Next Car For the Boys... Thoughts Please

Here's the deal... I have a couple of FCars but not an FF or 612 and I have 3 boys under three... I hate leaving them behind for cars and coffee so I'm looking at the best for them and most fun for me to have during the work week too

Looking for something I can take them in and been scoping the GTR or the 977TT. I know still tight as hell back there but it should work! Thoughts between these two or other rides I should be considering??? Oh and my budget 100K.

Thanks for the thoughts guys!

 

997 tt makes a lot of sense. Yes it's tight back there but it's still doable to fit 2kids in the back (that's still one up front of course.....so find out about turning off the airbag). Forget e db9. No room back there at all.

Here's a novel concept as an alternative: why not consider a BMW m3 convertible? Cost effective and plenty of space. And it drives like a dream. Maintenance is a joke.

 

What about a 456? Back seats and using it as a DD isn't unheard of.

Others:
BMW M3- can buy new (full warranty!) and have $ left over. You cam also buy a sedan and not worry about putting your kid in the front seat.

BMW M5- comes in sedan so Front seat air bags are not an issue since they would all be in the back. You'd have to get an E60 since the base for a new one is 90k and after options you are pushing your 100k limit.

997TT- must buy used for your budget and 09 seems to be the newest you could go. So less warranty and you could always extend that but that costs money and you're already spending near to 100k. A 996 is another option and it's cheaper. You could also get a non turbo 997

 

early 612s are getting close to $100k....

Maser GranSport or GranTurismo? I hear their back seats are plenty big.

 

The GT-R is the best bang for your buck. Super reliable, not very expensive to fix if something goes wrong, daily drivable, and plenty fast.

 

Continental GT?

think of it as a GT-R in a tweed jacket

 

I have a 997 Turbo, but the rear seat is getting uncomfortable for my 10 year old, and I have just completed deal trading it on a 2007 612. Much more space in the back, but of course, also a much bigger car. More of a grand touring car than a sports car like the 997. However, to me the 612 complements the 2-seater F-cars very well and is suitable for family trips.
Jes

 

The Maserati Granturismo fits 2 adults relatively comfortably in it's back seats. It may be a good option though I'm not sure what one goes for these days...

 

Great inputs! The 612 is an interesting option... I would only have two of them with me at any given time. The GTR seems like a smoking deal for the $$ and kiddy scooting ability when needed!

Didn't think about the maser GT or bentley GT... will look now!

 

FF! Kids will continue to grow. Last time i sat 4 in the car, i had my lady sitting shotgun, my buddy 6'3 300lbs in the back and on the other side my almost 3yr old in her car seat. Buddy fit perfectly fine, he loved it. Will still have all the Ferrari Experience as well!

 

It's funny you mention the FF, I guess I know why they made it! My other cars just sit in the garage, I almost feel like trading them in for the FF...

 

+1.

I want to recommend the GT-R as well, but check the backseats out, I'm short and wouldn't be able to fit in the back.

M3
Evora 2+2
DB9/Vanquish
Rolls Silver Shadow/Corniche

How about a sports sedan like a QP, C63 AMG, CTS-V or a M5?

 

Test drive a 991S. It has a larger back seat,not much, and is plenty fast,handles great, looks better and has much better build quality than the 997. In fact, per Porsche, the 991S is faster around the Nurburgring than the 997T and 997 GT3. If you need a larger back seat, check out the new Audi RS5. It is a beautiful car, has 450hp and plenty of room in the back seat.

 

Similar problem here:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376903

 

This underscores a good and "bad" problem. Many of us F-car owners want to involve our kids (the good) but they just keep growing! (the "bad"). But seriously, I just took the kids (6 and 9) to Cars and Coffee this weekend. I was thinking that in about two years my oldest won't be able to sit in the Cali with the top up (an adult certainly can't).

I'm fortunate enough to have Maser GT and it has plenty of room. Not quite the same dynamic as an F-car, but very fun to drive with the family.

An '08 or '09 Maserati GT can certainly be had within your budget for this extra car....Why not test drive one and throw a 612 test drive in for good measure. You might like it.

 

Thats exactly it. I put on in 3 weeks with the FF, the same amount of miles it would take me 4-6months to put on other f-cars/lambo. Simply amazing. And i was a HUUUUGE critic before getting one.

 

We have two girls (ages 10 and 8), we bring them everywhere with us, so "family seating" is a priority.

We are on week 2 with the FF (I have to take/post pics) - it is simply awesome. Awesome. Of course, lots of controversy on many points, but phenomenal. Perhaps ultimate all-around car (ever).

For us, the big decision challenge with the FF is that it IS a commitment ($$).

The cars mentioned by others are all some to consider. One I'd add (which is our DD) is the BMW X5M. Like the FF, some love, some hate, but seats 5, can haul stuff, and hauls a__. For me, drives much better than, and is a better value, than a Cayenne Turbo or Panamera, etc etc. Get a winter wheel/tire set if you are going to drive in slush....lots of good, used ones coming off leases now.

 

ha, thanks for that one! Looks like a lot of us try to include the kids into our passion! Sad thing is I sold my M6 because it was just sitting around and know I'm kicking myself... I like the M5 option but it actually got me thinking going to my first ride, the e39... It was such a raw breathing machine and may be fun to plop the boys back in. I see a couple of really low mileage ones around.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts as I'm sure this will come in useful for others. I can't believe I'm looking for a car simply for cars and coffee!

 

These are the lines that make me really consider the FF as the all around DD, C&C, hot date night, track event ride!

 

I'm in a similar situation. I'm currently looking for a 993 C2S to possibly replace my F355 Spider and my 2003 Boxster S.

I figure I could squeeze 5 to 8 years out of a 993 as an only car, before having to go back to two cars. Also considering a 996 Turbo (incredibly cheap right now), or a 997 C4S. I really like the Granturismo too.

 

612 if you can swing it! I have not seen one for 100k. I think I've seen 2005's in the 120k area. For 100k for the purposes of bringing the kids out to C&C, I would say Maserati Quattroporte, as I think they are particularly beautiful, still somewhat exotic, still with Ferrari heritage and can be had around the 100k range. bentley Contis, Aston Rapides are too expensive. seats in the 911's, GTR's, Lotus Evoras rear seats are too small, in my opinion (though your small kids will fit just fine for a few years). I don't think Panameras are exotic enough for C&C, as you could only get a base car for the 100k price. AMG's and M cars are wonderful super commuter sedans, but not exotic enough for C&C. If you want Ferrari enthusiasts to check out your "interesting" 4 seater be on the adventurous side and get a Mondial T or 308GT4.

 

there are quite a few 612's with asking prices under $120k, and you can find early Conti GT's in the 70's (maybe the 60's!).

I thought about a Monidal T cab, that might be a fun alternative.

 

If you want a coupe then I'd consider 991S or Maserati Granturismo S. Four door - Maserati QP GTS (09-11). Probably most fun cars you can buy for your purpose, IMO. Tiptronic sucks in the 997TT and sound of the Maserati GTS's are sublime. Check one out.

 

612 is a great value right now. And some people might not like me suggesting it: Panamera Turbo S if you want four doors.

 

Skyline or C63 AMG.