Drive Across Europe Car - Under £40k

[AlexNJ89]

Looking for a car to drive across Europe in.

Doesn't have to be fast, but a nice exhaust note is preferred.

It has to be comfortable on motorways, enough luggage space for a week or two away, but also enjoyable to drive on the twisty roads in the Alps.

Convertible would be nice but not essential.

I'm thinking something like Maserati GranCabrio, DB9, V8 Vantage....

I'm a bit of a sucker for a special brand, I like the idea of driving through Monaco and feeling like the car belongs there.

What would be your choice?

[james_zy]

Probably the Maserati to be honest.

Tank size is a consideration for getting across quickly, so bear that in mind.

[stevemcs]

I'd be buying either a V8 F Type or 981 Boxster, preference would be on the Boxster.

[ZX10R NIN]

AlexNJ89 said:

Looking for a car to drive across Europe in.

Doesn't have to be fast, but a nice exhaust note is preferred.

It has to be comfortable on motorways, enough luggage space for a week or two away, but also enjoyable to drive on the twisty roads in the Alps.

Convertible would be nice but not essential.

I'm thinking something like Maserati GranCabrio, DB9, V8 Vantage....

I'm a bit of a sucker for a special brand, I like the idea of driving through Monaco and feeling like the car belongs there.

What would be your choice?

My first choice would be the Granturismo (you can feel the extra weight & a bit of flex in the cabrio) Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203203...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...

The other car is the XKR-S (you won't have to have the roof down to hear it)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211011...

4.0 V8 Continental:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

Mainstream wise there are a few options.

S63 Couoe drop all the windows away, open the roof & you have all the benefits of a coupe.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207197...

SL63 not as sharp/spacious as the S63 above but a great GT car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210271...

Now here's a leftfield/brave pill.

SL65:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210200...

Handling wise they can be properly hustled down a pass.

[AlexNJ89]

ZX10R NIN said:

My first choice would be the Granturismo (you can feel the extra weight & a bit of flex in the cabrio) Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203203...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210070...

The other car is the XKR-S (you won't have to have the roof down to hear it)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211011...

4.0 V8 Continental:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

Mainstream wise there are a few options.

S63 Couoe drop all the windows away, open the roof & you have all the benefits of a coupe.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207197...

SL63 not as sharp/spacious as the S63 above but a great GT car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210271...

Now here's a leftfield/brave pill.

SL65:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210200...

Handling wise they can be properly hustled down a pass.

Thanks,

The S63 is an excellent shout, thank you!

[giveitfish]

Some good cars for touring there. If you want to get more out of the twisty bits without too much compromise of the autoroutes I can recommend a Lotus Evora

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

[DodgyGeezer]

SL of some flavour
SLC55/43
F-Type (small boot)
Corvette
Challenger SRT
Mustang GT
Camaro SS

(The last 4 with lhd may be useful)

[CABC]

giveitfish said:

Some good cars for touring there. If you want to get more out of the twisty bits without too much compromise of the autoroutes I can recommend a Lotus Evora

I wholeheartedly agree for a tin top.
I do think an open top would add so much more to the touring experience though. Aston or Mustang. (F-types have no luggage!)
btw, any 40k car barely belongs in Monaco. you see Bugattis parked on the street there.

[ZX10R NIN]

DodgyGeezer said:

SL of some flavour
SLC55/43
F-Type (small boot)
Corvette
Challenger SRT
Mustang GT
Camaro SS

(The last 4 with lhd may be useful)

The Corvette is a great shout as it covers every base (they're a Targa) apart from being LHD it's a great shout.

Z06:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208289...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211061...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108015...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325382105736?hash=item4...

[fflump]

AlexNJ89 said:

Thanks,

The S63 is an excellent shout, thank you!

Not if you are a bit of a sucker for a special brand.
In Monaco most Mercs will be taking folk to and from Nice Airport.

[HiAsAKite]

I'd spend 1/2 that on a Chimeara..* and pocket the change..

Comfy, huge boot, convertible, very happily cruises along relaxed fashion for long-distance, but can also been driven more aggressively, v8 burble exhaust note from haven (and you dont need to rag it.. in many ways it best just cruising and burbling along...


Plus you'll get to keep 20-25k in your pocket....

Or a Tuscan for 30k?

Or a corvette of some ilk?


*ok. I'm a little biased. I did buy a Chimaera, 14 years ago, which I still own...

[Wills2]

Not sure it matters what 40k car you turn up in as regards Monaco so wouldn't make that your priority it's not going to impress anyone, I'd look at a 997.2 C2S if you can get one for your budget.

[Fessia fancier]

We have done this several times in a Maserati Quattroporte V and it is a super car for that. A Granturismo or cabrio would be good too.

[CABC]

HiAsAKite said:

I'd spend 1/2 that on a Chimeara..* and pocket the change..

good shout.
buy well and prep properly, they're reliable by now. other benefit is that everyone loves it, no hostility. that's useful on tour.

[Alan16ac]

- Mercedes C43 Convertible is a lovely place to sit, it is lacking in terms of feel although still capable, could go C63 too although you'd be looking at the higher mileage ones for 40k.
- BMW M4 is a little less comfortable, but still comfortable enough and you'd get a really nice well specced one for your money. Not to mention it feels great to drive, and would be a joy to drive through the alps, roof down.
- BMW M6 is a lovely place to sit too. Very comfy on long journeys, and still capable when need be. Although it is very large.
- B8.5 Audi RS5, comfortable and still capable, although maybe not as fun as an M4. Can feel a little dated inside too, although the quality is leaps and bounds ahead of anything from Maserati and Aston Martin in the 40k bracket.

That's where my money would be.

[Nyloc20]

As a Lotus lover and owner for many years it would be the Evora for me. A pre 981 Boxster or Cayman would be a decent choice too.

[Taita]

Can get v8 r8 for 40k

[Macron]

These will get you attention in Monaco:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022100303...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022091196...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022082691...

None of which appear to meet the rest of your brief. So personally I'd bin that as being important. Although arguably this would hit the spot...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021060735...

[AlexNJ89]

HiAsAKite said:

I'd spend 1/2 that on a Chimeara..* and pocket the change..

Comfy, huge boot, convertible, very happily cruises along relaxed fashion for long-distance, but can also been driven more aggressively, v8 burble exhaust note from haven (and you dont need to rag it.. in many ways it best just cruising and burbling along...


Plus you'll get to keep 20-25k in your pocket....

Or a Tuscan for 30k?

Or a corvette of some ilk?


*ok. I'm a little biased. I did buy a Chimaera, 14 years ago, which I still own...

I've been humming and harring over a TVR for quite some time. I love the concept of them but reliability has always put me off. I'll do some research.

[DodgyGeezer]

Macron said:

These will get you attention in Monaco:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022091196...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021060735...

those will get you noticed - and, as a nice little Brucie bonus, are unlikely to lose any money (except for fuel, but wow sound and presence!)