Sports Car for the person who sadly can't drive manuals now.
Discussion
Good afternoon PH
I was hoping to get some "what car" advice from your fountain of knowledge.
I want to get a fun car in about 6 months time (I'm starting to save for it now) I've spent the last 6 months already trying to decide what car may fit the bill and I always seem to end up looking at either BMW 6 series or 996 Porsches, 2 very different cars.
The catch is, that my hips have been rapidly falling apart in the last few years and am becoming increasingly less mobile, my left side more so, hence I had to switch to driving autos as the clutch leg is knackered.
I live quite near to my workplace and will be getting a shed/tiny car to get to work, so this would be a car for occasions, road trips, Le Mans.
I'd be looking to spend around 17k, I'm turning 30 this year too, so this will be my self treat.
If Evora autos were in that price range I wouldn't be posting tbh, I really do love those cars. An e46 M3 smg may be an option, the gearbox has my palms sweaty thinking about what could go wrong with it though. I'd like to say I could put up with a manual, which would open the door to so many other options, but I won't be able to. As a petrol head to not being able to drive manual anymore is depressing me beyond belief.
I hope you can understand my dilemma, I would most appreciate some good advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
Dr Bx
I was hoping to get some "what car" advice from your fountain of knowledge.
I want to get a fun car in about 6 months time (I'm starting to save for it now) I've spent the last 6 months already trying to decide what car may fit the bill and I always seem to end up looking at either BMW 6 series or 996 Porsches, 2 very different cars.
The catch is, that my hips have been rapidly falling apart in the last few years and am becoming increasingly less mobile, my left side more so, hence I had to switch to driving autos as the clutch leg is knackered.
I live quite near to my workplace and will be getting a shed/tiny car to get to work, so this would be a car for occasions, road trips, Le Mans.
I'd be looking to spend around 17k, I'm turning 30 this year too, so this will be my self treat.
If Evora autos were in that price range I wouldn't be posting tbh, I really do love those cars. An e46 M3 smg may be an option, the gearbox has my palms sweaty thinking about what could go wrong with it though. I'd like to say I could put up with a manual, which would open the door to so many other options, but I won't be able to. As a petrol head to not being able to drive manual anymore is depressing me beyond belief.
I hope you can understand my dilemma, I would most appreciate some good advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation.
Dr Bx
Sorry to hear about your dilema, one the upside, spending £17k on a new sports car would be nice!
I'd be tempted to save up a bit more and look at an M6 maybe? Or a bit more saving could get you into a very nice Maserati Gransport: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3620375.htm
As below, a Gransport would also be pretty easy to get in and out of.
IMO, the 996 is looking a bit dated and common now. I really only like the look of the 911 C4S. Which I love!
I'd be tempted to save up a bit more and look at an M6 maybe? Or a bit more saving could get you into a very nice Maserati Gransport: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3620375.htm
As below, a Gransport would also be pretty easy to get in and out of.
IMO, the 996 is looking a bit dated and common now. I really only like the look of the 911 C4S. Which I love!
Edited by danyeates on Thursday 9th February 16:56
Sorry to hear about your health woe's, and only 30 as well....
IMO a manual gearbox isn't the be all and end all of performance motoring that many on this site would have you believe. Many modern auto/dsg boxes do an excellent job and still allow you to enjoy your driving.
The E60 M5 has fallen into your budget range. Get a decent third party warranty and you shouldn't have to worry about the gearbox etc. Also a lot easier to get in and out of than a 911 etc with your problem hips.
IMO a manual gearbox isn't the be all and end all of performance motoring that many on this site would have you believe. Many modern auto/dsg boxes do an excellent job and still allow you to enjoy your driving.
The E60 M5 has fallen into your budget range. Get a decent third party warranty and you shouldn't have to worry about the gearbox etc. Also a lot easier to get in and out of than a 911 etc with your problem hips.
Save a bit more, get really good at haggling and buy a V12 Aston Martin DB7?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3443882.htm
What's the worst that could happen?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3443882.htm
What's the worst that could happen?
I have an understanding of your situation: became an LBK amputee in '04 and have only driven autos since.
I've found that the most frustrating aspect of autos is that most (in normal, everyday cars) are fairly lethargic to change gear and will not give you much manual control. Be prepared to be frustrated if you buy an '06 Ford Focus automatic...
However, some of the box's fitted to 'sports' cars are much better - I used to run an '02 BMW 330ci and it had a pretty good 'box. Current tiptronic Boxster is better again. Purists will always scoff at autos, but if like for me there's no getting away from them there is a fair choice amongst the more err, 'premium' brands.
If you get a chance, see if you can get a test drive of a Porsche with the newer PDK 'box - that'll give you an idea of how good modern double-clutch designs can be.
I've found that the most frustrating aspect of autos is that most (in normal, everyday cars) are fairly lethargic to change gear and will not give you much manual control. Be prepared to be frustrated if you buy an '06 Ford Focus automatic...
However, some of the box's fitted to 'sports' cars are much better - I used to run an '02 BMW 330ci and it had a pretty good 'box. Current tiptronic Boxster is better again. Purists will always scoff at autos, but if like for me there's no getting away from them there is a fair choice amongst the more err, 'premium' brands.
If you get a chance, see if you can get a test drive of a Porsche with the newer PDK 'box - that'll give you an idea of how good modern double-clutch designs can be.
Also other things may have to be taken into consideration.
In my case I needed:
a good position so I could drive it comfortably
a boot big enough for a scooter - no good arriving in style if I can't go more than 5m from the car.
4 seats (I've got 2 young kids and didn't want to exclude them)
convertible- if you're going to have a 3rd car in the family it needed to bring something else to the "party" and its a lot easier to get into with the roof down.
be under £20k
not be to old ( I'd spent a long time with "classics" and know they need time spent on them)
not be potentially ruinous (good bye db7)
It'd didn't leave a long list and so I ended up with a xkr (2005)- ok more of a cruiser than a sports car, but it shifts like a stabbed rat!
Very pleased with it
In my case I needed:
a good position so I could drive it comfortably
a boot big enough for a scooter - no good arriving in style if I can't go more than 5m from the car.
4 seats (I've got 2 young kids and didn't want to exclude them)
convertible- if you're going to have a 3rd car in the family it needed to bring something else to the "party" and its a lot easier to get into with the roof down.
be under £20k
not be to old ( I'd spent a long time with "classics" and know they need time spent on them)
not be potentially ruinous (good bye db7)
It'd didn't leave a long list and so I ended up with a xkr (2005)- ok more of a cruiser than a sports car, but it shifts like a stabbed rat!
Very pleased with it
Edited by stuartmmcfc on Thursday 9th February 17:49
You guys are awesome, thanks so much for the responses. Some really great suggestions, I'd forgotten about caymans with pdk... :-)
I used to have an Xj sport which I loved to bits, the 13mpg not so when marching on, but what a star. XKs are also worth a look in, I love how Jags glide. I also had a 2002 Clk which was a giant pile of **** so won't be going merc unless it's one of the newer ones.
A few more months til I move and I will start driving some cars, hopefully a holy thread ressurection to come at a later date and pictures :-)
On a completely off topic, I'm going to try and put a book of portraits of the current living legends of motorsport together. I'm looking for a charity along with Help for heroes that I could do this for, specifically one that looks after young people who are unable to walk unassisted. Does anyone have a good one they know of? I need to do this as I've had a lot of support from my family dealing with this, but not everyone does.
Dr Bx
P.s Glad you like the site, goto the last page for the cars :-)
I used to have an Xj sport which I loved to bits, the 13mpg not so when marching on, but what a star. XKs are also worth a look in, I love how Jags glide. I also had a 2002 Clk which was a giant pile of **** so won't be going merc unless it's one of the newer ones.
A few more months til I move and I will start driving some cars, hopefully a holy thread ressurection to come at a later date and pictures :-)
On a completely off topic, I'm going to try and put a book of portraits of the current living legends of motorsport together. I'm looking for a charity along with Help for heroes that I could do this for, specifically one that looks after young people who are unable to walk unassisted. Does anyone have a good one they know of? I need to do this as I've had a lot of support from my family dealing with this, but not everyone does.
Dr Bx
P.s Glad you like the site, goto the last page for the cars :-)
Some performance cars actually work better as an auto, the key is to remove the reliance of being in the right gear at the right time from the equation. Big V8s do this quite nicely which gives you the SL or the Porsche 928 (which I have a thing for) as a good starter.
Ideally though you're probably after a Ferrari. A slightly more practical Ferrari, maybe with rear seats and an auto box. If it could also be discounted down to £17000 that'd be appreciated, oh, and if they could actually do a slightly better job of the interior it wouldn't go amiss.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3516836.htm
Sold.
Next
Ideally though you're probably after a Ferrari. A slightly more practical Ferrari, maybe with rear seats and an auto box. If it could also be discounted down to £17000 that'd be appreciated, oh, and if they could actually do a slightly better job of the interior it wouldn't go amiss.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3516836.htm
Sold.
Next
Dr Boxcat said:
Oh dear.. That is gorgeous, hits all the marks, just the brave pill is all that would be needed. Roll on 6 months!
Actually, not that bad according to owners (see Harris' thread on the 3200GT -slightly more lovely but also slightly more brave) and those that own them claim that it's not that bad. The market still thinks bi Turbo which means £1 a mile in maintenance.Just accept that it'll kick you in the teeth occasionally but enjoy the pay off of having not only a very good car underneath looks but also a car that's absolutely stunning.
Not as serious as you it sounds, but progressive knee damage has put me unable to regularly drive Manual's too.
I went through this dilemma about 18 months ago and, although again, slightly different circumstances with cost and my location etc, i went for the 370Z and not looked back. Perfect blend of sports car and daily driver, very comfy seats that give good support and good performance to boot.
here was the comments on that "what car" thread back then ...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I went through this dilemma about 18 months ago and, although again, slightly different circumstances with cost and my location etc, i went for the 370Z and not looked back. Perfect blend of sports car and daily driver, very comfy seats that give good support and good performance to boot.
here was the comments on that "what car" thread back then ...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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