Looking for a GT and a toy car with manual transmission
Discussion
Good afternoon forum,
My name is Chris and I've been a long-term lurker here but admittedly the choice of cars is a bit overwhelming. I can give you a bit of background of what I'd like for my next 'new' car(s).
I used to drive a lot up in Scotland and have now moved to England. Anyway, my wife and I enjoy going on road trips and being in the South West we would love to go and explore countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany by car. As such, I wanted to make a dream come true and buy a used GT car.
The cars I have in mind are the following:
1) Aston Martin DB9 GT
2) Aston Martin DB11 (newer than DB9 and within budget) but that Mercedes interior doesn't look as good as the DB9 in my opinion
3) Bentley Continental GT (looks good on the insight but I read that the driving feels sort of disconnected)
4) McLaren 570GT (love the interior) but the entry looks like you need to be bendy and young. I'm neither
I've watched quite a bit of YouTube reviews and searched the forums, but decisions decisions. My budget will be up to £85k max. If I can avoid some ULEZ such as with I guess the DB11 that'd be a bonus.
Have I missed a nice GT? I know that Mercedes have the GT AMG and the coupe but they don't tickle me really. I really would appreciate some of your input.
Also, regarding the toy car I initially thought about (and this is heart and passion-related, not based on objectivity)
1) Caterham with the big shell for tall drivers (I'm 6'3 tall)
2) Porsche Cayman 718 manual
3) Toyota Yaris GR
That limit would be around £35k, which I believe should be fair
A dream toy car would be the Ferrari F430 manual but realistically this isn't on the cards right now as getting one for £35k is next to impossible.
Appreciate your input and I hope that based on my research so far I've got realistic expectations. My issue is as you can see that I've got an interest in multiple cars that are a bit different. Looking forward to your inputs.
Many thanks guys!
My name is Chris and I've been a long-term lurker here but admittedly the choice of cars is a bit overwhelming. I can give you a bit of background of what I'd like for my next 'new' car(s).
I used to drive a lot up in Scotland and have now moved to England. Anyway, my wife and I enjoy going on road trips and being in the South West we would love to go and explore countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany by car. As such, I wanted to make a dream come true and buy a used GT car.
The cars I have in mind are the following:
1) Aston Martin DB9 GT
2) Aston Martin DB11 (newer than DB9 and within budget) but that Mercedes interior doesn't look as good as the DB9 in my opinion
3) Bentley Continental GT (looks good on the insight but I read that the driving feels sort of disconnected)
4) McLaren 570GT (love the interior) but the entry looks like you need to be bendy and young. I'm neither
I've watched quite a bit of YouTube reviews and searched the forums, but decisions decisions. My budget will be up to £85k max. If I can avoid some ULEZ such as with I guess the DB11 that'd be a bonus.
Have I missed a nice GT? I know that Mercedes have the GT AMG and the coupe but they don't tickle me really. I really would appreciate some of your input.
Also, regarding the toy car I initially thought about (and this is heart and passion-related, not based on objectivity)
1) Caterham with the big shell for tall drivers (I'm 6'3 tall)
2) Porsche Cayman 718 manual
3) Toyota Yaris GR
That limit would be around £35k, which I believe should be fair
A dream toy car would be the Ferrari F430 manual but realistically this isn't on the cards right now as getting one for £35k is next to impossible.
Appreciate your input and I hope that based on my research so far I've got realistic expectations. My issue is as you can see that I've got an interest in multiple cars that are a bit different. Looking forward to your inputs.
Many thanks guys!
I had a Caterham for about 4 years - it was the most exhilarating driving experience possible and really rewarded you the more you focused on the quality of your driving - picking the lines, braking points, all that stuff. Maintenance is insignificant and depreciation too - it's a brilliant weekend car.....
....but.... ONE wet summer and you'll be frustrated beyond belief. It's pretty much undriveable in the rain to the extent that if it's raining on Sunday morning when you throw the curtains back, you may as well go back to bed.
I got rid of mine and got the first of 3 Boxsters - a 2.7 986, then a 3.2 986 S and then 987 3.2 S. Brilliant beyond description - brilliant handling, lovely engine. But.... it's too refined for a toy. You can commute, use your hands free, everything - the perfect daily sports car. I would suggest something much more raw and badly behaved as a weekend toy.
Elise S2/ Exige, Noble, TVR, Alfaholics restomod... something like that?
....but.... ONE wet summer and you'll be frustrated beyond belief. It's pretty much undriveable in the rain to the extent that if it's raining on Sunday morning when you throw the curtains back, you may as well go back to bed.
I got rid of mine and got the first of 3 Boxsters - a 2.7 986, then a 3.2 986 S and then 987 3.2 S. Brilliant beyond description - brilliant handling, lovely engine. But.... it's too refined for a toy. You can commute, use your hands free, everything - the perfect daily sports car. I would suggest something much more raw and badly behaved as a weekend toy.
Elise S2/ Exige, Noble, TVR, Alfaholics restomod... something like that?
What an excellent conundrum to have.
Based on the info we have, I’d be going for something like this:
GT
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024032880...
Approved used for peace of mind; you can scratch the Ferrari itch and it’s a convertible for if the weather suits on your continental adventures! I’m not 100% on the white, however.
Toy
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023071998...
Up there with the most visceral driving experiences you can have. Every drive is an event (and the roof comes off!).
Either way, let us know how the search goes: I’ll enjoy it vicariously!
Based on the info we have, I’d be going for something like this:
GT
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024032880...
Approved used for peace of mind; you can scratch the Ferrari itch and it’s a convertible for if the weather suits on your continental adventures! I’m not 100% on the white, however.
Toy
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023071998...
Up there with the most visceral driving experiences you can have. Every drive is an event (and the roof comes off!).
Either way, let us know how the search goes: I’ll enjoy it vicariously!
A nice quandary to have indeed OP.
If looking at Aston Martins in budget then surely the second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage, need considering? Both preferable over the DB11 IMHO, and the DB9 is getting very long in the tooth.
For the toy, gets tricky as appears Lotus etc. are out due to your lack of flexibility and things like the Alpine A110 are out due to the auto gearbox. Even something like a Cayman 981 GTS is tough to find in budget with a manual box as most came with PDK.
If you'll struggle getting in and out of a McLaren then I'd guess a Caterham is a non starter also BTW.
If looking at Aston Martins in budget then surely the second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage, need considering? Both preferable over the DB11 IMHO, and the DB9 is getting very long in the tooth.
For the toy, gets tricky as appears Lotus etc. are out due to your lack of flexibility and things like the Alpine A110 are out due to the auto gearbox. Even something like a Cayman 981 GTS is tough to find in budget with a manual box as most came with PDK.
If you'll struggle getting in and out of a McLaren then I'd guess a Caterham is a non starter also BTW.
Apologies I can't find a way to multiquote. So here goes nothing.
The Lexus LC500 is an excellent suggestion. A few years ago I saw one at Westfield London and they're naturally aspirated V8s. Looks are great too. Thank you @Shiv_P
@cerb4.5lee yeah I know bendy is subjective. But it would be a dedicated weekend car only. I definitely want to try it. But might not be an option
Tied in @dapster thank you for your suggestions. Boxter sounds great and @bobsavage789 showed me the toy car I lusted after when I came to the UK. The TVR Tuscan. I love the fact that they're raw. Separates the man from the boys I guess and it looks simply stunning! The Ferrari California is an interesting option that I actually completely ignored.
Do Ferrari's have cruise control? I'd definitely need that. Back in the days I'd do drives from Scotland to south of England and my foot was pretty damn good at regulating speed, but doing this for multiple hours now would be hard. Plus, the temptation of letting it fly is too great
@Swoll thank you for your input. The second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage I had a look at. Even the old DBS. I read that Astons are exempt from ULEZ but need to double check.
Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all the inputs. I'll have much more reading to do. And I try to find some reviews on Harry's Garage channel. I freaking love that guy and find him to be a no nonsense presenter.
Again, thank you so much for all of your advice!
The Lexus LC500 is an excellent suggestion. A few years ago I saw one at Westfield London and they're naturally aspirated V8s. Looks are great too. Thank you @Shiv_P
@cerb4.5lee yeah I know bendy is subjective. But it would be a dedicated weekend car only. I definitely want to try it. But might not be an option
Tied in @dapster thank you for your suggestions. Boxter sounds great and @bobsavage789 showed me the toy car I lusted after when I came to the UK. The TVR Tuscan. I love the fact that they're raw. Separates the man from the boys I guess and it looks simply stunning! The Ferrari California is an interesting option that I actually completely ignored.
Do Ferrari's have cruise control? I'd definitely need that. Back in the days I'd do drives from Scotland to south of England and my foot was pretty damn good at regulating speed, but doing this for multiple hours now would be hard. Plus, the temptation of letting it fly is too great
@Swoll thank you for your input. The second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage I had a look at. Even the old DBS. I read that Astons are exempt from ULEZ but need to double check.
Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all the inputs. I'll have much more reading to do. And I try to find some reviews on Harry's Garage channel. I freaking love that guy and find him to be a no nonsense presenter.
Again, thank you so much for all of your advice!
Dunno about the GT, but...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15912557
Loved the one I tried; it just wasn't practical enough for me (so an A110 won out).
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/15912557
Loved the one I tried; it just wasn't practical enough for me (so an A110 won out).
A nice quest to have I'd recommend having a go sitting in a McLaren 570, you won't know how ingress and egress really is for you until you have a try.
London ULEZ accepts petrol cars which are Euro 4 and above (cars from 2006 at the latest but many complied a few years earlier), so all your options should be fine on that. Paris may require Euro 5 from next year.
I would consider just getting an F430 manual and using that for road trips too, if that's your dream car. I don't know how noisy they are but they can't be that bad surely?
I'd recommend having a go sitting in a McLaren 570, you won't know how ingress and egress really is for you until you have a try.London ULEZ accepts petrol cars which are Euro 4 and above (cars from 2006 at the latest but many complied a few years earlier), so all your options should be fine on that. Paris may require Euro 5 from next year.
I would consider just getting an F430 manual and using that for road trips too, if that's your dream car. I don't know how noisy they are but they can't be that bad surely?
Edited by samoht on Thursday 9th May 18:58
panini said:
Apologies I can't find a way to multiquote. So here goes nothing.
The Lexus LC500 is an excellent suggestion. A few years ago I saw one at Westfield London and they're naturally aspirated V8s. Looks are great too. Thank you @Shiv_P
@cerb4.5lee yeah I know bendy is subjective. But it would be a dedicated weekend car only. I definitely want to try it. But might not be an option
Tied in @dapster thank you for your suggestions. Boxter sounds great and @bobsavage789 showed me the toy car I lusted after when I came to the UK. The TVR Tuscan. I love the fact that they're raw. Separates the man from the boys I guess and it looks simply stunning! The Ferrari California is an interesting option that I actually completely ignored.
Do Ferrari's have cruise control? I'd definitely need that. Back in the days I'd do drives from Scotland to south of England and my foot was pretty damn good at regulating speed, but doing this for multiple hours now would be hard. Plus, the temptation of letting it fly is too great
@Swoll thank you for your input. The second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage I had a look at. Even the old DBS. I read that Astons are exempt from ULEZ but need to double check.
Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all the inputs. I'll have much more reading to do. And I try to find some reviews on Harry's Garage channel. I freaking love that guy and find him to be a no nonsense presenter.
Again, thank you so much for all of your advice!
10 year warranty... potentially more head turning than even a DB11, Lexus reliability, N/A V8, great looking interior etcThe Lexus LC500 is an excellent suggestion. A few years ago I saw one at Westfield London and they're naturally aspirated V8s. Looks are great too. Thank you @Shiv_P
@cerb4.5lee yeah I know bendy is subjective. But it would be a dedicated weekend car only. I definitely want to try it. But might not be an option
Tied in @dapster thank you for your suggestions. Boxter sounds great and @bobsavage789 showed me the toy car I lusted after when I came to the UK. The TVR Tuscan. I love the fact that they're raw. Separates the man from the boys I guess and it looks simply stunning! The Ferrari California is an interesting option that I actually completely ignored.
Do Ferrari's have cruise control? I'd definitely need that. Back in the days I'd do drives from Scotland to south of England and my foot was pretty damn good at regulating speed, but doing this for multiple hours now would be hard. Plus, the temptation of letting it fly is too great
@Swoll thank you for your input. The second generation Vanquish, and potentially Vantage I had a look at. Even the old DBS. I read that Astons are exempt from ULEZ but need to double check.
Gentlemen, I want to thank you for all the inputs. I'll have much more reading to do. And I try to find some reviews on Harry's Garage channel. I freaking love that guy and find him to be a no nonsense presenter.
Again, thank you so much for all of your advice!
A Tuscan is a great shout for when a Caterham or Exige are too small.
A GT - i would want the sportier end of the spectrum- something that can still be fun in the mountains and route napoleon, black forest etc. And preferably a V12.
A ferrari FF would be epic if the looks are to your taste. I think i would struggle to look past a late DB9/DBS because they are an all-time design classic. Hmm, maybe a Ferrari 599
A GT - i would want the sportier end of the spectrum- something that can still be fun in the mountains and route napoleon, black forest etc. And preferably a V12.
A ferrari FF would be epic if the looks are to your taste. I think i would struggle to look past a late DB9/DBS because they are an all-time design classic. Hmm, maybe a Ferrari 599
J77wck said:
bennno said:
A 911 / 992 cab or targa would tick both boxes.
A decent p450 f type can be had for 50k for the GT option, leaving you enough for a F430 for the fun car.
I second that. P450 for GT with a bigger budget for the toy. I would probably take the Boxster GTS 4.0 or a spyder. A decent p450 f type can be had for 50k for the GT option, leaving you enough for a F430 for the fun car.
I was close to that but my garage contains a p450 cab and a 991T
bennno said:
J77wck said:
bennno said:
A 911 / 992 cab or targa would tick both boxes.
A decent p450 f type can be had for 50k for the GT option, leaving you enough for a F430 for the fun car.
I second that. P450 for GT with a bigger budget for the toy. I would probably take the Boxster GTS 4.0 or a spyder. A decent p450 f type can be had for 50k for the GT option, leaving you enough for a F430 for the fun car.
I was close to that but my garage contains a p450 cab and a 991T
Hopefully I will add a Boxster soon.
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