What others should I consider...?
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking for the collective PH wisdom!
I am in the position to finally buy a fun car and want to make sure I consider all options. The car will be used for weekend drives, the occasional meet, weekends away with the missus and travel to see family c250 miles away (so will include some motorway miles). I also plan to do some track days, depending upon what I opt for and the cost of consumables. Finally, it will be used to go to the supermarket - it certainly won’t be a garage queen.
I have an M5 Competition for family duties, but am looking for something that offers a better sense of occasion.
I have so far focussed in on a Performante, 600LT and 720s. I have had a test drive of the Performante and the engine really is a masterpiece. I am slightly concerned that it may be too loud (leaving at 6am for a Sunday morning drive will earn me lots scowls from my family and neighbours!). I am hoping to test the McLarens in the next couple of weeks.
But my question is... what else should I consider. I have thought GT3 but it doesn’t feel special enough for what I am looking for. Similarly with all the current Aston range. Despite growing up with Ferrari pictures all over my bedroom walls, I am not stirred by the 488 - although I haven’t driven one. A 458 may be a good shout as I prefer the looks and engine (a speciale would be perfect but can’t stretch the budget that far)
To be clear, I am not going to make a purchase like this based on what the internet says, but any input on other cars I may consider would be appreciated. Budget up to around 230.
Cheers
Looking for the collective PH wisdom!
I am in the position to finally buy a fun car and want to make sure I consider all options. The car will be used for weekend drives, the occasional meet, weekends away with the missus and travel to see family c250 miles away (so will include some motorway miles). I also plan to do some track days, depending upon what I opt for and the cost of consumables. Finally, it will be used to go to the supermarket - it certainly won’t be a garage queen.
I have an M5 Competition for family duties, but am looking for something that offers a better sense of occasion.
I have so far focussed in on a Performante, 600LT and 720s. I have had a test drive of the Performante and the engine really is a masterpiece. I am slightly concerned that it may be too loud (leaving at 6am for a Sunday morning drive will earn me lots scowls from my family and neighbours!). I am hoping to test the McLarens in the next couple of weeks.
But my question is... what else should I consider. I have thought GT3 but it doesn’t feel special enough for what I am looking for. Similarly with all the current Aston range. Despite growing up with Ferrari pictures all over my bedroom walls, I am not stirred by the 488 - although I haven’t driven one. A 458 may be a good shout as I prefer the looks and engine (a speciale would be perfect but can’t stretch the budget that far)
To be clear, I am not going to make a purchase like this based on what the internet says, but any input on other cars I may consider would be appreciated. Budget up to around 230.
Cheers
In a similar position. Perf, 600 and 720 are what I narrowed it down to as well! Very hard to be blown away by something when your daily is a M5C. 720 is the one I guess but that depreciation. AMG GTR maybe? Save some money, the gentleman's choice etc. 458 would be a good choice, could be a keeper as well. I often find myself on AT looking at them. Anyway it's a lovely dilemma to have, enjoy the stress of deciding 
I am currently in the same position. Currently have a 2016 R8 V10 Plus.
So far I have tested: -
488 – Hated the brakes, really had to jump on them (was my first drive of a Ferrari).
Perf – Yahoo!
GTR – Felt too perfect, no drama.
DB11 – Much the same as the GTR.
Turbo S – Not really in the same category as the top two. Liked that button which gave you 20 seconds of everything off though.
Mclarens - Haven't tested as the depreciation scares me.
I think I am going to go with the Perf, I start my R8 in the garage and after about 30 seconds with the exhaust closed, I am able to crawl out pretty much silently. I hope to be able to do the same in the Perf.
So far I have tested: -
488 – Hated the brakes, really had to jump on them (was my first drive of a Ferrari).
Perf – Yahoo!
GTR – Felt too perfect, no drama.
DB11 – Much the same as the GTR.
Turbo S – Not really in the same category as the top two. Liked that button which gave you 20 seconds of everything off though.
Mclarens - Haven't tested as the depreciation scares me.
I think I am going to go with the Perf, I start my R8 in the garage and after about 30 seconds with the exhaust closed, I am able to crawl out pretty much silently. I hope to be able to do the same in the Perf.
I'm having the same dilemma, having recently sold my GT4. Daily driver is an RS6, so has to be good to compete with that.
Part of the challenge is how others perceive your car - there are still a large part of the UK population who think Ferrari and Lambo drivers are w@nkers, which would restrict the occasions you'd want to use it. McLarens and Astons suffer this much less due to being British, and Porsches and fast Mercs / Audis slip under the radar.
I'm not keen on the looks of current Astons (inside or out), and the McLaren depreciation is a concern (it's even hitting 675 & 600 now). Having had a few Porsches, the family have said no to another one for a while which rules out a GT3.
As such, a 458 is looking favourite!
Part of the challenge is how others perceive your car - there are still a large part of the UK population who think Ferrari and Lambo drivers are w@nkers, which would restrict the occasions you'd want to use it. McLarens and Astons suffer this much less due to being British, and Porsches and fast Mercs / Audis slip under the radar.
I'm not keen on the looks of current Astons (inside or out), and the McLaren depreciation is a concern (it's even hitting 675 & 600 now). Having had a few Porsches, the family have said no to another one for a while which rules out a GT3.
As such, a 458 is looking favourite!
Perf is reasonably loud in start up but but once running quietens down very quickly in Strada. Not a great cruiser, boot space is small and there is a lot of noise in the cabin. It will make you giggle going through tunnels though. Very much an event and a lot of fun to drive.
720S is probably better for long distances/motorway driving.
720S is probably better for long distances/motorway driving.
I was in exactly the same position last year despite already owning some Porsches i wanted something more exotic..I simply cannot afford to lose tens of thousands on a single fun car..With that in mind immediately discounted Maccas and eventually decided i only wanted a high revving NA car..It left two choices which were Performante and a 458..
Its the 458 i bought and no regrets whatsoever..The only better car for me would be a Speciale which is too much money anyway..
Its the 458 i bought and no regrets whatsoever..The only better car for me would be a Speciale which is too much money anyway..
I was in the same boat. Bought a used 2018 720S with only 1500 miles on the clock. Previous owner took the majority of the hit on depreciation. It will slay most things (including bikes), mega comfortable, practical, and looks the dogs nuts. It will be relatively quiet on early morning startup. Just look at those doors. 
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff