Buying advice

[topcat1]

Hi all, it's been a while since I have had a fast toy on the road, but now business is going well, house is bought, wedding is done, and I bought my wife a TT, it's time for me to think about buying myself a toy again.

I'm 29 and want to satisfy the buying a nice car before 30 thing, I want to spend around £30k or less really, (can't afford the Murcielago LP640 I really really want yet).

I'm mechanical and have decent driving ability, I built a supercharged V8 MX5 with nearly 400bhp and no driver aids about 4 years ago, was great fun and larey as hell. I'm fairly sure I won't get the same driving experience with a production car in my budget, but I do want some excitement, not too worried about running costs, practicality, just has to look nice, go like stink and have potential to become a future classic.

I've always loved the looks of TVR's especially Tuscans (mk1), they look and sound great and sure they go well, but the put off is seeing how shoddily they are made! Aston V8 Vantage was my top choice because they are beautiful, sound good and a decent modern car, but worried it may be a bit soft compared to something like a TVR to handle.

Never been a Porsche man- but knowing they have a good rep, I've wondered about a 996 Turbo? Always liked the look but never paid a lot of attention- I figure you are a Porsche person or not but maybe I could be converted!

Can anyone throw some thoughts in please, I should say I'm looking to buy something maybe 10 years old so it has lost most of it's value but is still fairly modern, with potential to not lose too much money. Also wondered about something like a Viper/SRT10?

1. Aston Martin V8 Vantage (4.3)
2. TVR Tuscan Speed 6
3. Porsche 996 Turbo
4. Dodge Viper/SRT10??

Thanks,
TC

[topcat1]

Nobody want to tell me I'm an idiot for wanting a TVR or remind me how much a set of Porsche brake pads are???

[Liquid Tuna]

Buy the TVR.

[Prawo Jazdy]

Z4 M Coupe/Roadster?

Probably nothing like as fun as a 400bhp MX5, but it has always struck me as being a bit like a TVR built by a mainstream manufacturer. No first hand experience here though.

[rallycross]

I would chose a 911 GT3 but it's worth also considering a high spec Evo or Impreza, try a Spec C and an Evo 9GT ( they both have similar lap times to a GT3 on track and are As quick a B road car as you will find ( with 4 seats)' and only need £12k to £15k budget.

[Fattyfat]

High end Caterham?

Edit to add: Honda NSX?

Edited by Fattyfat on Wednesday 8th October 22:57

[topcat1]

I don't deny an Evo or Scooby would be a great road rocket but I'm looking for more of a thoroughbred sports car than a hot hatch or jap metal, otherwise I would be looking at an R34 GTR or a Supra RZ! I've always loved these, maybe some jap would be worth considering, perhaps a 370Z, just not sure it is what I'm after.

If I shortlist 2 or 3 maybe I should line up some viewings and test rides.

Edit- NSX is a good shout, always respected them and certainly going to go up in value! Caterham not really what I'm after.

Edited by topcat1 on Wednesday 8th October 23:02

[mike9009]

How about an Exige, Evora or VXR220?

[ging84]

I'm sure whatever you get you'll come back with pictures with custard on

[Tribal Chestnut]

ging84 said:

I'm sure whatever you get you'll come back with pictures with custard on

Why?

[Tribal Chestnut]

C6 Corvette? Not sure where Z06s are at the mo, might be within budget.

[topcat1]

Never considered a Lotus, isn't it time for a variant of the custard test as there must be enough pictures available now for people to steal which kinda defeats the point!

[Pit Pony]

I am thinking what car I thought was appropriate to me, when I was 29. Ah yes Mk2 cavalier 1.6 GL.

Go on. You know you want to. Mine was a 27K mile facelift model.

[Renovation]

I'd suggest an LS V8 RX7 - there's one on Ebay (although it seems over priced) or Craig could build you one (see Papercup's thread)

[ging84]

topcat1 said:

Never considered a Lotus, isn't it time for a variant of the custard test as there must be enough pictures available now for people to steal which kinda defeats the point!

Either you are the top lurker or this is not your only account

[topcat1]

?

[topcat1]

Do right hand drive Corvette C6's exist and are they all autos?

I think the list looks a bit more like:

TVR Tuscan
Corvette C06
Honda NSX
Aston V8 Vantage

Probably at the stage where lining up some viewings/test drives makes sense now, thanks for all the input!

[knitware]

For just a smidgin more cash and or good haggling you could buy a Nissan GTR,

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n... This one sold but just for referance.

Surley this would give you all the satisfaction you need!?

[topcat1]

I'd love a GTR- it is a serious weapon! I have heard they lack any soul which is the only negative- I'd definitely like one in my garage but maybe later on, although that could change if I tested one... Would it bring any more of a smile to my face than a Tuscan for half the money though?

[topcat1]

Going to be looking at buying a Tuscan over Christmas with any luck, what is the general consensus with cat-d history? Only that there are a few around with history which really reduces price, if they have been repaired properly is there any down side other than resale value (surely balanced by cheaper purchase price?)

Thanks,
TC