The best £80k coupe
Discussion
Hi all
I recently sold my 07 Aston Martin V8 Vantage and am looking to buy something really special for around £80k which gives me plenty of great cars to choose from. I know I want something with character, good looking and it has to be a coupe. Also I am really looking for something to keep long term so it has to have the ability to put a smile on my face a few years down the road.
I’ve got my shortlist down to 6 coupes, 3 front engine, 3 mid-engine. Each car offers a different and unique ownership prospect and am trying to whittle down the list. So here is my shortlist and a few pros and cons. I’d love to hear what you guys think is the best car on the list and which you’d go for.
Audi R8 V10
+ Supercar performance
+ Refinement and ease of ownership
_ Lack of character?
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
+ My heart says I want one
_ My head tells me I’ll look a tool driving one
+ I love the brand, sound and looks
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
+ The best modern Aston ever?
+ Future classic
+ People don’t think you’re a douche if you drive an Aston
_ Too similar to my 07 Vantage?
TVR Sagaris
+ Love the crazy styling
_ Can it hold its own against other cars on the list?
Jaguar E type S1
+ Stunning looking car
_ Would get limited use in winter months
_ Difficult to maintain and aren't they rust buckets?
_ I’ve heard the don’t drive that well
Superformance GT40
+ An icon, great looks and amazing sense of occasion
_ Limited use in the winter
_ Can’t just jump in it and go for a spin
I recently sold my 07 Aston Martin V8 Vantage and am looking to buy something really special for around £80k which gives me plenty of great cars to choose from. I know I want something with character, good looking and it has to be a coupe. Also I am really looking for something to keep long term so it has to have the ability to put a smile on my face a few years down the road.
I’ve got my shortlist down to 6 coupes, 3 front engine, 3 mid-engine. Each car offers a different and unique ownership prospect and am trying to whittle down the list. So here is my shortlist and a few pros and cons. I’d love to hear what you guys think is the best car on the list and which you’d go for.
Audi R8 V10
+ Supercar performance
+ Refinement and ease of ownership
_ Lack of character?
Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
+ My heart says I want one
_ My head tells me I’ll look a tool driving one
+ I love the brand, sound and looks
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
+ The best modern Aston ever?
+ Future classic
+ People don’t think you’re a douche if you drive an Aston
_ Too similar to my 07 Vantage?
TVR Sagaris
+ Love the crazy styling
_ Can it hold its own against other cars on the list?
Jaguar E type S1
+ Stunning looking car
_ Would get limited use in winter months
_ Difficult to maintain and aren't they rust buckets?
_ I’ve heard the don’t drive that well
Superformance GT40
+ An icon, great looks and amazing sense of occasion
_ Limited use in the winter
_ Can’t just jump in it and go for a spin
Lovely budget to go shopping with.
Would have to be a Aston Martin V12 Vantage if it were me. I'm sure there are technically more accomplished cars, but for the long-term grin factor I reckon it's a winner.
V12 n/a engine + manual gearbox. They just won't build things like that ever again.
Would have to be a Aston Martin V12 Vantage if it were me. I'm sure there are technically more accomplished cars, but for the long-term grin factor I reckon it's a winner.
V12 n/a engine + manual gearbox. They just won't build things like that ever again.
Why is there no Ferrari on you list
there are 430s well within 80k budget
If you've genuinely driven one and really don't think they are as good as some of the other then fair enough
if it has anything to do with image or brand perception, put it back on your list, get out there and test drive one before you rule it out.
there are 430s well within 80k budget
If you've genuinely driven one and really don't think they are as good as some of the other then fair enough
if it has anything to do with image or brand perception, put it back on your list, get out there and test drive one before you rule it out.
I'd go racing for £80k, but if I was forced into a road car then for me it'd be a Ferrari 599 or 430. I realise there must be a reason why you omitted Ferrari from your list, but you could perhaps lessen the impact by choosing one in a subtle colour? There are a few black and dark blue ones on PH classifieds for circa £80k. From your list I'd pick the Aston, although I confess I've not driven any of them to really know which is best.
Scooby Drew said:
snoopy25 said:
Well at least this better than the 'I've got £6/7k' to spend on a car 
You forgot to mention 'and will carry a family of 25 plus 2 rugby teams, has more character than a Ferrari F40 and uses less fuel than a Prius' 
I would say go for an Aston of some sort.
Anything to not be that chap. A good thread
I love the maserati brand, would love a 67 ghibli or bora but prices have gone crazy in the past couple of years. Gran Turismo doesn't float my boat and don't think it will offer the same thrills as the other cars Ion the list plus a DBS or V12 Vantage is much better looking.
As for Ferrari, have considered the 599. I've heard running costs and bills are on another level though. As for F430, for me not a looker and if I am going mid engine Italian supercar then it's lamborghini every time.
As for Ferrari, have considered the 599. I've heard running costs and bills are on another level though. As for F430, for me not a looker and if I am going mid engine Italian supercar then it's lamborghini every time.
I would ordinarily say the V12 Vantage, because it's really quite an incredible machine, but since you currently have a Vantage I would look at a 599. You're still getting the overwhelming experience of a huge V12 but in a car that is substantially different from your current one in other ways too and, I'm told, rather good to live with. I reckon running costs will be offset by stronger residuals than the Aston.
Certainly a lovely position to be in, let us know what you go for.
Certainly a lovely position to be in, let us know what you go for.
Love the fact the Sagaris is on your list.
If you don't have the time to get involved in TVR car meets or the social side of events or if it's just not your thing then I would choose the Aston.Even for you to have an Aston on your list from being a previous owner must surely mean something.
My first two TVR's i never had the time but with my 3rd TVR I have joined the club as i have a lot more time and it's a great social scene.
Of course I don't know you and what you like to do in your free time,but for me personally I have enjoyed the ownership of my 3rd TVR much more in being able to go to car events.
If you don't have the time to get involved in TVR car meets or the social side of events or if it's just not your thing then I would choose the Aston.Even for you to have an Aston on your list from being a previous owner must surely mean something.
My first two TVR's i never had the time but with my 3rd TVR I have joined the club as i have a lot more time and it's a great social scene.
Of course I don't know you and what you like to do in your free time,but for me personally I have enjoyed the ownership of my 3rd TVR much more in being able to go to car events.
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