What to do, what to S

[a_dreamer]

So I have a big birthday coming in 17 months time and a lease deal ending in 5 months time. I have a 911 on order but who knows if that is ever coming. I fancy something new purely for the ease of ownership and all the latest mod cons but I want something special to bring in the big birthday. I have two young kids so it needs two rear seats.

With the 911 unlikely it end up back at the BMW M3/4/5, Alfa Giulia quad, or just go down the luxury family route and go x5 or q8

I would likely buy the 911 to keep but the others I can't see me keeping long term.

I have test driven a few of them and none are bad options. I'd do an ev but I'd want it again to be something special, although given the advances we will see in ev's again it's not something id want to keep hold of long term.

Any suggestions or others experiences welcome.

[trevalvole]

It'd be second-hand, but what about one of the last Maserati GranTurismos?

[clarkmagpie]

Ferrari 612?

[LeeM135i]

I looked at buying a 911 for my 40th. After lots of deliberation I went with a Mercedes C63S coupe, it looks close enough to a standard C class that only those that know, know. It doesn't bring out the little green monster like the 911 so I am less likely to find someones keyed their thoughts into its paint.

The C63 is a great car, has lots of special engineering under the skin, so much more than a C class with a big engine.

The noise it makes on cold start up makes me smile every time, such a meaty growl!

I also looked at:
Aston V8 Vantage
BMW M3
Lotus Evora

[a_dreamer]

Cheers for the replies. I think I am too much of the worrier for a second hand car and the fear of that big issue which costs loads.

That is definitely what would put me off a Ferrari. Having had some conversations and to maintain a Porsche 911 seems considerably cheaper than a Ferrari or Aston.

New cars are just what I have always been used to. I can't say I know many technical people who could help me out when looking second hand. I'm also wary that I'm used to new cars that are relatively simple. 3 series, A4 etc where maintenance is simple to nothing.

The 911 feels most close to the hassle free motoring, especially one under warranty.

If I could get two years of trouble free motoring from an Aston or a Ferrari it would definitely tempt me, I'd just not know where to start and my ability to trust people isn't the best.

[ZX10R NIN]

Go for a Mclaren get a Thorney warranty on it & you can have a very special car:

540C

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112090...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...

570S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111109...

12C

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102249...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...

[M.F.D]

Go big or go home. You are looking to treat yourself and want something special, so I would buy what you want rather than settle for something safe - obviously funds permitting, and enjoy it. Latest post about something lightly used with a decent warranty would be a real option if I was in your shoes.

[Tall_Blk]

M.F.D said:

Go big or go home. You are looking to treat yourself and want something special, so I would buy what you want rather than settle for something safe - obviously funds permitting, and enjoy it. Latest post about something lightly used with a decent warranty would be a real option if I was in your shoes.

I agree. Audi R8 might be the car for If you are looking at safe options.

[fflump]

You mentioned an Alfa Giulia QF which is a great 'family' car if you have two kids* and if you get one with the balance of its 5 year warranty remaining you'll have piece of mind and not have to worry about researching 3rd party providers.

I know you have a new 911 on order, but another option is to try an older model. For example you can get a 10 year old Porsche Approved 997 GTS with 2 year warranty with barely a premium over other dealers.

• unlike regular Giulias, the QF seems to be almost exclusively specced as a 4 seater.

[RonnieHotdogs]

+1 for the Giulia.

It's a very special car; with the Giorgio platform essentially retired and Alfa no longer having any ties with Ferrari, it's unlikely we'll see anything like it again.

I'm slightly biased though. And red's the best colour.

[a_dreamer]

Ok, thanks for those that have responded. A little update. The Porsche seems very unlikely indeed so I was out this weekend looking at the m cars and have got a bit of leaning towards an M3 likely in xdrive form.

Alfa is next weekend if I can find one to drive.

Thinking a good deal on an M3 will sway me. Especially with the forces/NHS discount.

[eleveneleven]

I agree with the R8 suggestion

My neighbor has a 2016 V10+ It's his only car. had it for a 2 years now, drives it daily, it's never given him any issues (so far) Looks and sounds fantastic.

E63S is a good shout too does the family stuff well but it's an absolute beast when you need it to be.

[ilikejam]

Not sure what your budget is, but could you stretch to one of the mad Teslas?

Would love a Model X - my kids would have the battery flat every day just playing with the doors!

[a_dreamer]

Latest update. I've always wanted the 911. I've always wanted an m car. I feel now is the time to buy one as they won't exist in the right way soon.

The nhs deal on the m cars make the prices very different. I'm trying to work out if the 911 could be the last car I ever buy for myself and keeping it. While then just having the Mrs have the family car going forward and me having my nice sports car.

R8 would be ace but need back seats

[a_dreamer]

Availability and confidence in projections of delivery times are doing my head in.

My criteria hasn't changed too much but what I want is

- something interesting - ideally something that has that special feel when you get it

- relatively modern, not too old

- not ruinous in terms of service, maintenance or warranty

- must fit two kids in the back, eldest nearly six.

911 would tick all the boxes and would do new if I could get one.