Advice Please - Which GT/Sports car to buy £50k-£70k

[Adibum]

I was going to buy an Aston Martin V8 Vantage at a local garage, but they have let me down. That's a separate conversation.

So... I'm back in the market for something sporty for the weekend, between £50k and £70k (maybe a little more if I spend longer saving, but not above £80k).

I have a few requirements.
1. Must have enough luggage space for two of us to go away for a long weekend (so a couple of aircraft cabin style suitcases)
2. I don't want a car where there is a 2.0 litre diesel available (i.e. an M3 where there is a 318D available or an Audi TTRS when there is a 2.0 litre petrol version)
3. Must have a little bit of prestige. I don't want to look too much like the poor cousin to my mates F12.
4. I must fit in it. Sounds daft but I'm 6ft 4.
5. Preferably not a soft top convertible
6. Nationality is not important

What are your suggestions/opinions?

[Honeywell]

A Lotus Emira and a bit of patience?

For something available now I'd say Mercedes AMG GT.S

85 for sale here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/mercedes-benz/amg-...

[Adibum]

Both good calls there.
I hadn’t looked at the Emira. Not sure when it’s out either. I’ll have a look.
Love the AMG GT, although not keen on the ones with fixed wings on the back.

[Stuart70]

Vantage is spot on
Audi R8
F430 if you push the budget / feel brave.
GTR if you like speed without style (IMO)

Cayman - but might not feel special enough?

911 is the mx5 answer at this budget…

[Adibum]

Stuart70 said:

Vantage is spot on
Audi R8
F430 if you push the budget / feel brave.
GTR if you like speed without style (IMO)

Cayman - but might not feel special enough?

911 is the mx5 answer at this budget…

I may still look at another Vantage, but from a reputable dealer.
The R8 luggage capacity was the only thing putting me off that, but I need to look at one in the flesh to judge for myself. I’ve not ruled it out.
I agree with you on the GTR. Not my style but rapid!
I did try a 718 Cayman, but I was just brushing the roof with my hair (and it’s not sticky up hair). I have to admit I was disappointed with that. I guess that’s what happens when you’re a lanky tt.
911 is definitely a possibility. Decent front boot, no hair irritation, and extra room with the faux back seats. I consider them on a par with the AM Vantage.

[Chubbyross]

It might be worth looking at a 991 Turbo. Great luggage space, superb for covering long distances and awesome presence on the road. IMHO I think it’s the perfect crossover between sports and GT.

[lotuselan7]

Maserati Granturismo. I’ve got the S. I’ve done the 911 inc GT3 and a 599GTB. Masser is a great Grand tourer, one of best sounding cars ever, loads of space for 4 and real sense of occasion. Very under valued IMHO

[Adibum]

Chubbyross said:

It might be worth looking at a 991 Turbo. Great luggage space, superb for covering long distances and awesome presence on the road. IMHO I think it’s the perfect crossover between sports and GT.

Ok, I’ll make a point of checking one of those out. It will go on the list.

[Adibum]

lotuselan7 said:

Maserati Granturismo. I’ve got the S. I’ve done the 911 inc GT3 and a 599GTB. Masser is a great Grand tourer, one of best sounding cars ever, loads of space for 4 and real sense of occasion. Very under valued IMHO

I love the look of these. They are a big car and the back seats look useable (although possibly not behind me).
How have you found it on the quality side of things?

[whp1983]

More GT than sports but a Bentley continental is a lovely timeless thing.

Late Aston DB9/virage… maybe even DBS

More modern jag F type R/SV (but might fail your space and lower engines available test)

[fatboy b]

Don’t dismiss an F-Type R until you’ve driven one. I’m 6’2”, but long-legged. My seat is right back, but it’s very comfortable. Just depends on your proportions.

Luggage-wise, we survived 2 weeks abroad in it in sept/oct down to Austria. 8-hour days behind the wheel were fine.

[Deerfoot]

Your budget will get you in a Lexus LC500, it’s where I’d be looking…

[Baldchap]

I'm biased, but an Evora 410 GT would fit the bill. You'll struggle to find a better driver's GT car (because there isn't one).

[Adibum]

whp1983 said:

More GT than sports but a Bentley continental is a lovely timeless thing.

Late Aston DB9/virage… maybe even DBS

More modern jag F type R/SV (but might fail your space and lower engines available test)

I’m a fan of the Continental but my OH isn’t. I have to keep her happy too.
Those Astons will be on the list I think.
The Jags are nice but I have a Range Rover Sport with the 5.0 V8 s/c and it’s just I want some engine variety.

[Adibum]

fatboy b said:

Don’t dismiss an F-Type R until you’ve driven one. I’m 6’2”, but long-legged. My seat is right back, but it’s very comfortable. Just depends on your proportions.

Luggage-wise, we survived 2 weeks abroad in it in sept/oct down to Austria. 8-hour days behind the wheel were fine.

I do fit in the F Type (just) but as I mentioned to whp1983 I want a different engine to my Range Rover Sport

[Adibum]

Deerfoot said:

Your budget will get you in a Lexus LC500, it’s where I’d be looking…

Ok. That’s not something I have considered. I have to admit to not knowing much about them.
I’ll take a look

[Adibum]

Baldchap said:

I'm biased, but an Evora 410 GT would fit the bill. You'll struggle to find a better driver's GT car (because there isn't one).

I’m made in Norfolk myself so I am a Lotus fan. Do you think I would fit in one?

[Pooh]

Another vote for a Maserati GranTurismo, the rear seats are perfectly capable of accommodating a full sized adult in comfort, they sound amazing and if you can find one with the MC sport suspension pack, they handle very well and still have a good ride. I loved mine and hope to have another one day.

[cayman-black]

Look for another Aston Martin unbeatable at that money imo.

[Baldchap]

Adibum said:

Baldchap said:

I'm biased, but an Evora 410 GT would fit the bill. You'll struggle to find a better driver's GT car (because there isn't one).

I’m made in Norfolk myself so I am a Lotus fan. Do you think I would fit in one?

At 5'9" I tend to have the seat fairly far forward, so I'd expect so.