I have a 2006 f430 coupe that I absolutely love. I'm ready to get another exotic, but I only want to spend $100k or $125k. I'd be real happy to keep it under $100k if only for the mental factor. I have a number of other cars that I use as daily drivers, this is another "toy" so it doesn't really have to fill any roles. What would be a good complement? Here are my thoughts so far: -Ferrari 360 spider Pros: its a Ferrari, I love convertibles and don't currently own one. Easy to get red/tan which is what I would want in this vehicle. Cons: Heard it will be a let down in comparison to the 430. Going to be 2 generations old shortly. -Lambo Gallardo Spyder Pros: looks really cool top down. never had a lambo before. Easy to get a white spyder which is my first choice for this car. Cons: Tiny. Never had a lambo before. -Ferrari 55O or 575 Pros: it's a Ferrari, its got 12 cylinders, would be cool to own a GT and a sports ferrari. Cons: maintenance, going to be an older car to stay in my price range. -Aston DB9 Pros: Damn, its good looking. Super exclusive, feel like James Bond. Cons: supposed unreliability, not sure if its a good choice over Ferrari. I've had a couple of 911's and I think I want something with more "pop" than a 911 (no offense to 911 owners...) Thoughts? Opinions? Rants?
Oh, I forgot to add. My princess wants me to get an Aston martin DB9 convertible which does just about fall in my price range.
Once you've had a Ferrari its going to be tough to go to another brand of "toy". How about a 355 spider if you don't want similar body styles as your 430? Its far enough away generation wise from your current toy and a hell of a lot of fun to drive and then theirs the sound!! Did I mention the "sound"??
Do you need a big name brand car? There are lots of specialty niche type cars that might give you a fun ride, like the Ariel Atom, and offer a big contrast to your current exotic. Just thinking you might enjoy something really different. BT
I have homes about 70 miles apart and I regularly drive between them. I'd need a regular car for that. Having 4 seats is a small plus too. Another check in the Aston martin column I guess.
For under $100K, you could step up to a very nice 328 and do the classic Ferrari thing. Or, if you want a modern car with all the toys, I admit I love the newer Aston V8 Vantage convertible (and coupe). With a manual gearbox, you would avoid a major source of Aston reliability issues. I also like the 550/575M, but it's a bit practical to be a toy. Audi R8 is sexy and modern, very different than a Ferrari, wouldn't beat you up as much as a 328 or F430. Porsche 911 is nice, but I agree with you, not terribly exotic.
Have you thought of the Maserati GT? Around that price range... Basically is a Ferrari, very sexy IMO. Just another thought.
Get something different from the Ferrari. You already have that, why not try something else and expand your horizons? I really like the GT3 RS as a drivers car. IMHO it is one of the best drivers cars and would fit in that price range. The Z06 or ZR1 Vettes would give you something completely different. Lot's of torque that the other cars don't have (I love torque). A Viper ACR would give a similar experience but... I can't stand the way they sound. Nissan GT-R. Ugly car but man it goes like stink, has 4 seats, easy to drive with the Dual clutch tranny, fairly quiet for long trips, upright seating etc.... Very usable car with exotic performance. The R8 would be a civilized choice. More space than the G. Can't get past the looks though. (I hate the side blade thingies. Black on black goes a long way toward fixing that.) Aston makes the best looking cars on the planet. The V8 is perfect as far as looks go. Most cars have at least one bad angle, not so the little Aston. The bigger cars aren't far behind in the looks department.
As she OFTEN reminds me. My buddy that has a DB9 coupe just IM'd me and said a DB9 convertible is a girl car. :/
The Gran Turismo S sounds phenomenal (it sounds like an 8C). I think that would be a fun car to have alongside an F430. Maybe even your wife could like it.
Diablo or Countach. I am biased but I would go with the Diablo. 91 or 92. 2WD. 12 cylinders. You already have a car that is SO technologically advanced. The Diablo/Countach is such a raw driving experience. Would be a nice compliment to your F430.
246 Dino GT. The others on your list all fit the same F430 mode. I'd get something classic and classy. It may not be fast but it will sure brighten your day.
I'd test drive the Quattroporte. It's so comfy and you can easy share the exotic experience with three friends It also doesn't get the attention that a Gran Turismo gets.
its a second driving car .. not a garage queen that he wants a Diablo is a 3rd car in my mind since it wont be driven as often
He's right, the DB9 IS a girl car. Well, a touring girl car. If you want a manly aston for very little $$, grab a V8 Vantage. The sound of that car is like the heavens have opened up and god is speaking to you! And you don't have any practical things like a backseat to worry about. The Vantage has got to be my favourite car of all time, when it comes time for me to upgrade the Lotus, this will definitley be the path I take. *On a side note, congratulations on being in a position in life to get a 2nd toy. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Good opinions, keep 'em coming. I do think i want something newer and, hopefully, reliable. In my mind that rules out a diablo, countach, etc. I'm surprised that 550's and 575's are not getting more thumbs up. Maserati's really don't appeal to me. And I think the Vantage looks a little stubby in person, I like the look of the DB9 much more. I have a Hummer H1 wagon so the Benz G wagen isn't on my radar either.
The Gallardo will be less maintenance than other Lambos. The 360 will be 2 generations old soon, but by that statement you are saying you want a newer F-car. There is nothing wrong with an older F-car, yet it's your choice here so I'll stay on track. The Aston Martin is hot and rocks, but it's not a Ferrari. The 550 is front-engined, and has great interior leather stitching. Hmmm... You know what? I think you want to hold off to get a red F430! That's what I think Yep, stay with a Ferrari, and get a red one! Go for the timing chained 430!