Decisions: DB7 v 996 v E46 M3 v 4200 GT

[6C4GTS]

Over the winter it is my intention to fill a whole in my garage with a weekend only coupe which I will keep for 10 years or so.

Shortlist is down to:

2001 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
2003 Porsche 996 C4S
2004 Maserati 4200 GT
2004 BMW E46 M3

I will post this thread on the various marque forums to even out home team advantage but would really appreciate opinions on reliability, running costs and smiles per gallon.

Hope fully some of you guys will have owned more than 1 of these and are able to compare but any opinion would be valuable.

Cheers

[6C4GTS]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Only one vote for the maser so far from the Maserati Forum - go figure. In answer to a few of the queries - finaicial approval from long haired general requires back seats for occassional use - spent last six years in two seater with my little boy and she feels left out so the 355 or 360 which I would love is out. The boy wants a Cayman S whic is also out. Looked at a 456 in Monaco last weekend not sure about the looks but nice engine and cheap now. Agree on the 966TT and M3 CSL but they may require further financial negotiation but as I said looking to keep this one so keen to make the right decision nota quick one. Cheers!

[6C4GTS]

Aston I6 nice pic.
Didnt include it in the shortlist but does nayone rate the M6. IMO it looks a litle staid but 507bhp and msport may be compelling?

[6C4GTS]

Did the 928 thing in the early 90s but nice idea.

[6C4GTS]

Thanks everyone - any CSL owners care to comment on practicality?
Also is a CSL the same computer driven service interval as a M3 or is it fixed mileage or time?

[6C4GTS]

Thanks everyone - back seats will be occasional use only and for current 4 year old so OK for a decade. Incidentally I used to get me and 3 big mates in a 944 turbo when I was at uni so it can be done and I reckon a 996 is about the same size.

[6C4GTS]

rdbrooksie said:

Incidentally what did the original poster buy?

What a bump...................I'd forgotten I'd even started this thread and certainly haven't looked at it in the last 18 months so its hilarious reading some of the views offered up based on not driving the cars.............
The initial options posted were extended during the search to include
996 Turbo - quick but sounds pish.
996 GT2 - quicker again but sensitive to camber, raod surface and geo set up.
Ferrari 328 - beautiful but dymanically off the pace
Ferrari 348 - not a good drive
Ferrari 355 - lovely..........maybe next time
Merc SL55...........very nearly bought one...GT
Merc SLK 55 - still depreciating a lot.
Gransport - my preferred Maser......again maybe next time
CSL............still like these.........dont like M3 image


Bought this in January 2010:





Immaculate low mileage 996 C4S manual with a fantastic spec including PSE, BOSE, Litronics, Sunroof, memory heated embossed seats etc.

I am still extremely happy with the decision...............the car is quick enough on the road to stay with 997 Turbo, GT2, GT3, Gransport F430 etc..on our regular PH runs and personally I prefer the naturally aspirated throttle response.

Christmas Mini Run
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/8/DdSl8WlqN...

January Mini Run
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/7/faDyZO1Ds...

March 13th Run (2 parts)
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/5/eRZhA7_t_...
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/4/EniyEIwXB...

March 20th Run (2 parts)
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/3/TLix7PLyi...
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/2/CPRGX0Qnj...

April Arran Run
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/1/ISBJVF4he...

April Ayrshire Run
http://www.youtube.com/user/6C4GTS#p/u/0/aybkHLf4Z...

IMHO its by far the best looking 996 and with the 3.5K worth of Porsche Sports Exhaust it has the best exhaust note of any car I have driven or heard..........430 and Larini GranSport are close but........

Cheers B

[6C4GTS]

rdbrooksie said:

similar for the wife

Careful she doesn't embarrass the countach - these are very capable road cars....despite what paulQV will try to tell you!!

[6C4GTS]

Pete - everyone smiles when we go past!

Scream if you like it!

[6C4GTS]

Bump for Angelus and his 4200.