Move from light weight track toy to something more grown up?
Discussion
After a number of years of investing funds and supporting the family (including through my wife having to give up work to care for our youngest) I have managed to maintain a 'toy' car of modest value.
Previously a caterham and currently a ginetta G40r. However, after heavily gearing the business we are set to be clear of that burden in spring next year and me and my business partner promised ourselves a wee treat at that stage and take a modest dividend before continuing to reinvest funds back in to the business.
Having always been a lightweight track toy type person I am struggling to come up with a possible replacement for the ginetta whilst considering something with a little more sophistication.
997 GT3RS is my dream but unfortunately we are not treating ourselves that well and I will likely have to get a new kitchen (as a PR exercise at the same time! so looking at circa £40-50k value.
With family life as it is, track time is less and less and I've been enjoying time on the road in the ginetta with my 2 eldest (at different times obviously!).
In my head I'm thinking Aston V8 vantage or R8 but cant help thinking the R8 will be too 'safe'? I do also LOVE the maserati granturismo mc stradale which I can see are just about in reach.
My concern with any option is obviously depreciation (mainly the Maserati) but my thinking is that with all at the price point I'm looking at they are pretty safe places to put funds (with contingency for a larger bill occasionally obviously).
Exige v6 would also be a consideration but I simply don't fit in them unfortunately. Evora I've not tried so possibly an option?
Essentially, I'm after something with a bit of occasion, rewarding/challenging to drive (hence my R8 concern) and good residuals.
Manual is the preference but maserati gets let off a little on that account.
Has anyone else been in a similar predicament able to pass one their experience/thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Dave
Previously a caterham and currently a ginetta G40r. However, after heavily gearing the business we are set to be clear of that burden in spring next year and me and my business partner promised ourselves a wee treat at that stage and take a modest dividend before continuing to reinvest funds back in to the business.
Having always been a lightweight track toy type person I am struggling to come up with a possible replacement for the ginetta whilst considering something with a little more sophistication.
997 GT3RS is my dream but unfortunately we are not treating ourselves that well and I will likely have to get a new kitchen (as a PR exercise at the same time! so looking at circa £40-50k value.
With family life as it is, track time is less and less and I've been enjoying time on the road in the ginetta with my 2 eldest (at different times obviously!).
In my head I'm thinking Aston V8 vantage or R8 but cant help thinking the R8 will be too 'safe'? I do also LOVE the maserati granturismo mc stradale which I can see are just about in reach.
My concern with any option is obviously depreciation (mainly the Maserati) but my thinking is that with all at the price point I'm looking at they are pretty safe places to put funds (with contingency for a larger bill occasionally obviously).
Exige v6 would also be a consideration but I simply don't fit in them unfortunately. Evora I've not tried so possibly an option?
Essentially, I'm after something with a bit of occasion, rewarding/challenging to drive (hence my R8 concern) and good residuals.
Manual is the preference but maserati gets let off a little on that account.
Has anyone else been in a similar predicament able to pass one their experience/thoughts?
Thanks in advance,
Dave
Cayman R isn't special enough, I have aV8V and it makes me smile every time, it isn't the fastest or most dynamic but the noise it makes it lovely and it looks stunning.
Its been quite reliable bar a little paint bubbling (they all do that!) and the A/C compressor failed but that was replaced under warranty, I would budget 3-4k p.a. not including tax / insurance / fuel.
I also have the MC Stradale on my list but have a little look into the CCB replacement cost ... you will need to factor that in as I have seen one needing new pads at 20k.
Nissan GTR or Maserati MC shift would give you 2+2, as would a manual DB9 (definitely worth a look).
Its been quite reliable bar a little paint bubbling (they all do that!) and the A/C compressor failed but that was replaced under warranty, I would budget 3-4k p.a. not including tax / insurance / fuel.
I also have the MC Stradale on my list but have a little look into the CCB replacement cost ... you will need to factor that in as I have seen one needing new pads at 20k.
Nissan GTR or Maserati MC shift would give you 2+2, as would a manual DB9 (definitely worth a look).
As nice as the Cayman R is I would be inclined to agree it's not enough of an occasion.
Dare I say it, I class the GTR as a cracking daily driver but don't see it as something I'd long to take out for a blast at the weekend.....
Running costs of the maserati was one of the big concerns (second to the depreciation).
V8V was something I saw ticking the most boxes on the list and potential budget should get a good 4.7 example with the facelift. There is of course the option of stretching the budget slightly and going for a good early 4.3 and keeping the ginetta although space would be an issue.
A number of months off being in the position but I like to research for a LONG time before taking the plunge.
Cheers,
Dave
Dare I say it, I class the GTR as a cracking daily driver but don't see it as something I'd long to take out for a blast at the weekend.....
Running costs of the maserati was one of the big concerns (second to the depreciation).
V8V was something I saw ticking the most boxes on the list and potential budget should get a good 4.7 example with the facelift. There is of course the option of stretching the budget slightly and going for a good early 4.3 and keeping the ginetta although space would be an issue.
A number of months off being in the position but I like to research for a LONG time before taking the plunge.
Cheers,
Dave
Personally, I love my 4.3 V8V.
The boot is large enough (just) for use a daily driver and weekends away with the girlfriend, it's thirsty but not horrifically so.
I'm in a vaguely similar but less fun position to where you are - selling the Vantage to buy something slightly more practical (the plan is for dogs & small Newbishes in the near future) but hopefully still fun to drive. Any suggestions on the replacement warmly received!
If you do go for a V8V then do the homework. The AM Approved warranty is excellent, if you're looking privately then something well looked after or recently out of warranty. Plenty of enthusiasts in AMOC can provide a steer as well. Frequent faults are pretty easy to find online, but worth arranging an inspection or comment from an AM dealer who knows the car (AM Works for preference over the chains) or a real indy enthusiast (BR, AHM).
The boot is large enough (just) for use a daily driver and weekends away with the girlfriend, it's thirsty but not horrifically so.
I'm in a vaguely similar but less fun position to where you are - selling the Vantage to buy something slightly more practical (the plan is for dogs & small Newbishes in the near future) but hopefully still fun to drive. Any suggestions on the replacement warmly received!
If you do go for a V8V then do the homework. The AM Approved warranty is excellent, if you're looking privately then something well looked after or recently out of warranty. Plenty of enthusiasts in AMOC can provide a steer as well. Frequent faults are pretty easy to find online, but worth arranging an inspection or comment from an AM dealer who knows the car (AM Works for preference over the chains) or a real indy enthusiast (BR, AHM).
Edited by NewbishDelight on Thursday 11th October 14:54
D7PNY said:
sjc said:
Noble ?
I did wonder about a Noble (nearly bought one a number of years ago) and that's part of what puts me off...same car about 15-20k more expensive now! 
There’s one on the FB owners page that could well be a goodun going by what’s been posted.
D7PNY said:
As nice as the Cayman R is I would be inclined to agree it's not enough of an occasion.
Can't say I ever found my Cayman R not to be an event/occasion to drive.I made the suggestion on the information you provided about previous lightweight track toys and an interest in Lotus but wanted something more grown up and maybe more comfortable. And be almost depreciation proof. If your sense of occasion and how special it feels means to look at, listen to and be looked at in, then indeed an Aston, Maserati or R8 would fit the bill better. However if the criteria was how special it is to drive and to be capable of the odd track day then those don't come close to what a Cayman R or a Lotus provides.
I know it is not really practical but it would be definitely an occasion.
Ultima?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Ultima?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
I'd say take a look at the Evora S they're very good steers & do feel special:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you can fit then an Alfa 4C with some change left to get the suspension & geo set up by Alfa Works (this really transforms these) they're a very good drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Maserati GT's are very reliable depreciation isn't that bad, no worse than an M6 etc, servicing wise expect between £800-1200, they feel special & put a smile on your face on start up alone.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Also a Larini system really adds to the occasion
Or if you can stretch then an MC Stradale is well worth a look.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you can fit then an Alfa 4C with some change left to get the suspension & geo set up by Alfa Works (this really transforms these) they're a very good drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Maserati GT's are very reliable depreciation isn't that bad, no worse than an M6 etc, servicing wise expect between £800-1200, they feel special & put a smile on your face on start up alone.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Also a Larini system really adds to the occasion
Or if you can stretch then an MC Stradale is well worth a look.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I'm really surprised to see the V8V in the same list as those other cars - they seem a lot more driver focused and it looks a bit like the odd one out.
I guess it depends what sort of an 'event' you're after - a Vantage certainly is something special, and certainly offers some things that an Exige / Cayman R etc wouldn't. On the other hand, when it comes to driving fun, I think it lags behind those cars somewhat.
They're lovely cars, but I don't consider a Vantage as a 'fun' car and it's a very big step away from track focused cars in my opinion.
I guess it depends what sort of an 'event' you're after - a Vantage certainly is something special, and certainly offers some things that an Exige / Cayman R etc wouldn't. On the other hand, when it comes to driving fun, I think it lags behind those cars somewhat.
They're lovely cars, but I don't consider a Vantage as a 'fun' car and it's a very big step away from track focused cars in my opinion.
Thanks for your thoughts. I’ve never actually driven a V8V so perhaps I’m mistakenly putting it on the list?
I was thinking of cars that could fit the bill slthat were manual and the list seemed short.
I think I need to get a shot in an Evora to try it out for size to. Could certainly be a natural progression and would tick the noise box I think.
I was thinking of cars that could fit the bill slthat were manual and the list seemed short.
I think I need to get a shot in an Evora to try it out for size to. Could certainly be a natural progression and would tick the noise box I think.
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