Best used exotic for 100k and under

For Ferraris, I agree with the earlier advice of looking at a:
- 308 GTS QV, or
- 328 GTS

For non-Ferraris, I always thought the DeTomaso Pantera was a lot of car for the money.
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Probably depreciating a bit, but my big concern would be that all the horror stories about expensive Mercedes and BMW electronics (can't fix, need to replace for $x,xxx) are going to apply equally to aging Gallardos and F430s. At his point they're both approaching the decade mark, and these are complicated cars with zero appreciation potential. I.e., fixing them isn't an investment.

 

I dare you to drive the 2014 Stingray after any of these including the Gallardo. Never been a fan of the Vette until I drove this one. Wow.

 

Unfortunately Corvettes are common, and the OP is looking for an exotic.

 

Toggie beat me to it: Panteras get a ton of attention going down the road, have neck snapping acceleration and have a lot of sex for the money. I like the styling too. Just leave appreciation of your investment out of that decision.
The 550 / 575 is a beautiful way to experience a 12 cylinder as many people properly expect an F-Car to have; reliable too. My recommendation to you is to get the best sorted, total maintenance record 328 you can find. Timeless looks, a car that becomes an integral part of you and vice-versa, decent enough power, and it is an APPRECIATING ASSET.
Giddy - up.

 

+1

I would also include 575s, 612s,456.

 

If you are patient, you can probably squeeze into a 2006 Gallardo for $100K. That's a lot of car for the money in terms of exoticness, and at 8 years old, is still a hell of a looker. As others have said, an early F430 may be doable too.

 

Not sure where you are looking, I can think of half a dozen Diablos for 100k

 

Diablos??? Or Gallardos?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Diablos......if I was talking about gallardos it would be like hundreds for sale LOL

 

Surprising - can you post a couple of links? I thought they were generally over $100K.

 

For under 100K my picks are:
308/328
Testarossa
355
Vanquish
993 turbo
Also a later Esprit is a bargain car.

 

I had an M3 as a company car and what an outstanding car it was. I'm guessing that your looking for a car that makes you feel you dont want to put away when you drive it.

I have driven 3 of the cars on your list and heres my humble opinion

360,
Ive driven both the manual and the F1 on the road and track and personally found the F1 gear change nasty and spoilt the feel and driving experience. The manual however was totally different and made the car come alive. If your looking for a car that feels like a Ferrari then I wouldn't buy an F1. This would be my pick of the for.

 

I have a M3 as sort of daily. They are nice cars, reasonably fast, but never inspire. in fact many moderns dont really inspire.

As many here have said, the purchas price is just the beginning because spending another 5-20 to sort a ferrari is pretty easy.

My pick would be a testarossa. They are tremendous fun to drive, look exotic, have Ac that works and get the pulse running. Plus at their age you are not driving an old spercar ie couldnt afford the new model, but rather driving an awesome classic machine ie good taste.

A weekend car is different to a daily, its something special to be savored. Most modern exotics have been blanded so much to be useable they are for all practical purposes just stylish versions of a M3. The older cars are like p51 fighters, machines to strap in and go for a ride.

There is a reason Chris harris who had a Rs4.0 and a 5999 now drives a TR. They have the looks and feel moderns lack, anbd way more than enough performance for the street.

A Great TR is still a 60-70K car leavinbg lots left over for the next 5-10 years miantanace, and they are not depreciating.

I also happen to think 550's are "the buy" but they are more Gt and maybe not exotic enough for you.

Forget about an esprit, they are great to drive but pretty much lack in every other criteria and are inexpensive for a reason.

Yeah panteras are cool too.

Or if you want to go new Try and evora s, really really great car, and not too many about so its exotic.

 

Not sure where you will find a good 993 turbo for under 100k these days.

 

I had an M3 as a company car and what an outstanding car it was. I'm guessing that your looking for a car that makes you feel you dont want to put away when you drive it.

I have driven 3 of the cars on your list and heres my humble opinion

360,
Ive driven both the manual and the F1 on the road and track and personally found the F1 gear change nasty and spoilt the feel and driving experience. The manual however was totally different and made the car come alive. If your looking for a car that feels like a Ferrari then I wouldn't buy an F1. This would be my pick of the for.

 

... an M3 as a company car???????? How cool is that? Must be a very benevolent company!

 

Just make sure you have $20K ready at all times for repairs if (when) needed especially if you buy a 355. Do some searches on here and learn about what some owners have gone through.

 

Nonsense! (see below)

1) The car is reliable as a toyota and this is all overblown by non-owners on the internet
2) Only an actual owner of a 355 can comment. The fact that your brother is living in a cardboard box because he's bankrupt because of the car doesn't count
3) If an owner spent $30,000 it's because they were buying overpriced stereo stuff and carbon fiber for it
4) If it was for a repair, then there were obviously non-essential overpriced parts installed that led to the high price
4) If it was really a legit repair.. then the owner is an idiot because with a lift in your garage, air tools, a lathe, an SD2 computer, a welder and mechanic skills, you can do the repair for $500. $50 if you use a Ford muffler flange with some welding and CNC work done to it
5) All those "owners" had to be not telling the truth.. its a conspiracy to debase the 355
6) I've owned mine for 6 months and I've had no problems.
7) I owned one a couple of years ago for 2 years and I never had an issue. (note: the PO or the NEXT owner put $23,000 into it)

 

I've driven both the MT and F1 versions of the 355, and even raced in one at Road Atlanta.

No question, the 355 is a beautiful Ferrari and a great track car.

As long as the Valve Guide issue (very serious) was sorted by a previous owner and you are prepared for dealing with potentially expensive engine-out maintenance, it should be fine.

However, I would not recommend it as a "first" Ferrari. 308 / 328 or 360 are better choices, IMO.

 

Ok this is pretty funny.

Or it would be if you weren't in fact a conspirator.