Special car £80k
Discussion
I'm starting to think about my next fun car (currently have the practical car sorted and happy with it).
My previous car was a supercharged Mustang, just for context.
I'm thinking it is time (mid-life crisis) to get into something special. However, my last car was a bit of a diva, so looking for reliable/low-stress special-ness. Also wanting something I don't need to modify at all.
Current options I have in my head are:
Audi R8 V10+ (pre-facelift): no OPF, better looking (IMO), amazing engine (I'd love to try a V10 after doing I6, flat 6, V8, supercharged V8), great interior, cheap warranty with Audi direct, reliable, look nice (but not beautiful) from the outside
McLaren 650S: I prefer this to the 570S (next option) due to the looks and having the special suspension, looks like a proper supercar, warranties available - but reading the forum best run with a slush-fund due to exclusions, a few specialists who can hopefully preventatively keep it healthy. Downsides are double the cost of running the R8, and the engine is a cool engine, but IMO nowhere near as special as the R8's V10
McLaren 570S: Newer, rear end looks a bit more modern than the 650S, better interior. Downsides: am led to believe early ones can be PITA with issues, not seen (on the forums) as reliable as a 650S
Porsche GT4 (981): I've loved these since they launched. Love the Cayman platform, think a fast road/fun track Cayman with some character would be great. Would run a standard one with a Porsche warranty. Downsides are it's a bit less special than other options, likely more suited to track days rather than enjoying on the road more.
TVR Sagaris: really special car, a bit of a childhood love of mine, not looking for an investment, but would believe this would do well. Likely to go wrong more, but be cheaper and easier to fix. Lots of specialists and a great community around it. This is the one I'd look back at the most, but maybe not yearn to drive the most.
Ideally I'd like something for one track day a year, every weekend half-day with one of the kids (when the other is swimming), meeting friends in it at C&M, going to the shops on a bad day etc.
Anything else people would consider? I want character and something I'd look back at, something a bit different etc. My kids (2 and 4) are both into cars, so something they'd look back on when older and have some fun memories of too would be great.
My previous car was a supercharged Mustang, just for context.
I'm thinking it is time (mid-life crisis) to get into something special. However, my last car was a bit of a diva, so looking for reliable/low-stress special-ness. Also wanting something I don't need to modify at all.
Current options I have in my head are:
Audi R8 V10+ (pre-facelift): no OPF, better looking (IMO), amazing engine (I'd love to try a V10 after doing I6, flat 6, V8, supercharged V8), great interior, cheap warranty with Audi direct, reliable, look nice (but not beautiful) from the outside
McLaren 650S: I prefer this to the 570S (next option) due to the looks and having the special suspension, looks like a proper supercar, warranties available - but reading the forum best run with a slush-fund due to exclusions, a few specialists who can hopefully preventatively keep it healthy. Downsides are double the cost of running the R8, and the engine is a cool engine, but IMO nowhere near as special as the R8's V10
McLaren 570S: Newer, rear end looks a bit more modern than the 650S, better interior. Downsides: am led to believe early ones can be PITA with issues, not seen (on the forums) as reliable as a 650S
Porsche GT4 (981): I've loved these since they launched. Love the Cayman platform, think a fast road/fun track Cayman with some character would be great. Would run a standard one with a Porsche warranty. Downsides are it's a bit less special than other options, likely more suited to track days rather than enjoying on the road more.
TVR Sagaris: really special car, a bit of a childhood love of mine, not looking for an investment, but would believe this would do well. Likely to go wrong more, but be cheaper and easier to fix. Lots of specialists and a great community around it. This is the one I'd look back at the most, but maybe not yearn to drive the most.
Ideally I'd like something for one track day a year, every weekend half-day with one of the kids (when the other is swimming), meeting friends in it at C&M, going to the shops on a bad day etc.
Anything else people would consider? I want character and something I'd look back at, something a bit different etc. My kids (2 and 4) are both into cars, so something they'd look back on when older and have some fun memories of too would be great.
Great list.
With my sensible head on the GT4 offers nearly everything the others do in a reliable, easy to live with package. But you need to drive all of them, and be hooked when you get out the right one.
And the right one will be different for us all.
Nice problem to have (and half the attraction is looking
)
With my sensible head on the GT4 offers nearly everything the others do in a reliable, easy to live with package. But you need to drive all of them, and be hooked when you get out the right one.
And the right one will be different for us all.
Nice problem to have (and half the attraction is looking
)Discombobulate said:
Great list.
With my sensible head on the GT4 offers nearly everything the others do in a reliable, easy to live with package. But you need to drive all of them, and be hooked when you get out the right one.
And the right one will be different for us all.
Nice problem to have (and half the attraction is looking)
Looking is a lot of the fun! I actually miss it sometimes once a find a car! With my sensible head on the GT4 offers nearly everything the others do in a reliable, easy to live with package. But you need to drive all of them, and be hooked when you get out the right one.
And the right one will be different for us all.
Nice problem to have (and half the attraction is looking
)Test drives will be important. At this stage it's making sure I haven't overlooked something that I should test drive.
The GT4 makes a lot of sense, but in a way the best car for my "problem" (making my heart not head happy) is likely one that doesn't make sense on paper.
Neilbolts. said:
100% GT4 for me , I disagree I think it s a very special car to those that know, and I would go 718 pdk for that money, I can t see me ever getting bored of revving out that flat 6 to 8000rpm , the noise ! f
king amazing
One obvious absentee from your list is a 911. And the kids could come too…king amazing At your budget I would be looking at a 911 T manual (with optional rear seats), or even a very nice older air cooled.
Gallardo, for that engine. Huracan a better steer, but budget creep...
this is a particularly strange one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18213853
this is a particularly strange one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18213853
It seems not many think I'm missing much from the list. You guys are quick to comment on this one too.
Biggest thing with the Emira is that I love the Evora. And put either next to the others and they just doesn't make me yearn for either. TBH, I think it would likely be the best driving of the bunch. But I don't think I'd daydream about it and satisfy the mid-life crisis yearn.
GT4 makes a lot of sense. A test drive will answer whether it can make me smile below 9/10s.
650S seems popular. Ticks pretty much every box. Will be a great first world problem to weigh it up against the R8's V10.
I don't have the balls for a Lambo!
Biggest thing with the Emira is that I love the Evora. And put either next to the others and they just doesn't make me yearn for either. TBH, I think it would likely be the best driving of the bunch. But I don't think I'd daydream about it and satisfy the mid-life crisis yearn.
GT4 makes a lot of sense. A test drive will answer whether it can make me smile below 9/10s.
650S seems popular. Ticks pretty much every box. Will be a great first world problem to weigh it up against the R8's V10.
I don't have the balls for a Lambo!
Your choices look like you prefer the sporty end of the range over the GT end.
For specialness in today's speed camera environment, I think a manual Ferrari is hard to beat. I think (but would need to check) your budget would get a manual 360 coupe or spider.
At the more GT end I am a big fan of the 550 (and that will continue to appreciate imo).
I would also look at a Boxster Spyder over a GT4, I have not driven one, but I think they look very special.
In terms of 911s, I assume a 997 GT3 should be in budget. That is a very special engine and also manual.
I'd pick a Gallardo over the R8 for specialness - will be slower, but look better and to me would feel more special
I do think the 650 looks like great value for money. They do sound a little uninspiring though unfortunately.
For specialness in today's speed camera environment, I think a manual Ferrari is hard to beat. I think (but would need to check) your budget would get a manual 360 coupe or spider.
At the more GT end I am a big fan of the 550 (and that will continue to appreciate imo).
I would also look at a Boxster Spyder over a GT4, I have not driven one, but I think they look very special.
In terms of 911s, I assume a 997 GT3 should be in budget. That is a very special engine and also manual.
I'd pick a Gallardo over the R8 for specialness - will be slower, but look better and to me would feel more special
I do think the 650 looks like great value for money. They do sound a little uninspiring though unfortunately.
ATM said:
You're definitely looking for a 2 seater?
With 2 kids I'd assume a 4 seater would be more usable until they've flown the nest.
I did the fun 4 seater with the Mustang and it made me get a sensible car for those journeys. Nice to have the two. With 2 kids I'd assume a 4 seater would be more usable until they've flown the nest.
When I have both kids either my wife won't want the fun car Vs hers, or they're a handful and I'd like the practicality of a sensible car.
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