Decisions! Aston / Ferrari / Other

[Chris355]

I’m contemplating my next car and I’m looking at a Ferrari California (or T) and Aston Martin V8S Roadster. Both around 2011 and both with paddleshift.

Which would you buy and why? Anything else you would consider?

I commute during the week so only use the car at weekend and the occasional evening.

Thanks

Chris

[Chris355]

PompeyReece said:

What are your top 5 considerations in order of priority? i.e.

- Budget
- Planned usage? Track, weekend blast, Euro trips etc.
- Are you OK with a lot of public attention
- Maintenance costs
- Attitude towards depreciation
- Length of ownership

-Budget is flexible, but ideally under 100k.
-No track use. Weekend and occasional evening, maybe a euro trip.
-No problem with public attention
-I don’t like depreciation! Lol. So ideally not something that will drop like a brick.
-Maintenance; I come with a history of Porsche/Ferrari etc so I know what I’m letting myself in for potentially.
-Length of ownership; often a year, but sometimes more (had a 355 spider 5 years). Ideally something that will not take forever to sell if I decide I want to!

[Chris355]

The Surveyor said:

Chris355 said:

…...Anything else you would consider?

…...

I'm not a fan off the California, and I found my V8 Vantage lacking grunt.

For me, in addition to those I'd be test driving:-

Vantage V12 roadster
Audi R8 V10 roadster
Porsche 911 Turbo convertible
Much newer 5.0 Jaguar F Type,
or go brave and buy the best TVR Tuscan you can find

I would consider an Aston Vantage v12 roadster if I could find a black one at a respectable price. Love the looks and sound.

As much as i try, I cant talk myself into an R8 (logically its a great car, but it just doesn't do it for me).

Had a 997 turbo and it did nothing for me. It was fast, but strangely boring to drive.

Im not into Jags at all.

[Chris355]

Totally agree with you Surveyor; no wrong answers. Hadn't really looked at Maserati's. Will venture down to my local dealer as only 5 mins away.

[Chris355]

MAC 720S said:

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

Weirdly Maclaren's dont do anything for me (apart from the P1, which i cant afford!). Plus i have several friends with different models all with many issues arising.

[Chris355]

Well, after a lot of thought and looking at the options I bought an Aston Martin Vantage V8S roadster. Looks are subjective, I’ve owned several stunning cars, but it really is such a beautiful car and it sounds amazing. Bought from a fellow Pistonheads member in an effortless sale and the car was better than described (which is rare). Now safely tucked up in its new home and I just need some nice weather!





Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

[Chris355]

RT964 said:

That is a lovely looking car, congratulations. I have a soft spot for black cars (3 out my 6 cars are black !).

If it hasn't already been done, I'd consider getting it ceramic coated as that really helps it stay looking nice and clean for longer as dirt and debris doesn't stick to it so easily.

Most of my cars, save my Ferraris, have been black! Thankfully this car has been detailed and ceramic coated by Sports Car Protection! So just maintenance top ups for me!

[Chris355]

tberg said:

Thank goodness you bought the previous Vantage generation, one of the most beautiful designs in automotive history. Unfortunately, the new generation's front end and side profile eliminated any of the class that Aston had previously displayed. Just ugly! And as for your distaste for Jaguars, you ought to try one some time. Of dozens of cars I've owned and currently own including some sports cars and exotics, my 600hp XKR (2010) is the best, most reliable automobile I've ever owned, and the F-type R or SVR will outperform its Aston brethren at a fraction of the cost.

Completely agree. I wouldn’t buy the new shape Vantage as I don’t find the shape to my taste. The new retro front grill has helped, but the bonnet edge and headlight shape just reminds me of an mx5 too much.

I wasn’t knocking Jags, my uncle has an XKR along with Mk1,2 and 3 E and a D type. I can’t really put my finger on it but I just don’t fancy one. The F type has a nice shape and was the closest I came (doesn’t look a million miles away from my Aston).

[Chris355]

It’s interesting, but not my thing.

I think it would have been difficult to move me from a Ferrari or Aston.

Shame the weather has been awful since I bought it though!

[Chris355]

Penrhyn said:

So Chris355

Have you had a chance to blow off the cobwebs? Looks an awesome car.

Had a great drive in it Friday. Feels fast, planted and special. I’ve already had a number of lovely comments from random people at petrol stations and carparks.

I’m very pleased with it.