I'd really appreciate your input and recommendations about purchasing a second car. Any comments for or against certain models will be useful in helping me make up my mind.
I'm looking for a serious 'fun' car (read: 'poser'), possibly within the 'grand tourer' definition. Two seater convertible, very fast acceleration but top end speed not particularly of interest. Exceptional road holding and cornering ability a definite requirement.
I like luxury so forget the Caterham type machines. I also don't like Ferrari ..... been thinking along the lines of Aston DB7, Turbo Lotus Esprit, TVR Tuscan/Cerbera etc but please suggest other marques.
Many thanks for any help - free beers and a ride to the best suggestion!
I was thinking around £80k max but my guess is that there must be something less expensive that fits my bill.
I'll check out the Noble spec and the 996 ..... roughly how much is that Porsche or do you have a link to prices? I'd certainly prefer to buy British if possible. Oh, and I don't mind buying second hand with very low mileage - say 5,000 max. Thanks again.
www.banks-europa.co.uk/cars/62s.htm
Without being patronising, the best thing to do is spend the next month enjoying yourself at the dealers' expense - test drive whatever you fancy. In my limited experience, spending time researching the options is as much fun as getting it.
Just like many things in life
Alternatively you could always simply avoid the hassle and go straight for what you know you want, a TVR.
The 996 looks a tad too expensive although from what I read on the internet it's some car.
Don't particularly like the 'Europa' styling now (used to love it when I was younger). The Ultima is dramatic to say the least but again - personally find it an 'ugly' car.
Mitsubishi 3000GT is an interesting possibility but I don't think it's convertible is it?
Yum, you're right ..... am going to take my time having fun with a few demo drives on my shortlist which is presently - TVR, Mercedes?, Mitsubishi 3000GT maybe, Noble (they have a new convertible coming soon apparently), Jaguar 'R'.
Thanks again for all your input.
You would then have an extremely nice (i have to say it is) looking car which would be a hell of a lot of fun in the wet and in the dry. Comfy too.
You'd also have some money left over.
Edited to add: The F&TF Supra replica is $75,000+
>> Edited by Graham.J on Sunday 29th December 14:52
speedbird1950 said: I'm getting a better idea of what to look at ..... was interested in what 'different' options you experts would throw up.The 996 looks a tad too expensive although from what I read on the internet it's some car.
Don't particularly like the 'Europa' styling now (used to love it when I was younger). The Ultima is dramatic to say the least but again - personally find it an 'ugly' car.
Mitsubishi 3000GT is an interesting possibility but I don't think it's convertible is it?
Yum, you're right ..... am going to take my time having fun with a few demo drives on my shortlist which is presently - TVR, Mercedes?, Mitsubishi 3000GT maybe, Noble (they have a new convertible coming soon apparently), Jaguar 'R'.
Thanks again for all your input.
I know what you mean about the ultima not beeing classicly prety , but as they say you don't look at the mantlepiece when your stoking the fire , but for your budget you would be stoking a blast furnace and it is one of those cars that blows your sox of in the metal (grp!)a bit like an F40 does
as for the 3000GT every report I ever read said it was ( with all due respect to loving owners ) a very fast but rather un-envolving car + hard top only , if it don't need to be strictly British then yes the NSX type R is a superb non-Ferrari but spoilt somewhat by removing the roof , better as a Coupe (Type R hard top only I think ?). What about a BM Z8 ?
The Noble M12 is certainly dramatic and sure footed but otherwise crap with a big 'C' ..... my job requires me to stay in hotels often and there is one thing you never do - stay in a new hotel until it's at least a year old and has all the faults ironed out. That's my impression of the Noble. So many design faults - no space for even an overnight bag (and believe me, I'm an expert in 'light' packing) unless you use the passenger seat/footwell, terrible handbrake position, poor interior design with horrible furry material, cheap switches, no electric mirrors or windows. The AC was either faulty or didn't work efficiently. A small rectangular interior light which looked as if it had been bought from the bathroom department at B&Q and screwed on as an afterthought. The rear spoiler was not colour co-ordinated but don't know if this is standard. No seat rake adjustment etc etc etc, I could go on. Otherwise ... not bad ! Ha ! I can't believe thay charge about £50,000 for it, especially as it's mostly manufactured in South Africa where labour charges are very cheap - they must be making at least 30% margin. Having said all that - it's horses for courses and I'm sure it's fine for many, especially for those who want race maybe (on track, of course!)
Now, Mercedes SL 55 AMG - phew, that IS the dogs bo**ocks and I'm smitten .... I won't bore you with the spec as I'm sure you all know already, suffice to say it has everything. OK, it's not inexpensive, neither did it feel as precise on the road as the Noble and it also has a sort of 'old mans car' feel about it - can't quite put my finger on it ....... - I also loved the CL 500 but it's obviously not convertible.
So, as I stand now I'm looking out for a second hand SL 500 AMG but won't buy until I've tried out the TVR Tuscan which is the next stop on my list and then Jags. By the way, Marcos - any good?
Again, my thanks for all your advice and input - great forum.
Farmer said:
What about a BM Z8 ?Thanks Farmer, hadn't thought about the new Z8 .... I'll put it on my list to have a look. I couldn't stand the older version and always considered it a 'girlies' car but saw the Z8 the other day driving in the opposite direction and it certainly 'looked' much better - will be interested in how it performs. Thanks.
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