458 or similar for everyday?

[controlz]

I currently drive a manual Aston Martin V12 Vantage - it is without doubt the best car I've ever driven and there's nothing more fun than taking it out on some long winding country roads!

Whilst the weekends are phenomenal, I do live and work in London and my daily commute consists of stop and start traffic with the majority of my driving being short 3-5 mile trips. As I'm sure you're aware, a heavy clutch and gearbox isn't the most relaxing thing to drive in traffic, and if I need to concentrate on a phone call in traffic, I could do with something a little more easy! As such, I've started driving my little Smart car to work more regularly recently.

When I own a sports car I want to drive it as much as possible (I'm not really one for having a weekly and a weekend) so I want to find something suitable and not have to resort to my Smart! I would consider the V12 in auto but if I'm to change I'm thinking I should try something different. So my question is.. does anyone use their 458 regularly in traffic and how is it!?

Thanks

[ferdi p]

The 458 would be superb, maybe a little loud & showy for everyday IMO, have you considered a 12c/650?

[carpov]

My feeling is that the 458 would not be quite as comfortable for driving in heavy traffic (although the gearbox is fine).
Have you considered a California? I think you would be surprised how well one of those stacks up against an Aston. Very sharp. But also very comfortable.

[johnnyreggae]

Or you could walk to work and get something really extreme for the weekend

[sealtt]

I really think you should reconsider the 2 car idea.

Unless parking of a second car is a real issue, it is just so much better to run 2 cars really good at what they are used for rather than one which is often being used as a compromise.

I used to live around Borough and worked at Liverpool St, I had a Mercedes SL AMG which was fantastic for driving into work (yes I know crazy to drive in, but I love cars and hate the tube!), and was still fairly good for fun time too. However, a Ferrari or exotic would have really sucked daily I think, just because it's too special to use daily and ruins it as a special car since you are so used to it.

So I would say either get a sports car on the GT end of the scale - the California T is a very good idea - or if you want a 458 get a daily driver in addition, get a nice one - maybe a Merc SL or a Range Rover if you like that sort of car, but do not use a super car as a daily, it just ruins everything which makes a super car great & special... in my opinion anyway.

[JW82]

sealtt said:

So I would say either get a sports car on the GT end of the scale - the California T is a very good idea - or if you want a 458 get a daily driver in addition, get a nice one - maybe a Merc SL or a Range Rover if you like that sort of car, but do not use a super car as a daily, it just ruins everything which makes a super car great & special... in my opinion anyway.

+1 - I agree completely.

It's not much fun driving around in traffic in that type of car. It takes all the fun out of it and that fun is best enjoyed when you can actually drive the car as it should be driven. I've got a Smart car which is great for driving from home to the office with the CC exemption. Saying that, on the rare occasion that I do take the Ferrari to work, I always walk in to the office with a bigger smile on my face.

[controlz]

Interesting comments from all, thank you.

How about getting something right in the middle - e.g a 911?

[mattf93]

controlz said:

Interesting comments from all, thank you.

How about getting something right in the middle - e.g a 911?

If you have the budget of a 458 to play with I would 100% go down the 2 car route, better to have a drivers car and something thats comfortable, can cruise (and is auto).
All sorts you can pick, also depends on whether the congestion charge bothers you or not and whether you want a coupe daily or a 4door, also whether you want a petrol or diesel car.
As a daily I would suggest:
640d coupe or gran coupe (gran coupe is a 4 door) engine is powerful and surprisingly good for a diesel.
435d xDrive coupe (has awd and better option than say 3L diesel a5 as about to be replace)
A7 Bi-Tdi Quattro
SL400/SL500
A6 Bi Tdi Quatrro
RS6 Avant.
F Type v6s (manual or auto your choice)
911 in S tune either 2 or 4s
Then you have Range Rover/RR Sport/ Q7/ Cayenne option.

Theres so much to choose from, but you don't want to Daily drive a weekend car - it ruins the occasion imo. Chap on here has a Mclaren F1 16M etc, but as a daily uses an SLS AMG or a Macan Turbo depending on what is needed.

Totally up to you OP but seriously consider 2 cars if you have garaging space for both!

[NNH]

I'll disagree with the two-car plan: I've always used a single car as my daily driver, track toy, supermarket shopper, B-road weapon, and transcontinental tourer. I'm still working my way up towards the 458 level (actually I'd rather have a 650...) but I've loved such "impractical" cars as an MX-5, 911 and my current Cayman.
The way I see it is that if I like a car enough to buy it, why would I then choose to drive something else!

[mattf93]

NNH said:

I'll disagree with the two-car plan: I've always used a single car as my daily driver, track toy, supermarket shopper, B-road weapon, and transcontinental tourer. I'm still working my way up towards the 458 level (actually I'd rather have a 650...) but I've loved such "impractical" cars as an MX-5, 911 and my current Cayman.
The way I see it is that if I like a car enough to buy it, why would I then choose to drive something else!

I suppose its each to their own, to some it also depends on their job or their business and whether its practical/acceptable to press say a ferrari 458/650s into daily service.
A lot of businesses and industries would frown upon you doing this - even if you have earnt it
So I fully respect what you are saying, but to most people, they have or need 2 cars, especially if you do a lot of miles you would get hit for abnormal depreciation in a 458 if you per se did 12K miles a year in one.

Everyone has different needs. If you transport stuff you'll need an estate not a cayman etc. All down to choices, needs and finances - but I completely understand everyones needs are very different!

[controlz]

mattf93 said:

NNH said:

I'll disagree with the two-car plan: I've always used a single car as my daily driver, track toy, supermarket shopper, B-road weapon, and transcontinental tourer. I'm still working my way up towards the 458 level (actually I'd rather have a 650...) but I've loved such "impractical" cars as an MX-5, 911 and my current Cayman.
The way I see it is that if I like a car enough to buy it, why would I then choose to drive something else!

I suppose its each to their own, to some it also depends on their job or their business and whether its practical/acceptable to press say a ferrari 458/650s into daily service.
A lot of businesses and industries would frown upon you doing this - even if you have earnt it
So I fully respect what you are saying, but to most people, they have or need 2 cars, especially if you do a lot of miles you would get hit for abnormal depreciation in a 458 if you per se did 12K miles a year in one.

Everyone has different needs. If you transport stuff you'll need an estate not a cayman etc. All down to choices, needs and finances - but I completely understand everyones needs are very different!

Interesting posts from both of you - thank you. I met a racing driver yesterday who said the 458 was one of the best car's he has ever driven, and his grandmother could commute in it which was pleasant to here.

I agree with you both and this is my issue. Of course, having a car to drive at the weekends can really put a smile on your face and give you something to look forward to, but then, if I've worked hard enough to afford something like a 458, I would want to make the most of it and drive it everyday.

Do I have space for 2 cars? Yes.. but is it necessary.. I'm not sure. I'm also very young (only 26) and I think a number of those everyday cars you have recommended I may still be a little young for

On another note: Does anybody know where I would be able to arrange a long term test drive in a 458 near London - perhaps a full day or weekend? I feel I rushed into buying my V12V a little bit having only driven it for 20mins, and would really like to try a 458 in varying conditions.

Edited by controlz on Sunday 3rd May 16:33

[RamboLambo]

12C/650s are the natural alternatives to 458.

Some say they are more practical and comfortable for daily use whilst others say they are not quite as emotional.
Definitely worthy alternatives and particularly in spider form better IMHO because of the carbon tub

[Magic919]

Don't get the 458.

Do a proper job and buy the Speciale.

[controlz]

Magic919 said:

Don't get the 458.

Do a proper job and buy the Speciale.

My budget doesn't quite get there!

[mattf93]

controlz said:

mattf93 said:

NNH said:

I'll disagree with the two-car plan: I've always used a single car as my daily driver, track toy, supermarket shopper, B-road weapon, and transcontinental tourer. I'm still working my way up towards the 458 level (actually I'd rather have a 650...) but I've loved such "impractical" cars as an MX-5, 911 and my current Cayman.
The way I see it is that if I like a car enough to buy it, why would I then choose to drive something else!

I suppose its each to their own, to some it also depends on their job or their business and whether its practical/acceptable to press say a ferrari 458/650s into daily service.
A lot of businesses and industries would frown upon you doing this - even if you have earnt it
So I fully respect what you are saying, but to most people, they have or need 2 cars, especially if you do a lot of miles you would get hit for abnormal depreciation in a 458 if you per se did 12K miles a year in one.

Everyone has different needs. If you transport stuff you'll need an estate not a cayman etc. All down to choices, needs and finances - but I completely understand everyones needs are very different!

Interesting posts from both of you - thank you. I met a racing driver yesterday who said the 458 was one of the best car's he has ever driven, and his grandmother could commute in it which was pleasant to here.

I agree with you both and this is my issue. Of course, having a car to drive at the weekends can really put a smile on your face and give you something to look forward to, but then, if I've worked hard enough to afford something like a 458, I would want to make the most of it and drive it everyday.

Do I have space for 2 cars? Yes.. but is it necessary.. I'm not sure. I'm also very young (only 26) and I think a number of those everyday cars you have recommended I may still be a little young for

On another note: Does anybody know where I would be able to arrange a long term test drive in a 458 near London - perhaps a full day or weekend? I feel I rushed into buying my V12V a little bit having only driven it for 20mins, and would really like to try a 458 in varying conditions.

Edited by controlz on Sunday 3rd May 16:33

If you have garaging space in London for 2 cars, and do short trips is having an eco/possibly electric car an option? Or is your opinion ro that bks Ill just have a v12 and use it all the time?

Also don't forget the fact you're only 26 (Im 21 - would love to be in your position at 26), not everything has to be had NOW... that said what is making you want a 458 now? Is it the fact you want an F car? you want an auto? you want a change? Kind of need to understand your mindset on what you want/what your looking for or what the purpose of your car to help you a bit?

Does image matter to you? Ie are you to clients look a twit if you turn up in a bright red almost new 458 or 12c/650s/911 Turbo? Just thinking I could go on. If I could say bugger it and had the means to buy a 458 Id buy another car to commute in and have that as a weekend car as personally I think they can lose their occasion if used everyday and theres the negative of mileage limitations for F cars you have to be aware of.

[Doppelkupplung]

For a luxury supercar sounds like you need to get yourself a SLS! In my experience the pinnacle was the SLR, higher running costs and only LHD though.

[mattf93]

Doppelkupplung said:

For a luxury supercar sounds like you need to get yourself a SLS! In my experience the pinnacle was the SLR, higher running costs and only LHD though.

I wouldn't really call an SLS overly practical with those doors though? as much as I love them and a great piece of theatre Im not sure they work on a daily basis. Also if you have shopping in the boot it can cook it a bit as exhausts are underneath it according some of the owner reviews I have read :P Otherwise they're great cars...

If that was the case I would have put my name down for a GTs which will be a much quicker and more practical car than the SLS.

[Doppelkupplung]

mattf93 said:

Doppelkupplung said:

For a luxury supercar sounds like you need to get yourself a SLS! In my experience the pinnacle was the SLR, higher running costs and only LHD though.

I wouldn't really call an SLS overly practical with those doors though? as much as I love them and a great piece of theatre Im not sure they work on a daily basis. Also if you have shopping in the boot it can cook it a bit as exhausts are underneath it according some of the owner reviews I have read :P Otherwise they're great cars...

If that was the case I would have put my name down for a GTs which will be a much quicker and more practical car than the SLS.

Having gullwing doors does not detract from practically, in fact you don't need as much space to get out but beware low ceilings.

The amg gts, while a brilliant car, is hardly a direct competitor to the 458 so wouldn't satisfy the OP if he's looking for an everyday supercar.

I suggest that you study your figures again, SLS is faster accelerating and higher top speed, plus NA are known to provide effortless cruising.

[mattf93]

Doppelkupplung said:

Having gullwing doors does not detract from practically, in fact you don't need as much space to get out but beware low ceilings.

The amg gts, while a brilliant car, is hardly a direct competitor to the 458 so wouldn't satisfy the OP if he's looking for an everyday supercar.

I suggest that you study your figures again, SLS is faster accelerating and higher top speed, plus NA are known to provide effortless cruising.

Eg if he has a tight car parking space at work at home/work its not practical - theyre less practical than a conventional door (don't start talking about some cars having really long doors).

Im just thinking of the car that would be slightly easier to live with, as I mentioned the thing about the boot and is a known issue. I guess a AMG GT(s) is more of a 'super' sports car than an actual super car. Also OP didn't specifically say super car As if he wanted he could buy a 'new' aston martin vanquish.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/mercedes-sls... < SLS and AMG GTs provide identical 0-62s GT is lighter but down 60 bhp, has same torque as SLS too, theres not much in it as you're making out.

All valid opinions and I respect that was just offering another option That said from a value (wheres GrB/RamboLambo) perspective an SLS will hold better too, but purchase price is quite high now. last year you could pick one up under £100k, now you'll struggle for less than £140k for an SLS.

[Doppelkupplung]

mattf93 said:

Doppelkupplung said:

Having gullwing doors does not detract from practically, in fact you don't need as much space to get out but beware low ceilings.

The amg gts, while a brilliant car, is hardly a direct competitor to the 458 so wouldn't satisfy the OP if he's looking for an everyday supercar.

I suggest that you study your figures again, SLS is faster accelerating and higher top speed, plus NA are known to provide effortless cruising.

Eg if he has a tight car parking space at work at home/work its not practical - theyre less practical than a conventional door (don't start talking about some cars having really long doors).

Im just thinking of the car that would be slightly easier to live with, as I mentioned the thing about the boot and is a known issue. I guess a AMG GT(s) is more of a 'super' sports car than an actual super car. Also OP didn't specifically say super car As if he wanted he could buy a 'new' aston martin vanquish.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/mercedes-sls... < SLS and AMG GTs provide identical 0-62s GT is lighter but down 60 bhp, has same torque as SLS too, theres not much in it as you're making out.

All valid opinions and I respect that was just offering another option That said from a value (wheres GrB/RamboLambo) perspective an SLS will hold better too, but purchase price is quite high now. last year you could pick one up under £100k, now you'll struggle for less than £140k for an SLS.

Your intuition is off. You need less than 30cm to open the door fully and once it's opened it''s much more convenient to egress since the door is above you and not infront!

yes the boot gets warm but it's not going to prepare your steaks medium-well by the time you're home from the supermarket so you can relax.

I certainly was not making out the Sls to be much quicker than the Amg gts, I merely rebuked your false statement... the one you said the amg gts is "much quicker" besides achieving a sub 4 second 0-60 time isn't everyone's priority while on Cromwell road at rush hour. It's so much more than just the numbers.

I'm all for sharing different opinions but don't misinform others.