Early GT, am I mental?

Early GT, am I mental?

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Discussion

B3NNL

Original Poster:

1,056 posts

168 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2016
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Sorry to intrude folks but I'm after some advice from those in the know i.e. people that have experienced the car first hand.

I have just sold my TVR Cerbera and am looking to replace it with something. I sold the Cerb because I just couldn't justify the yearly outlay keeping the thing on the road, it cost me about £3k a year just mechanically and you can probably double that if you add in tyres/fuel and insurance etc.

My budget is £30k and that's stretching it secretly without the OH finding out.

I've been looking at the 5 ltr Jag XKR and must admit, its a very nice car that drives fantastically and has boundless performance as well as being a very nice place to sit in, but...it doesn't quite feel quite special enough.

Earlier this year I was on a roadtrip with a few cars, one of which was a GT and I must admit it was a very nice looking car and it appeared to take the trip in its stride. I've been looking at reviews and a few forums which seem to paint the GT generally in a positive light, even stating that reliability has been greatly improved. The general consensus is to go for the 4.7, but unfortunately I haven't got a hope in hell of stretching the budget that much more without getting found out, so it would be a 4.2 and even then I'd be looking at an early 2008 car with about 50k miles.

I'm after your honest opinions, would I be jumping straight into another money pit a la TVR or is it worth a punt? Or should I skulk back off to the Jag section?

Thanks folks and I eagerly await your thoughts.
Benn

B3NNL

Original Poster:

1,056 posts

168 months

Wednesday 23rd November 2016
quotequote all
Thanks Voicey,
I've just had a look at your website, you're clearly well acquainted with the Italian exotica so please accept my thanks for your response.
As with TVRs it appears that previous maintenance is just as important.
I had read about the variators, would this not have been done as a factory recall and if so, how would I identify if its been carried out?
I've read a few posts regarding the skyhook suspension, is this not an issue too?
I hope you don't mind, but I'm sure I'll have more bone questions to throw your way in the not too distant future?

Cheers Benn

B3NNL

Original Poster:

1,056 posts

168 months

Friday 2nd December 2016
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Thanks for the replies folks, I'll keep on looking!

B3NNL

Original Poster:

1,056 posts

168 months

Friday 16th December 2016
quotequote all
Top man jake! Very insightful view, much aligned to my current predicament so thanks for taking the time to respond in as much depth as you have.
In the meantime I'll keep perusing the classifieds.
Cheers
Benn