Discussion
Alright guys, I've been a longtime lurker but up until now have't posted.
I am hoping to upgrade my car in the coming months and have all the usual thoughts running around in my head, thinking of virtually every possibility in my price range and struggling to decide which option would be the best fit for me.
Bit of background - I'm 33, my current vehicle is a B7 RS4, which I love and might even try to keep as a great all rounder, but I am getting the pangs of something new to walk out to in the morning. I use the RS4 as a daily, and don't think I would want something so compromised that I couldn't do the same with whatever comes in next. My budget is likely to be £40-£50k (I'm actively trying to limit to £50k because once you go over that you are into a whole other territory and you start thinking (oh, we but for £70k I could get... you know how it goes)
Anyway, I'd like the next car to be sporty but comfortable, be a nice head-turner without attracting the hatred of the mass public, and be decently powerful but ultimate pace isn't my primary objective. I don't NEED more than two seats but obviously a bit of extra space is always helpful, so worth some consideration, although that would be low down in the decision making process. To that end, the shortlist along with some thoughts on each, in no particular order comprises:
Aston V8 Vantage
Aston DB9
Maserati Granturismo
Bentley Conti GT
Porsche 997.1 Turbo
and the joker in the pack, as a steer much more towards comfort etc, is...
Porsche Cayenne (diesel)
Obviously with a set budget some will be much newer than others which is also worth considering to the extent that it matters, either positively (more up to date kit, potentially less "worn") versus the downsides (perhaps further to fall depreciation-wise, replacement models on the horizon, etc). Some are flashier than others, but all would probably require either the RS4 or a daily smasher of some sort for attendance at certain meetings etc, so the only one I feel is a bit of a stretch in the image stakes (for me at 33) is the Conti GT - lovely luxurious beast though, so...
In order to get as much neutral feedback as possible, I didn't initially want to post in the marque specific forums.
I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts/experiences on these options.
I am hoping to upgrade my car in the coming months and have all the usual thoughts running around in my head, thinking of virtually every possibility in my price range and struggling to decide which option would be the best fit for me.
Bit of background - I'm 33, my current vehicle is a B7 RS4, which I love and might even try to keep as a great all rounder, but I am getting the pangs of something new to walk out to in the morning. I use the RS4 as a daily, and don't think I would want something so compromised that I couldn't do the same with whatever comes in next. My budget is likely to be £40-£50k (I'm actively trying to limit to £50k because once you go over that you are into a whole other territory and you start thinking (oh, we but for £70k I could get... you know how it goes)
Anyway, I'd like the next car to be sporty but comfortable, be a nice head-turner without attracting the hatred of the mass public, and be decently powerful but ultimate pace isn't my primary objective. I don't NEED more than two seats but obviously a bit of extra space is always helpful, so worth some consideration, although that would be low down in the decision making process. To that end, the shortlist along with some thoughts on each, in no particular order comprises:
Aston V8 Vantage
Aston DB9
Maserati Granturismo
Bentley Conti GT
Porsche 997.1 Turbo
and the joker in the pack, as a steer much more towards comfort etc, is...
Porsche Cayenne (diesel)
Obviously with a set budget some will be much newer than others which is also worth considering to the extent that it matters, either positively (more up to date kit, potentially less "worn") versus the downsides (perhaps further to fall depreciation-wise, replacement models on the horizon, etc). Some are flashier than others, but all would probably require either the RS4 or a daily smasher of some sort for attendance at certain meetings etc, so the only one I feel is a bit of a stretch in the image stakes (for me at 33) is the Conti GT - lovely luxurious beast though, so...
In order to get as much neutral feedback as possible, I didn't initially want to post in the marque specific forums.
I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts/experiences on these options.
The Crack Fox said:
Can I ask why there's not a hot Jag on that list ? With your budget/criteria I would be considering one myself.
A fair question and not one that has entirely gone without consideration in the form of an XF-R, XK-R or something along those lines. I guess, being honest, I worry a bit about residuals on a £40k-£50k modern Jag by way of comparison to the rest of the list. I suppose one would fit my criteria pretty well though, wouldn't it. Maybe just doesn't get the heart racing in quite the same way...sjc said:
Even though I own a Granturismo S, if I already had a RS4, none on your list would be different enough to be worth having as well. I'd go Noble M400 (like me) or Sagaris/NSX etc
Agree in many ways, but just knowing how I tend to use my cars I think a sway more to usability, luxury and less to all out performance is probably better for me. Whatever I get is likely to be pretty much my daily, so saying I might try to keep the RS4 is probably a bit of a red herring as that will be tough, although not impossible. So realistically it's more likely to be a Golf GTD or similar for rocking up when an Aston or Bentley or whatever really isn't appropriate.A couple of points, if I may:
(1) Residuals are going to be terrible on all of those cars
(2) Daily everyday usability - some are better than others, but they'll all be orders of magnitude worse than your current car. The Bentley and Aston, in particular, will give your wallet an almighty squeeze with unexpected and colossal bills.
(3) If you're happy with a two-seater, and like Audi, why on earth don't you have an R8 on the list? It's a lovely drive, can cope with mileage, and you can get a good V8 for £50k.
(4) Of your current list, the 997 would probably be my pick - hugely fast, discreet(ish), all-weather usable, and pretty much bomb-proof.
(1) Residuals are going to be terrible on all of those cars
(2) Daily everyday usability - some are better than others, but they'll all be orders of magnitude worse than your current car. The Bentley and Aston, in particular, will give your wallet an almighty squeeze with unexpected and colossal bills.
(3) If you're happy with a two-seater, and like Audi, why on earth don't you have an R8 on the list? It's a lovely drive, can cope with mileage, and you can get a good V8 for £50k.
(4) Of your current list, the 997 would probably be my pick - hugely fast, discreet(ish), all-weather usable, and pretty much bomb-proof.
One of these before the prices go too high......
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
longblackcoat said:
If you're happy with a two-seater, and like Audi, why on earth don't you have an R8 on the list? It's a lovely drive, can cope with mileage, and you can get a good V8 for £50k.
Seconded, the R8 is a great call - reasonable to run, good residuals (comparativly), quick, comfortable. Don't think it comes with the same preconceptions an Aston or Porche does. Proper drivers car.
I'd go for a late V8 Esprit. But then I like my cars like my women, impractical, expensive and temperamental.
NSX - Just not what I'm after I'm afraid. I think if I was going for a quasi-supercar the R8 would be the way I'd be going. Don't take that "quasi-" the wrong way please anyone - but there are differences between an NSX/R8 and a 599 GTO/Murcielago for example - and not all of them are for the worse...
The R8 has been in consideration, but if my original list of cars could be considered as not different enough to the RS4 then an R8 would be closer still. I haven't sat in one, so don't know how they compare inside. Does the R8 have a leather dash? Maybe sad, but I always think a leather dash adds a lot to the experience...
I think at £40-£50k you're still in the quite early cars, so not much choice in colour/spec etc. Loooove that gearstick though... ooof!
Nissan GTR - amazing cars but as mentioned in the original post, outright pace isn't the key factor and a bit of luxury is important. For all the good that can be said about a GTR, luxury is not one of its defining characteristics Melting your face off with its cornering ability however...
GT3 - One of those cars I see in the street and think how much I'd love one, but given the reality of the use it would be put to, it's just not appropriate and I'd be sick of it in 6 months. A perfect car as part of a wider collection but as a daily - not for me I don't think.
The R8 has been in consideration, but if my original list of cars could be considered as not different enough to the RS4 then an R8 would be closer still. I haven't sat in one, so don't know how they compare inside. Does the R8 have a leather dash? Maybe sad, but I always think a leather dash adds a lot to the experience...
I think at £40-£50k you're still in the quite early cars, so not much choice in colour/spec etc. Loooove that gearstick though... ooof!
Nissan GTR - amazing cars but as mentioned in the original post, outright pace isn't the key factor and a bit of luxury is important. For all the good that can be said about a GTR, luxury is not one of its defining characteristics Melting your face off with its cornering ability however...
GT3 - One of those cars I see in the street and think how much I'd love one, but given the reality of the use it would be put to, it's just not appropriate and I'd be sick of it in 6 months. A perfect car as part of a wider collection but as a daily - not for me I don't think.
Agree about the costs of running an Aston or Bentley as an everyday car. I have done that with both marques. Certainly the cost of maintenance was high but so was the enjoyment of driving a Bentley/Aston every day of your life!
I pick you up on the comments about being 33 and not overdoing it nor turning up in a Golf when the Aston/Bentley is not appropriate . . . get over it! There is nothing to worry about. If your everyday car does become, say, a Bentley then that's what you drive. I used to go everywhere in mine and think nothing of it. All my friends were used to it. Now they just ask which car I turned up in. It was also the car I used to load up to take stuff to the dump in (I did clean it every week!)
I would suggest that if comfort and sportyness was your desire as well as being a head turner then I would suggest a Bentley Arnage (red label). Not a common old Conti but a large stately car that, let's not be fooled, goes like the preverbial s**t off a shovel!
The Astons are fabulous but I would say not the most comfortable for an everyday car and even more costly to maintain than the Bentley. I think the Maserati is an inspired choice and more understated whilst still being impressive but have not had one (would like one!) so cannot comment.
What fun, shopping with someone else's money!
I pick you up on the comments about being 33 and not overdoing it nor turning up in a Golf when the Aston/Bentley is not appropriate . . . get over it! There is nothing to worry about. If your everyday car does become, say, a Bentley then that's what you drive. I used to go everywhere in mine and think nothing of it. All my friends were used to it. Now they just ask which car I turned up in. It was also the car I used to load up to take stuff to the dump in (I did clean it every week!)
I would suggest that if comfort and sportyness was your desire as well as being a head turner then I would suggest a Bentley Arnage (red label). Not a common old Conti but a large stately car that, let's not be fooled, goes like the preverbial s**t off a shovel!
The Astons are fabulous but I would say not the most comfortable for an everyday car and even more costly to maintain than the Bentley. I think the Maserati is an inspired choice and more understated whilst still being impressive but have not had one (would like one!) so cannot comment.
What fun, shopping with someone else's money!
SilverWraith said:
Agree about the costs of running an Aston or Bentley as an everyday car. I have done that with both marques. Certainly the cost of maintenance was high but so was the enjoyment of driving a Bentley/Aston every day of your life!
I pick you up on the comments about being 33 and not overdoing it nor turning up in a Golf when the Aston/Bentley is not appropriate . . . get over it! There is nothing to worry about. If your everyday car does become, say, a Bentley then that's what you drive. I used to go everywhere in mine and think nothing of it. All my friends were used to it. Now they just ask which car I turned up in. It was also the car I used to load up to take stuff to the dump in (I did clean it every week!)
I would suggest that if comfort and sportyness was your desire as well as being a head turner then I would suggest a Bentley Arnage (red label). Not a common old Conti but a large stately car that, let's not be fooled, goes like the preverbial s**t off a shovel!
The Astons are fabulous but I would say not the most comfortable for an everyday car and even more costly to maintain than the Bentley. I think the Maserati is an inspired choice and more understated whilst still being impressive but have not had one (would like one!) so cannot comment.
What fun, shopping with someone else's money!
Re: suitability of car for certain situations, I'm probably talking about 10-15% of the time and only in specific business situations where it really could be detrimental to me to turn up in something too flash. Around mates and for regular use, the new motor would be my car virtually the whole time - I wouldn't be hiding it away.I pick you up on the comments about being 33 and not overdoing it nor turning up in a Golf when the Aston/Bentley is not appropriate . . . get over it! There is nothing to worry about. If your everyday car does become, say, a Bentley then that's what you drive. I used to go everywhere in mine and think nothing of it. All my friends were used to it. Now they just ask which car I turned up in. It was also the car I used to load up to take stuff to the dump in (I did clean it every week!)
I would suggest that if comfort and sportyness was your desire as well as being a head turner then I would suggest a Bentley Arnage (red label). Not a common old Conti but a large stately car that, let's not be fooled, goes like the preverbial s**t off a shovel!
The Astons are fabulous but I would say not the most comfortable for an everyday car and even more costly to maintain than the Bentley. I think the Maserati is an inspired choice and more understated whilst still being impressive but have not had one (would like one!) so cannot comment.
What fun, shopping with someone else's money!
Hahahaha - yep love the Arnage. I'd definitely have one, but maybe once I hit 40!
I do feel like the Maser is potentially a good landing spot for me, dodging some of the downsides and ticking a lot of upside boxes. Quite rare so bit of a headturner. Sound amazing, nice interior, less image "issues" than Bentley, but still a sense of occasion to see in the street or get in. Probably edges more to the enthusist side rather than the flash-b
d side. A bit more easy going than a V8 Vantage in terms of ride etc, but still a V8 engine so hopefully lower running costs than DB9 or Bentley. Lacks the performance but is a better cruiser than a 997T. Kind of big, but with that comes comfort and a bit of practicality. A 4.7 GranT would tick a lot of boxes with the right spec.Edited by HerrTasche on Monday 16th September 13:22
HerrTasche said:
Re: suitability of car for certain situations, I'm probably talking about 10-15% of the time and only in specific business situations where it really could be detrimental to me to turn up in something too flash. Around mates and for regular use, the new motor would be my car virtually the whole time - I wouldn't be hiding it away.
Hahahaha - yep love the Arnage. I'd definitely have one, but maybe once I hit 40!
I do feel like the Maser is potentially a good landing spot for me, dodging some of the downsides and ticking a lot of upside boxes. Quite rare so bit of a headturner. Sound amazing, nice interior, less image "issues" than Bentley, but still a sense of occasion to see in the street or get in. Probably edges more to the enthusist side rather than the flash-bd side. A bit more easy going than a V8 Vantage in terms of ride etc, but still a V8 engine so hopefully lower running costs than DB9 or Bentley. Lacks the performance but is a better cruiser than a 997T. Kind of big, but with that comes comfort and a bit of practicality. A 4.7 GranT would tick a lot of boxes with the right spec.
Go on, you know you want to......Hahahaha - yep love the Arnage. I'd definitely have one, but maybe once I hit 40!
I do feel like the Maser is potentially a good landing spot for me, dodging some of the downsides and ticking a lot of upside boxes. Quite rare so bit of a headturner. Sound amazing, nice interior, less image "issues" than Bentley, but still a sense of occasion to see in the street or get in. Probably edges more to the enthusist side rather than the flash-b
d side. A bit more easy going than a V8 Vantage in terms of ride etc, but still a V8 engine so hopefully lower running costs than DB9 or Bentley. Lacks the performance but is a better cruiser than a 997T. Kind of big, but with that comes comfort and a bit of practicality. A 4.7 GranT would tick a lot of boxes with the right spec.Edited by HerrTasche on Monday 16th September 13:22
longblackcoat said:
If you're happy with a two-seater, and like Audi, why on earth don't you have an R8 on the list? It's a lovely drive, can cope with mileage, and you can get a good V8 for £50k.
Seconded, the R8 is a great call - reasonable to run, good residuals (comparativly), quick, comfortable. Don't think it comes with the same preconceptions an Aston or Porche does. Proper drivers car.
I'd go for a late V8 Esprit. But then I like my cars like my women, impractical, expensive and temperamental.
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