Test driven a 4C for the first time
Discussion
Hey all, as per the title, I tested a 4C this morning for the first time and it was so far from what I was expecting I was shocked! Please forgive my ignorance within this post, everyone who has driven one will already know it!
For a year or so I've been contemplating replacing my Tuscan for something a little more refined but I still want something unusual, relatively depreciation free and great looking. There aren't many cars that really tick the boxes IMO, plenty of stunning cars but most of them cost a tonne in depreciation and look out dated after a few years due to manufacturers constantly facelifting them (AMG GT, F-Pace etc).
For a while I've been looking at the 4C online, finally I found one locally which I went to see and fell in love with the looks straight away but I wasn't expecting what happened after I turned the key! Turns out it's not the tame mainstream sports car I was assuming it would be, the most comparable car I've driven is possibly an Elise (I haven't driven any other modern Lotus).
So, I'm not convinced it will be a more relaxed and comfortable replacement for the TVR (albeit less agressive than the driver aid free straight 6), I've posted on here to see if anyone else has made a similar move and how it has been living with a 4C. My wife loves the looks but not sure she will be a fan of the significant cabin noise and heavy steering, of course it won't be an every day car but I don't want to not use it as with the TVR because "I don't have the energy today"
The only other car I'm currently lusting after is the Emira but as it will probably take a couple of years to obtain one it's off the table right now.
Cheers, TC
For a year or so I've been contemplating replacing my Tuscan for something a little more refined but I still want something unusual, relatively depreciation free and great looking. There aren't many cars that really tick the boxes IMO, plenty of stunning cars but most of them cost a tonne in depreciation and look out dated after a few years due to manufacturers constantly facelifting them (AMG GT, F-Pace etc).
For a while I've been looking at the 4C online, finally I found one locally which I went to see and fell in love with the looks straight away but I wasn't expecting what happened after I turned the key! Turns out it's not the tame mainstream sports car I was assuming it would be, the most comparable car I've driven is possibly an Elise (I haven't driven any other modern Lotus).
So, I'm not convinced it will be a more relaxed and comfortable replacement for the TVR (albeit less agressive than the driver aid free straight 6), I've posted on here to see if anyone else has made a similar move and how it has been living with a 4C. My wife loves the looks but not sure she will be a fan of the significant cabin noise and heavy steering, of course it won't be an every day car but I don't want to not use it as with the TVR because "I don't have the energy today"
The only other car I'm currently lusting after is the Emira but as it will probably take a couple of years to obtain one it's off the table right now.
Cheers, TC
They're easy enough to use, for sure.....but certainly not relaxed.
Practically, they're not the easiest to get in and out of, they're very wide, so narrow roads become bum-clenching when most numpties who can't judge the width of their RR come the other way. For similar reasons, parking is a nightmare if you're paranoid like me because other people are inconsiderate a
holes AND you need to open the doors quite wide to get out. Because of this, I won't take it places without decent parking.
Noise levels are high, if it's the race exhaust it booms on the motorway which doesn't help either so get a Quicksilver fitted by Alfaworks. Ride is firm, and it crashes over potholes but I've been up and down the motorway for a few hours without discomfort. Interior is designed better for 5' Italians rather than 6' Brits, so I feel a little high in the car.
Steering is heavy, but not massively above 5mph. Make sure it has Alfaworks steering blocks, and if not get them fitted ASAP to mitigate the tramlining and twiching steering.
Running costs wise, they're modest. Big service (belts) is about £1200, otherwise the other bits aren't too bad at all. You'll even get 50+ mpg on a run if you're careful.
I wouldn't want to use one regularly, but they're more than easy enough to use, if a little compromised. Dynamically, an Elise/Exige will be better, but the 4C has a proper exotic, special (I hate to say it) Mini-supercar vibe the others won't match. Plus, they should have rock-solid residuals so buy carefully and the CTO should be low too.
Practically, they're not the easiest to get in and out of, they're very wide, so narrow roads become bum-clenching when most numpties who can't judge the width of their RR come the other way. For similar reasons, parking is a nightmare if you're paranoid like me because other people are inconsiderate a
holes AND you need to open the doors quite wide to get out. Because of this, I won't take it places without decent parking.Noise levels are high, if it's the race exhaust it booms on the motorway which doesn't help either so get a Quicksilver fitted by Alfaworks. Ride is firm, and it crashes over potholes but I've been up and down the motorway for a few hours without discomfort. Interior is designed better for 5' Italians rather than 6' Brits, so I feel a little high in the car.
Steering is heavy, but not massively above 5mph. Make sure it has Alfaworks steering blocks, and if not get them fitted ASAP to mitigate the tramlining and twiching steering.
Running costs wise, they're modest. Big service (belts) is about £1200, otherwise the other bits aren't too bad at all. You'll even get 50+ mpg on a run if you're careful.
I wouldn't want to use one regularly, but they're more than easy enough to use, if a little compromised. Dynamically, an Elise/Exige will be better, but the 4C has a proper exotic, special (I hate to say it) Mini-supercar vibe the others won't match. Plus, they should have rock-solid residuals so buy carefully and the CTO should be low too.
Thanks for the detailed reply, sounds like its similar to living with the TVR but 15 years younger.
I think the mini supercar comment is about right but I was very reluctant to make the same statement earlier, the car came across as a Ferrari/Lotus love child to me!
I have a feeling it will age very well which is a big box ticked for me if the car is to be a keeper, low running costs may help in the long term too whether it is direct or creating higher appeal for future disposal. Certainly the main factor I have put any thoughts of a 12C on hold!
I think the mini supercar comment is about right but I was very reluctant to make the same statement earlier, the car came across as a Ferrari/Lotus love child to me!
I have a feeling it will age very well which is a big box ticked for me if the car is to be a keeper, low running costs may help in the long term too whether it is direct or creating higher appeal for future disposal. Certainly the main factor I have put any thoughts of a 12C on hold!
Some good comments already.
Throw my hat in the ring. I own a 4C and a boxster and in the past a TVR (wedge)
For high days, easy trips, roof down relaxed motoring we use the Boxster. Track days, just driving for fun. The 4C.
Think you are already there. It's a no compromise mini supercar that's built for driving. Elsie like with more of a kick. Raw.
I have done long trips and its surprisingly good at doing those and I find the seats comfy. But there is a drone over 70 that can get tiresome on motorway journeys and of course becuase no sound proofing you hear every stone, bump and you feel it through the car. But..... it makes me smile, hairs on the back of hand and every drive is an event. Just like my old TVR.
My Boxster.... it's great but I dont get the soul or that event type feel whenever I drive it.
If the boxster is 1 on a scale in terms of comfort, build and relaxed driving and 4C a 10. Your TVR will be stting at a 5/6 if that makes sense.
Thought of having a look at Maserati in the same price bracket ? I know more a GT car than sports but could give you best of both worlds ?
Throw my hat in the ring. I own a 4C and a boxster and in the past a TVR (wedge)
For high days, easy trips, roof down relaxed motoring we use the Boxster. Track days, just driving for fun. The 4C.
Think you are already there. It's a no compromise mini supercar that's built for driving. Elsie like with more of a kick. Raw.
I have done long trips and its surprisingly good at doing those and I find the seats comfy. But there is a drone over 70 that can get tiresome on motorway journeys and of course becuase no sound proofing you hear every stone, bump and you feel it through the car. But..... it makes me smile, hairs on the back of hand and every drive is an event. Just like my old TVR.
My Boxster.... it's great but I dont get the soul or that event type feel whenever I drive it.
If the boxster is 1 on a scale in terms of comfort, build and relaxed driving and 4C a 10. Your TVR will be stting at a 5/6 if that makes sense.
Thought of having a look at Maserati in the same price bracket ? I know more a GT car than sports but could give you best of both worlds ?
justin220 said:
Sounds like you need an Evora?
I've had a T350C, Exige and Evora but not the 4C.
Hand on heart, I prefered my Evora. I like the 4C, but loved my Evora....it just did everything so brilliantly. They're different cars though, the Evora being the bigger, heavier GT-type whereas the 4C is more like the Elise.I've had a T350C, Exige and Evora but not the 4C.
I've always liked the Evora but the 4C blows it out of the water in the looks department, it is next level IMO!
If the Emira was available it may well be Lotus I'd be going for but that option is a couple of years away I reckon.
The only other car I've been longing for is a V8V (V12V preferably but can't extend to the cost yet). It too is a beautiful car and I have wanted one for ages, the downsides are that they are much more common (approx 6k on the road vs 400 4C's), and just starting to show their age IMO. The rawness is the only downside of the 4C I can see, but if that creates a reason not to use the car then it's also a big reason not to buy one!
If the Emira was available it may well be Lotus I'd be going for but that option is a couple of years away I reckon.
The only other car I've been longing for is a V8V (V12V preferably but can't extend to the cost yet). It too is a beautiful car and I have wanted one for ages, the downsides are that they are much more common (approx 6k on the road vs 400 4C's), and just starting to show their age IMO. The rawness is the only downside of the 4C I can see, but if that creates a reason not to use the car then it's also a big reason not to buy one!
I had one for 18 months and I LOVED it. It was a 50th Anniversary Spider.
I novated someone else's lease, which financially was a mistake (with hindsight) but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I took it to Alfa Workshop and had the fast road blocks fitted, and also a re-map. Both of which are essential in my opinion.
Whilst my wife liked the car, she didn't love it like I did and when the lease expired I decided to allow it to go back. The biggest problem I had with it was the total lack of luggage space - more than 4 or 5 days for a roadtrip for 2 was extemely challenging on the packing front, and there was no way to carry luggage and store the roof.
I've now replaced it with a Maserati Gran Cabrio - which whilst it's nowhere near as much fun as the 4C, it's also easier to live with.
I novated someone else's lease, which financially was a mistake (with hindsight) but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I took it to Alfa Workshop and had the fast road blocks fitted, and also a re-map. Both of which are essential in my opinion.
Whilst my wife liked the car, she didn't love it like I did and when the lease expired I decided to allow it to go back. The biggest problem I had with it was the total lack of luggage space - more than 4 or 5 days for a roadtrip for 2 was extemely challenging on the packing front, and there was no way to carry luggage and store the roof.
I've now replaced it with a Maserati Gran Cabrio - which whilst it's nowhere near as much fun as the 4C, it's also easier to live with.
The Maserati is a good looking car and I gather it has some flair, I bet it's a little dearer to run than the 4C though!
Can anyone help on a couple of questions regarding the 4C?
1. Headlight differences- I like the look of both but I've heard some strong opinions on them, are the bug eyes that bad or are the negative opinions down to aesthetics?
2. Dashboards- stitched leather looks lovely but with various things I have read on forums- is it only a matter of time before they need repairing or were there just a handful of issues that make them all sound like a potential problem?
3. Any other differences through the years- I don't recall any major changes but noteworthy points appreciated.
I can't escape the 4C yet, planning to view another shortly. I think the only alternative that ticks every box is a 911, but I'm not sure I want to be tarred with the "boss has bought a porsche" stereotype, the Alfa option may cost a similar amount but doesn't carry a stigma. May sound stupid but there seem to be a lot of people who automatically hate a porsche owner, I'm not particularly worried about it but at the same time don't want to paint a target on my back, also get let out at junctions
Can anyone help on a couple of questions regarding the 4C?
1. Headlight differences- I like the look of both but I've heard some strong opinions on them, are the bug eyes that bad or are the negative opinions down to aesthetics?
2. Dashboards- stitched leather looks lovely but with various things I have read on forums- is it only a matter of time before they need repairing or were there just a handful of issues that make them all sound like a potential problem?
3. Any other differences through the years- I don't recall any major changes but noteworthy points appreciated.
I can't escape the 4C yet, planning to view another shortly. I think the only alternative that ticks every box is a 911, but I'm not sure I want to be tarred with the "boss has bought a porsche" stereotype, the Alfa option may cost a similar amount but doesn't carry a stigma. May sound stupid but there seem to be a lot of people who automatically hate a porsche owner, I'm not particularly worried about it but at the same time don't want to paint a target on my back, also get let out at junctions
The Maserati will be a GT car. This is and out and out raw sports car. But I think the Maserati is a good shout if you d9nt want the rawness.
I own a porsche as well. I dont get acknowledged or let out and get some negative vibes if I am honest. With the alfa.... it's all positive. Thumbs up, let out and smiles all round. Took it to Bicester scramble and when I I looked I could see about 20 porsches in my field of vision. My 4C was the only one there that day.... so a very exclusive club (to be fair there was an Italian meet at beaulie that day )
Ref headlights..... aesthetics as far as I am aware. I have the spider lights becuase they are a little different.
Leather dash... not aware of any UK cars with issues but in some hot climates have been a few where the leather has peeled off. But as I say nothing in this country
Changes..... apart from the early launch cars they are pretty much the same with no major differences. I'm sure someone will know a little more than me on this front if there have been but as far as I am aware apart from a badge change they are pretty much the same throughout its life.
Happy to show you around mine if you want..I'm.based in Berkshire
I own a porsche as well. I dont get acknowledged or let out and get some negative vibes if I am honest. With the alfa.... it's all positive. Thumbs up, let out and smiles all round. Took it to Bicester scramble and when I I looked I could see about 20 porsches in my field of vision. My 4C was the only one there that day.... so a very exclusive club (to be fair there was an Italian meet at beaulie that day )
Ref headlights..... aesthetics as far as I am aware. I have the spider lights becuase they are a little different.
Leather dash... not aware of any UK cars with issues but in some hot climates have been a few where the leather has peeled off. But as I say nothing in this country
Changes..... apart from the early launch cars they are pretty much the same with no major differences. I'm sure someone will know a little more than me on this front if there have been but as far as I am aware apart from a badge change they are pretty much the same throughout its life.
Happy to show you around mine if you want..I'm.based in Berkshire
topcat1 said:
I've always liked the Evora but the 4C blows it out of the water in the looks department, it is next level IMO!
If the Emira was available it may well be Lotus I'd be going for but that option is a couple of years away I reckon.
I agree the 4C is a looker, tempted to try one myself at some point. I’m quite clearly biased but I think the Evora looks stunning, however imho it does need the Sports Racer look or Black Pack on the later cars. Here’s mine, gets so much positive attention on the road, is pretty much holding its value over the 4 years I’ve owned it and costs less than my BMW to service. Definitely worth trying one before you rule it out as the drive is absolutely sublime.I’m also an ex-TVR owner If the Emira was available it may well be Lotus I'd be going for but that option is a couple of years away I reckon.
Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Saturday 28th May 22:04
Thanks for the replies, I have a pretty conclusive update!
I collected it yesterday and am absolutely loving it, beautiful from every angle and I like the simplistic but curvy interior too. Apart from all the obvious drawbacks of a 900kg sports car, I've not yet found any actual issues!
Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
I collected it yesterday and am absolutely loving it, beautiful from every angle and I like the simplistic but curvy interior too. Apart from all the obvious drawbacks of a 900kg sports car, I've not yet found any actual issues!
Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
ParanoidAndroid said:
Very nice, enjoy! Are you keeping the Tuscan along side the 4C?
Errrm, for now! I'm ready to sell it however there is occasion talk from TVR folk about potential values rising in a couple of years when the early cars are able to be imported to the US, I'm unsure if this will actually happen or not hence not sure whether to hang on to it for longer or not!topcat1 said:
Thanks for the replies, I have a pretty conclusive update!
Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
Love it, congratulations, I’ve got a Rosso Alfa spider and the coupe is such a lovely shape, really envious I needed the extra head room the spider gave, but with the coupe you get to see the engine from the rear view mirror and that throttle cable! Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
Re the cars n coffee, there is a breakfast meet every 2nd Saturday 9am at The White Elms garden centre in Bicknacre thats not to far from Maldon and it’s a really good meet and a good group!
(Details are on Pistonhead Essex Facebook group)
Edited by Jo3h on Monday 30th May 14:56
topcat1 said:
Thanks for the replies, I have a pretty conclusive update!
I collected it yesterday and am absolutely loving it, beautiful from every angle and I like the simplistic but curvy interior too. Apart from all the obvious drawbacks of a 900kg sports car, I've not yet found any actual issues!
Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
Thread delivers! Really good choice, a rare and special car. I collected it yesterday and am absolutely loving it, beautiful from every angle and I like the simplistic but curvy interior too. Apart from all the obvious drawbacks of a 900kg sports car, I've not yet found any actual issues!
Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!
Thanks all, with a nice long weekend coming up I'm hoping to make the most of it!
Yes the Tuscan is waiting for a piece of trim to be re-fitted (still trying to find a decent body shop near me) and I'd like to get some pics of them both.
Thanks for the heads up on Bicknacre, I'm not able to do this month but hopefully the next one.
Yes the Tuscan is waiting for a piece of trim to be re-fitted (still trying to find a decent body shop near me) and I'd like to get some pics of them both.
Thanks for the heads up on Bicknacre, I'm not able to do this month but hopefully the next one.
whats the full spec?Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff