Test driven a 4C for the first time

[topcat1]

Hey all, as per the title, I tested a 4C this morning for the first time and it was so far from what I was expecting I was shocked! Please forgive my ignorance within this post, everyone who has driven one will already know it!

For a year or so I've been contemplating replacing my Tuscan for something a little more refined but I still want something unusual, relatively depreciation free and great looking. There aren't many cars that really tick the boxes IMO, plenty of stunning cars but most of them cost a tonne in depreciation and look out dated after a few years due to manufacturers constantly facelifting them (AMG GT, F-Pace etc).

For a while I've been looking at the 4C online, finally I found one locally which I went to see and fell in love with the looks straight away but I wasn't expecting what happened after I turned the key! Turns out it's not the tame mainstream sports car I was assuming it would be, the most comparable car I've driven is possibly an Elise (I haven't driven any other modern Lotus).

So, I'm not convinced it will be a more relaxed and comfortable replacement for the TVR (albeit less agressive than the driver aid free straight 6), I've posted on here to see if anyone else has made a similar move and how it has been living with a 4C. My wife loves the looks but not sure she will be a fan of the significant cabin noise and heavy steering, of course it won't be an every day car but I don't want to not use it as with the TVR because "I don't have the energy today"

The only other car I'm currently lusting after is the Emira but as it will probably take a couple of years to obtain one it's off the table right now.

Cheers, TC

[topcat1]

Thanks for the detailed reply, sounds like its similar to living with the TVR but 15 years younger.

I think the mini supercar comment is about right but I was very reluctant to make the same statement earlier, the car came across as a Ferrari/Lotus love child to me!

I have a feeling it will age very well which is a big box ticked for me if the car is to be a keeper, low running costs may help in the long term too whether it is direct or creating higher appeal for future disposal. Certainly the main factor I have put any thoughts of a 12C on hold!

[topcat1]

I've always liked the Evora but the 4C blows it out of the water in the looks department, it is next level IMO!

If the Emira was available it may well be Lotus I'd be going for but that option is a couple of years away I reckon.

The only other car I've been longing for is a V8V (V12V preferably but can't extend to the cost yet). It too is a beautiful car and I have wanted one for ages, the downsides are that they are much more common (approx 6k on the road vs 400 4C's), and just starting to show their age IMO. The rawness is the only downside of the 4C I can see, but if that creates a reason not to use the car then it's also a big reason not to buy one!

[topcat1]

The Maserati is a good looking car and I gather it has some flair, I bet it's a little dearer to run than the 4C though!

Can anyone help on a couple of questions regarding the 4C?

1. Headlight differences- I like the look of both but I've heard some strong opinions on them, are the bug eyes that bad or are the negative opinions down to aesthetics?

2. Dashboards- stitched leather looks lovely but with various things I have read on forums- is it only a matter of time before they need repairing or were there just a handful of issues that make them all sound like a potential problem?

3. Any other differences through the years- I don't recall any major changes but noteworthy points appreciated.

I can't escape the 4C yet, planning to view another shortly. I think the only alternative that ticks every box is a 911, but I'm not sure I want to be tarred with the "boss has bought a porsche" stereotype, the Alfa option may cost a similar amount but doesn't carry a stigma. May sound stupid but there seem to be a lot of people who automatically hate a porsche owner, I'm not particularly worried about it but at the same time don't want to paint a target on my back, also get let out at junctions

[topcat1]

Thanks for the replies, I have a pretty conclusive update!



I collected it yesterday and am absolutely loving it, beautiful from every angle and I like the simplistic but curvy interior too. Apart from all the obvious drawbacks of a 900kg sports car, I've not yet found any actual issues!

Looking forward to summer even more now, shame my local cars n coffee has decided to shut down (Museum of Power at Maldon) but will find some other events too. Can't wait to pull the Tuscan out for some back to back drives too!

[topcat1]

ParanoidAndroid said:

Very nice, enjoy! Are you keeping the Tuscan along side the 4C?

Errrm, for now! I'm ready to sell it however there is occasion talk from TVR folk about potential values rising in a couple of years when the early cars are able to be imported to the US, I'm unsure if this will actually happen or not hence not sure whether to hang on to it for longer or not!

[topcat1]

Thanks all, with a nice long weekend coming up I'm hoping to make the most of it!

Yes the Tuscan is waiting for a piece of trim to be re-fitted (still trying to find a decent body shop near me) and I'd like to get some pics of them both.

Thanks for the heads up on Bicknacre, I'm not able to do this month but hopefully the next one.

[topcat1]

993-4C said:

Looks great, congratulations.
Any chance of pictures of the 4C next to the Tuscan?

Sorry for the delay, only just MOT'd the Tuscan last week after a few months off the road. Hoping to try to organise some track time for both at some point, maybe an evening at Brands or similar.

[topcat1]

It is wide, not driven it in anger yet but it appears to be pretty nimble, the gearbox seems excellent with shifts very sharp. The old brute next to it has more grunt and no lag, though the manual box would be the downfall in a vs situation I think.