What Next? Ramblings ... £40K Budget
Discussion
This conversation would be best suited to a couple of beers with a few mates down the pub - but we're not quite there yet! Also, I understand just how 'first world problems' this is, but Pistonheads is the perfect place to ask for such advice and I may have overlooked some potential options.
Essentially, I've owned a Lotus of some description for the last 15 years, ever since I passed my driving test. I currently own an Elise S1 with Audi turbo conversion. I can confirm that 370BHP/tonne is fantastic fun, but a bit mad; great for supercar baiting and track days, but I do neither! In my opinion, it's a bit too quick for the road. As such, I'm thinking of selling it soon.
I've also just taken a deposit on my F-Type V6S, which the new owner will collect in the forthcoming days. Less exciting still, I have a very capable Honda estate (VTEC, yo!) for long journeys, carrying bikes in the back and the previous owner has properly bashed each corner, so I can leave it anywhere without concern!
The crux: I have never owned a V8. I feel it's time for something a bit more special. I'm worried what the future holds with regards to ICE and this might be the perfect opportunity to own a V8 before it's too late!
Criteria:
Immediately, I'm thinking Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster from around 2007 - 2009 and in 4.3 guise. Prices seem to have increased and it's difficult finding a good one that is manual and not black! I do think this will be my next car. Frustratingly, I can afford the manual 4.7 car - providing it's a coupe. I do feel the coupe looks better, but the wife loves convertibles and to be honest, I love the option of lowering the roof on a nice day to fully hear the exhaust!
Obviously, at this price point, it's difficult not to consider the Audi R8. JayEmm considers it to be a supercar. It fits all of the above criteria, with exception to cost. It seems a manual convertible will be around £45K, which is a shame. I'd be restricted to coupes only.
Other cars that have popped into my mind for some unknown reason ...
-Maserati GranCabrio: Expensive to maintain with expensive parts? Fairly big and heavy! I don't really need the seats in the back ... Great looks and a fantastic sound! Possibly at risk of depreciating further?
-FType V8R: Basically what I've just had, but with a V8. Perhaps not special enough?
-TVR Tamora: 6 cylinders, but a different and interesting choice! Do the Speed Six engines fail too often though? I'd certainly have a fair chunk of my budget leftover!
-Cobra Replica: No roof could mean limited use, and rollover/side impact protection seems non-existent. Could be lots of fun though?!
-Porsche 981 S/GTS: 6 cylinders, the obvious choice, not particularly special and a GTS would push me slightly over budget. Second hand prices are strong at the moment. Perhaps more 'Lotus' in terms of driving dynamics though?
I don't think I could even consider a fairly new (or older) Mercedes SLK 55 AMG or anything; auto, depreciates, meh. I don't think I could entertain an Exige V6 or Evora. Too similar to what I've owned, Evora is a coupe etc.
What would you choose? Any other options I've missed?
Essentially, I've owned a Lotus of some description for the last 15 years, ever since I passed my driving test. I currently own an Elise S1 with Audi turbo conversion. I can confirm that 370BHP/tonne is fantastic fun, but a bit mad; great for supercar baiting and track days, but I do neither! In my opinion, it's a bit too quick for the road. As such, I'm thinking of selling it soon.
I've also just taken a deposit on my F-Type V6S, which the new owner will collect in the forthcoming days. Less exciting still, I have a very capable Honda estate (VTEC, yo!) for long journeys, carrying bikes in the back and the previous owner has properly bashed each corner, so I can leave it anywhere without concern!
The crux: I have never owned a V8. I feel it's time for something a bit more special. I'm worried what the future holds with regards to ICE and this might be the perfect opportunity to own a V8 before it's too late!
Criteria:
- Minimal depreciation
- Manual preferable (Auto is fine, providing the box is good and paddles are available!)
- V8
- Convertible, ideally
Immediately, I'm thinking Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster from around 2007 - 2009 and in 4.3 guise. Prices seem to have increased and it's difficult finding a good one that is manual and not black! I do think this will be my next car. Frustratingly, I can afford the manual 4.7 car - providing it's a coupe. I do feel the coupe looks better, but the wife loves convertibles and to be honest, I love the option of lowering the roof on a nice day to fully hear the exhaust!
Obviously, at this price point, it's difficult not to consider the Audi R8. JayEmm considers it to be a supercar. It fits all of the above criteria, with exception to cost. It seems a manual convertible will be around £45K, which is a shame. I'd be restricted to coupes only.
Other cars that have popped into my mind for some unknown reason ...
-Maserati GranCabrio: Expensive to maintain with expensive parts? Fairly big and heavy! I don't really need the seats in the back ... Great looks and a fantastic sound! Possibly at risk of depreciating further?
-FType V8R: Basically what I've just had, but with a V8. Perhaps not special enough?
-TVR Tamora: 6 cylinders, but a different and interesting choice! Do the Speed Six engines fail too often though? I'd certainly have a fair chunk of my budget leftover!
-Cobra Replica: No roof could mean limited use, and rollover/side impact protection seems non-existent. Could be lots of fun though?!
-Porsche 981 S/GTS: 6 cylinders, the obvious choice, not particularly special and a GTS would push me slightly over budget. Second hand prices are strong at the moment. Perhaps more 'Lotus' in terms of driving dynamics though?
I don't think I could even consider a fairly new (or older) Mercedes SLK 55 AMG or anything; auto, depreciates, meh. I don't think I could entertain an Exige V6 or Evora. Too similar to what I've owned, Evora is a coupe etc.
What would you choose? Any other options I've missed?
Edited by Ikemi on Thursday 8th April 23:15
Looking at your garage and what you have incoming you need a V8/12 convertible and you need it to be a 2+2 GT. You have all other bases covered.
You could go for a AM V8V but would just be an older and less competent version of your F-type.
A Grancabrio fits the bill and the sound is unrivalled IMO. Get a decent indie and check out parts prices (or order them yourself e.g. on eurospares.co.uk for them to fit).
If you want to be a bit further down the depreciation curve either get an older Grancabrio (they will bottom out at 20k) or look at a DB9 or even Rapide?
You could go for a AM V8V but would just be an older and less competent version of your F-type.
A Grancabrio fits the bill and the sound is unrivalled IMO. Get a decent indie and check out parts prices (or order them yourself e.g. on eurospares.co.uk for them to fit).
If you want to be a bit further down the depreciation curve either get an older Grancabrio (they will bottom out at 20k) or look at a DB9 or even Rapide?
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Auto and black, exactly what you don't want, but just look at it. I have to say that if I had a garage it would fit I would be considering it.
Or this one which isn't black, and is manual, but it's not a convertible:
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Cheaps as chips IMHO :-)
Auto and black, exactly what you don't want, but just look at it. I have to say that if I had a garage it would fit I would be considering it.
Or this one which isn't black, and is manual, but it's not a convertible:
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Cheaps as chips IMHO :-)
Edited by SCEtoAUX on Friday 9th April 08:51
From your list I’d go for the Aston. I had a 4.3 for nearly 2 years and loved it. Was just as special to look at it in the garage as it was to go for a drive. I went coupe because I preferred the look but you do lose a lot of the sound (everyone outside hears it far better than you do in the car), so would go for the convertible next time. As you said, prices are firm on these (mine cost me very little in depreciation) and probably a good idea to buy one now.
I have had a couple of Speed Six engined TVRs - they are reliable as long as they have been rebuilt, but still you have to be ready for other minor issues and they do feel hand built compared to modern options.
I have had a couple of Speed Six engined TVRs - they are reliable as long as they have been rebuilt, but still you have to be ready for other minor issues and they do feel hand built compared to modern options.
Mustang V8 manual convertible, if you can put up with it being what it is. Quality is just not comparable in any way to AM etc so probably not what you're after. Depreciation has been low so far and running costs are peanuts unless you are really unlucky with something.
I'm always up for a V8 manual and I've come close to a V8 Vantage a few times but never made the jump. I know it's not always so but some of the maintenance histories I've seen with these over a period of a few years with low mileage limited use have been pretty steep in my eyes. Depreciation on them is excellent, the right car bought well may not loose anything in value during ownership. But money is money, if upkeep is costly it just negates low depreciation.
I'm always up for a V8 manual and I've come close to a V8 Vantage a few times but never made the jump. I know it's not always so but some of the maintenance histories I've seen with these over a period of a few years with low mileage limited use have been pretty steep in my eyes. Depreciation on them is excellent, the right car bought well may not loose anything in value during ownership. But money is money, if upkeep is costly it just negates low depreciation.
SCEtoAUX said:
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Auto and black, exactly what you don't want, but just look at it. I have to say that if I had a garage it would fit I would be considering it.
Or this one which isn't black, and is manual, but it's not a convertible:
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Cheaps as chips IMHO :-)
Just took a look at those. Agree they are for nothing really. AM approved used too. Difficult to go wrong. Auto and black, exactly what you don't want, but just look at it. I have to say that if I had a garage it would fit I would be considering it.
Or this one which isn't black, and is manual, but it's not a convertible:
https://preowned.astonmartin.com/preowned-cars/196...
Cheaps as chips IMHO :-)
Edited by SCEtoAUX on Friday 9th April 08:51
If you want a properly special V8, get a 4.5l Cerbera. They sound evil, look brilliant, and will be an event every time you take it out. We will never see something like it again, race car engine in a road car. There is a decent looking yellow one up for sale now for I think 23k, so a decent bit under your budget, leaving plenty for tinkering. They won't depreciate, either. That one is private sale, but understand it came from Str8Six, so decent provenance.
EDIT: This one - https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10609192 - though its a 4l speed six, oops. You'd definitely get a 4.5l v8 well in budget though.
Here is a 4.5l at 29k: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020092240...
If a convertible is essential, then I would get a Tuscan over a Tamora (that's what I did ... ) just think they look much better (albeit not a true convertible)! The T cars are all much of a muchness to drive, I understand. The Speed Six has a reputation for reliability, but if you buy one with a rebuild from Str8Six or Powers they should be fine. You could spend your budget on a Tuscan - late Mk3s are over 50k, or half your budget - I paid 28k for mine, 60k miles, from Str8Six, recent ish engine rebuild and respray in a flip paint.
Mine for inspiration:
EDIT: This one - https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10609192 - though its a 4l speed six, oops. You'd definitely get a 4.5l v8 well in budget though.
Here is a 4.5l at 29k: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2020092240...
If a convertible is essential, then I would get a Tuscan over a Tamora (that's what I did ... ) just think they look much better (albeit not a true convertible)! The T cars are all much of a muchness to drive, I understand. The Speed Six has a reputation for reliability, but if you buy one with a rebuild from Str8Six or Powers they should be fine. You could spend your budget on a Tuscan - late Mk3s are over 50k, or half your budget - I paid 28k for mine, 60k miles, from Str8Six, recent ish engine rebuild and respray in a flip paint.
Mine for inspiration:
Edited by PrinceRupert on Friday 9th April 12:16
What do you actually want the car to do? Your idle musings incorporate cars that serve very different purposes IMO, especially when having regard to the fact you have a bonkers Elise for TD's and backroad blasts. Taking that into account, I assume you want a GT?
I hate to upvote anything I own, but the Aston makes a compelling case for itself if its not a backroad blaster you want (if it was, I would say S3 Exige - but pointless alongside an Audi Elise). If you wanted to be a little more ostentatious and wafty, Bentley Conti GT cabrio?
I hate to upvote anything I own, but the Aston makes a compelling case for itself if its not a backroad blaster you want (if it was, I would say S3 Exige - but pointless alongside an Audi Elise). If you wanted to be a little more ostentatious and wafty, Bentley Conti GT cabrio?
Ikemi said:
This conversation would be best suited to a couple of beers with a few mates down the pub - but we're not quite there yet! Also, I understand just how 'first world problems' this is, but Pistonheads is the perfect place to ask for such advice and I may have overlooked some potential options.
Essentially, I've owned a Lotus of some description for the last 15 years, ever since I passed my driving test. I currently own an Elise S1 with Audi turbo conversion. I can confirm that 370BHP/tonne is fantastic fun, but a bit mad; great for supercar baiting and track days, but I do neither! In my opinion, it's a bit too quick for the road. As such, I'm thinking of selling it soon.
I've also just taken a deposit on my F-Type V6S, which the new owner will collect in the forthcoming days. Less exciting still, I have a very capable Honda estate (VTEC, yo!) for long journeys, carrying bikes in the back and the previous owner has properly bashed each corner, so I can leave it anywhere without concern!
The crux: I have never owned a V8. I feel it's time for something a bit more special. I'm worried what the future holds with regards to ICE and this might be the perfect opportunity to own a V8 before it's too late!
Criteria:
Immediately, I'm thinking Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster from around 2007 - 2009 and in 4.3 guise. Prices seem to have increased and it's difficult finding a good one that is manual and not black! I do think this will be my next car. Frustratingly, I can afford the manual 4.7 car - providing it's a coupe. I do feel the coupe looks better, but the wife loves convertibles and to be honest, I love the option of lowering the roof on a nice day to fully hear the exhaust!
Obviously, at this price point, it's difficult not to consider the Audi R8. JayEmm considers it to be a supercar. It fits all of the above criteria, with exception to cost. It seems a manual convertible will be around £45K, which is a shame. I'd be restricted to coupes only.
Other cars that have popped into my mind for some unknown reason ...
-Maserati GranCabrio: Expensive to maintain with expensive parts? Fairly big and heavy! I don't really need the seats in the back ... Great looks and a fantastic sound! Possibly at risk of depreciating further?
-FType V8R: Basically what I've just had, but with a V8. Perhaps not special enough?
-TVR Tamora: 6 cylinders, but a different and interesting choice! Do the Speed Six engines fail too often though? I'd certainly have a fair chunk of my budget leftover!
-Cobra Replica: No roof could mean limited use, and rollover/side impact protection seems non-existent. Could be lots of fun though?!
-Porsche 981 S/GTS: 6 cylinders, the obvious choice, not particularly special and a GTS would push me slightly over budget. Second hand prices are strong at the moment. Perhaps more 'Lotus' in terms of driving dynamics though?
I don't think I could even consider a fairly new (or older) Mercedes SLK 55 AMG or anything; auto, depreciates, meh. I don't think I could entertain an Exige V6 or Evora. Too similar to what I've owned, Evora is a coupe etc.
What would you choose? Any other options I've missed?
I'm going leftfield but it's hard to ignore the Corvette in C6/7 guises it has one of the best V8's out there the chassis is very good (especially if you go for a Z06) I'd say the Targa rather than the convertible is the pick:Essentially, I've owned a Lotus of some description for the last 15 years, ever since I passed my driving test. I currently own an Elise S1 with Audi turbo conversion. I can confirm that 370BHP/tonne is fantastic fun, but a bit mad; great for supercar baiting and track days, but I do neither! In my opinion, it's a bit too quick for the road. As such, I'm thinking of selling it soon.
I've also just taken a deposit on my F-Type V6S, which the new owner will collect in the forthcoming days. Less exciting still, I have a very capable Honda estate (VTEC, yo!) for long journeys, carrying bikes in the back and the previous owner has properly bashed each corner, so I can leave it anywhere without concern!
The crux: I have never owned a V8. I feel it's time for something a bit more special. I'm worried what the future holds with regards to ICE and this might be the perfect opportunity to own a V8 before it's too late!
Criteria:
- Minimal depreciation
- Manual preferable (Auto is fine, providing the box is good and paddles are available!)
- V8
- Convertible, ideally
Immediately, I'm thinking Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster from around 2007 - 2009 and in 4.3 guise. Prices seem to have increased and it's difficult finding a good one that is manual and not black! I do think this will be my next car. Frustratingly, I can afford the manual 4.7 car - providing it's a coupe. I do feel the coupe looks better, but the wife loves convertibles and to be honest, I love the option of lowering the roof on a nice day to fully hear the exhaust!
Obviously, at this price point, it's difficult not to consider the Audi R8. JayEmm considers it to be a supercar. It fits all of the above criteria, with exception to cost. It seems a manual convertible will be around £45K, which is a shame. I'd be restricted to coupes only.
Other cars that have popped into my mind for some unknown reason ...
-Maserati GranCabrio: Expensive to maintain with expensive parts? Fairly big and heavy! I don't really need the seats in the back ... Great looks and a fantastic sound! Possibly at risk of depreciating further?
-FType V8R: Basically what I've just had, but with a V8. Perhaps not special enough?
-TVR Tamora: 6 cylinders, but a different and interesting choice! Do the Speed Six engines fail too often though? I'd certainly have a fair chunk of my budget leftover!
-Cobra Replica: No roof could mean limited use, and rollover/side impact protection seems non-existent. Could be lots of fun though?!
-Porsche 981 S/GTS: 6 cylinders, the obvious choice, not particularly special and a GTS would push me slightly over budget. Second hand prices are strong at the moment. Perhaps more 'Lotus' in terms of driving dynamics though?
I don't think I could even consider a fairly new (or older) Mercedes SLK 55 AMG or anything; auto, depreciates, meh. I don't think I could entertain an Exige V6 or Evora. Too similar to what I've owned, Evora is a coupe etc.
What would you choose? Any other options I've missed?
Edited by Ikemi on Thursday 8th April 23:15
Just over budget but this is a fully optioned out C7 Stingray with both the 3LT & Z51 Packages haggle hard & you'll be close to your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
C6 Z06 Targa now this will bring a GT3 out in a sweat then there's the legendary 7.0 V8 wrapped inside that sweet chassis, running costs are properly compared to an Aston/Maserati.
They're actually good on fuel on a (that'll be the long gearing) fuel, the interiors are nice but not AM/Maserati levels but it'll match both for specialness & presence while both pale away when it comes to performance.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-X-CHEVROLET-GMC-CO...
ZX10R NIN said:
I'm going leftfield but it's hard to ignore the Corvette in C6/7 guises it has one of the best V8's out there the chassis is very good (especially if you go for a Z06) I'd say the Targa rather than the convertible is the pick:
Just over budget but this is a fully optioned out C7 Stingray with both the 3LT & Z51 Packages haggle hard & you'll be close to your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
C6 Z06 Targa now this will bring a GT3 out in a sweat then there's the legendary 7.0 V8 wrapped inside that sweet chassis, running costs are properly compared to an Aston/Maserati.
They're actually good on fuel on a (that'll be the long gearing) fuel, the interiors are nice but not AM/Maserati levels but it'll match both for specialness & presence while both pale away when it comes to performance.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-X-CHEVROLET-GMC-CO...
Very good steer also. That is the other car I’ll be adding to my garage very soon but for use in Europe. LHD has always put me off for U.K. use only but as soon as funds allow I’ll be getting one for the continent. Full convertible also available (not in Z06 format admittedly) if the OP is wanting the full drop top experience rather than just the targa. Just over budget but this is a fully optioned out C7 Stingray with both the 3LT & Z51 Packages haggle hard & you'll be close to your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
C6 Z06 Targa now this will bring a GT3 out in a sweat then there's the legendary 7.0 V8 wrapped inside that sweet chassis, running costs are properly compared to an Aston/Maserati.
They're actually good on fuel on a (that'll be the long gearing) fuel, the interiors are nice but not AM/Maserati levels but it'll match both for specialness & presence while both pale away when it comes to performance.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-X-CHEVROLET-GMC-CO...
There’s currently a gem of a full convertible on cars and classics website in red, lowish miles and in the lesser spotted manual variety. Owned by a corvette club representative or what not so likely to be well maintained and at £25k I think good value. If it was a targa id be buying it myself but the search continues. Most that come to market are auto and has to be manual for me.
That Z06 has been for sale for a long time. If it stays for sale much longer as I put more pennies in the pot I could be tempted but the fact it’s hung around so long worries me slightly. It’s also quite the budget creep from the original £20k I’d set aside for a standard C6, which with a 6 litre LS I considered more than ample.
Shnozz said:
ZX10R NIN said:
There’s currently a gem of a full convertible on cars and classics website in red, lowish miles and in the lesser spotted manual variety. Owned by a corvette club representative or what not so likely to be well maintained and at £25k I think good value. If it was a targa id be buying it myself but the search continues. Most that come to market are auto and has to be manual for me.
That Z06 has been for sale for a long time. If it stays for sale much longer as I put more pennies in the pot I could be tempted but the fact it’s hung around so long worries me slightly. It’s also quite the budget creep from the original £20k I’d set aside for a standard C6, which with a 6 litre LS I considered more than ample.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11487121
The servicing costs are laughably cheap but consistent with Corvette ownership. Might be a bit hardcore considering the OP’s other car though. Approved Aston looks very tempting.
minipower said:
Well looked after example with two modifications I like to see on a Corvette - exhaust upgrade and MGW short shifter:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11487121
The servicing costs are laughably cheap but consistent with Corvette ownership. Might be a bit hardcore considering the OP’s other car though. Approved Aston looks very tempting.
Oh don't! Even more tempting.....aaaarrgh must resist. https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11487121
The servicing costs are laughably cheap but consistent with Corvette ownership. Might be a bit hardcore considering the OP’s other car though. Approved Aston looks very tempting.
The running costs are one of the big perks, especially considering the performance. Also parts availability and a relatively unstressed engine thats easy to work on. We are blessed in the UK with specialists but less so in Europe, where mine will be spending most of its time so won't have the luxury of always getting in front of a specialist mechanic. Anything complex or risking a non-specialist is therefore out.
Can't believe these were only £59k new.
minipower said:
Well looked after example with two modifications I like to see on a Corvette - exhaust upgrade and MGW short shifter:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11487121
The servicing costs are laughably cheap but consistent with Corvette ownership. Might be a bit hardcore considering the OP’s other car though. Approved Aston looks very tempting.
That one is a peach & OP is the car I'd be buying with your budget in mind.https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11487121
The servicing costs are laughably cheap but consistent with Corvette ownership. Might be a bit hardcore considering the OP’s other car though. Approved Aston looks very tempting.
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