Decisions: DB7 v 996 v E46 M3 v 4200 GT
Discussion
Thanks for the feedback guys. Only one vote for the maser so far from the Maserati Forum - go figure. In answer to a few of the queries - finaicial approval from long haired general requires back seats for occassional use - spent last six years in two seater with my little boy and she feels left out so the 355 or 360 which I would love is out. The boy wants a Cayman S whic is also out. Looked at a 456 in Monaco last weekend not sure about the looks but nice engine and cheap now. Agree on the 966TT and M3 CSL but they may require further financial negotiation but as I said looking to keep this one so keen to make the right decision nota quick one. Cheers!
6C4GTS said:
Thanks for the feedback guys. Only one vote for the maser so far from the Maserati Forum - go figure. In answer to a few of the queries - finaicial approval from long haired general requires back seats for occassional use - spent last six years in two seater with my little boy and she feels left out so the 355 or 360 which I would love is out. The boy wants a Cayman S whic is also out. Looked at a 456 in Monaco last weekend not sure about the looks but nice engine and cheap now. Agree on the 966TT and M3 CSL but they may require further financial negotiation but as I said looking to keep this one so keen to make the right decision nota quick one. Cheers!
bromers2 said:
M3CSL - leave these GT3's for dead ....
Nickname: bromers2 Name: Rick
Member Since: 23rd June 2003
Total Posts: 1,043
Region: North West
Country: United Kingdom
Notes: Black M3CSL
F360 F1 - SOLD
What next :
R8
Vantage
GT3
F430
???
So you aspire to own a car that your current one will supposedly leave for dead?
My choice would be 996 turbo, cheap as chips, reliable, huge performance and plenty of scope to upgrade.
Surely something like a cayman s would be a better 10 year running proposition for the OP rather than the others which could all have the ability to spontaneously have huge engine trouble (several times in the maserati's case, my uncle has a 3200 and it has happened twice in 5 years) in that period. Or a 993 in good condition ...
Everyone is allowed their opinion and mine is that the DB7 is an awful car - to drive. It's beautiful and if you want style over substance you have your winner. Early ones are lovely like pictured above. Well all of them are really.
C4S - get a turbo. 4WD numbs the experience IMO unless it's balanced by massive turbo kick so if it's out of your budget look at a standard C2, again IMO, but far more alive and you don't _need_ 4WD as all 911's have fantastic grip.
M3 - get a CSL, fantastic car, huge boot, lots of fun, rapid, loads of room in the back for 6 footers also looks great IMO.
Maser - running costs and reliability would be issues here but certainly interesting and a bit different.
So IMO, CSL or 996 Turbo. Two different cars, see which floats your boat.
C4S - get a turbo. 4WD numbs the experience IMO unless it's balanced by massive turbo kick so if it's out of your budget look at a standard C2, again IMO, but far more alive and you don't _need_ 4WD as all 911's have fantastic grip.
M3 - get a CSL, fantastic car, huge boot, lots of fun, rapid, loads of room in the back for 6 footers also looks great IMO.
Maser - running costs and reliability would be issues here but certainly interesting and a bit different.
So IMO, CSL or 996 Turbo. Two different cars, see which floats your boat.
CSL = GT3 at 60% of the cost, with 200% the usability. CSL quicker A-B than GT3. But if you can afford the GT3, then go for it... but it won't reward as quickly as the CSL does - certainly over normal roads it won't.
Forget any regular 911 including the C4S (lady car). Regular 911s are boring cars to drive. Only the GT3 counts.
Maser is a wannabe Fezza. Aston is Ford cr*p.
GT3 or CSL. Nothing else comes close.
Forget any regular 911 including the C4S (lady car). Regular 911s are boring cars to drive. Only the GT3 counts.
Maser is a wannabe Fezza. Aston is Ford cr*p.
GT3 or CSL. Nothing else comes close.
6C4GTS said:
Thanks everyone - any CSL owners care to comment on practicality?
Also is a CSL the same computer driven service interval as a M3 or is it fixed mileage or time?
It's based on mileage usage etc, but most owners service them annually to be on the safe side. Very practical car - 4 seats, and my tongue in cheek comment comparison to the 996 Gt3 is nearly true Also is a CSL the same computer driven service interval as a M3 or is it fixed mileage or time?
They're a limited edition run and IMO a good long term investment.turbo-ww said:
Drive a 996tt and you'll buy it.
Then drive a 993tt and you'll be off to see the bank manager
The more affordable long termer would be a 993 Carrera S or 4S.Then drive a 993tt and you'll be off to see the bank manager
OP - although you need back seats now, do think about how useable they will be as your family grows older. Of the cars you've mentioned only the Maserati has sensible room for adults in the back. The others with rear seats are really limited to sub 10/11 year olds for regular use.
DB7 is a dog unless its the slightly quicker 2002 onwards 435 bhp V12 Vantage(Original came with 330bhp i think but the car is heavy). Interior has not aged well, standard performance is BMW 33O quick and handling is not "sunday blast smile" worthy.
M3 is the cheap value for money most practical option but is a BMW coupe with a bodykit - new E92 is a brilliant GT but may leave you cold on a weekend blast. CSL is of legendary status(On par with 996 GT3) though still looks like a BMW 318 with a bodykit. I am also assuming there are 1000's of these made so value will not hold.
Maserati has Ferrari running and servicing costs and has always looked awkward in my eyes. Build quality is also so,so, Not excatly a quick car either unless its the latter 395 BHP GranSport that appeared in 2004
C4S wins hands down in terms of performance,maintenence,looks and prestige. Its also holding its initial value better than any other 996's bar the GT3's.C4S and M3 can also handle track days which are a bonus, i dread to think what a Maser and DB7 would feel like after 50+ laps at your local circuit. I would however choose a 996TT over the C4S though as they can be found at similar prices even though the TT cost £25k more at lanuch.
If it was a 10 year keeper then i think the C4S and M3 would still be drivable after another 10 years so that narrows things down a bit.
Also worth thinking about,Lotus Elise/Exige?Boxster S/Cayman S's.
M3 is the cheap value for money most practical option but is a BMW coupe with a bodykit - new E92 is a brilliant GT but may leave you cold on a weekend blast. CSL is of legendary status(On par with 996 GT3) though still looks like a BMW 318 with a bodykit. I am also assuming there are 1000's of these made so value will not hold.
Maserati has Ferrari running and servicing costs and has always looked awkward in my eyes. Build quality is also so,so, Not excatly a quick car either unless its the latter 395 BHP GranSport that appeared in 2004
C4S wins hands down in terms of performance,maintenence,looks and prestige. Its also holding its initial value better than any other 996's bar the GT3's.C4S and M3 can also handle track days which are a bonus, i dread to think what a Maser and DB7 would feel like after 50+ laps at your local circuit. I would however choose a 996TT over the C4S though as they can be found at similar prices even though the TT cost £25k more at lanuch.
If it was a 10 year keeper then i think the C4S and M3 would still be drivable after another 10 years so that narrows things down a bit.
Also worth thinking about,Lotus Elise/Exige?Boxster S/Cayman S's.
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