New car - £85-90k budget...
Discussion
Hi all,
Just sold the M4 and will be looking into getting my first sports car in the early new year (still have a bit of saving to do and a bathroom to do up...). I think that my realistic budget will be around £85-90,000 and have been considering either a GT4, F430 or V12 Vantage.
I’ve got a Q7 for family duties and a Saab for the daily station run, so really want something I can leave in the garage and look forward to driving every so often.
I’ve always loved Ferrari’s and growing up as a kid they were my motivation to keep working hard to earn the money to have one. However, now I’m older and (apparently) more sensible, I keep thinking that the warranty on a GT4 could be a nice thing to have... The Vantage is obviously a bit of a curve ball, but quite and intriguing car and, I think, worth a test drive.
What do you guys think? If it was you’re money, what would you buy and am I missing another option entirely?
I did look at a new 991 GTS and did a PEC day at Silverstone, but think I’d take a massive bath on depreciation buying a new car.
Many thanks in advance!
Just sold the M4 and will be looking into getting my first sports car in the early new year (still have a bit of saving to do and a bathroom to do up...). I think that my realistic budget will be around £85-90,000 and have been considering either a GT4, F430 or V12 Vantage.
I’ve got a Q7 for family duties and a Saab for the daily station run, so really want something I can leave in the garage and look forward to driving every so often.
I’ve always loved Ferrari’s and growing up as a kid they were my motivation to keep working hard to earn the money to have one. However, now I’m older and (apparently) more sensible, I keep thinking that the warranty on a GT4 could be a nice thing to have... The Vantage is obviously a bit of a curve ball, but quite and intriguing car and, I think, worth a test drive.
What do you guys think? If it was you’re money, what would you buy and am I missing another option entirely?
I did look at a new 991 GTS and did a PEC day at Silverstone, but think I’d take a massive bath on depreciation buying a new car.
Many thanks in advance!
F430 or GT4
Two very different cars
Ones an event, a Ferrari.....with a noise to die for
The other ..."best drivers car" available today.
In real terms I imagine the F430 won't be much faster than the M4 (you've just come from).
If it's an event (ownership experience)
Then Ferrari 430, Gallardo,
If it's an everyday performance car......you might just be able to squeeze your budget into the latest generation Audi R8 V10 plus or a Merc AMG GT
Two very different cars
Ones an event, a Ferrari.....with a noise to die for
The other ..."best drivers car" available today.
In real terms I imagine the F430 won't be much faster than the M4 (you've just come from).
If it's an event (ownership experience)
Then Ferrari 430, Gallardo,
If it's an everyday performance car......you might just be able to squeeze your budget into the latest generation Audi R8 V10 plus or a Merc AMG GT
Gen1 Gallardo all the way. V10 is a better sound track than any of the V8's and driving it produces more sense of theatre and occasion, which sounds like what you're after.
Most Supercars built from around 2000 onwards are more than a match in terms of performance for most of us mere mortals, so unless you need to play Top Trumps it doesnt matter if an MP4-12C or an F430 have a faster 'Ring time in the hands of a professional driver. Newer cars are technically superior but older cars give you more involvement in the sensory feeedback department.
Most Supercars built from around 2000 onwards are more than a match in terms of performance for most of us mere mortals, so unless you need to play Top Trumps it doesnt matter if an MP4-12C or an F430 have a faster 'Ring time in the hands of a professional driver. Newer cars are technically superior but older cars give you more involvement in the sensory feeedback department.
If a Ferrari is your dream car, then I would get one - otherwise you'll always wonder and as a weekend car the specialness of a mid-engined F is hard to beat
Would also consider 355 and 360 with manual transmission for the open gate and I think they both sound better than the 430. The manual and lower power also gives you imo a little more fun on the road / easier to rev out without doing ridiculous speeds
Would also consider 355 and 360 with manual transmission for the open gate and I think they both sound better than the 430. The manual and lower power also gives you imo a little more fun on the road / easier to rev out without doing ridiculous speeds
i don't think any of those a bad choices, i imagine the v12 and 430 would make better just for the hell of it drives... i like to just go for a cruise sometimes just to make some noise lol i would think the GT4 is more of a get on it kinda driver!
as mentioned theres not much in it performance wise between a 430 and M4, but the driving experience if night and day different, the 430 is just better, the noise, the looks, the feeling, the steering, the way you can throw it around without feeling like its going to drag you into a hedge at any moment! oh and the attention if your into that sort of thing... theres a unquantifiable enjoyment to sometimes just opening the garage and seeing a proper Ferrari sat there
i've just sold my M4, and the 430 is for sale, i've also been looking at a 911.2 GTS... i was kinda hoping depreciation wouldn't be that bad (i've lost a packet on the m4 in 12 months), though i'm also considering 991.1 Turbo S a similar money.. or maybe saving a few quid and going R8.... i need something that i can use a bit more "daily"
as mentioned theres not much in it performance wise between a 430 and M4, but the driving experience if night and day different, the 430 is just better, the noise, the looks, the feeling, the steering, the way you can throw it around without feeling like its going to drag you into a hedge at any moment! oh and the attention if your into that sort of thing... theres a unquantifiable enjoyment to sometimes just opening the garage and seeing a proper Ferrari sat there
i've just sold my M4, and the 430 is for sale, i've also been looking at a 911.2 GTS... i was kinda hoping depreciation wouldn't be that bad (i've lost a packet on the m4 in 12 months), though i'm also considering 991.1 Turbo S a similar money.. or maybe saving a few quid and going R8.... i need something that i can use a bit more "daily"
cgt2 said:
Had 430 and M4 and the BMW feels significantly faster - 10 years newer in evolutionary terms. The Ferrari is of course much more of an occasion though.
Personally, I think this is just down to the 'turbo' effect. I.e. Turbo cars always feel a bit quicker than they are, whilst the opposite is true of n/a vehicles. I previously owned an f10 M5 and 430 together and the Ferrari was slightly quicker (plus you can get the power down so much better). You certainly won't feel any lack of permformance. A combination of short gearing and good torque provides more than enough speed for the road and it's a dream in the twisty's. Just make sure you budget and research for the usual cardboard manifolds and ball joint replacement, etc. Try both the 430 and GT4 as I think the answer lies with one of these 2 cars given the requirement of a weekend toy.As one of the posters below said, if you've dreamt of a Ferrari, get the Ferrari. Owning one is a fun thing to do with rather more emotion attaching to it than most other cars. It brings out the child in us all; who didn't say "ferrari...." when you saw one on the street when you were young?
The Aston has always appealed to me too but I've not gone there yet. A big v12 lump and a classic shape/look. The interior looks a bit dated and it's not the last thing in handling, but a brilliant noise and a somewhat more understated cool than a Ferrari.
If you like those two cars then I'm not quite sure the GT4 scratches the same itch. However, the joy of cars is that you can buy one and then swap a couple of years later. They'll still be around, at least for the foreseeable future, and with early depreciation now gone your cost of swapping isn't too bad.
The Aston has always appealed to me too but I've not gone there yet. A big v12 lump and a classic shape/look. The interior looks a bit dated and it's not the last thing in handling, but a brilliant noise and a somewhat more understated cool than a Ferrari.
If you like those two cars then I'm not quite sure the GT4 scratches the same itch. However, the joy of cars is that you can buy one and then swap a couple of years later. They'll still be around, at least for the foreseeable future, and with early depreciation now gone your cost of swapping isn't too bad.
I always wanted a F growing up. Test drove a few 360s and F430s when I was eventually in the position to buy one ... and then bought a Gallardo. Nothing like the N/A V10 for the money. It was more of an event also even though I'm a F fanboy. Driving through a tunnel, roof down with that V10 behind you is worth the money alone
dang2407 said:
Gen1 Gallardo all the way. V10 is a better sound track than any of the V8's and driving it produces more sense of theatre and occasion, which sounds like what you're after.
Most Supercars built from around 2000 onwards are more than a match in terms of performance for most of us mere mortals, so unless you need to play Top Trumps it doesnt matter if an MP4-12C or an F430 have a faster 'Ring time in the hands of a professional driver. Newer cars are technically superior but older cars give you more involvement in the sensory feeedback department.
This is correct.Most Supercars built from around 2000 onwards are more than a match in terms of performance for most of us mere mortals, so unless you need to play Top Trumps it doesnt matter if an MP4-12C or an F430 have a faster 'Ring time in the hands of a professional driver. Newer cars are technically superior but older cars give you more involvement in the sensory feeedback department.
Much of the speed in these cars is also beyond the capabilities of many UK roads.
Our roads are over populated in many areas.
Thanks for the responses guys. The Gallardo is a good shout. Will take a look at those too.
Never been a massive R8 fan. Have driven the v10 first gen and it’s a cracking car, but a bit bland at the same time. Just IMO...
Spot on re all these being too fast. Anything over 300bhp is enough and I think that all the above are more than fast enough for my ability.
I keep coming back to the F though. Think it’s the emotional attachment and history I have lusting over them. It’s only going to be used once every 2/3 weeks I guess as have two under two kiddies, so opportunities are rare!
Will have to get begind the wheel of them all and take it from there!
Never been a massive R8 fan. Have driven the v10 first gen and it’s a cracking car, but a bit bland at the same time. Just IMO...
Spot on re all these being too fast. Anything over 300bhp is enough and I think that all the above are more than fast enough for my ability.
I keep coming back to the F though. Think it’s the emotional attachment and history I have lusting over them. It’s only going to be used once every 2/3 weeks I guess as have two under two kiddies, so opportunities are rare!
Will have to get begind the wheel of them all and take it from there!
Nano2nd said:
why would you regard it as better? saw a lovely v8 Vantage S ragtop today at a classic car show, got me thinking....
The Aston is a really raw analogue drive which rewards good driving but will punish clumsy inputs. The sound of the V12 engine is intoxicating and the interior though lacking in tech is a lovely place to be. Adrian Newey has one and states it's one of the best drivers cars ever. At 90k they are a bargain and are only heading one way. Remember they only produced a limited number of V12 manuals. The F430 is also a lovely car but I think they are overpriced at the moment.Hi
I followed a similar path -
life long love of F cars so bought a 360 - had it for 3 years and it made so much money I jumped into a V10 Gallardo Spider - like you two young kids so it doesn't get out much and the Golf R as a daily helps with the winter commutes.... the NOISE is amazing... the performance is great - Golf feels quicker off the line up to 80mph due to turbos but you still can't beat the feeling of driving a V10 Lambo!! I suspect you will go Ferrari first - but then you will want a change and with the prices of 458s so high a lot then jump into a V10 Lamborghini!!!
Drive both - enjoy
PS I'd not bother with the GT4 unless you're a hardcore heel and toe type person!! I prefer 2 hands on the steering wheel at speed!!
I followed a similar path -
life long love of F cars so bought a 360 - had it for 3 years and it made so much money I jumped into a V10 Gallardo Spider - like you two young kids so it doesn't get out much and the Golf R as a daily helps with the winter commutes.... the NOISE is amazing... the performance is great - Golf feels quicker off the line up to 80mph due to turbos but you still can't beat the feeling of driving a V10 Lambo!! I suspect you will go Ferrari first - but then you will want a change and with the prices of 458s so high a lot then jump into a V10 Lamborghini!!!
Drive both - enjoy
PS I'd not bother with the GT4 unless you're a hardcore heel and toe type person!! I prefer 2 hands on the steering wheel at speed!!
V10vroom said:
Hi
I followed a similar path -
life long love of F cars so bought a 360 - had it for 3 years and it made so much money I jumped into a V10 Gallardo Spider - like you two young kids so it doesn't get out much and the Golf R as a daily helps with the winter commutes.... the NOISE is amazing... the performance is great - Golf feels quicker off the line up to 80mph due to turbos but you still can't beat the feeling of driving a V10 Lambo!! I suspect you will go Ferrari first - but then you will want a change and with the prices of 458s so high a lot then jump into a V10 Lamborghini!!!
Drive both - enjoy
PS I'd not bother with the GT4 unless you're a hardcore heel and toe type person!! I prefer 2 hands on the steering wheel at speed!!
If you have a F1 360 or paddle Gallardo you don't know what you are missing not having the manual box, both cars are so much more enjoyable with manuals.I followed a similar path -
life long love of F cars so bought a 360 - had it for 3 years and it made so much money I jumped into a V10 Gallardo Spider - like you two young kids so it doesn't get out much and the Golf R as a daily helps with the winter commutes.... the NOISE is amazing... the performance is great - Golf feels quicker off the line up to 80mph due to turbos but you still can't beat the feeling of driving a V10 Lambo!! I suspect you will go Ferrari first - but then you will want a change and with the prices of 458s so high a lot then jump into a V10 Lamborghini!!!
Drive both - enjoy
PS I'd not bother with the GT4 unless you're a hardcore heel and toe type person!! I prefer 2 hands on the steering wheel at speed!!
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