Supercar or sensible(ish)
Discussion
Until recently, I had a McLaren 650 Spider that I used about 85% of the time (all year), and an Audi TT Roadster that I used the rest of the time. I no longer have the 650, and although the TT was OK as an occasional sensible car, I'm finding that it isn't really cutting it as "my car". But I'm debating what to do next :
1) Buy another supercar. Problem is, I don't really want to spend much above £100k. There are no Ferrari / Lambo that interest me at that price point, and my preferred McLaren would be..... 650 Spider. Even if I increased the budget, I'd still prefer 650 Spider over most things below about £200k.
But, I am aware that I'd been thinking of selling the McLaren for some time and stepping out of supercar ownership. Although it was surprisingly reasonable to run, you always need an emergency fund for it, and there is a certain amount of hassle with owning that type of car.
It's probably the most likely option - although I'm quite specific about spec / colour, so it would take a while for the right car to appear - but it's far from definite.
2) Buy something more interesting than the Audi, but still "sensible" - either in addition to or instead of the Audi. But then - what?
It would need to have reasonably sensible running costs, and more importantly be fairly hassle free - i.e. park it anywhere, insure it anywhere, service it easily / locally, reliable.
I quite fancy the new Supra - but that's probably because I loved the 2 MK IVs I had and have rose tinted glasses - I know the new one is far more Z4 than MK IV. That is probably the sort of money I'd be willing to spend on the sensible option though - however, would be even happier spending half that.
Had an Aston before, and loved it - but would be reluctant to buy another because (apart from noise) the McLaren was better in every way, even including comfort and around town driving.
Not interested in any Porsche.
F Type is possible, although don't think I'm really tempted by them.
Early R8 perhaps - but then I may as well spend more and choose option 1).
Even quite like the look of the current NSX, but not ready to spend £100k on one.
Any other thoughts?
3) Be really dull and just keep the Audi. It is actually a very good example - although 2010, it's low miles (~40k) has no issues and does exactly the job I bought it for. Problem is - the job I bought it for isn't the job it's doing now. But I suspect it will do over winter while I think about what I should buy.
Suggestions are welcome - sure there are many cars I haven't thought of.
1) Buy another supercar. Problem is, I don't really want to spend much above £100k. There are no Ferrari / Lambo that interest me at that price point, and my preferred McLaren would be..... 650 Spider. Even if I increased the budget, I'd still prefer 650 Spider over most things below about £200k.
But, I am aware that I'd been thinking of selling the McLaren for some time and stepping out of supercar ownership. Although it was surprisingly reasonable to run, you always need an emergency fund for it, and there is a certain amount of hassle with owning that type of car.
It's probably the most likely option - although I'm quite specific about spec / colour, so it would take a while for the right car to appear - but it's far from definite.
2) Buy something more interesting than the Audi, but still "sensible" - either in addition to or instead of the Audi. But then - what?
It would need to have reasonably sensible running costs, and more importantly be fairly hassle free - i.e. park it anywhere, insure it anywhere, service it easily / locally, reliable.
I quite fancy the new Supra - but that's probably because I loved the 2 MK IVs I had and have rose tinted glasses - I know the new one is far more Z4 than MK IV. That is probably the sort of money I'd be willing to spend on the sensible option though - however, would be even happier spending half that.
Had an Aston before, and loved it - but would be reluctant to buy another because (apart from noise) the McLaren was better in every way, even including comfort and around town driving.
Not interested in any Porsche.
F Type is possible, although don't think I'm really tempted by them.
Early R8 perhaps - but then I may as well spend more and choose option 1).
Even quite like the look of the current NSX, but not ready to spend £100k on one.
Any other thoughts?
3) Be really dull and just keep the Audi. It is actually a very good example - although 2010, it's low miles (~40k) has no issues and does exactly the job I bought it for. Problem is - the job I bought it for isn't the job it's doing now. But I suspect it will do over winter while I think about what I should buy.
Suggestions are welcome - sure there are many cars I haven't thought of.
Wheelspinning said:
Merge the pair of them and go for a R8 V10 spider with the better auto box.
£50k should be a reasonable budget and probably get that back in 3 years time.
After selling my 650 spider, I missed it that much I had a brain melt and went the 675 spider route.
Didn't realise that V10 Spiders came in at high 40s. That is definitely an option - could buy one then ditch the TT which would mean around £40k difference. Seems quite reasonable - although I am concerned that buying something that's still a bit 'supercar' may make me regret not buying another 650. More than a more normal car would (maybe)£50k should be a reasonable budget and probably get that back in 3 years time.
After selling my 650 spider, I missed it that much I had a brain melt and went the 675 spider route.
You need a stop gap car that won’t cost you an arm and a leg in repairs or depreciation.
Porsche 991 GTS. Will be around 70-75k. Can get it with or add a Porsche warranty. Depreciation will be utterly minimal and I’m sure will be a great car.
R8 v10 spyder is a great option but it also has potentional to through some smelly bills with mag ride etc unless you get one with warranty and even then Audi warranty is hit and miss with the mag ride.
Porsche 991 GTS. Will be around 70-75k. Can get it with or add a Porsche warranty. Depreciation will be utterly minimal and I’m sure will be a great car.
R8 v10 spyder is a great option but it also has potentional to through some smelly bills with mag ride etc unless you get one with warranty and even then Audi warranty is hit and miss with the mag ride.
ChrisH72 said:
If you like the idea of a Supra you could always look at the Nissan GTR. Seems to be some nice examples around 60-70k and shouldn't be a pain to run.
Interesting option.They've never appealed, although somebody took me around a track in one a few years ago and I was much more impressed than I expected. Not sure if it's a car I want to own, but will give it some thought.
Although ~£70k would be getting a bit too close to 'may as well buy the McLaren'.
The 650 was so good at everything, that I am finding most other cars I consider are not that tempting!
Lotus Evora, the nicest one you can find, far more of an involving drive I'd imagine than most supercars even with lighter better handling etc. Great looking car with a bullet proof Lexus engine.
Or the new Lotus (Emira?), though I guess there's a wait time there unless you pay to take someone else's build slot.
Or the new Lotus (Emira?), though I guess there's a wait time there unless you pay to take someone else's build slot.
Ash_ said:
Lotus Evora, the nicest one you can find, far more of an involving drive I'd imagine than most supercars even with lighter better handling etc. Great looking car with a bullet proof Lexus engine.
Or the new Lotus (Emira?), though I guess there's a wait time there unless you pay to take someone else's build slot.
Ah - no.Or the new Lotus (Emira?), though I guess there's a wait time there unless you pay to take someone else's build slot.
Two years ago, I sold my 360 and was toying with the idea of buying something else. Evora was high on my list of possibles - but in the end I decided not to bother with anything.
A year ago, I had an Evora as a courtesy car for a week - was really excited at the prospect, and pretty sure I'd be shopping for one afterwards.
I hated it. Massively compromised car (no rear visibility, mirrors that show the side of the car no matter how you adjust them, the slowest gear change I've ever known unless you are in sport mode etc) and nothing that made up for it. That handling was ok, but nothing special. Putting my foot down resulted in more noise (and it was a nice noise) but not much acceleration.
I know people love them, and we all have different tastes - but it is probably the most disappointing car I've ever driven. I disliked it enough that after a few days I just started using the Audi again even though I'd put a full tank of petrol in the lotus because I expected to use it a lot.
Edited by davek_964 on Friday 26th August 11:06
As a leftfield option what about the LC500h:
It's no supercar (so you won't be comparing it to the 650) it's a very nice place to be & goes (not as well as the V8) well & may be worth a test drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
It's no supercar (so you won't be comparing it to the 650) it's a very nice place to be & goes (not as well as the V8) well & may be worth a test drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
ninjag said:
Would a few less common models be worth a mention?
Lexus RC F track edition
Mercedes AMG GT or SL63
BMW M850i
Maserati Grancabrio
The Lexus is definitely an option. Like the look of those and it probably has more in common than the MK IV supra than the current one.Lexus RC F track edition
Mercedes AMG GT or SL63
BMW M850i
Maserati Grancabrio
I like AMG GTs - but they're quite pricey and not sure I like them enough to pay that. Merc SL might be an option actually, although a tricky sell - the g/f is a bit anti-Merc. But definitely worth looking at.
The BMW doesn't really do it for me - neither does the Maserati.
ZX10R NIN said:
As a leftfield option what about the LC500h:
It's no supercar (so you won't be comparing it to the 650) it's a very nice place to be & goes (not as well as the V8) well & may be worth a test drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
Oooh, that's pretty. I'll look into those!It's no supercar (so you won't be comparing it to the 650) it's a very nice place to be & goes (not as well as the V8) well & may be worth a test drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208048...
Something from the world of AMG?
I have a C63S coupe which is lovely, sounds amazing, plenty fast enough with over 500bhp, £40-£50k will get you a really nice pre facelift car. If you think its to much of a pimped up C class then look at the AMG GT which is stunning, my budget would only get me an older GT so I went with the C63.
R8 V10 is a good shout.
If you are looking at the Supra then you should also look at the BMW M2 Comp which is a much better car for similar money.
I have a C63S coupe which is lovely, sounds amazing, plenty fast enough with over 500bhp, £40-£50k will get you a really nice pre facelift car. If you think its to much of a pimped up C class then look at the AMG GT which is stunning, my budget would only get me an older GT so I went with the C63.
R8 V10 is a good shout.
If you are looking at the Supra then you should also look at the BMW M2 Comp which is a much better car for similar money.
davek_964 said:
Oooh, that's pretty. I'll look into those!
They're good underrated cars & the hybrid is a very decent car, the V8 is a bit more it's also a bit more car:https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204014...
davek_964 said:
Wheelspinning said:
Merge the pair of them and go for a R8 V10 spider with the better auto box.
£50k should be a reasonable budget and probably get that back in 3 years time.
After selling my 650 spider, I missed it that much I had a brain melt and went the 675 spider route.
Didn't realise that V10 Spiders came in at high 40s. That is definitely an option - could buy one then ditch the TT which would mean around £40k difference. Seems quite reasonable - although I am concerned that buying something that's still a bit 'supercar' may make me regret not buying another 650. More than a more normal car would (maybe)£50k should be a reasonable budget and probably get that back in 3 years time.
After selling my 650 spider, I missed it that much I had a brain melt and went the 675 spider route.
All 3 cars were fantastic, and the episode made a compelling case for each; definitely worth a watch if you haven't already seen it.
As much as I loved the 650 spider, an R8 V10 spider with the improved auto box for half the price seems the best option as not much else out there offers all that at a £50k price point.
Very different drive from 650 also with 4 wheel drive and N/A V10 howl; performance slightly less but you would need to be driving like a lunatic to feel the real difference.
The 650 is a very, very hard act to follow and a high chance of dissapointment in whatever replaces it has to be allowed for.
What made you sell? Current strong prices?
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