Next Step - Advise Appreciated!
Discussion
Hi guys - I'm new to the forum and after reading a lot of posts about buying advise i'm still indecisive so I thought i'd create my own.
I've had a few sports cars and supercars now and I will share my thoughts on them in the hopes that any advise may be better directed towards my priorities:
Mclaren 720s - my first supercar! I really dropped myself into the deep end here. I liked the interior and the steering was next level. The sound was disappointing and although the speed was ridiculous, the lack of exhaust-end drama really made me not enjoy driving it fast. I wanted something more emotional. Combined with the issues I had with that car and overall build quality, I didn't end up keeping it long.
Audi R8 V10 Plus - Loved this car. Driving was phenomenal and everything about it was what I love. The V10 engine screaming down a country lane was the best motoring experience I've had to date. Steering was the only downside. The AWD was immediately apparent after jumping out of the Mac. I kept this for 3 years and did over 20,000 miles. The service from Audi was top level.
Lamborghini Aventador SV - Again, loved this car and did my first international road trip in it. Definitely the first supercar that I would absolutely not use on a day-to-day basis. The transmission is prohibitive in that respect, though it is incredible on the open road. The V12 is an incredible engine but heavy and I really felt like I had to push this car to keep up with smaller, less powerful vehicles. Putting miles on this car for me personally was too expensive, so I sold it and broke even.
And that's that! I'm looking for something I can take on long journeys across Europe without stressing too much about mileage and maintenance, but still have fun when the roads open up. This would ideally mean something equivalent or less than the R8 in value.
So far I've shortlisted a complete mixture of cars:
-Mercedes AMG GTR
-McLaren 650S
-Ferrari 599/F12 (at a stretch - not entirely sure on maintenance costs of one of these)
-Jaguar F Type R RWD
-Lotus Exige 410/430 Cup
-Mercedes AMG C63 6.2L (I really love the sound of these)
-Another Audi R8?
I am open to and would appreciate different suggestions. Thanks!
I've had a few sports cars and supercars now and I will share my thoughts on them in the hopes that any advise may be better directed towards my priorities:
Mclaren 720s - my first supercar! I really dropped myself into the deep end here. I liked the interior and the steering was next level. The sound was disappointing and although the speed was ridiculous, the lack of exhaust-end drama really made me not enjoy driving it fast. I wanted something more emotional. Combined with the issues I had with that car and overall build quality, I didn't end up keeping it long.
Audi R8 V10 Plus - Loved this car. Driving was phenomenal and everything about it was what I love. The V10 engine screaming down a country lane was the best motoring experience I've had to date. Steering was the only downside. The AWD was immediately apparent after jumping out of the Mac. I kept this for 3 years and did over 20,000 miles. The service from Audi was top level.
Lamborghini Aventador SV - Again, loved this car and did my first international road trip in it. Definitely the first supercar that I would absolutely not use on a day-to-day basis. The transmission is prohibitive in that respect, though it is incredible on the open road. The V12 is an incredible engine but heavy and I really felt like I had to push this car to keep up with smaller, less powerful vehicles. Putting miles on this car for me personally was too expensive, so I sold it and broke even.
And that's that! I'm looking for something I can take on long journeys across Europe without stressing too much about mileage and maintenance, but still have fun when the roads open up. This would ideally mean something equivalent or less than the R8 in value.
So far I've shortlisted a complete mixture of cars:
-Mercedes AMG GTR
-McLaren 650S
-Ferrari 599/F12 (at a stretch - not entirely sure on maintenance costs of one of these)
-Jaguar F Type R RWD
-Lotus Exige 410/430 Cup
-Mercedes AMG C63 6.2L (I really love the sound of these)
-Another Audi R8?
I am open to and would appreciate different suggestions. Thanks!
I've just sold my Exige 410 which I've had for the last 3 years/15k miles and it's been surprisingly great for road trips even though that's definitely not what it's been designed for. You've just got to accept its compromises - it's also 2 in 1 as you get a roadster and coupe effectively
Seems engine sound is important to your enjoyment, so you're probably best looking towards something naturally aspirated, some possibilities to consider:
Ferrari 458
Ferrari 430
Huracan (like an R8 but more drama? some models are meant to drive better than others)
AMG SLS (the 6.2 of the C63 but in more of a supercar form)
Porsche Cayman GT4 RS (massive induction noise) or GT4 and do an induction mod
Corvette C8 (or perhaps an earlier one)
Given that you loved your R8 and only really faulted it on the AWD, have you considered a RWD?
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/r8/357983/new-a...
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/r8/357983/new-a...
Sounds like you’re looking for a GT car that can play at sports car - as opposed to a sports car that can play at being a GT.
I take it you’ve ruled out 911s. A turbo is the obvious choice to tick those boxes but they feel clinical and unengaging. And don’t have a great engine/exhaust note.
Of your long list with that in mind I’d gravitate towards the F12. Otherwise as already mentioned, if you liked the V10 R8 (great engine) what about a RWD version?
Wildcard suggestion: V12 Vantage S, esp if you can get one with the AMR performance pack exhaust.
ETA: anything that suits your chosen use is going to be relatively expensive and its value is likely to be adversely affected by adding a ton of miles. Bear in mind that that’s pretty much a given across the board, particularly if you’re planning a few euro-trips in your next car.
I take it you’ve ruled out 911s. A turbo is the obvious choice to tick those boxes but they feel clinical and unengaging. And don’t have a great engine/exhaust note.
Of your long list with that in mind I’d gravitate towards the F12. Otherwise as already mentioned, if you liked the V10 R8 (great engine) what about a RWD version?
Wildcard suggestion: V12 Vantage S, esp if you can get one with the AMR performance pack exhaust.
ETA: anything that suits your chosen use is going to be relatively expensive and its value is likely to be adversely affected by adding a ton of miles. Bear in mind that that’s pretty much a given across the board, particularly if you’re planning a few euro-trips in your next car.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 28th November 22:57
Beyond those already suggested, the following come to mind:
If you’re considering the C63 but 4 seats aren’t a ‘must have’ (which doesn’t look to be the case), then Merc also put the 6.2ltr engine in a few other models, including the SL…and squeezed a bit more power from it too. From memory, the 6.2ltr SL63 was north of 500bhp while the C-class equivalent - at least the standard one - was mid-400s. That said, depending on your budget, a C63 AMG Black edition might be an option. There’s one at Tom Hartley just shy of £100k at the moment.
Nissan GTR - not my particular cup of tea, but certainly no denying its capabilities.
Lotus Evora - if you find the Exige is just a little too hardcore for touring, the Evora would be a viable alternative…or, if you’re not in any particular hurry, could consider putting your name down for an Emira!
Aston Martin Vanquish - a little more GT than the Vantage, with a mind-blowing soundtrack!
Left-field - if a C63 is on the short-list, then the Lexus RC500 V8 is probably worth a look as well.
Happy hunting!!
If you’re considering the C63 but 4 seats aren’t a ‘must have’ (which doesn’t look to be the case), then Merc also put the 6.2ltr engine in a few other models, including the SL…and squeezed a bit more power from it too. From memory, the 6.2ltr SL63 was north of 500bhp while the C-class equivalent - at least the standard one - was mid-400s. That said, depending on your budget, a C63 AMG Black edition might be an option. There’s one at Tom Hartley just shy of £100k at the moment.
Nissan GTR - not my particular cup of tea, but certainly no denying its capabilities.
Lotus Evora - if you find the Exige is just a little too hardcore for touring, the Evora would be a viable alternative…or, if you’re not in any particular hurry, could consider putting your name down for an Emira!
Aston Martin Vanquish - a little more GT than the Vantage, with a mind-blowing soundtrack!
Left-field - if a C63 is on the short-list, then the Lexus RC500 V8 is probably worth a look as well.
Happy hunting!!
Hi there
Out of your shortlist I'd highlight following:
-Mercedes AMG GTR - Good car, pretty firm ride, good sound, good performance and can be used as a daily, can have some reliability niggles so be on good terms with your dealer.
-McLaren 650S - Surely be a downgrade from your 720S, similar lack of noise, but incredible value for money, get the Spider!
-Ferrari 599/F12 (at a stretch - not entirely sure on maintenance costs of one of these) - 599 is very wide on the road and old, F12 values have shot up a lot, but superb car, great sports/GT car, very special, incredible noise and a real event to drive.
-Jaguar F Type R RWD - Good sound, good GT/Daily, but not really supercar class.
-Lotus Exige 410/430 Cup - Superb fun cars, mine is for sale on PH the 410 20th Anniversary in orange at 75k, but tempted to just keep it, but I am not sure I'd want to do extended road trips in it as the luggage is small and its a very firm ride, but as a track toy and weekend blast, does not get much better than this!
-Mercedes AMG C63 6.2L (I really love the sound of these) - How is this in the same list, its a 30k saloon? Yes they do sound great but surely you could buy one of these to go with something more special like the Exige, use the Merc as your daily and the Exige for track and weekend drives out.
-Another Audi R8 - Nah change is good you'd always be hankering over something different!
Ferrari 458 should be top of your list, incredible sound and an incredible drive, plus a car that is easy to use every day and superb at European trips. Get the coupe for the engine on display and better handling.
If your in the market for a Spider and like how Mclarens drive but dislike the lack of noise as I personally have always done, I found the solution, the 600 LT Spider, easily the most interactive as a drivers car of the entire current lineup and easily the best sounding with those exhaust right behind your head and you can just drop the rear window to listen and no handling dis-advantage with the roof down due to the carbon tub.
I'd be looking at 458 Coupe and 600 LT Spiders personally, or go with a Merc 6.3l saloon and an Exige 410 !
Out of your shortlist I'd highlight following:
-Mercedes AMG GTR - Good car, pretty firm ride, good sound, good performance and can be used as a daily, can have some reliability niggles so be on good terms with your dealer.
-McLaren 650S - Surely be a downgrade from your 720S, similar lack of noise, but incredible value for money, get the Spider!
-Ferrari 599/F12 (at a stretch - not entirely sure on maintenance costs of one of these) - 599 is very wide on the road and old, F12 values have shot up a lot, but superb car, great sports/GT car, very special, incredible noise and a real event to drive.
-Jaguar F Type R RWD - Good sound, good GT/Daily, but not really supercar class.
-Lotus Exige 410/430 Cup - Superb fun cars, mine is for sale on PH the 410 20th Anniversary in orange at 75k, but tempted to just keep it, but I am not sure I'd want to do extended road trips in it as the luggage is small and its a very firm ride, but as a track toy and weekend blast, does not get much better than this!
-Mercedes AMG C63 6.2L (I really love the sound of these) - How is this in the same list, its a 30k saloon? Yes they do sound great but surely you could buy one of these to go with something more special like the Exige, use the Merc as your daily and the Exige for track and weekend drives out.
-Another Audi R8 - Nah change is good you'd always be hankering over something different!
Ferrari 458 should be top of your list, incredible sound and an incredible drive, plus a car that is easy to use every day and superb at European trips. Get the coupe for the engine on display and better handling.
If your in the market for a Spider and like how Mclarens drive but dislike the lack of noise as I personally have always done, I found the solution, the 600 LT Spider, easily the most interactive as a drivers car of the entire current lineup and easily the best sounding with those exhaust right behind your head and you can just drop the rear window to listen and no handling dis-advantage with the roof down due to the carbon tub.
I'd be looking at 458 Coupe and 600 LT Spiders personally, or go with a Merc 6.3l saloon and an Exige 410 !
Thanks everybody for your suggestions and opinions on the different cars. It seems to me that I need to test drive an exige!
I will also have another look at the McLaren spider variants in the hope that these will give me a little more enjoyment.
F12's are right at the top end of the budget and although they fit the bill perfectly, the market at the moment has made me a little weary of putting that much into a front-mid-engined Ferrari.
I will also have another look at the McLaren spider variants in the hope that these will give me a little more enjoyment.
F12's are right at the top end of the budget and although they fit the bill perfectly, the market at the moment has made me a little weary of putting that much into a front-mid-engined Ferrari.
DarthtaterM16 said:
From your list I'd go for an F12.
Agree with the above that a 650S would be a downgrade from your 720 but it did get me thinking about what an absolute bargain a 650S is these days.
Surely there's nothing else out there that offers better performance for the money?
My thinking regarding the 650S - I prefer the front end looks over the 720S and the interior is nicer, particularly one specced with all the carbon/alcantara options. Power of the 720S is in my opinion largely unusable and the 650S is already a very fast car. The fact it's now at the sub-£100k mark makes it quite an attractive car to use for touring. Agree with the above that a 650S would be a downgrade from your 720 but it did get me thinking about what an absolute bargain a 650S is these days.
Surely there's nothing else out there that offers better performance for the money?
Juggernaut161 said:
F12's are right at the top end of the budget and although they fit the bill perfectly, the market at the moment has made me a little weary of putting that much into a front-mid-engined Ferrari.
Might be worth considering a California T…not as bonkers quick as the F12, but certainly no slouch and a very capable tourer as well…and plenty out there the comfortable side of £100k these days.A real mixture of possible cars there, but I do note that you've omitted the 911 from your list.
If it were me, I would try to find a 991 GTS. It does it all and sounds fantastic, and a manual one whilst harder to find is not likely to really depreciate that much in comparison to other cars within the same price bracket.
If it were me, I would try to find a 991 GTS. It does it all and sounds fantastic, and a manual one whilst harder to find is not likely to really depreciate that much in comparison to other cars within the same price bracket.
OFORBES said:
A real mixture of possible cars there, but I do note that you've omitted the 911 from your list.
If it were me, I would try to find a 991 GTS. It does it all and sounds fantastic, and a manual one whilst harder to find is not likely to really depreciate that much in comparison to other cars within the same price bracket.
I have omitted 911 mainly because I think spending £140k on a GT3 would put me in a similar position to the Lambo in terms of it not being able to do long trips without depreciating heavily and I think the turbo models would make me even more bored than the 720 did. I have taken a brief look at the GTS - at £80k it does really appeal. Is it the same 3.8L N/A as the GT3? As in, the issues as well? I can imagine it ticks most of the boxes for me. If it were me, I would try to find a 991 GTS. It does it all and sounds fantastic, and a manual one whilst harder to find is not likely to really depreciate that much in comparison to other cars within the same price bracket.
I've found this example particularly attractive though it is PDK:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210210...
Like you I'm always looking for the ideal touring car. I just sold my exige 430CUP, it was actually OK for touring but only 1 up. In the past few years I have bought and toured in a 12C, 981 Spyder, F355, 430CUP, 675LT and a brace of older 986 boxsters. My conclusion is, if you are 2 up and going for a few weeks there is no better car than a £10k 986. Disappointing I know but not only does it do everything but you can leave it anywhere and not worry. The best car, as a car, was the 12C just so capable, the 981 spyder ran it close but too hard on the suspension. The 675LT I just worry about and the F355 leaked and used Tons of fuel. I've given up on supercar touring and just buy a 986 as and when I need.
I can vouch for the AMG GT-R 
I use mine as often as I can and it always entertains, even if just poodling along and nudging the loud pedal for pure self indulgence occasionally. The cabin is a lovely place to be (especially with the bucket seats) but I think I'd struggle luggage wise with me and the wife if we were looking at a 2 week European road trip as the rear compartment is not as big as you imagine it to be. Running costs are low compared to equivalent Italian performance levels and servicing costs very acceptable when using the MB service plan.
When looking for my car I also looked at McLaren's but a few things put me off. First the need to have a factory warranty on the car to keep the value in it as anything without this took ages to sell and at a markedly lower price. Secondly, and somewhat controversially, I have seen far too many on fire for my liking (including one yesterday) which suggests the issue is not a coincidence. I really liked the McLaren 650S and thought the driving position, cabin, performance and general looks of the car were stunning but didn't want a £5,000 bill for a new warranty every year and the potential for a firebomb to go off behind me at any time.
I use mine as often as I can and it always entertains, even if just poodling along and nudging the loud pedal for pure self indulgence occasionally. The cabin is a lovely place to be (especially with the bucket seats) but I think I'd struggle luggage wise with me and the wife if we were looking at a 2 week European road trip as the rear compartment is not as big as you imagine it to be. Running costs are low compared to equivalent Italian performance levels and servicing costs very acceptable when using the MB service plan.
When looking for my car I also looked at McLaren's but a few things put me off. First the need to have a factory warranty on the car to keep the value in it as anything without this took ages to sell and at a markedly lower price. Secondly, and somewhat controversially, I have seen far too many on fire for my liking (including one yesterday) which suggests the issue is not a coincidence. I really liked the McLaren 650S and thought the driving position, cabin, performance and general looks of the car were stunning but didn't want a £5,000 bill for a new warranty every year and the potential for a firebomb to go off behind me at any time.
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