£60-70k to buy a toy

[anonymous-user]

Idle musing time. You’ve got £60-70k to drop on a pure toy.

Would you have:

- R8 V10 gen 1 manual coupe

- 996.2 GT3

- 981 GT4

- Something else (of a similar character, so not forex a Cayenne Turbo or an S Class)

[samoht]

For a pure toy, I'd probably be heading towards something light and raw with a big engine:

Flyin' Miata MX-5 V8 https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/road-tests/a...

Gardner Douglas T70 https://www.romansofstalbans.co.uk/stock/lola/t70-...

TVR Sagaris https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1206341

[ZX10R NIN]

If it has to be a car then it'd be a Mclaren 12C

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106193...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...

If it can be any toy then it would be the YART GYTR R1

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184658999242?hash=item2...

[Jasandjules]

If I could get an F430 Spider for that money then probably that. Maybe a McLaren if not...

[anonymous-user]

Some good suggestions here - thanks.

A bit more flesh on the bones. I want a NA engine. I’d prefer a manual gearbox. I’ve looked long and hard at 12Cs but those two things plus their slightly patchy rep for niggles allied to what is a punchy warranty cost and a lack of independents has steered me away. All that said, an orange 12C is something I have genuinely lusted over.

F430 - yes, that’s been on the radar too. I prefer the lines of the coupe got the spider though, and a manual box would add a premium.

A mate had a Chimera years ago. It seemed to spend a lot of time back at the dealership on the Western Avenue. I did quite a bit of the ferrying there and back. It was not great to sell the brand.

Must admit I didn’t think this was a question to which MX5 was the answer. Live and learn!

None of the three I’ve identified is ideal: the R8 is an Audi even though the V10 is a peach. I’ve had a 996 turbo and found it soulless and a bit tinny/rattly. And perhaps a GT4 is a bit too new.

One thing is certain: now isn’t the time to actual buy any of these. Low stock levels plus prices edging up.

I’d love a proper motorbike. Really love one. Problems there include a feeling I’d stack it early on and that I don’t have a motorbike licence and have never ridden one. I reckon I’d be awesome though, right up to the point I stacked it

[Jasandjules]

I guess I'd also be looking at any kind of Aston, a DB9 Volante perhaps... For me the "toy" must be a convertible (I have a TVR Chimaera!)

[MDL111]

If it was my only toy, then probably a 360 manual

[ZX10R NIN]

BlackWidow13 said:

Some good suggestions here - thanks.

I’d love a proper motorbike. Really love one. Problems there include a feeling I’d stack it early on and that I don’t have a motorbike licence and have never ridden one. I reckon I’d be awesome though, right up to the point I stacked it

Firstly you'll be surprised how strong your self preservation is stacking it isn't a given, I'd say go & get your bike (yes I'm bias) licence that way you'll know if you enjoy the experience.

Also you don't have to ride sports bikes to enjoy bikes you can have a ball on something like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164914476174?hash=item2...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184877283308?hash=item2...

V10 R8 with change to get a bike & do your test

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105142...

Evora 400 a properly epic steer.:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105243...

[samoht]

BlackWidow13 said:

A mate had a Chimera years ago. It seemed to spend a lot of time back at the dealership on the Western Avenue. I did quite a bit of the ferrying there and back. It was not great to sell the brand.

My impression is that TVR under Smolensky improved the quality and integrity of their cars quite significantly, immediately prior to going bankrupt. Thus the Sagaris might perhaps be one of the few cars that actually delivers on the promise of all the Wheeler-era cars, of a powerful naturally aspirated engine in a lightweight chassis. Maybe worth a second look, anyway.

evo in 2006 said:

Instead of reporting on a sexier, more savage Sagaris, I’m here to tell you about things like washer jets fixed to the scuttle instead of floppy rubber tubes lashed to the windscreen wipers; supportive Sparco seats that don’t wobble during hard acceleration, braking or cornering; new floor-hinged pedals made with a curve so that you don’t have to overextend your ankles to fully depress the clutch or accelerator; tailgate glass with a beautiful alloy latch instead of a recess designed solely to pinch your fingers; rear-exiting exhausts that spit and pop but don’t resonate; and bodywork that doesn’t act as a trap for every leaf, granite chipping and errant cigarette butt. The list goes on.

https://www.evo.co.uk/tvr/sagaris

[ITP]

Pure toy, manual.

I’ll go evora (already mentioned) or noble m12.

[ntiz]

Exige 410? Sounds great, very fast, manual.

Random memory of a Sagaris. I think I was 10 when I went with my Dad to Le Man the first time. Parked up next to a Sagaris, up to this point with my Dad being a Porsche fan I had no interest in anything else. That all changed when I saw the Sagaris that car and that trip opened my eyes to what an amazing and diverse the car world is. My obsession pretty much started there.

Still have all the pics of that trip. Didn’t realise they where still relatively affordable.

[blueg33]

Had a roughly similar decision to make, started with an Evora now have a Ferrari 360. McLaren 12c was out of budget at the time. It would now be on my list.

I prefer the 360 to the 430 for styling and engine character, but the 360 feels older inside.

[Fastlane]

BlackWidow13 said:

I’d love a proper motorbike. Really love one. Problems there include a feeling I’d stack it early on and that I don’t have a motorbike licence and have never ridden one. I reckon I’d be awesome though, right up to the point I stacked it

An Ariel Atom would fit the bill and your budget would get you a 3.5R or an Atom 4. Neither is NA but I doubt you would care as they have zero lag. An Atom is a near to a motorbike as is possible on 4 wheels and as fast as anything but a superbike. I was looking to buy a tuned 996 turbo or an Exige V6 and didn't think either were quite exciting enough for a weekend toy. My supercharged Atom 3 is bonkers when you want it but will also pootle around happily at 40 when you fancy it. They don't depreciate, are reliable and aren't particularly expensive to maintain. Just a thought...

[keo]

I was in a similar position to you and I chose 981 GT4. I went for it in the end as it’s still fairly new so running costs hopefully won’t be to bad. An old 360 or gallarado as nice as they are I really don’t fancy some of the bills they could throw up.
Also never had a Porsche or a “proper” engine it’s also fairly practical/ comfortable the mrs doesn’t mind coming out init as that was a consideration as wanted to do some long road trips.

My mate has had a new Exige I love it. That was the other contender for me. I’d imagine a lot more fun but I struggled to get parts for my old lotus so that left a sour taste. If I am spending that much money I don’t want that worry.

GT4 does everything. Some points I learnt along the way as I didn’t know and just jumped in but it worked out in the end. Get the car inspected (over rev’s) I had a very in depth inspection done on mine. Some people on here thought it wasn’t needed but it gave me peace of mind.

I also put an OPC warranty on it. If you buy from a main dealer this will be included though.

[paddy1970]

I have a £60k 2014 audi r8 v10 plus and my £6k 2019 KTM 790 Duke is as fast up to 110mph.

The KTM 790 duke, or if you want to splash out to £10k the aprilia rs 660 or ktm 890r, would make the perfect starter bike. There is so much electronic that you can "dial in" the bike to be fairly safe. Put it in rain mode or put all the the driver aid to 10 for the first 6 months and after a few advanced training courses have fun in the twisties.

[drgoatboy]

Ariel nomad is you can find one?

[spikeyhead]

Another vote for an Atom

[braddo]

BlackWidow13 said:

Must admit I didn’t think this was a question to which MX5 was the answer. Live and learn!

If you found a 996 Turbo a bit rattly/tinny, a GT3 will be a magnification of that. But it will be more tactile and visceral.

I like to be able to do a few track days so GT3 is the default choice but for road use only, a manual 360 coupe would be top of my list. I've only driven one once but they're light and it felt like it was up on its toes. It's hard for a 1600kg+ R8 or Aston etc to feel like that.

[Ash_]

For me it would be an Evora all day long.

However, it it could be a complete toy, with no need for any comforts etc, then a KTM X-Bow.

[Baldchap]

For longer journeys or a more useable daily, an Evora, for track fun, an Elise or Exige, whilst we still can.

At least that's what we did.