What should I buy next?

[igg]

Rapidly approaching 40 (as in this month) and although I'm trying to convince myself that it isn't a 40 year old mans mid life crisis - it probably is!
Cars owned so far have all been fairly luxury based (Jags/Mercs/Audi & current Lexus) with big V8 engines.
My wife drives a Disco, so we have a practical car. My fun car is a open top (as in it has no hood, doors or windscreens) very weather dependant Bugatti type 35 copy, so I don't really need a fun car, but I', bored with the Lexus and seriously considering a change. The car I replace it with has to be able to carry the kids in the back for those occaisions when my wife can't pick them up from school. It will be used for the daily 27mile each way commute to work down mostly down county roads, and for the occaisional business trip in the UK. Current annual mileage is 20,000. Under consideration are the following, and I tend not to buy new as it's a cash purchase, and I don't like throwing money away too much:-)

1. Porsche 993 or 996
2. TVR Cerbera
2. Maser 3200
4. XKR8 Coupe
5. XK8 Conv.
6. New Mini Cooper S & a TVR Griffith

or, what would you suggest?

[andymadmak]

quote::-)

1. Porsche 993 or 996
2. TVR Cerbera
2. Maser 3200
4. XKR8 Coupe
5. XK8 Conv.
6. New Mini Cooper S & a TVR Griffith

or, what would you suggest?

From your list of priorities the sensible choice would have to be either of the Porkers. Bullet proof build, reliable, low depreciation, sports car cred, great badge. Its all there for you mate.
So my advice is to buy the TVR Cerbera (a 4.5) and live on the edge. You only live once, its only money, and you've already had enough of being sensible.
The Cerb will wring out your senses and blow your mind on every trip. The later ones are even quite reliable in the right hands.
There is ALWAYS another time to buy the Porsche. 40 is TVR time .

Andy 400se

[oliverkelly]

TVE Cerbera every time !

[davidy]

What about one of the Japanese Turbo Nutter Cars (Impreza Turbo or EVO). Down country roads and in all weathers just the ticket. Bit short on refinement from what you're used to, but you're talking to someone who has just px'd an Audi A8 for a Land Rover Defender!!

I owned a prodrive modified 98 Impreza Turbo, absolutely amazing cross country in all weathers, reliable and cheap to run compared with the rest of your list. Also would give you a some cash in the bank compared with your other potential purchases, the future 911 fund???

davidy

[scruff400]

Cerbera.

Though I like the idea of Griff and Mini

Ask Dan...

My combo: Griff and Triumph Speed Triple.

Considered a bike?

[davidy]

With a sidecar for the kids???

davidy

[Toffer]

If you can put up with Land Rover's dreadful build quality...buy a Cerbera and you will be pleasantly surprised. It should be relatively, perfectly reliable!

[ap_smith]

And you expected any other answer than a Cerbera on this site?

[igg]

Thanks guys, in answer to some of the replies so far:-

Discovery is pretty crap build quality compared to the Lexus - but then what isn't! Having said that, it's never gone wrong in the 7 years we've had it and it's driven without sympathy by my wife and has 72K on the clock now - so can't complain really.

TVR - yes, I'm sorely tempted, but keep reading about problems with them on this web site - Porker, I would probably be driving one now, but not sure how customers will react to it.

Jap Stuff doesn't do it for me, which is why I'm not happy with the Lexus - all to, well, Japanese!

So, as you can tell I haven't got a clue!
Thought about hiring a TVR for a long weekend and then a Porsche the following weekend to see if that helps make up my mind for me - anyone know somewhere not too pricey where I could do that?

[scruff400]

I'm sure there are PH'rs near you willing to take you out..

just ask

Not sure about the porch drivers :ducksandrunsforcover:

[RUF 3]

993 is probably the best compromise of fun, reliability, sensible levels of depreciation and everyday practicality. TVR s look and sound better but in my experience require shedloads of cash thrown at them with monotonous regularity to keep them right. I could not be ar$ed with this aspect of them. I would imagine that even the most diehard TVR enthusiast would admit that 20,000 miles a year is rather beyond what TVR had in mind (no doubt somebody will disagree but only listen if they have actually done 20,000 mls pa in a TVR !!).I believe the XK Jags are good but I would personally be checking out depreciation and maintenance costs as they were previously a major concern on Jaguars. I would rather fancy an XKR myself though !

[davidy]

You could always get an older plate for the Porsche, that way you're clients will mark you down as an enthusiast.

davidy

[andymadmak]

quote:
TVR s look and sound better but in my experience require shedloads of cash thrown at them with monotonous regularity to keep them right. I could not be ar$ed with this aspect of them. I would imagine that even the most diehard TVR enthusiast would admit that 20,000 miles a year is rather beyond what TVR had in mind (no doubt somebody will disagree but only listen if they have actually done 20,000 mls pa in a TVR

Yup, did 30k in a little over a year in my 4.3 Chim. It was fine!
Sold it to my neighbor who did nearly 30 more, no hassle.
Cerb might be a different matter though

Andy 400se