zonda. I know there are 'technically' better cars but it does make me smile in a way super cars are supposed too. Problem is the Zonda does too. I went with my cousin who definitely thinks I should buy the Pagani and that if I did, I'd probably never sell it.
I'm going to go back and drive it and have a more in depth chat about the mechanics of the deal.
So in conclusion, I'm stil on the fence. Maybe a a blat down the 217 in the sunshine will be all it needs...................
Firstly, it is the car at Romans.
They want £950K for it and it is SOR.
It is in the process of being registered in the UK and will end up on either 57 plate or an 08 plate. A service will also be included which be carried out by Joe Macari.
In answer to the question about the Veyron and Koenigsegg:
Veyron first: I realised that I never really fell in love with the Veyron. I haven't drive it so of course my opinion is uninformed. I realised wanting one was never about liking the car though, it was about what it was to others more than what is was to me. With hindsight, I'm glad I didn't take it further. I'm not saying I never will, but It never stole my heart like the LP640 or the Zonda.
Koenigsegg: As some here will know, I did test drive it and I did like it for being bonkers but there was something missing. I'm no motoring journalist so I won't use a lot of clever metaphor but I didn't covet it and it was a lot of money too.
Back to today.
The car is practically brand new. I didn't drive it. The current owner has apparently expressly forbid anyone from doing so! The salesman wants to go back to him with an offer before organising a test drive. I have made it very clear that I won't even consider buying it without a proper test drive- and I don't mean half a mile up the road!
If one could ever use the word understated to describe the spec of a Zonda F, this would be it. it is certainly the least offensive exterior/interior combo I have seen. A minor thing - with a contrast paint colour, the raw carbon bits really stick out which I like. In this colour way the difference is a lot more subtle. It has a couple of optional extras over and above the norm. They are
Clubsport pack
Carbon Ceramic brakes
Titanium/Inconel Exhaust System
T907F gearbox upgrade.
Most are self explanatory. I'm not sure what a gearbox upgrade is. Dealer didn't seem to be too sure either. Any ideas anyone?
To put it bluntly, it is fantastic and really is a special bit of kit. It was sat next to a Veyron on one side and an Enzo on the other, and I only had eyes for the Pagani.
I think it's too expensive and I expressed that. The sales man disagreed. (of Course). I know Mosi's mate sold his for £850K but it fell out of bed and I suspect the white car that Tommy has can be bought for £850k too. If I was to put an offer in, it would be in that ball park.
As fas at the mechanics of the deal are concerned, I would indeed sell my LP640 and my Mclaren shortly after it arrives.
I drove back in my LP640 which I had valeted yesterday so its gleaming and I'm genuinely torn. I really do love that Lambo and it costs a fraction of the Zonda. I know there are 'technically' better cars but it does make me smile in a way super cars are supposed too. Problem is the Zonda does too. I went with my cousin who definitely thinks I should buy the Pagani and that if I did, I'd probably never sell it.
I'm going to go back and drive it and have a more in depth chat about the mechanics of the deal.
So in conclusion, I'm stil on the fence. Maybe a a blat down the 217 in the sunshine will be all it needs...................
After MX5 guy gave me a heads up, i posted over on the Pagani forum.
They alerted me to the C12S for sale at Bob Forstner's. I was aware of the car but it appears to have been reduced from £650K to £499K making it more attractive
This is a brand new, unregistered car and the difference in price to the F might give me an opportunity to customise and get exactly what I want. First on my list would be uprated power. I presume you could tune the engine all the way up to 678bhp Cinque spec?
Any one here know the extent of what can be done?
They alerted me to the C12S for sale at Bob Forstner's. I was aware of the car but it appears to have been reduced from £650K to £499K making it more attractive
This is a brand new, unregistered car and the difference in price to the F might give me an opportunity to customise and get exactly what I want. First on my list would be uprated power. I presume you could tune the engine all the way up to 678bhp Cinque spec?
Any one here know the extent of what can be done?
RevHappy said:
The blue C12 looks good plus if you didn't need to up grade bits straight away you could keep another car and the books would still balance.
That's what I was thinking. I don't how long you would be able to wait before upgrading though. I think I'll have to make some more formal enquiries with the factory.I dug out an old copy of EVO where Harry said he was quoted 169,400 Euros to change his S in to and F.
That doesn't sound too ridiculous.
If I could get the S for the right money and then get the upgrades I want, that could be great.
I wonder though, whether it will always be seen by others (thinking resale) that it's not a real F.
That doesn't sound too ridiculous.
If I could get the S for the right money and then get the upgrades I want, that could be great.
I wonder though, whether it will always be seen by others (thinking resale) that it's not a real F.
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff