Weekend Car Advice
Discussion
I'm looking to change my 2015 S205 (estate) C63 AMG. The primary reason being is that I don't need an estate anymore as I have an incoming daily EV that is bigger.
I'm also looking for something a little more engaging and fun to drive and something that feels special as it will be a weekend car. The C63 not a boring car by any means but it's not particularly engaging down a B road.
The last car I owned that I genuinely enjoyed driving was my E46 M3 CS. Should never have sold it but needed the money at the time.
I would love to have a manual again but a decent auto is fine. I have 2 children so a 2+2 would be great but it's not a strict requirement as I have a daily. If its a 2 seater and there is a choice between coupe and convertible I'll take the vert most times.
Ideally around £30k, could stretch to £40k. I had a moment of madness and increased the budget to £80k to tick the Ferrari V12 box with an FF but after looking into it further decided it was too costly and risky given it would only see 2 to 3k a year. It would also be parked on the drive as my garage is not big enough to accommodate a car.
Mileage doesn't bother me. My C63 is now on 92k and I have run most of my cars up to high numbers with little to no problems.
Cars I've been thinking about:
991.1 Carrera S coupe - high up the list but not entirely sure on these as I know owners who have sunk silly amounts into them in maintenance. Getting on a bit now for an early one but seem a safe place in terms of depreciation. Think I'd need some driver training to get used to the layout. Wouldn't get a very good one for £40k.
981 Boxster S - I like them but prefer a 911. I think I'd get a good one in my budget and they also seem like a safe place for depreciation.
C63 AMG coupe - same car but in coupe form! Will it be sharper to drive or the same? Probably a bad idea but I like the more aggressive wide arch look on the coupe.
AMG GT - need to drive one and determine how different it is to the C63.
Maserati Granturismo 4.7 - I love these and they have 4 usable seats but I worry about them being even duller to drive than the C63. They are also a bit long in the tooth in the interior.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4.7 - manual, V8, ticks a lot of boxes but is also older now.
Jaguar F Type V8 R AWD - as above with the Aston, except supercharged with a nicer interior. I'd take the convertible.
BMW Z4 M40i - I had a Z4 35i around 12 years ago which was lots of fun but not the sharpest tool in the box. Worried this may be the same, and is significantly down on power against the C63. Also not "special" enough but I prefer these to the Supra.
Alfa Romeo Guilia QF - as fast as the C63, RWD, lots of fun apparently. Not so good interior. Not that "special" for a weekend car.
Alfa Romeo 4C - I've always loved these and think it would be a huge amount of fun to own.
BMW i8 - ticks most of my boxes but really want to drive one first. Engine/powertrain may be disappointing next to the C63 but it appeals to my tight fisted side with the higher mpg!
Audi R8 gen 1 4.2. - I don't think I can stretch to the V10. Have not done any research on these but the main concern is age.
Another E46 M3 - but they are too expensive now and if I didn't buy one completely refurbished and restored I'd end up doing it myself. I've owned 3 x E46s and all have rusted in some capacity!
Cars I've considered but decided against:
F series M3/M4 - had loads of M cars, these don't do much for me anymore, especially after the V8 noise from the C63. I test drove one a while back and all I can remember is the road noise.
E92 M3 - owned one 15 years ago and don't fancy going back.
M2 - as above with the M3/M4 but smaller.
M4/M6 - I'd prefer an E63.
B8/B9 RS4 - I don't think it offers anything over the C63.
B9 RS5 - as above but less practical.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage - top of my list but I would blow the budget and I'm not sure I'm prepared for the maintenance on these either. Maybe one day to tick the V12 box.
I want to try and shorten the shortlist so I guess eliminating some more obvious ones and driving the rest is the first port of call.
Thanks for reading! Any advice, guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I'm also looking for something a little more engaging and fun to drive and something that feels special as it will be a weekend car. The C63 not a boring car by any means but it's not particularly engaging down a B road.
The last car I owned that I genuinely enjoyed driving was my E46 M3 CS. Should never have sold it but needed the money at the time.
I would love to have a manual again but a decent auto is fine. I have 2 children so a 2+2 would be great but it's not a strict requirement as I have a daily. If its a 2 seater and there is a choice between coupe and convertible I'll take the vert most times.
Ideally around £30k, could stretch to £40k. I had a moment of madness and increased the budget to £80k to tick the Ferrari V12 box with an FF but after looking into it further decided it was too costly and risky given it would only see 2 to 3k a year. It would also be parked on the drive as my garage is not big enough to accommodate a car.
Mileage doesn't bother me. My C63 is now on 92k and I have run most of my cars up to high numbers with little to no problems.
Cars I've been thinking about:
991.1 Carrera S coupe - high up the list but not entirely sure on these as I know owners who have sunk silly amounts into them in maintenance. Getting on a bit now for an early one but seem a safe place in terms of depreciation. Think I'd need some driver training to get used to the layout. Wouldn't get a very good one for £40k.
981 Boxster S - I like them but prefer a 911. I think I'd get a good one in my budget and they also seem like a safe place for depreciation.
C63 AMG coupe - same car but in coupe form! Will it be sharper to drive or the same? Probably a bad idea but I like the more aggressive wide arch look on the coupe.
AMG GT - need to drive one and determine how different it is to the C63.
Maserati Granturismo 4.7 - I love these and they have 4 usable seats but I worry about them being even duller to drive than the C63. They are also a bit long in the tooth in the interior.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage 4.7 - manual, V8, ticks a lot of boxes but is also older now.
Jaguar F Type V8 R AWD - as above with the Aston, except supercharged with a nicer interior. I'd take the convertible.
BMW Z4 M40i - I had a Z4 35i around 12 years ago which was lots of fun but not the sharpest tool in the box. Worried this may be the same, and is significantly down on power against the C63. Also not "special" enough but I prefer these to the Supra.
Alfa Romeo Guilia QF - as fast as the C63, RWD, lots of fun apparently. Not so good interior. Not that "special" for a weekend car.
Alfa Romeo 4C - I've always loved these and think it would be a huge amount of fun to own.
BMW i8 - ticks most of my boxes but really want to drive one first. Engine/powertrain may be disappointing next to the C63 but it appeals to my tight fisted side with the higher mpg!
Audi R8 gen 1 4.2. - I don't think I can stretch to the V10. Have not done any research on these but the main concern is age.
Another E46 M3 - but they are too expensive now and if I didn't buy one completely refurbished and restored I'd end up doing it myself. I've owned 3 x E46s and all have rusted in some capacity!
Cars I've considered but decided against:
F series M3/M4 - had loads of M cars, these don't do much for me anymore, especially after the V8 noise from the C63. I test drove one a while back and all I can remember is the road noise.
E92 M3 - owned one 15 years ago and don't fancy going back.
M2 - as above with the M3/M4 but smaller.
M4/M6 - I'd prefer an E63.
B8/B9 RS4 - I don't think it offers anything over the C63.
B9 RS5 - as above but less practical.
Aston Martin V12 Vantage - top of my list but I would blow the budget and I'm not sure I'm prepared for the maintenance on these either. Maybe one day to tick the V12 box.
I want to try and shorten the shortlist so I guess eliminating some more obvious ones and driving the rest is the first port of call.
Thanks for reading! Any advice, guidance or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Id be interested in the replies on this as I've been considering a similar list. A bit more hardcore than most on your list, but Ive been looking at a noble M12 or an exige.
For me, it would see a few track days a year but just be a bit if fun otherwise. Im trying to find something that's not going to depreciate as im not planning on owning it long...would like to experience a variety of interesting cars over the coming years eg gated R8, AM vantage
If you're only doing 3k a year in it, the hardcore side may not be an issue but obviously not 4 seaters
For me, it would see a few track days a year but just be a bit if fun otherwise. Im trying to find something that's not going to depreciate as im not planning on owning it long...would like to experience a variety of interesting cars over the coming years eg gated R8, AM vantage
If you're only doing 3k a year in it, the hardcore side may not be an issue but obviously not 4 seaters
Know you are discounting E46 M3…… https://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/bmw-e46-m3-...
lawyered07 said:
Id be interested in the replies on this as I've been considering a similar list. A bit more hardcore than most on your list, but Ive been looking at a noble M12 or an exige.
For me, it would see a few track days a year but just be a bit if fun otherwise. Im trying to find something that's not going to depreciate as im not planning on owning it long...would like to experience a variety of interesting cars over the coming years eg gated R8, AM vantage
If you're only doing 3k a year in it, the hardcore side may not be an issue but obviously not 4 seaters
I was looking at Nobles and Exiges and thought the same that they might be an option for OP. The other thought I had was a A110. Not as special particularly engine wise as the others on this list but supposedly good to drive. For me, it would see a few track days a year but just be a bit if fun otherwise. Im trying to find something that's not going to depreciate as im not planning on owning it long...would like to experience a variety of interesting cars over the coming years eg gated R8, AM vantage
If you're only doing 3k a year in it, the hardcore side may not be an issue but obviously not 4 seaters
Lots of special cars there and hard to choose really.
The F type would be a great car and sounds ridiculous but can you enjoy the performance on our roads?
I ask myself that all the time as I am thinking of buying one in the future, just a fabulous thing.
As a Porsche fanboy I look at them too and think a Cayman would be enough for me personally but always think about a full fat 911 but just don`t know which one I would buy with my budget.
The Elise was a little too hardcore for my tastes but you would have to drive one to decide if its for you, the Evora looks a slightly more civilised experience.
The Noble would be one hell of a car too, not sure what the borkage factor is like on them but its certainly a car I would have liked to own had the prices not gone too mad.
Same for the Nissan GTR too, they seem to have gone silly last time I looked.
The F type would be a great car and sounds ridiculous but can you enjoy the performance on our roads?
I ask myself that all the time as I am thinking of buying one in the future, just a fabulous thing.
As a Porsche fanboy I look at them too and think a Cayman would be enough for me personally but always think about a full fat 911 but just don`t know which one I would buy with my budget.
The Elise was a little too hardcore for my tastes but you would have to drive one to decide if its for you, the Evora looks a slightly more civilised experience.
The Noble would be one hell of a car too, not sure what the borkage factor is like on them but its certainly a car I would have liked to own had the prices not gone too mad.
Same for the Nissan GTR too, they seem to have gone silly last time I looked.
I'd go for a R8 V8 if I were you. These are only going up in value and will feel special, despite being just an Audi.
I have a Maserati S MC Shift (the gearbox that makes it feel so much sportier than the slushbox autos). In my biased opinion, it is a very special car and underappreciated as a driver's car, but is heavy, old and temperamental at times.
I have a Maserati S MC Shift (the gearbox that makes it feel so much sportier than the slushbox autos). In my biased opinion, it is a very special car and underappreciated as a driver's car, but is heavy, old and temperamental at times.
An Evora or any kind of Lotus is desirable but I wouldn't want to keep it outside, and also I recall struggling to get out of an Exige once! There must be a technique to it because I am not immobile by any means.
I'm currently leaning towards Porsche (981 GTS, 718 or Cayman R, or a 991.1. if I can find a good one in budget), maybe an Audi R8 too. Need to drive some when the weather improves.
I'm currently leaning towards Porsche (981 GTS, 718 or Cayman R, or a 991.1. if I can find a good one in budget), maybe an Audi R8 too. Need to drive some when the weather improves.
It really does depend what floats your boat.
I've had a 4C Spider and it was awesome. With a re-map it is ridiculously quick. So quick that it's almost impossible to get the first 2 upshifts bang on if you're nailing the throttle from a standing start. You also have to re-calibrate your over-taking - smaller gaps to oncoming cars, but longer gaps between cars on your side of the road (or massively hard on the brakes, or just pass the whole line in one go).
However, it is very raw, somewhat impractical and quite wide. I loved it, my Wife hated it.
I've now got a Maserati Gran Cabrio. It's not as fast or as fun to drive as the 4C, but it's a much nicer car to own and use.
I did drive various F-Types at some kind of Jaguar promotional day. They were all very nice cars, but I still prefer the Gran Cabrio, and it's much more practical than an F-Type convertible.
I've had a 4C Spider and it was awesome. With a re-map it is ridiculously quick. So quick that it's almost impossible to get the first 2 upshifts bang on if you're nailing the throttle from a standing start. You also have to re-calibrate your over-taking - smaller gaps to oncoming cars, but longer gaps between cars on your side of the road (or massively hard on the brakes, or just pass the whole line in one go).
However, it is very raw, somewhat impractical and quite wide. I loved it, my Wife hated it.
I've now got a Maserati Gran Cabrio. It's not as fast or as fun to drive as the 4C, but it's a much nicer car to own and use.
I did drive various F-Types at some kind of Jaguar promotional day. They were all very nice cars, but I still prefer the Gran Cabrio, and it's much more practical than an F-Type convertible.
I'd go 981 GTS, Evora, Mustang GT (2017-2021). All manual, first and last are good manuals too.
981 GTS I think was the pick of that generation. A lovely road car. Depreciation is good.
An Evora will beat most other things down a B-road, and you can get a 2+2 depending on the age/size of your children. Glacial depreciation.
A Mustang is a special event, the noise, the character. One mod away from an amazing manual, a facelift with switchable exhaust can sound great. Fun on a (wider) B-road.
The best part of car shopping is you can get out there and try some.
The Gen 1 R8s are generally good, but sometimes a small thing like an air-con fix (a common problem with some parts of the system) can suddenly cost you thousands.
981 GTS I think was the pick of that generation. A lovely road car. Depreciation is good.
An Evora will beat most other things down a B-road, and you can get a 2+2 depending on the age/size of your children. Glacial depreciation.
A Mustang is a special event, the noise, the character. One mod away from an amazing manual, a facelift with switchable exhaust can sound great. Fun on a (wider) B-road.
The best part of car shopping is you can get out there and try some.
The Gen 1 R8s are generally good, but sometimes a small thing like an air-con fix (a common problem with some parts of the system) can suddenly cost you thousands.
DJMC said:
I recall a PH meeting at Santa Pod years ago.
Astons, Ferrari, Lambos, Porsche etc...
...the fastest 1/4 mile time was an E63 estate!
Matched by... an Audi A3 (stage 2 tuned the owner told me).
But, that means nothing really. Astons, Ferrari, Lambos, Porsche etc...
...the fastest 1/4 mile time was an E63 estate!
Matched by... an Audi A3 (stage 2 tuned the owner told me).
The cars you listed first are much more desirable and depreciation proof. not too mention being about 10 times as eventful to drive as any Audi A3 (tuned, innit bro) or E63 barge that makes a noise.
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