2 + 2 GT Car, Budget Under £45k?

[Octoposse]

I currently have a 997.1 C2, and haven't really gelled with it. Love the steering, love the power, great heated seats . . . but . . . it's too inflexible (just wants to let rip), too light, not drop-dead gorgeous enough in Atlas Grey Metallic.

Good news is that I paid cash in 2019, so can get my money back and more with prices having gone silly. Never borrowed for or financed a car before, but after a couple of recent traumas I'm in a bit of a "life's too short not to" mood. So that makes a maximum budget in the low 40s.

Obvious choice is a newer / heavier / AWD 911. But are there any more exciting choices?

- Must be a 2+2 or full 4 seater, with some luggage space,
- Torquey, wide power band,
- Gorgeous;
- Some basic level of decent reliability and engineering sanity.

Any thoughts?

[Octoposse]

Thanks - some food for thought there. I thought I “knew cars” but there are some suggestions there I didn’t know existed! Four door Astons and Lotus - who knew? (Well, clearly, you did . . . ).

Will try and test drive a couple, as ‘driveability’ (wide power band, comfortable at any speed) is a biggie for me.

The 2+2 bit is because we have an 11 year old, and although my car spends most of the time one- or two-up, the ability to take it for family days out, weekends away, is crucial.

Since I’ll be financing about half the purchase price, depreciation (or lack thereof) matters. That’s a point in favour of the 911 I suppose, but I’ve been put off by experience of a 3.6 C2, which seems too track / autobahn focused.

[Octoposse]

MDL111 said:

Didn’t realize they were this cheap in the UK

One like this

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11553042

Wowsie - fabulous, except for that tiny toggle that's presumably the gear selector?

[Octoposse]

robemcdonald said:

So much choice really

Aston DB9 or what about a BMW i8?

Too old skool for an i8 (but astonished to learn they’re a 2+2, always assumed a two seater from the looks).

DB9. Fabulous - I think that’s the answer.

[Octoposse]

crimbo said:

GTR

Mmmm. Something else I’ll have to test drive.

[Octoposse]

jontysafe said:

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11832698

There, just saved you 10k.

That is gorgeous!

[Octoposse]

robemcdonald said:

sparta6 said:

Bispal said:

sparta6 said:

Bispal said:

E24 M635csi
850 / 840i
928 S4
968
456 Ferrari if you are feeling brave!


All the newer stuff the rear seats are not great. Old 6 series are great in the rear but 840 newer and less precious. I sat for a good while in the rear of a 928 last weekend with no issues. All depreciation proof too.

+1

The rears are deceptively comfy - no complaints from passengers so far

840? I meant its a better daily proposition as its newer and less precious :-)

I was agreeing on the 928 rears

I’d be literally astonished if the op chose anything from that list..

Bonkers..

Funnily enough, I'd consider a 968 as I owned a 944 (cooking version - 2.5 8v 'Lux') and look back on it as more versatile than my current 997! Give me a pile of dosh left over as well! But my wife would want a bit more of a change, and she was never as impressed with the 944 as I was.

Ferrari 456 is one or two leagues above my Sunday morning kickabout comfort zone unfortunately.

635 one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made, but not quite what I'm looking for now.

Promise to update you with pictures when I swap, but could be the autumn as will get the summer out of the 911 first. Some great suggestions earlier that I wouldn't have thought of.

[Octoposse]

Update: few tweaks to the 997 C2 (OEM engine mounts for comfort, re-webbed seat belts to add some colour to the interior), so now not screamingly urgent. Happy to holiday next summer in it if required.

Replacement now definitely a three horse race:
1) Lexus LC 500 - had a look at one at our local dealer, and will have a test drive. Beautiful well put together car with great reviews - back seat very cramped at first glance though.
2) Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - nearest Alfa dealer promised to ring me when they have one;
3) 997 Turbo - the “safe” choice - there’s such a superb network of brilliant independents around here for maintenance . . . makes ownership so easy!