What to buy - R8 v AMv8 cab v 997 turbo v Maser GranTurismo

[max b]

Need some help from the pistonheads massive.
My budget is 50k (including any manufacturer extended warranties) and I'm happy to buy private but I'm unsure on which to pull the trigger on?

Which every I pick will be my daily driver, so my criteria is based on vocal noise (I had a rs4 cab previously and desperately want to re-create the vocal pleasure the car offered), day to day usability - can be up 70/80 mile round trip 3/4 times a week with work (incl some on street parking sometimes) and stability on residuals, as I might need to be out if it within the next 6 months, incase we need to move! (got another little one on the way so may need to upsize) Not asking for much am I!

Anybody any opinions on my selection or know of any personally up for sale still within manufacturers warranties?


Thanks
Max

[EVOeng]

I would go for a GranTurismo - great cars to use on a daily basis, but have you considered something like a Ferrari 456? You could spend the 'spare' money on the running of a V12 and at this point in time, any problems with the car would have been sorted by now.

HTH

[IMI A]

A few 997 turbo owners have gone to the Maser GT and love it. Out of the cars you mention its also the nicest sounding and most practical with four proper seats for adults + a big boot. its also the best looking car IMO. Comparatively the Maser has also depreciated more than the other cars on your list so you should get quite a late reg car for £50k. I'd look at main dealer cars at around £57k and bid £50k for right car.

At this sort of money I'd also look at a C63 - brilliant car. R8 and AM v8 cab both lovely too but a touch impractical. Turbo fantastic in terms of performance and probably the best engineered car bar the R8 but engine sounds like a bucket of bolts/washing machine. Tough choice and drive them all!

[Phucker]

Out of them 3 - Maser. But needs to be in 4.7 flavour. Driven it. Wonderful car.

[mrdemon]

4.7 v8 Vantage will make a very nice every day drive.

[Geneve]

Never really liked the Audi.

Aston for the looks and Britishness. Gran Turismo S for the noise, Italian brio and rear seat space. Both are flawed, though.

But, the 997 Turbo is the probably better all round everyday choice.

[max b]

Wow, surprised the initial reactions in the Porscha section are towards the Maser.

The Maser is probably the most complete package for my circumstances, albeit seeming more of a tourer rather than a 'sports' car - the only thing putting me off is the size of the thing. Even though the looks are spot on for a car of its size, it is a big car, which concerns me with typical work car parks beings small and on street parking etc.

I don't feel like buying another Porsche without some type of PSE option which I know with opc warranty + 997 turbo can't happen
Also anybody any thoughts on where 997T's might bottom out, considering the new model and old 996 turbo S's still hover around the 40s?

[jackal]

max b said:

Wow, surprised the initial reactions in the Porscha section are towards the Maser.

How about a nice 550 Maranello ? A bit of proper emotion, something to appeal to your sex organs rather than just your brain.

Edited by jackal on Tuesday 27th December 16:35

[Martian O]

jackal said:

Thats possibly because its one of the dullest cars porsche have ever made.

A 997 Turbo dull?!

[Carl_Docklands]

one vote for the R8

[IMI A]

max b said:

Wow, surprised the initial reactions in the Porscha section are towards the Maser.

The Maser is probably the most complete package for my circumstances, albeit seeming more of a tourer rather than a 'sports' car - the only thing putting me off is the size of the thing. Even though the looks are spot on for a car of its size, it is a big car, which concerns me with typical work car parks beings small and on street parking etc.

I don't feel like buying another Porsche without some type of PSE option which I know with opc warranty + 997 turbo can't happen
Also anybody any thoughts on where 997T's might bottom out, considering the new model and old 996 turbo S's still hover around the 40s?

If you're thinking about a 997t I'd recommend it but it really does sound crap and no exhaust or anything else is going to make it sound better than any of the other cars you mention. Not sure where prices are going (probably follow 996 turbo in due course to £20k!!) but the gen 1 Mezger engined car is fantastic.

It is a bit dull as a track car because it understeers due to 4wd and its very heavy but as a sports tourer it really is untouchable if you enjoy quick cars. Have a look at this in terms of what they can do in a skilled driver's hands albeit it is a gen 2 turbo S in this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0iha1k_GnI&fea...

Nice thing about the turbo is you don't have to be a driving god like the majority of Phers to extract 90% of its performance threshold in relative safety. Suspension is firmer than all the other cars you mention but its not uncomfortable. I've done London to Edinburgh in quick time and got out of the car as fresh as a daisy.

Edited by IMI A on Wednesday 28th December 01:11

[max b]

Following other feedback aswell, it looks like its going to be between the amv8 or the r8, unless something puts me of them big time

Part of me does think stick to spending 25/35k and get another rs4 or c63 but the other 'petrol filled half' of me says I need to try something different. I just hope the cost differential is worth it!

[S1MMA]

max b said:

Wow, surprised the initial reactions in the Porscha section are towards the Maser.

The Maser is probably the most complete package for my circumstances, albeit seeming more of a tourer rather than a 'sports' car - the only thing putting me off is the size of the thing. Even though the looks are spot on for a car of its size, it is a big car, which concerns me with typical work car parks beings small and on street parking etc.

I don't feel like buying another Porsche without some type of PSE option which I know with opc warranty + 997 turbo can't happen
Also anybody any thoughts on where 997T's might bottom out, considering the new model and old 996 turbo S's still hover around the 40s?

I park my 997 GT3 next to a black Maser GT, and let me tell you, compared to a 911, the maser is fookin massive. Sometimes when I get out I compare the 2 cars, and the maser is noticably longer, wider, higher. In isolation it's fairly well proportioned, but when you compare to another sports car you see how big it really is.

Sounds nice though. But I wouldn't buy one. Just doesn't do it for me.

Have to say: out of the 4 cars you are pondering, I'd probably go for the R8. If you want it to sound better, why not go for an aftermarket exhaust? They sound much louder this way.

Personally I like fairly hardcore cars, hence the GT3, I would not have bought a 997 Turbo, doesn't interest me at all. Prefer an R8 to a 997 Turbo. For an everyday car which will suck up a commute and all the rest, I would not go for an Aston. As great as they look and sound, they are a load of st no matter what they say in the Aston forum. Mark my words.

Edited by S1MMA on Wednesday 28th December 11:51

[uuf361]

Do not buy the Aston (esp in 4.3 variety) as you'll most likely end up disappointed - my 996 C2 Cab was better, looks/sound aside!

The 997 Turbo gets my vote...

[Martian O]

IMI A said:

If you're thinking about a 997t I'd recommend it but it really does sound crap

Job done: www.capristo.de

IMI A said:

It is a bit dull as a track car because it understeers due to 4wd.......

Job done: www.centergravity.co.uk

[MarlonM]

As an owner of an AMV8 coupe I may be biased, but I really do love the car. Its plenty quick enough for most (0-60 in 4.9 seconds is no disaster, with 380bhp), handles well and as everyone has pointed out looks and sounds brilliant. The public reaction is almost always positive, which would count for something if you are using it as a daily drive.

I thought about a Maserati but the 4.2 I drove was too slow, it had very low torque in the midrange. The 4.7 is miles better, to drive and to listen to.

I almost bought an R8, that was a brilliant all rounder and handles terrificly well due to the 4WD, the looks are also very good, sound too.

For outright pace, the 997 Turbo is awesome, but lacks the soul of the Aston. Depends what you want from a car as always. For your criteria of noise, manufacturer warranty and not going to lose a packet I would go for an R8 or Aston.

Best of luck!!

p.s. I may be selling my AMV8 due to change in circumstances if you wanted to make an offer, I still have some warranty left too :-)

[max b]

Thanks for all the views all, should have put it to a vote

@marlonm, thanks for the offer but if I go AM it will need to be the roadster to add additional aural appeal and to make up for the 'lack of speed' I keep hearing about