Which sports car budget £60-80k ish?
Discussion
I’m starting to look at a used sports car and would appreciate views from people who’ve owned or seriously considered the Aston Martin Vantage, Jaguar F-Type V8, Porsche 911, or possibly a DB11. Also interested in the Cayman GTS 4.0 as a slightly different option.
The main aim is getting the best value buying used, but still something new enough that it can stay under warranty for at least a few more years. I’m less interested in having the latest model and more interested in buying at the point where most of the depreciation has already happened.
At the moment the 2019-era Vantage really stands out. Five year old examples seem to have taken a huge hit from their original list price and on paper they look like incredible value for the level of car you’re getting. In terms of looks, theatre and sense of occasion it’s probably the one that appeals to me the most.
The hesitation is long term ownership. While the value looks fantastic, I do worry a bit about reliability and general durability once warranties expire. I’d ideally want something I could keep for quite a few years without feeling like it’s going to start falling apart or becoming a constant headache.
That’s where Porsche comes in. A 911 is probably the rational choice. Residuals are strong, the engineering and build quality are generally excellent, and they seem like something you could happily own long term without worrying about it ageing badly. The problem is that while I respect them enormously, I’m not completely sold on them emotionally. Compared with something like the Vantage they feel a bit more sensible and a bit less special.
The Cayman GTS 4.0 also interests me as people seem to rave about how good it is to drive, but I’m not sure whether it would feel special enough compared with an Aston or even a V8 F-Type.
So I’m curious to hear from people who’ve owned or cross-shopped these cars. Is the 5-year-old Vantage depreciation sweet spot as attractive as it looks, or are there good reasons people avoid them longer term? And for those who chose a 911 instead, did the reliability and build quality make it the better ownership proposition even if it’s a slightly less exciting choice on paper?
The main aim is getting the best value buying used, but still something new enough that it can stay under warranty for at least a few more years. I’m less interested in having the latest model and more interested in buying at the point where most of the depreciation has already happened.
At the moment the 2019-era Vantage really stands out. Five year old examples seem to have taken a huge hit from their original list price and on paper they look like incredible value for the level of car you’re getting. In terms of looks, theatre and sense of occasion it’s probably the one that appeals to me the most.
The hesitation is long term ownership. While the value looks fantastic, I do worry a bit about reliability and general durability once warranties expire. I’d ideally want something I could keep for quite a few years without feeling like it’s going to start falling apart or becoming a constant headache.
That’s where Porsche comes in. A 911 is probably the rational choice. Residuals are strong, the engineering and build quality are generally excellent, and they seem like something you could happily own long term without worrying about it ageing badly. The problem is that while I respect them enormously, I’m not completely sold on them emotionally. Compared with something like the Vantage they feel a bit more sensible and a bit less special.
The Cayman GTS 4.0 also interests me as people seem to rave about how good it is to drive, but I’m not sure whether it would feel special enough compared with an Aston or even a V8 F-Type.
So I’m curious to hear from people who’ve owned or cross-shopped these cars. Is the 5-year-old Vantage depreciation sweet spot as attractive as it looks, or are there good reasons people avoid them longer term? And for those who chose a 911 instead, did the reliability and build quality make it the better ownership proposition even if it’s a slightly less exciting choice on paper?
There is another thread going about the Lexus LC500.
Looks beautiful, last breed of NA V8 and since production has stopped, they are holding their values strong and if at all prices are slightly creeping up.
I posted this on the other thread, but this very car sold last year by same dealer with 42k miles for £46k.
Now a year older and 46k miles on the clock and selling for £50k (and makes as great price by AT).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604201...
Looks beautiful, last breed of NA V8 and since production has stopped, they are holding their values strong and if at all prices are slightly creeping up.
I posted this on the other thread, but this very car sold last year by same dealer with 42k miles for £46k.
Now a year older and 46k miles on the clock and selling for £50k (and makes as great price by AT).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604201...
ABMA said:
There is another thread going about the Lexus LC500.
Looks beautiful, last breed of NA V8 and since production has stopped, they are holding their values strong and if at all prices are slightly creeping up.
I posted this on the other thread, but this very car sold last year by same dealer with 42k miles for £46k.
Now a year older and 46k miles on the clock and selling for £50k (and makes as great price by AT).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604201...
Agree 100%. Porsche is nice but too obvious, you get it because it's what other people would expect you to buy. Not an Aston man myself, they're a bit too Pandora braceletLooks beautiful, last breed of NA V8 and since production has stopped, they are holding their values strong and if at all prices are slightly creeping up.
I posted this on the other thread, but this very car sold last year by same dealer with 42k miles for £46k.
Now a year older and 46k miles on the clock and selling for £50k (and makes as great price by AT).
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604201...
The Vantage that would get the nod from your list for me, reliability wise I have to say the drivetrain is well proven (it is a AMG drivetrain after all) & it's a good steer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603240...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604161...
Obviously there's the GranTurismo not as good a steer as above & below but they're a special car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603210...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602260...
Leftfield
Corvette C8, they're pretty much bulletproof reliable & have done the worst of the depreciation BUT they have a limited audience.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604241...
They're actually a good steer & pretty much hit the brief bang on, if you're near one I'd recommend a test drive.
570 GT most of the kinks have been sorted on these but these are a car that needs to driven they don't like being sat & make sure you get a Thorney warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510307...
12C:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
At the lower end of the scale the Emira is a cracking car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603240...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604161...
Obviously there's the GranTurismo not as good a steer as above & below but they're a special car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603210...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602260...
Leftfield
Corvette C8, they're pretty much bulletproof reliable & have done the worst of the depreciation BUT they have a limited audience.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604241...
They're actually a good steer & pretty much hit the brief bang on, if you're near one I'd recommend a test drive.
570 GT most of the kinks have been sorted on these but these are a car that needs to driven they don't like being sat & make sure you get a Thorney warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510307...
12C:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
At the lower end of the scale the Emira is a cracking car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604111...
Nine months in with this after 20 years in Nobles. It sounds fantastic,has beautiful steering,the ride quality is better than my air sprung XJ,seats are good,it s not too big,it s rare and under radar. Used values are very very strong,even more so since the Emira came out which has lost some Lotus core values.
I drove most on the list,there was one clear winner for driver involvement and enjoyment in a useable package.
Edited by sjc on Friday 24th April 17:41
The very best car in this sector at this price point is a Clubsport/PCCB Equipped 718 GT4
A very underrated car. If you want something a bit more raw you could get a 410 Sport V6 Exige but even as one of the county's leading purveyors of such cars the 718 can't be ignored. I wish I could compete with the established Porsche sellers to retail them as I can guarantee you I'm a bigger Cayman guy than any 911 worshiping Porche specialist
If you want maximum flash the v10 R8 is very interesting and would lave you change for an Elise.
With 80k I would ether get the 718 or have two cars one of which would be an S2 Exige (best sports car ever produced) and the other for touring duties Maybe an Alpine A110 or as I have been thinking of recently some kind of estate Alpina BMW or a high end FK8 or FL5 Type R would complete a very respectable 2 fun car garage.
A very underrated car. If you want something a bit more raw you could get a 410 Sport V6 Exige but even as one of the county's leading purveyors of such cars the 718 can't be ignored. I wish I could compete with the established Porsche sellers to retail them as I can guarantee you I'm a bigger Cayman guy than any 911 worshiping Porche specialist
If you want maximum flash the v10 R8 is very interesting and would lave you change for an Elise.
With 80k I would ether get the 718 or have two cars one of which would be an S2 Exige (best sports car ever produced) and the other for touring duties Maybe an Alpine A110 or as I have been thinking of recently some kind of estate Alpina BMW or a high end FK8 or FL5 Type R would complete a very respectable 2 fun car garage.
fridaypassion said:
The very best car in this sector at this price point is a Clubsport/PCCB Equipped 718 GT4
A very underrated car. If you want something a bit more raw you could get a 410 Sport V6 Exige but even as one of the county's leading purveyors of such cars the 718 can't be ignored. I wish I could compete with the established Porsche sellers to retail them as I can guarantee you I'm a bigger Cayman guy than any 911 worshiping Porche specialist
If you want maximum flash the v10 R8 is very interesting and would lave you change for an Elise.
With 80k I would ether get the 718 or have two cars one of which would be an S2 Exige (best sports car ever produced) and the other for touring duties Maybe an Alpine A110 or as I have been thinking of recently some kind of estate Alpina BMW or a high end FK8 or FL5 Type R would complete a very respectable 2 fun car garage.
Exige and 718 tips gratefully received. R8 awesome with the v10 lambo engine but I don’t see it for me personally. Although maybe I should test drive..A very underrated car. If you want something a bit more raw you could get a 410 Sport V6 Exige but even as one of the county's leading purveyors of such cars the 718 can't be ignored. I wish I could compete with the established Porsche sellers to retail them as I can guarantee you I'm a bigger Cayman guy than any 911 worshiping Porche specialist
If you want maximum flash the v10 R8 is very interesting and would lave you change for an Elise.
With 80k I would ether get the 718 or have two cars one of which would be an S2 Exige (best sports car ever produced) and the other for touring duties Maybe an Alpine A110 or as I have been thinking of recently some kind of estate Alpina BMW or a high end FK8 or FL5 Type R would complete a very respectable 2 fun car garage.
Alpine oddly I just wouldn’t consider in this league. It’s an auto four pot with Clio parts. I know they’ve tried to be retro with the design but I think it’s ugly compared to everything else listed on here including the LC. Keep the suggestions coming, all good!
At £80k I d go for a 12c, you should be able to get one from a main dealer either warranty for that.
They feel very supercar with the carbon tub, butterfly doors and high quality interior. Performance wise they are on a different level to most of the other cars mentioned and as often mentioned the magic carpet ride is sublime.
In normal mode they are chilled though very fast GT cars, but switch to Track mode and the morph into savage track weapons.
At that price they are a bargain.
Try to get one with the sports exhaust which bangs for full effect
They feel very supercar with the carbon tub, butterfly doors and high quality interior. Performance wise they are on a different level to most of the other cars mentioned and as often mentioned the magic carpet ride is sublime.
In normal mode they are chilled though very fast GT cars, but switch to Track mode and the morph into savage track weapons.
At that price they are a bargain.
Try to get one with the sports exhaust which bangs for full effect
Edited by Inlineonline on Friday 24th April 22:29
ZX10R NIN said:
The Vantage that would get the nod from your list for me, reliability wise I have to say the drivetrain is well proven (it is a AMG drivetrain after all) & it's a good steer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603240...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604161...
Obviously there's the GranTurismo not as good a steer as above & below but they're a special car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603210...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602260...
Leftfield
Corvette C8, they're pretty much bulletproof reliable & have done the worst of the depreciation BUT they have a limited audience.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604241...
They're actually a good steer & pretty much hit the brief bang on, if you're near one I'd recommend a test drive.
570 GT most of the kinks have been sorted on these but these are a car that needs to driven they don't like being sat & make sure you get a Thorney warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510307...
12C:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
At the lower end of the scale the Emira is a cracking car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604111...
If going for a granturismo I’d search out a stradale centennial for holding value rather than a standard one.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603240...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604161...
Obviously there's the GranTurismo not as good a steer as above & below but they're a special car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603210...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602260...
Leftfield
Corvette C8, they're pretty much bulletproof reliable & have done the worst of the depreciation BUT they have a limited audience.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604071...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604241...
They're actually a good steer & pretty much hit the brief bang on, if you're near one I'd recommend a test drive.
570 GT most of the kinks have been sorted on these but these are a car that needs to driven they don't like being sat & make sure you get a Thorney warranty:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510307...
12C:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507224...
At the lower end of the scale the Emira is a cracking car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601289...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604111...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603120...
I was recently shopping for a sports car in a similar budget but in a much smaller market with comparatively limited choice of used vehicles. I also intended to keep it for 8-10 years, taking early retirement this year at 60.
Similar Aston Vantages are more like £100k here, and I didn’t want to go earlier than 2019 in general. A decent 911 in that budget also means a much older car. Jaguars are rare here with a sparse dealer network.
For reference I owned a 987.2 Cayman S between 2014 and 2019, which I often used as a daily driver, with a big Audi estate, so I was also looking at a possible Cayman/Boxster GTS 4.0.
Another local issue here is massive road tax on high CO2 producing vehicles from the 2010-2020 era (up to £3k/year), to add to the higher maintenance costs of a performance car of that vintage.
I test drove a 2019 Cayman GTS 4.0 and yes it was noticeably quicker than my old 3.4 S, but it still felt essentially the same experience and I decided it would basically be a step backwards.
I then tried an Alpine A110 and immediately fell in love; the much lighter weight makes even a Cayman feel like a lardy GT, the bucket seats, alcantara cabin, and rorty exhaust add to the experience. The engine sounds and feels good enough for me, as for Clio parts (essentially the volume controls), I couldn’t care less. Some Ferraris used to have Fiat indicator stalks
And unlike you I think it looks great, but of course we’re all different when it comes to styling.
So I bought a high-spec (S version, carbon roof, special paint, etc), nearly-new one with full warranty from the official dealer just down the road. Yes, it’s not a 12C but I also don’t have the worry of an already 12-15 year old car, huge annual road tax and potentially costly maintenance for the next decade.
Which other cars do you regularly drive? You mention emotion, theatre and occasion, but those things often depend on the contrast with your usual vehicle(s). I decided I wanted something light and basic, what some might call a « driver’s car », if I want ~500hp in a heavy vehicle I’ll take the Tesla, and for other road experiences I’ll take one of the motorbikes. For me the Alpine has enough « occasion », but of course it wouldn’t for everyone.
I would recommend driving as many of these very different types of cars as possible, and see which you enjoy driving the most, and which gets your automotive juices going. Perhaps it will be a monster Merc, the Aston, maybe some flavour of Porsche or something more exotic.
Happy searching!
Similar Aston Vantages are more like £100k here, and I didn’t want to go earlier than 2019 in general. A decent 911 in that budget also means a much older car. Jaguars are rare here with a sparse dealer network.
For reference I owned a 987.2 Cayman S between 2014 and 2019, which I often used as a daily driver, with a big Audi estate, so I was also looking at a possible Cayman/Boxster GTS 4.0.
Another local issue here is massive road tax on high CO2 producing vehicles from the 2010-2020 era (up to £3k/year), to add to the higher maintenance costs of a performance car of that vintage.
I test drove a 2019 Cayman GTS 4.0 and yes it was noticeably quicker than my old 3.4 S, but it still felt essentially the same experience and I decided it would basically be a step backwards.
I then tried an Alpine A110 and immediately fell in love; the much lighter weight makes even a Cayman feel like a lardy GT, the bucket seats, alcantara cabin, and rorty exhaust add to the experience. The engine sounds and feels good enough for me, as for Clio parts (essentially the volume controls), I couldn’t care less. Some Ferraris used to have Fiat indicator stalks
And unlike you I think it looks great, but of course we’re all different when it comes to styling.So I bought a high-spec (S version, carbon roof, special paint, etc), nearly-new one with full warranty from the official dealer just down the road. Yes, it’s not a 12C but I also don’t have the worry of an already 12-15 year old car, huge annual road tax and potentially costly maintenance for the next decade.
Which other cars do you regularly drive? You mention emotion, theatre and occasion, but those things often depend on the contrast with your usual vehicle(s). I decided I wanted something light and basic, what some might call a « driver’s car », if I want ~500hp in a heavy vehicle I’ll take the Tesla, and for other road experiences I’ll take one of the motorbikes. For me the Alpine has enough « occasion », but of course it wouldn’t for everyone.
I would recommend driving as many of these very different types of cars as possible, and see which you enjoy driving the most, and which gets your automotive juices going. Perhaps it will be a monster Merc, the Aston, maybe some flavour of Porsche or something more exotic.
Happy searching!
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