80k purchase

[Maine_13]

Hi folks.

First time coming on here and looks like a friendly place to be. Hopefully end of summer I should be in the position to purchase my first supercar. With a budget of around 80k for a weekend toy. it brings quite a few options to the table
Ferrari F430
Lamborghini Gallardo
Audi R8 plus gen2

They are my top 3 I have ruled mclaren out due to all the bad press and story’s
I love the look of F430 but starting to look very dated inside now.
The gallardo I cant seem to get my head round the old Audi switch gear.
The R8 seems to be amazing value for money for what it is.

What’s people thoughts? And where would your money be going?

[Gameface]

Of your choices I'd go for the Audi. The other 2 are somewhat dated. Especially the Ferrari.

And I say that as an LP-560 Spyder owner.

The McLaren clan will be along soon to show you error of your ways though.

[likesachange]

Maine_13 said:

Hi folks.

First time coming on here and looks like a friendly place to be. Hopefully end of summer I should be in the position to purchase my first supercar. With a budget of around 80k for a weekend toy. it brings quite a few options to the table
Ferrari F430
Lamborghini Gallardo
Audi R8 plus gen2

They are my top 3 I have ruled mclaren out due to all the bad press and story’s
I love the look of F430 but starting to look very dated inside now.
The gallardo I cant seem to get my head round the old Audi switch gear.
The R8 seems to be amazing value for money for what it is.

What’s people thoughts? And where would your money be going?

R8 Gen 2.. Great modern tech, on another level in terms of performance... V10.
Yes its an Audi, but directly comparable to a Huracan in terms of performance (and handling i believe) which is 60% more to buy!

[ferdi p]

likesachange said:

R8 Gen 2.. Great modern tech, on another level in terms of performance... V10.
Yes its an Audi, but directly comparable to a Huracan in terms of performance (and handling i believe) which is 60% more to buy!

100% agree, if you can't stomach a McLaren (& I don't blame you!) The R8 is the one to go for, phenomenal value for money...

[Gameface]

Have a look here... Maybe the RWS is just what you need

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Or here for the regular model...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[BlackR8]

Depends what you are after...if its for your first true blood supercar then go Gallardo or Ferrari. If it is something as best value for money then the Audi R8.

I suspect however that the Audi R8 will continue to depreciation whereas I expect the Gallardo and Ferrrari's at this price bracket are stable in price and have been for a few years.

[MDL111]

I really like the 430 interior - no stupid screens etc
another option could be a manual 360, gives you the amazing Ferrari shifter and the car is imo more than fast enough for today's roads. 360 is also the last really nice sounding V8 Ferrari imo

[Maine_13]

Thanks for the warm welcoming reply’s.
I will take a look at the links you have listed above, thank you

I do love the look of a mclaren but the story’s I have heard and the cost of warranty has just scared me into a corner to be honest.

I went to look at a F430 last weekend at gray Paul’s. And it was stunning but sitting inside and the to the side pedal position felt abit odd and the dated interior but hey it is a Ferrari

[likesachange]

I wouldn't discount a Exige 430... But you need to be a track regular to really get the most out of it.

[The Surveyor]

it really depends on what you are wanting to do with the car and what your expectations are.

If you're put off by stories of the McLarens, don't read any of the threads about Ferrari, an old tired one can be ruinous. Saying that of the three you have mentioned, that would be my choice, in black, with tan seats, and with a decent exhaust including de-catted replacement manifolds.

The Lamborghini has the looks and is much more of an event than the R8 despite their similar underpinnings, which would be perfect if that's what you want but may be a negative if you want to fly under the radar.

Other options, again if you want something more R8-like which you could use everyday, you're bang in Porsche 911 territory and there is an infinite number of options there. Or if it's purely weekend fun and drama you're after and fancy going left-field, I'd be looking for a Lister Bell Stratos replica or something like this :- http://www.totalheadturners.com/cars/ac-cobra-2/

Ultimately, only you know what will suit your needs, and will excite you enough to spend £80,000 of your hard-earned. A very nice problem to have

[MDL111]

I wouldn't exclude sth like a 540/570 McLaren as I don't think the running costs will necessarily be higher than for a 10-15 year old Ferrari/Lamborghini. My understanding is that the warranty covers pretty much everything, which must be a nice feeling...

[Taffy66]

What about the new style Honda NSX..Very rare and capable but tremendous VFM..
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[Trev450]

Another consideration that should just about come within your budget is an early California. More modern than the 430 but still with an N/A engine.

Edited by Trev450 on Friday 17th January 11:55

[av185]

Yep a recent 570 S is easily available at this price point and whilst it's not everyone's cup of tea (I sold mine) they are without doubt incredible value and essentially great cars.

991 Turbo S worth considering too.

[IMI A]

OP you need to take them all for a long long drive. Porsche will even lend you a car for an extended drive but turbo s not really a supercar. R8 does seem crazy VFM for that money. Can't believe they're so cheap.

[davek_964]

The Surveyor said:

If you're put off by stories of the McLarens, don't read any of the threads about Ferrari, an old tired one can be ruinous.

Exactly. 430s are not new, and although they <probably> won't throw huge bills - they certainly can.

My 360 cost me ~£7k last year when a cam actuator snapped on one bank. Add on the service (which was only done 30 mins before it happened), and the follow up oil change, and I didn't have much change from £9k.
I know another 360 owner who has just had a more serious problem, and a repair bill of twice mine.

[av185]

You've got to truly love an old car, be very rich or very stupid to be spending that sort of money ££ on repairs which essentially don't add value.

On the other hand, depreciation on even 3 year old Mclarens and the Audi could run at £20k+ a year.

[davek_964]

av185 said:

You've got to truly love an old car, be very rich or very stupid to be spending that sort of money ££ on repairs which essentially don't add value.

If that's a reply to my post, I don't really get your point. You'd have to be absolutely stupid to not spend ~£9k to repair a car that's worth £50k+, and it's not like it's an annual expense.

Overall, my 360 has been very reasonable to run - and on average I'm sure most 430s would be too. But they can throw unexpected big bills if you're unlucky, as can most cars that get discussed in this area if they don't have a warranty.

[ferdi p]

av185 said:

You've got to truly love an old car, be very rich or very stupid to be spending that sort of money ££ on repairs which essentially don't add value.

On the other hand, depreciation on even 3 year old Mclarens and the Audi could run at £20k+ a year.

What at odd thing to say!

[AndyC_123]

The R8 is by far the better car and the most sensible one to buy.

However my opinion is that a toy or special occasion car should be bought from the heart and so would go for something else.