Everyday 'Supercar' for 15-20k - is it viable?
Discussion
I've had a fair few cars over the years but am now looking for something a little bit special that won't break the bank. I know it's not going to be a cheap option, but wanted to ask your advice whether running a Supercar as a daily driver is viable. I do around 6k miles a year, short commute to the station and back. We have another car for family duties so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't start one day!
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
mattman said:
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Trans Am WS6 (WS6 has the additional handling package).Pretty speedy stock. But easy to get to 420-440hp without any engine work. Or 500+hp with engine work or 600-650hp with a supercharger.
4 seats.
Manual or auto.
Should be fine for daily duties.
If you're not a badge snob then the Toyota Supra is a good amount of performance for the money in that price range.
In fact I'd say a Supra for that money would possibly give you the power vs money spent that would be better than any other car on the market. On top of that you'd get the reliability and the worry free factor to do as many miles as you like.
Always thought the Supra is one of those cars that has aged really well over the years.
And for £15k+ you could easily go for one of the UK-spec models which are quite rare and sought after.
I know a guy who has owned his Supra for a good few years, a UK-spec 6-speed with just over 400bhp. Its a cracking car to be honest.
In fact I'd say a Supra for that money would possibly give you the power vs money spent that would be better than any other car on the market. On top of that you'd get the reliability and the worry free factor to do as many miles as you like.
Always thought the Supra is one of those cars that has aged really well over the years.
And for £15k+ you could easily go for one of the UK-spec models which are quite rare and sought after.
I know a guy who has owned his Supra for a good few years, a UK-spec 6-speed with just over 400bhp. Its a cracking car to be honest.
Truffles said:
Up until a few years ago I ran a 928GT as a daily driver. Sold it with 204,000 miles on the clock. It was absolutely fine. The main issue was the 6,000 mile service intervals, which is somewhat shorter than modern cars.
^^ this ^^although they are so strong I've found cambelt and oil service every 2 years works out well.
AA999 said:
If you're not a badge snob then the Toyota Supra is a good amount of performance for the money in that price range.
In fact I'd say a Supra for that money would possibly give you the power vs money spent that would be better than any other car on the market. On top of that you'd get the reliability and the worry free factor to do as many miles as you like.
Always thought the Supra is one of those cars that has aged really well over the years.
And for £15k+ you could easily go for one of the UK-spec models which are quite rare and sought after.
I know a guy who has owned his Supra for a good few years, a UK-spec 6-speed with just over 400bhp. Its a cracking car to be honest.
Good idea - I've had two, a turbo and a N/A. Excellent cars for the money and make a good daily driver. I wouldn't be surprised to find I own another one at some point in the future.In fact I'd say a Supra for that money would possibly give you the power vs money spent that would be better than any other car on the market. On top of that you'd get the reliability and the worry free factor to do as many miles as you like.
Always thought the Supra is one of those cars that has aged really well over the years.
And for £15k+ you could easily go for one of the UK-spec models which are quite rare and sought after.
I know a guy who has owned his Supra for a good few years, a UK-spec 6-speed with just over 400bhp. Its a cracking car to be honest.
ETA : Don't assume the 996 is the safe default option. They have some known issues - it you do consider that route make sure you research RMS and (more seriously) IMS so that you're going into ownership with your eyes wide open.
Edited by davek_964 on Monday 10th August 17:05
Thanks guys - good to know these things aren't so fragile you can't use them every day.
Not sure a Supra would be special enough for what I'm after - I'm sure it's quick and handles well, but it's a toyota and it doesn't really get the juices flowing (although sure it would get something flowing when it's sideways on a roundabout!)
A neighbour of mine has recently bought an 06 Vantage - beautiful car but he seems to have loads of little niggles and the main dealer experience has been shocking. Of course that was double my budget but an early DB7 could be possible
Not sure a Supra would be special enough for what I'm after - I'm sure it's quick and handles well, but it's a toyota and it doesn't really get the juices flowing (although sure it would get something flowing when it's sideways on a roundabout!)
A neighbour of mine has recently bought an 06 Vantage - beautiful car but he seems to have loads of little niggles and the main dealer experience has been shocking. Of course that was double my budget but an early DB7 could be possible
Have run a 2005 4200 GT (manual) for six years and found it to be reliable. There are plenty of good indis about for servicng and better you use them than a local generalist. Even after this time it still feels special. A friend has a 996 and while it might be a better sorted sportscar (the Maser really is a GT) the Maser V8, the specialness (v the Porsche) and the real back seats are all points of difference for me. You rarely see the Masers, Porsches are commonplace.
Try both and buy what you like but if thinking further about the Maser then go over to Sportsmaserati.com for all the information you need (a PPI is essential if buying)
Happy hunting.
Try both and buy what you like but if thinking further about the Maser then go over to Sportsmaserati.com for all the information you need (a PPI is essential if buying)
Happy hunting.
300bhp/ton said:
mattman said:
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Trans Am WS6 (WS6 has the additional handling package).Pretty speedy stock. But easy to get to 420-440hp without any engine work. Or 500+hp with engine work or 600-650hp with a supercharger.
4 seats.
Manual or auto.
Should be fine for daily duties.
have another
mattman said:
I've had a fair few cars over the years but am now looking for something a little bit special that won't break the bank. I know it's not going to be a cheap option, but wanted to ask your advice whether running a Supercar as a daily driver is viable. I do around 6k miles a year, short commute to the station and back. We have another car for family duties so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't start one day!
Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
I used my 911 as a daily - did around 22,000 miles a year and it really was inexpensive to run. Amazing cars are 911's and they are the 'default' for good reason. When I get rid of the M5 it will be to get back into a 911. Looking for something powerful, a bit different, 4 seats, pre 2006, around 15-20k - auto preferable but not a deal breaker.
Current list of possibles include:
Maserati 3200GT or 4200
Maserati Quattroporte
TVR Cebera
BMW 850 (E31)
Porsche 928 S4
Another option would be the 996 911 but I've never really had a desire to own one so concerned it may be a little bit like taking the easy option of the 'default' sports car.
I have a good Indy that I use and trust for servicing And would probably continue to use them, but also don't mind getting my hands dirty for simple stuff
A Cerbera would awesome and make you fell like a hero all the time but.....it will be a more tricky option given that it has 6000 mile service internals and can be a little truculent on occasion.
I looked into the 3200 and 4200's after my 911. I felt that the 3200 was too fragile and although the 4200 was a better overall proposition in terms of reliability, both could cripple you very quickly I suspect, a bit like the Cerb.
I don't know anything about 928's or 850's other than what I read here.
But 6000 miles a year is not a lot really so just buy a car with really good history and cross your fingers!!
Good luck
Not wishing to start an argument but none of the cars being discussed are "supercars". As for a £15k - £20k supercar, I think Top Gear dispelled that myth here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx0S3cIW-q8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx0S3cIW-q8
PGNCerbera said:
red_duke said:
Not wishing to start an argument but none of the cars being discussed are "supercars".
there is that!If I could stretch the budget, a 355 would be the answer and a taxi for the kids or a maserati granturismo - perhaps the next purchase
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