My very first world problem

[Cactussed]

Chaps

I am in the very fortunate position of owning the 355 as my keeper and the M5 Touring to lug the family around in.
I am also blessed with 2 small boys.

Thing is, the 355 is everything I want in a (future?) classic but with only 2 seats, I can't take both the boys (or the wife) with me anywhere.

the M5 is awesome but just a bit too fast, too competent, too complex and frankly too new for me to consider keeping it forever as a partner future classic (rarity value not withstanding).

So, I'm considering something to keep alongside the 355 which has 3-4 seats.

My current thinking is either:
e46 M3 - quick enough, great noise, practical, loads of bits and forums to keep it going, most realistic budget option
996 turbo - just enough practicality, plenty fast, always wanted to scratch the Porsche itch without the 996 engine issues
Ferrari 456 - Not driven one, probably out of budget, even if I sold the M5, although having 2 donkeys long term is appealing (if financially difficult to justify, let alone afford).

Any thoughts on the above (or other suggestions) factoring in upfront cost, long term ownership enjoyment, running costs etc?

[Iamnotkloot]

What about an E39 M5?

Practical, fast and fun (very interactive)

Alternate ones that I'm not biased about:
Pork 928 GT
R32 Skyline
C63 AMG

Of your original options, surely the 456 must cost an absolute eye-watering amount to run - I heard a 612 might be a better bet; they are beautiful to be sure though.

[Jayyylo]

Cactussed said:

Chaps

the M5 is awesome but just a bit too fast, too competent, too complex and frankly too new for me to consider keeping it forever as a partner future classic (rarity value not withstanding).

This paragraph perfectly sums up the 996 Turbo. Too fast and not involving enough to be fun.

[Cactussed]

Thing is, I can do a lot of the mechanical work myself (I think - I've had the engine out of the 355 myself a couple of times).
Agree though that the 456 is probably going to be prohibitive.

I have toyed with another Skyline (owned 2 before) but the interiors really are a bit kak. That said, the RB26 is just a belter of an engine.

e39 M5 I'm not sure cuts it. Not sure why, maybe I need to try one. I'd almost be tempted to look at an e34 M5 instead.
I'm also not a huge fan of a V8 (355 not withstanding) whereas the Str8 6 appeals a lot.

As I said, its a first world problem to have.

[sato]

Having pondered this for myself, I'm not sure I would go for an M3 or a 996 Turbo, great as they are.
With family in tow ultimate speed or handling prowess are less of an issue. What you want is something that feels special. The obvious sligthly cheaper alternative to a F456 is a Maserati 4200, or if you are losing the M5 maybe even a Quattroporte?

[Johnny 89]

How about a Speed 6 Cerbera?

[Cactussed]

I've owned a TVR. Loved it. Got out of it alive, physically and financially. Happy to stay that way

And I take the point about the 911. Perhaps just a bit too fast and too competent.

I'd forgotten about the old boomerang Maser 3200. Never driven one mind. 4200 also worth a shout...

[jdw1234]

Fun out with the kids:

Merc R107 SL
Rolls Royce Corniche
300BHP mode on: Old school mustang convertible.

[Cactussed]

What I really need is a McLaren F1...

[Dapster]

Perfect companion to the 355!

[Cactussed]

LOL.
I'm trying to do this on a feasible salary and a bit of luck, not a lottery win.

[mon the fish]

Quattroporte?

[mike9009]

Your choices all follow a similar ('boring'??) vein of motoring.

How about something RWD and air-cooled?


I do not have the budget for such extravagance linked below, but have a very similar (??) aircooled vehicle. The driving experience is like nothing I have owned before. I enjoy the elevated view, the test of keeping the momentum going through corners and up hills. They have a great following and are easy to work on.

I have two kids and they love going for a ride and trips away at weekends.

http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/detail/motors/...

Okay it is not a Ferrari or M5, but surely you already have vehicles which 'tick' that box.....

Mike

[Justayellowbadge]

Mondial?

[Impasse]

Lotus Carlton. But buy a welder.

[wack]

granturismo S

Classy, beautiful and stylish without the brashness of a Ferrari

I like looking at ferarris and lamborghinis but have no desire to own one

the GTS is built on the quattroporte platform so there's acres of room for 4 adults

Less power drop the S

You mentioned a lottery win, if I came into daft money I'd be straight to the Maserati showroom, stunning cars

http://www.maserati.co.uk/maserati/uk/en/index/mod...



|http://thumbsnap.com/Z3pNu6JY[/url]

Edited by wack on Wednesday 12th August 05:39

Edited by wack on Wednesday 12th August 05:42

[Cactussed]

I love the Maser, but sadly well outside the price range I can realistically target. Which is a pity as in terms of looks and noise, they are just spot on.

[Cactussed]

Justayellowbadge said:

Mondial?

That is a possibility, but sadly they're daft money right now so again, well out of budget.
How the hell are you anyway?

[wack]

Cactussed said:

I love the Maser, but sadly well outside the price range I can realistically target. Which is a pity as in terms of looks and noise, they are just spot on.

I've seen a few starting around 30k for the 4.2

What budget do you have

There's a very nice quattroporte in the classifieds for 24k , 12 months warranty wise looks like a new car

I'll be looking for one February onwards, if I had the money now I'd be all over it

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

Sportsmaserati member

Edited by wack on Wednesday 12th August 08:57

[Dapster]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C561283


http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C646459


http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C606058

If you don't mind LHD and it's in budget, the Merc looks splendid!