Next car - Why can't i make a decision?

[mattman]

This shouldn't be as hard as i'm making it.

Currently coming to the end of a 2yr lease of a scirocco (£165/mth bargain)

I'm 44 and love cars - had 56 in the past but nothing really 'special', hence i have swapped a lot

Sensible head says get another 2 year lease on something a bit nicer so have been looking at Velar & Ghibli's - approx £400-£500/mth (£12k ish over 2 years) no worry on maintenance, issues, etc or perhaps the new mustang 5.0 if i can get it in budget

The non-sensible hat says get something 2nd hand that really has that 'special' feeling (IMHO) for approx £25k-£30k so 08 Masterati GT 4.2, 05 Bentley GT, 05 911 Cab/targa, Vantage

The 2nd hand option will require a personal loan so monthlies will be about the same, expect the possibilty of unexpected maintenance and annual servicing.

Plus side for the lease is its a new car, shouldn't have any issues and will be covered by warranty if it does - but nothing at the end of the 2 year period

Plus side for purchase is that i'll have a car to keep (not done too well on that recently)

Just me? anyone else faced a similar decision?

[Nickp82]

I think there are many of us that face a similar quandary, shiny newness but with nothing to show at the end versus the satisfaction of ownership with the possibility of big repair bills.

Surely the middle ground is a used Mustang? The V8s seem to be available for not too much over £30k?

[Actus Reus]

The Velar and Ghibli leases, when you look at them in detail, aren't that great IMHO - you need to spend on options which pushes cost up hugely.

A used Maser or Bentley does have huge bork potential though. Lovely things mind - is there no middle ground, say a Boxster or something that's under Porsche warranty?

[Philv8s]

When you’re on your deathbed will you be patting yourself on the back that you always had a sensible car? Or smiling that you used to have a proper Maserati, Aston etc...??🤔
Your along time dead and if you have the ability to get something more memorable then do it.

[mattman]

^^^^^ this !

just need to do it i think and worry about it later

Concerned that a boxster, etc is settling for something thats not really fitting the bill - and i'll end up swapping in 12 months time

just need to grow a pair i guess!

[Philv8s]

It sounds like the frequent swapping of cars is because you are always regretting not getting the dream car. Stop pontificating, do your research and take the jump.
I used to keep away from big engined cars for fear of imminent engine detonations but after numerous V8 and V12 cars i’ve not looked back. Currently running a supercharged V8 as it is my ideal car. Won’t be selling it anytime soon either. Problem solved.

[Fastlane]

I've had the same problem in the past. The solution is to buy a weekend car for fun (something that won't depreciate too much and whose running cost will be low as you will only do occasional mileage in it) and get a cheaper "daily". With £500/month you could get a loan for one and lease the other, depending on how much you want to spend on each of course. You will then have something to show for your £6k/year (after tax) "investment".

I bought a lovely low mileage 996 as my fun car and this week ame returning a 208 GTi by PS (£210/month on 1+23 lease for 10k miles) to a Cupra 300 (£260/month on 1+23 lease for 10k miles).

All IMHO.

[Frimley111R]

mattman said:

^^^^^ this !

just need to do it i think and worry about it later

Concerned that a boxster, etc is settling for something thats not really fitting the bill - and i'll end up swapping in 12 months time

just need to grow a pair i guess!

I know what you mean but if I took that mindset everyday I'd be broke in a week And I'd live to be 150!

[ZX10R NIN]

Get a special car but if you're worried about potential bork factors then ease your way into cars that are special by going for some mainstream performance models that won't break the bank but still put a smile on your face.

Lotus Evora

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Cayman S Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Corvette Z06 (these are a great drive)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'd only recommend the 4.2 Maserati if there's a receipt for the Cam Variators have been done.

4.7 Quattroporte these are special & a give you a good feeling when driving one.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mainstream:

Lexus IS-F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XKR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

VXR8

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

All the above IMO have something that makes them special & are reliable enough not to frighten you off.

[mattman]

Thanks ZXR - i don't think the boss lady will sanction a LHD car - but the lotus looks like it needs more investigation