1st world problem. Does my perfect car exist?
1st world problem. Does my perfect car exist?
Author
Discussion

mmarksx19

Original Poster:

67 posts

130 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
Hi all,

So currently own 3 cars.

Bentley Flying Spur Speed (2008)
Ferrari 360 Spider Manual (2003)
Smart ForTwo Diesel (2011)

Reality is I now hardly use any other than the Smart.

But when I do drive the Bentley, especially with family or friends in it it is so comfortable and when I do drive the Ferrari I just smile and smile. When I drive the Smart, it is just a machine to get to work or the shops cheaply.

For financial reasons I need to reduce to 1 or 2 vehicles and put about £20k to one side. The Smart is worth next to nothing, I reckon I would get about £65-£70k for the other two so my budget is around £40-£50k.

To have one car I think is impossible as their draw to me are opposites (calmness of the Bentley vs Noise and aggression of the Ferrari) and I do love then both but needs must.........

Absolute logic to me would be an Audi A8 and a Maserati as they are both connected to my current cars in one way or mother. I could keep the Smart for daily use so does anyone know of a single vehicle (seats 4 in luxury but feels like a supercar ) to replace them or as an alternative, cheaper options for both and keep 3 cars.



Thanks all!

SlackBladder

2,650 posts

232 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
Jaguar XJR?

sjc

16,370 posts

299 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
SlackBladder said:
Jaguar XJR?
This, or a Maserati Granturismo ?

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
I think I have the answer I sourced one for my FIL (after he took a bath with his Tesla) they're luxurious quiet/noisy & genuinely fast even without a map, but they're just a smidge over 50k at the moment but I'm sure haggling will get you close.

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

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

Or I'd go the two car route but with a twist:

Jaguar XJ LWB

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

If it has to be an A8 then I'd go for the V8 diesel version.

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

Then get the best 4.7 Granturismo you can find smile

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

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

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

Summit_Detailing

2,431 posts

222 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
XJR not a bad shout, or an S63 AMG (4dr or coupe)?
Panamera Turbo S?

Or the old shape S63 and an Elise to split the budget for two cars.

cheers,

Chris

ITP

2,698 posts

226 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
I recently purchased an ideal car for your requirements.
Seats 4 in luxury but feels like a supercar. A 2011 Maserati quattroporte sport GTS.
Get one of these (if you can find a nice 4.7 GTS as there are less than 60 in the uk) and keep the smart to go with it, or another runabout for everyday tasks like a Honda jazz or something.

mike9009

10,787 posts

272 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
I am no maths genius, but could you buy two cars for £45k total?

For example

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...


Mike

Edited by mike9009 on Sunday 9th June 17:14

Chestrockwell

2,946 posts

186 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
I thought the 360 would be able to fetch you 60-75 plus whatever the Bentleys worth!

A few have mentioned the S63’s and while they’re worthy contenders, they’d just plummet in value as time goes on, would be a shame to see you sell a potentially appreciating asset (360 spider) and sink that money on a big benz that will drop value like a stone.

I’m not a big fan of Italian cars but at least the Quattroporte GTS is rare and will maintain better residuals

The Moose

23,673 posts

238 months

Sunday 9th June 2019
quotequote all
ZX10R NIN said:
I think I have the answer I sourced one for my FIL (after he took a bath with his Tesla) they're luxurious quiet/noisy & genuinely fast even without a map, but they're just a smidge over 50k at the moment but I'm sure haggling will get you close.
So he could take a bath on the S class coupe also?!

Mr Tidy

31,245 posts

156 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
I'm not sure what to suggest as a 2nd car, but please get a Maserati Quattroporte - they are fantastic!

mmarksx19

Original Poster:

67 posts

130 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
A lot of Maserati suggestions which is where I thought - a lot of the drama, noise and experience of the Ferrari but without the pricetag.

How useable is the granturismo for carrying passengers. I know it's not a limo like my Bentley but could that be the one car for me? I'd keep the Smart for commuting. Also, a lot of shouts for the quattroporte, how exciting is it? It's limo size but does it make you smile? Is the new style 3.8gts a good shout?

My Bentley has over 600bhp being the speed model so something as quick but with a character about it would be amazing.

I do like the mercs but not sure they hit the mark. Not a Bentley, not a Ferrari.

Other thoughts?

BTW always liked the cerbrera but I assume the rear seat is a waste of space but it would replace the Ferrari.

Edited by mmarksx19 on Monday 10th June 21:37

sjc

16,370 posts

299 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
mmarksx19 said:
A lot of Maserati suggestions which is where I thought - a lot of the drama, noise and experience of the Ferrari but without the pricetag.

How useable is the granturismo for carrying passengers. I know it's not a limo like my Bentley but could that be the one car for me? I'd keep the Smart for commuting. Also, a lot of shouts for the quattroporte, how exciting is it? It's limo size but does it make you smile? Is the company 3.8gts a good shout?

My Bentley has over 600bhp being the speed model so something as quick but with a character about it would be amazing.

I do like the mercs but not sure they hit the mark. Not a Bentley, not a Ferrari.

Other thoughts?

BTW always liked the Herrera but I assume the rear seat is a waste of space but it would replace the Ferrari.
I'm 6'3, had no problems getting adults behind me. It won't be anywhere as quick as the Bentley, but it'll have a lot more drama from an entertainment point of view.

Chestrockwell

2,946 posts

186 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
WOW! Just had a look at the quattroporte’s and I had no idea the new shapes were going for so little! 25k for 63 plates, wow, you can’t buy an M5 for that

ITP

2,698 posts

226 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
mmarksx19 said:
A lot of Maserati suggestions which is where I thought - a lot of the drama, noise and experience of the Ferrari but without the pricetag.

How useable is the granturismo for carrying passengers. I know it's not a limo like my Bentley but could that be the one car for me? I'd keep the Smart for commuting. Also, a lot of shouts for the quattroporte, how exciting is it? It's limo size but does it make you smile? Is the company 3.8gts a good shout?

My Bentley has over 600bhp being the speed model so something as quick but with a character about it would be amazing.

I do like the mercs but not sure they hit the mark. Not a Bentley, not a Ferrari.

Other thoughts?

BTW always liked the Herrera but I assume the rear seat is a waste of space but it would replace the Ferrari.
A granturismo will take 4 adults but is obviously only 2 door.

The previous generation quattroporte, like the 4.7 GTS I have, will not be as fast as a 600bhp bentley but it handles great, really doesn’t feel it’s weight as it is basically a front mid engine layout. And they sound epic (watch the top gear episode with the wedding cars, the other 2 being a panamera and a Rapide). So they are pretty exciting for handling and noise compared to a Bentley.

The new generation quattroporte is faster, the 3.8 GTS is a turbo with over 500 bop as standard, and is an even bigger car. But I prefer the older NA 4.7.

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
The Moose said:
So he could take a bath on the S class coupe also?!
Due to the scarcity of the S63 prices are holding (he particularly wanted a 5.5) up much better than expected & there's no way he's going to be taking a nigh on 40k hit on the S Coupe like he did on the Tesla, other than the S63 Coupe I'd go for a 4.7 Quattroporte.

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

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

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

Summit_Detailing

2,431 posts

222 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
What about a Rapide?

mmarksx19

Original Poster:

67 posts

130 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
I've edited my last post - auto correct on my phone made it a bit strange!

mmarksx19

Original Poster:

67 posts

130 months

Monday 10th June 2019
quotequote all
Summit_Detailing said:
What about a Rapide?
Is that in the 45k mark? Would look special but is it exciting?

Summit_Detailing

2,431 posts

222 months

Tuesday 11th June 2019
quotequote all
mmarksx19 said:
Is that in the 45k mark? Would look special but is it exciting?
Yes believe it or not they are now comfortably under £50k!

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

Worth a look if you have an AM dealer locally or one for sale nearby in the classifieds!
Everyone's definition of Exciting is different, where cars are concerned I guess it largely depends on previous ownership/driving experiences and what you are looking to get from a car.

e.g I can't get excited by a GranTurismo, good car but having spent 7yrs at a main dealer I'd look elsewhere for a car with less weight, more torque and a better interior. For others it's their 'dream car'.

Happy hunting!

Cheers,

Chris

Pvapour

8,981 posts

282 months

Tuesday 11th June 2019
quotequote all
I can vouch for GTS and XJR combo, bought the latter as the gts just didnt give enough long distance comfort compared to an xf i owned.

I love the gts but dont think i’ll keep it long alongside the XJ, achingly beautiful and a sound to die for but i think its beaten in nearly all areas apart from looks by the xj, i think they're too close to each others personality tbh and the xj is so good at what it does, far better than s class, bentley gtc, db9 i tested, not the same drama or presence but once you’re past that you’d always pick the keys to the xj, post 2015 sees facelift.

Considering your car combo id say get the comfort car sorted and then look for a more fun focused car and i wouldnt say the gts is focused enough on that (if that's what you're looking for) i’d say that probably the 360 isnt that fun focused anyway but the gts is even less so, im thinking a nissan GTR tbh to replace the gts as I could do occasional track days, not sure id be comfortable in a fast n furious car tho..

but back to the xjr suggestions, yeh, easily a replacement for bentley in terms of comfort and toys, mapped, pulleys etc supersport will easily hit reliable 600hp, even a std one has 575, mine will be kept a long time i reckon.

Edited by Pvapour on Tuesday 11th June 06:55