What is the ultimate GT car for the average person?
Discussion
Like plenty on here, I would love to tour Europe in something exotic and powered by a great big V12, but in the real world where fuel, maintenance costs and purchase price have to be taken into consideration, is there a great all rounder that the average person could run as a proper GT? Something quick, comfortable, practical and good looking for reasonable money and running costs?
Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
add 'Quiet' to the criteria
I once watched Harry on youtube going down to S of France in a Ferrari and the noise in the cabin was so deafening you could hardly hear his dulcet tones.
Lexus LC500 would be my type of vehicle for this brief as long as that doesn't have piped-in exhaust noise
I once watched Harry on youtube going down to S of France in a Ferrari and the noise in the cabin was so deafening you could hardly hear his dulcet tones.
Lexus LC500 would be my type of vehicle for this brief as long as that doesn't have piped-in exhaust noise
Canon_Fodder said:
add 'Quiet' to the criteria
I once watched Harry on youtube going down to S of France in a Ferrari and the noise in the cabin was so deafening you could hardly hear his dulcet tones.
Lexus LC500 would be my type of vehicle for this brief as long as that doesn't have piped-in exhaust noise
X2 for LexusI once watched Harry on youtube going down to S of France in a Ferrari and the noise in the cabin was so deafening you could hardly hear his dulcet tones.
Lexus LC500 would be my type of vehicle for this brief as long as that doesn't have piped-in exhaust noise
TheStig44 said:
Like plenty on here, I would love to tour Europe in something exotic and powered by a great big V12, but in the real world where fuel, maintenance costs and purchase price have to be taken into consideration, is there a great all rounder that the average person could run as a proper GT? Something quick, comfortable, practical and good looking for reasonable money and running costs?
Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
I don't think an average person can afford a GT car.Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
If I was doing it though, I'd be in something like a 911 or a Jag F-type. Usable, fun, but able to consume huge distances without leaving the driver in a bad state.
TheStig44 said:
Like plenty on here, I would love to tour Europe in something exotic and powered by a great big V12, but in the real world where fuel, maintenance costs and purchase price have to be taken into consideration, is there a great all rounder that the average person could run as a proper GT? Something quick, comfortable, practical and good looking for reasonable money and running costs?
Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
Right stable, wrong nag.Obviously the choices are near endless and very dependent on peoples preferences and needs, but I am interested what suggestions people have, or even what the cars they bought for this purpose.
My first thoughts, budget dependent are;
BMW M4
or
BMW 435D
640d GC. Big enough for 4 folks, massive boot, 600miles range easily, quiet on a long run and 50mpg possible.
£20-25 k should find you a good one without mega miles.
Truckosaurus said:
Lexus RC300h are sub-20k now, could be nice and refined even though only 4-cyls.
Mercedes E-class coupes always seem good value, often cheaper than an equivalent saloon or estate version. A 6- or 8-cylinder version would be an enjoyable cruiser.
I often drive a family member’s Lexus IS300h (RC’s sister car, with the same engine and gearbox) while it is a lovely car, I don’t find it particularly suited to long distance, open road journeys. The engine is a bit gruff and the gearbox doesn’t like hard work. It’s far more happy being a posh daily if you live in towns/cities and its perfect for that (better than the Germans). So smoothMercedes E-class coupes always seem good value, often cheaper than an equivalent saloon or estate version. A 6- or 8-cylinder version would be an enjoyable cruiser.
For long distance/high speed drives (what a GT is best used for) the aforementioned E Class Coupe is a lot better and really better suited to that job.
The classic GTs that evoke thoughts of international playboys heading to Monaco or St Moritz were built for the roads of the era. A car that is used for the same purposes now arguably doesn't need the same capabilities.
So, whereas James Bond was hot footing it past long lines of cars on SC roads and through mountainous passes, you could probably get by with a budget airline ticket and a 4-cyl diesel these days.
But, that's not the point! A V8 barge is the sweet spot for most: ~30mpg at cruise ensures not ridiculous fuel costs, 80-90 litre fuel tanks ensure decent range, a V8 soundtrack and performance for the bits that aren't a motorway slog. If you are going for something used, the venerable M113 V8 in the Mercedes range of the 2000s is about as reliable as modern engines get.
So, I'm going to say S211 Mercedes E500 (yes, the estate - for skis and suitcases and whatnot) with a switchable exhaust. An E55 if the budget will extend so far.
But, those will be a bit too old for some people's tastes. If you have £100k to spend on depreciation I'd say a B5 or an E63. Either, but has to be in wagon form.
Alpina B5 or Mercedes E63 to be specific (in case someone thinks I'm referring to Audi or BMW chassis codes!)
So, whereas James Bond was hot footing it past long lines of cars on SC roads and through mountainous passes, you could probably get by with a budget airline ticket and a 4-cyl diesel these days.
But, that's not the point! A V8 barge is the sweet spot for most: ~30mpg at cruise ensures not ridiculous fuel costs, 80-90 litre fuel tanks ensure decent range, a V8 soundtrack and performance for the bits that aren't a motorway slog. If you are going for something used, the venerable M113 V8 in the Mercedes range of the 2000s is about as reliable as modern engines get.
So, I'm going to say S211 Mercedes E500 (yes, the estate - for skis and suitcases and whatnot) with a switchable exhaust. An E55 if the budget will extend so far.
But, those will be a bit too old for some people's tastes. If you have £100k to spend on depreciation I'd say a B5 or an E63. Either, but has to be in wagon form.
Alpina B5 or Mercedes E63 to be specific (in case someone thinks I'm referring to Audi or BMW chassis codes!)
Edited by donkmeister on Tuesday 30th August 15:47
Cold said:
CraigyMc said:
Cold said:
The answer is a DB9.
For the average person.Gotcha.
I had no idea DB9s were available so cheaply - some on the classifieds under £30K right now.
CraigyMc said:
Cold said:
CraigyMc said:
Cold said:
The answer is a DB9.
For the average person.Gotcha.
I had no idea DB9s were available so cheaply - some on the classifieds under £30K right now.
Shhh, don't say it so loudly, they'll all want one!
You'll have to be more specific on the 'average person' bit... perhaps set a budget.
A gt car for me is either 2 seats or 2+2, big boot, stylish and comfortable for long distances. At my budget end, id either have a bmw 645 or 650, or a jag xk. Perhaps even a 630d if cruising economy is more important than soundtrack.
A gt car for me is either 2 seats or 2+2, big boot, stylish and comfortable for long distances. At my budget end, id either have a bmw 645 or 650, or a jag xk. Perhaps even a 630d if cruising economy is more important than soundtrack.
JohnnyUK said:
A 928 - obvs....
Sounds fair enough to me. I'd happily tour Europe in a 928. Personally I actually prefer the 944.Cold said:
Prices quoted so far in the thread will buy one and they aren't exactly ruinous to run, especially when compared with a modern diesel BMW etc.
Can you explain this further? Regardless of purchase price, surely an Aston Martin cannot have comparable or cheaper running costs than a modern diesel BMW.Average person is quite specific. I'm not sure how many average people would be buying Aston Martins for example. I suppose an older one is affordable but running costs on top of the price? Who knows.
I'm voting for my 2010 Mercedes CL500 though. As comfortable as the S Class it replaces, handles brilliantly, good performance (although a CL63/600 would be obviously quicker), plenty of comfort and luxuries. For £12k. Admittedly there could be some big bills, but it's not a given and it's worth the running costs (in my opinion obviously).
Nice place to be.
I suppose 'ultimate' could be very subjective. This isn't as in your face as the Continental it was aiming to rival at the time but it's got more presence than pictures gave it credit for until I bought one.
I'm voting for my 2010 Mercedes CL500 though. As comfortable as the S Class it replaces, handles brilliantly, good performance (although a CL63/600 would be obviously quicker), plenty of comfort and luxuries. For £12k. Admittedly there could be some big bills, but it's not a given and it's worth the running costs (in my opinion obviously).
Nice place to be.
I suppose 'ultimate' could be very subjective. This isn't as in your face as the Continental it was aiming to rival at the time but it's got more presence than pictures gave it credit for until I bought one.
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