Name: Jon Knight
Previously owned: Too many to list! Notable cars include Audi S4 Cabriolet, two Audi A6s, VW Golf GTI, Mazda RX-8, Alfa Romeo GTV and Scimitar SS1 (don't ask!)
Currently owned: Range Rover 4.2 Supercharged and Abarth 595 Trofeo
On the shortlist: Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS
The Shed - Nissan X-Trail
Cost: £1,250
Remaining balance: £98,750
Why I chose it:
"Well, it's certainly not for its dynamic and involving drive. But then again, what's the point of the Shed? My feeling is that it needs to be the semi-presentable daily run around, capable of all those mundane chores whilst mitigating against the inevitable worry that comes with parking in the local supermarket car park or taking the rubbish to the tip. And that simply allows you to spend the rest of your time (and budget) indulging in petrol-headed hedonism. This X-Trail seems to tick the boxes where that's concerned. That and I have a vague recollection of being driven around a test track in one (quicker than was probably advisable at the time) as part of an Auto Express/JD Power Survey not long after it was launched. I recall it seemed to do alright at the time, so it can't be all bad!
The Brave Pill - Maserati GranCabrio
Cost: £39,948
Remaining balance: £58,802
Why I chose it:
"Every garage needs a bit of Italian style. Okay, it's a bit of a barge as far as size and weight are concerned, but as we are thrown headlong into the age of the EV, who can resist the mechanical music from the normally aspirated V8? No wonder Maserati started offering engine recordings as downloadable ring tones. As a full four-seat weekend tourer, there's no better way for the whole family to enjoy the summer sunshine (which in the UK is probably about as reliable as the Maserati). At least the noise will drown out the moans from the back seats."
The one still on sale - Audi RS6 Avant (bending the rules a little here Jon!)
Cost: £45,000
Remaining balance: £13,802
Why I chose it:
"Yes, it's another V8, but I've been a big fan of Audi's fast load-luggers for years. A fantasy garage it might be, but even these need a stylish every-day family wagon to fulfil the day to day duties. You can just do them a lot quicker in an RS6! Admittedly the driving experience has generally been regarded as inferior to the competition, although from my limited experience, it's more than adequate in separating you from your license on any public road. Let's face it, if you want to unleash your inner Lewis, there are much better options (and for less money). In addition, and in my humble opinion, the aggressive styling has always been way ahead of its rivals striking the perfect balance between understated style and 'play nice or I'll bite!' attitude."
Caterham Seven
Cost: £12,995
Remaining balance: £807
Why I chose it:
"Definitely an indulgence and certainly not one for everyday, but having run a similar spec'd Westfield a few years back, there's nothing quite like sitting directly over the rear wheels and being able to put your palm flat on the floor. Guaranteed to put a grin on your face and flies in your teeth! This factory-built car uses the tried and tested Vauxhall engine, which should provide plenty of entertainment and reliability."
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