£85k burning a hole....
Discussion
Hopefully I'll soon be in position to spend up to £85k (though not necessarily that high) on a first supercar.
Currently running a much loved V8V (4.3), but have the 2 year itch and am in a position to enjoy something a little more special for at least a coupe of years before be need for 4 seats may become pressing!
It will be for weekend use only, but occasional practical use may be required (can't stand the other half's shopping trolly), probably no track use, maybe the occasional tour (highlands/continent). Though never knowing what the future will hold, depreciation is a factor (unless I fall in love and can justify it as a "keeper"). So, short list:
F430
Gallardo
V12V
997 GT2
R8 V10
Not had the chance to do any test drives yet, though of course this is high up the agenda, just work and other commitments have made it difficult so far. It would be good to get some comparative ownership experiences, (as well as the driving/performance/enjoyment aspects) as I've really enjoyed the Aston experience so far (including 100% positive reactions from the public).
Thanks in advance.
Currently running a much loved V8V (4.3), but have the 2 year itch and am in a position to enjoy something a little more special for at least a coupe of years before be need for 4 seats may become pressing!
It will be for weekend use only, but occasional practical use may be required (can't stand the other half's shopping trolly), probably no track use, maybe the occasional tour (highlands/continent). Though never knowing what the future will hold, depreciation is a factor (unless I fall in love and can justify it as a "keeper"). So, short list:
F430
Gallardo
V12V
997 GT2
R8 V10
Not had the chance to do any test drives yet, though of course this is high up the agenda, just work and other commitments have made it difficult so far. It would be good to get some comparative ownership experiences, (as well as the driving/performance/enjoyment aspects) as I've really enjoyed the Aston experience so far (including 100% positive reactions from the public).
Thanks in advance.
Gallardoguy, intestest why you'd pick a DBS?
Angelis, what year Gallardo was that? Looking at what's available for the money it seems I'd be stuck with one of the early Gallardos which from reading seem not as well regarded as the later ones (still pre LP560). Doesn't seem there is as much difference between the early and late F430s.
While not compatible to a GT3, I had a Cilo 172cup before, and lack of sound deadening etc really detracted from it after a few months. GT3 obviously awesome rep though.
Angelis, what year Gallardo was that? Looking at what's available for the money it seems I'd be stuck with one of the early Gallardos which from reading seem not as well regarded as the later ones (still pre LP560). Doesn't seem there is as much difference between the early and late F430s.
While not compatible to a GT3, I had a Cilo 172cup before, and lack of sound deadening etc really detracted from it after a few months. GT3 obviously awesome rep though.
Edited by Forseyd on Friday 13th July 22:03
Had a £130 k budget at the time of a similar choice and drove everything on your list and more and went for a F430 F1 Spider. Don't regret it one bit and 18 months later I'm struggling to find anything to replace it with unless I want to spend twice as much again which you just can't justify in terms of what you gain for your money
Forseyd said:
Looking at what's available for the money it seems I'd be stuck with one of the early Gallardos which from reading seem not as well regarded as the later ones (still pre LP560).
not had much experience mate but the lp models are more sorted as a daily driver..... lighter steering, better sorted transmission... felt more refined, less stressed around town.... less whip me baby.... you are not looking for a daily driver are you.... ?? not that i would say no to a lp, but a post 06 gallardo is by no means a bad car... small 4 wheel drifts are easily obtained... 
Edited by 70proof on Friday 13th July 21:41
I really loved my Gallardo, I owned it for 2 years and put 20,000 miles on it. After I sold it my intension was to get a newer Gallardo Spyder.
I tagged along to autofficina with my mate who wanted to test drive a 430 spyder, I never really liked Ferrari's at the time. I ended up buying the 430.
The 430 is lovely inside and out, the Gallardo is lovely on the exterior, but has an Audio interior, that I found very, very boring. Ferrrari feels faster, sharper and all-round better. Also a major factor for me is the attention, in the Gallardo I got called alsorts of nasty things, in the 430 as of yet I have not been insulted. The 430 seems to attract much much less attention. Excuse my spelling grammar etc, as I am s
tfaced.
I tagged along to autofficina with my mate who wanted to test drive a 430 spyder, I never really liked Ferrari's at the time. I ended up buying the 430.
The 430 is lovely inside and out, the Gallardo is lovely on the exterior, but has an Audio interior, that I found very, very boring. Ferrrari feels faster, sharper and all-round better. Also a major factor for me is the attention, in the Gallardo I got called alsorts of nasty things, in the 430 as of yet I have not been insulted. The 430 seems to attract much much less attention. Excuse my spelling grammar etc, as I am s
tfaced.I will say this, I have experienced both the first gen Gallardo, and an R8 V10. I had a far better time in the R8, the experiences were similar, 130mph in some parts (private test track...) then also pootling around town a bit, the R8 just felt a little bit more special, and I can't quite put my finger on why, but it is the case.
Guys, there are so many things you could do carwise with £85k whether it's an outright purchase or a deposit that the amount of choice makes it harder rather than easier to get to a decision.
Personally I like ferraris, but think I'd use the 85 as deposit on an Aventador. Or, having cheap taste, my dream classic - a concours Dino.
(mind you, that new 4L GT3RS is tempting, but then, so is a Carrera GT/full spec 458 spider/waiting for Gallardo replacement/any 1 of 100 now depreciated beauties for cash etc etc etc etc)
Personally I like ferraris, but think I'd use the 85 as deposit on an Aventador. Or, having cheap taste, my dream classic - a concours Dino.
(mind you, that new 4L GT3RS is tempting, but then, so is a Carrera GT/full spec 458 spider/waiting for Gallardo replacement/any 1 of 100 now depreciated beauties for cash etc etc etc etc)
P101 said:
I really loved my Gallardo, I owned it for 2 years and put 20,000 miles on it. After I sold it my intension was to get a newer Gallardo Spyder.
I tagged along to autofficina with my mate who wanted to test drive a 430 spyder, I never really liked Ferrari's at the time. I ended up buying the 430.
The 430 is lovely inside and out, the Gallardo is lovely on the exterior, but has an Audio interior, that I found very, very boring. Ferrrari feels faster, sharper and all-round better. Also a major factor for me is the attention, in the Gallardo I got called alsorts of nasty things, in the 430 as of yet I have not been insulted. The 430 seems to attract much much less attention. Excuse my spelling grammar etc, as I am stfaced.
Interesting I found completely the opposite,gallardo grot nothi g but love,Ferraris when I have driven them always had vs flicked at me .gallardo got lots of attention but I was amazed it was all positive,people love seeing them ,as they become rarer on uk roads people enjoy seeing them even more.I tagged along to autofficina with my mate who wanted to test drive a 430 spyder, I never really liked Ferrari's at the time. I ended up buying the 430.
The 430 is lovely inside and out, the Gallardo is lovely on the exterior, but has an Audio interior, that I found very, very boring. Ferrrari feels faster, sharper and all-round better. Also a major factor for me is the attention, in the Gallardo I got called alsorts of nasty things, in the 430 as of yet I have not been insulted. The 430 seems to attract much much less attention. Excuse my spelling grammar etc, as I am s
tfaced.430 is sharper ,negligible faster ,I hate these debates though both are wonderful cars and in such a case there is no 'wrong choice' .
Forseyd said:
Hopefully I'll soon be in position to spend up to £85k (though not necessarily that high) on a first supercar.
just had a thought OP..... don;t listen to us, listen to your heart..... is there a car/brand you've always aspired to own..... for me it was lamborghini.... had to have a lamborghini, and the time was right... opted for the gallardo, caring not what others thought (cf say countach/diablo etc), that it had not won evo COTY, that the 430 might be better... if you have an emotive link, then go for that above all else, and you will be happy.....Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff