This indecision is killing me!!
Discussion
Hi,
I am a new member, but have been regularly following many of the forums on PH for some years without ever really feeling the need to offer an opinion; or indeed tell other people that theirs is wrong because it doesn't align with my Orwellian-like diktat (McLaren forum of late?). As the Clash-plagiarised title suggests, I am dithering over the choice of which car to go with and have spent far too many hours watching Chris Harris et al reviewing the cars I will list later.
Context: We have got up to c£100k - no finance or part ex needed - to buy a car that both me and the long-haired general will be happy to drive, not just at weekends but also for the commute (neither very far) when we feel like it. In the past we have had an AM DB9, a DBS, 2 x 911s (40th Anniversary 996 & a 991 2S, Macan Turbo, Cayenne Turbo, a few FF RRs, AR Breras, VX220, '69 VW camper, Arbarth etc etc. Therefore, we are not aligned to any particular manufacturer and are happy to consider all options. I (we) will never track the car, but will be looking to do a Euro tour later in the year. Using the usual due diligence we are as happy to buy privately as we are from a dealer, which obviously brings some cars into scope that wouldn't be possible if we only went down the MD rout
We have just started looking and some of the cars we have short listed, if you can call it that, are:
McLaren 570s - Test driven and both liked its awesome performance, aesthetics and the fact it is a lot of car for the money. We realise it is a car that is mainly about the driving, but it possibly didn't feel (for us) a special place to be. That said, It is definitely in the mix.
DB11 - Not driven yet, but have had a very good look round at AM Hatfield. With the exception of the plonked on MB sat nav we like the interior and have warmed to the exterior; front end of the new Vantage not so much.
992 - Driven and performs as would be expected. Impeccable engineering & performance (as usual) and I think the looks have moved on, it just doesn't quite feel special enough. I realise the 991 GT3 is now in scope and like the looks, probably just a tad too focused.
California T - No doubt somebody will not be able to resist the temptation to suggest it is a hair dresser's car - so many comedy geniuses - but having actually driven one it is quite a car.
Alfa 4C - Going to look at one tomorrow with an open mind, as we have always liked the looks and loved the Brera, so will see how that goes. The Giulia QF may also get a look.
Gran Turismo - We need to take one out and see what happens. I am trying to ignore the negativity around Maserati ownership, as those that actually have them, or have owned them, speak very highly of the experience.
Lambos - I have no idea why, but as special as they are they just don't appeal to me and never have; LHG has always loved them.
AMGs - The GT is a possibility, but LHG doesn't really like the looks.
Bentley Continental GT - Admire but don't really want.
R8 - See Bentley.
I would really like to listen to the thoughts/advice/suggestions of others and promise not to be offended or infer my human rights have somehow been breached if some don't chime with my own thoughts. However, I will employ the methodology I use when dealing with other people's annoying pets or children and completely ignore anything intentionally fractious.
I am a new member, but have been regularly following many of the forums on PH for some years without ever really feeling the need to offer an opinion; or indeed tell other people that theirs is wrong because it doesn't align with my Orwellian-like diktat (McLaren forum of late?). As the Clash-plagiarised title suggests, I am dithering over the choice of which car to go with and have spent far too many hours watching Chris Harris et al reviewing the cars I will list later.
Context: We have got up to c£100k - no finance or part ex needed - to buy a car that both me and the long-haired general will be happy to drive, not just at weekends but also for the commute (neither very far) when we feel like it. In the past we have had an AM DB9, a DBS, 2 x 911s (40th Anniversary 996 & a 991 2S, Macan Turbo, Cayenne Turbo, a few FF RRs, AR Breras, VX220, '69 VW camper, Arbarth etc etc. Therefore, we are not aligned to any particular manufacturer and are happy to consider all options. I (we) will never track the car, but will be looking to do a Euro tour later in the year. Using the usual due diligence we are as happy to buy privately as we are from a dealer, which obviously brings some cars into scope that wouldn't be possible if we only went down the MD rout
We have just started looking and some of the cars we have short listed, if you can call it that, are:
McLaren 570s - Test driven and both liked its awesome performance, aesthetics and the fact it is a lot of car for the money. We realise it is a car that is mainly about the driving, but it possibly didn't feel (for us) a special place to be. That said, It is definitely in the mix.
DB11 - Not driven yet, but have had a very good look round at AM Hatfield. With the exception of the plonked on MB sat nav we like the interior and have warmed to the exterior; front end of the new Vantage not so much.
992 - Driven and performs as would be expected. Impeccable engineering & performance (as usual) and I think the looks have moved on, it just doesn't quite feel special enough. I realise the 991 GT3 is now in scope and like the looks, probably just a tad too focused.
California T - No doubt somebody will not be able to resist the temptation to suggest it is a hair dresser's car - so many comedy geniuses - but having actually driven one it is quite a car.
Alfa 4C - Going to look at one tomorrow with an open mind, as we have always liked the looks and loved the Brera, so will see how that goes. The Giulia QF may also get a look.
Gran Turismo - We need to take one out and see what happens. I am trying to ignore the negativity around Maserati ownership, as those that actually have them, or have owned them, speak very highly of the experience.
Lambos - I have no idea why, but as special as they are they just don't appeal to me and never have; LHG has always loved them.
AMGs - The GT is a possibility, but LHG doesn't really like the looks.
Bentley Continental GT - Admire but don't really want.
R8 - See Bentley.
I would really like to listen to the thoughts/advice/suggestions of others and promise not to be offended or infer my human rights have somehow been breached if some don't chime with my own thoughts. However, I will employ the methodology I use when dealing with other people's annoying pets or children and completely ignore anything intentionally fractious.
from that list
911 - out, you've already done that
Ferrari - never been a Cali fan but ticks the I owned a Ferrari (when you looking back in 20 years you'll wish you'd done it)
purely looking at the job in hand with no emotion though I'd be going Maser or 570S. which rather depends how much of your euro trip will be just covering ground v spanking it on the twisties
911 - out, you've already done that
Ferrari - never been a Cali fan but ticks the I owned a Ferrari (when you looking back in 20 years you'll wish you'd done it)
purely looking at the job in hand with no emotion though I'd be going Maser or 570S. which rather depends how much of your euro trip will be just covering ground v spanking it on the twisties
Does it need to be RHD (I assume so as a semi-daily)?
Can you get a 599 for your budget in the UK?
I assume FFs have not dropped to 100k in the UK yet (cheapest LHDs maybe just about there)
Both of the above as well as a 612 would be great cars for crossing continents
If you can live with an older car a 550 could be a consideration to get that old school clack clack manual box (and as a long term proposition probably not a bad place to be in terms of servicing etc thanks to less expensive/complicated systems and parts)
Can you get a 599 for your budget in the UK?
I assume FFs have not dropped to 100k in the UK yet (cheapest LHDs maybe just about there)
Both of the above as well as a 612 would be great cars for crossing continents
If you can live with an older car a 550 could be a consideration to get that old school clack clack manual box (and as a long term proposition probably not a bad place to be in terms of servicing etc thanks to less expensive/complicated systems and parts)
And given you seem to like Astons, I personally think this looks more special than the DB11
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
And in terms of McL if the 570 interior is not to your taste, how about a 650S?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Thanks all for the comments, definitely lots of food for thought.
Markiii - I think the comment about Ferrari ownership is spot on. Like many others I never thought I would be in a position to own one and I think just having one parked in the garage (let alone being lucky enough to drive your own) would feel special.
Thecook101, MDL111 & ANOpax - I must admit I hadn't considered the slightly older Ferraris. Possibly due to concerns about running costs and large bills should there be an out-of-warranty issue. I am not completely risk averse, or maybe I am because I still have a BMW extended warranty going on my Z4 Coupe (keeper) that has never had any problems.
MDL111 - Thanks for the link, that Vanquish really does look very nice. I will see if I can find one nearer to home to have a look around this week as that could tick many boxes.
Justin220 - I absolutely agree with the 570s being the only supercar on the list, even if McLaren disagree and designate it as a Sports Series car; I have read ad nauseam the threads discussing what is/isn't a supercar. What makes something special is possibly more subjective.
We have this week off so intend to view/drive as many on the list as possible.
Markiii - I think the comment about Ferrari ownership is spot on. Like many others I never thought I would be in a position to own one and I think just having one parked in the garage (let alone being lucky enough to drive your own) would feel special.
Thecook101, MDL111 & ANOpax - I must admit I hadn't considered the slightly older Ferraris. Possibly due to concerns about running costs and large bills should there be an out-of-warranty issue. I am not completely risk averse, or maybe I am because I still have a BMW extended warranty going on my Z4 Coupe (keeper) that has never had any problems.
MDL111 - Thanks for the link, that Vanquish really does look very nice. I will see if I can find one nearer to home to have a look around this week as that could tick many boxes.
Justin220 - I absolutely agree with the 570s being the only supercar on the list, even if McLaren disagree and designate it as a Sports Series car; I have read ad nauseam the threads discussing what is/isn't a supercar. What makes something special is possibly more subjective.
We have this week off so intend to view/drive as many on the list as possible.
The 650S interior does look a little more suited to what we would like, and even McLaren class that as a supercar!!
I have looked at a few ads for the V12S but haven't seen one in the wild. We are likely going to Nottingham during the week and the AM dealer has quite a large stock, so will see if they have one.
The 1st world problem now is that the list is getting even longer - could be approaching Procrastination Central!!
I have looked at a few ads for the V12S but haven't seen one in the wild. We are likely going to Nottingham during the week and the AM dealer has quite a large stock, so will see if they have one.
The 1st world problem now is that the list is getting even longer - could be approaching Procrastination Central!!
MDL111 said:
And given you seem to like Astons, I personally think this looks more special than the DB11
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Wow they have come off a lot! Love the vanquish so beautifulhttps://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
CitySlicker said:
My other half doesn't like driving cars with an automated manual single clutch gearbox as they need more involvement to get it right. Unless yours is a keen driver I would discount all of them.
California T, DB11, AMG GTC, 570gt would be at the top of my list.
I wouldn't class her as a keen driver, so definitely something to consider. The other consideration is that she originates from Middle Earth (only 5' tall), which has ruled out a couple of the more mundane daily drivers we tried in the past.California T, DB11, AMG GTC, 570gt would be at the top of my list.
CitySlicker said:
MDL111 said:
And given you seem to like Astons, I personally think this looks more special than the DB11
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Wow they have come off a lot! Love the vanquish so beautifulhttps://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
king about with pale imitations and get a lambo man !
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