Thinking about buy my first "supercar" (yes another one of these threads) | FerrariChat

Thinking about buy my first "supercar" (yes another one of these threads)

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by WRXracer112, Jul 28, 2010.

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  1. WRXracer112

    WRXracer112 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    121
    Richmond Va
    Full Name:
    Gray
    #1 WRXracer112, Jul 28, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2010
    Hey everyone, haven't posted here in a long time. Been working a lot (which is a good thing now a days). Anyway, I am in need of some constructive thoughts.

    So I have been tossing around the idea of buying my first supercar, I am not totally sold on the idea. I love cars, F cars to be exact (confirmed by my SF tattoo) but I love Porsche, Lotus and all other makes and models...So I am at a point in my life (I am 28 about to be 29) where I have, after buying some investment properties and other investments found myself with some left over cash to "play" around with. I have been trying to decide whether or not to buy a exotic. I have the means to purchase one (used of course), my budget being 100k-130k and the means to maintain it. However, the rational me says to hold off some more, buy one or two more houses/duplexes and then when I turn 30 treat myself then. The car lover in me says with all the great deals to be found go ahead and scoop up a nice example of brand x,y or z. I guess my real question is, which side do I listen to the rational side or the car enthusiast side. Here are the cars I am thinking about:

    1. 355 (hardtop) - my all time favorite F Car/my dream car
    2. GT3
    3. Lotus Esprit (V8 edition)
    4. Murci
    5. Gallardo
    6. 328 GTS (because Magnum is what made me fall in love with Ferrari's in the first place)
    etc...

    Also, if you have any other ideas of "exotic" cars I should look, that wets my appetite and see if I really do like owning a car(s) of this nature or if I am better suited to admire those owned by others, please let me know. Thanks.

    Regards,

    WRXracer a.k.a BURN



    **P.S. please excuse the grammar mistakes.
     
  2. Vantage007

    Vantage007 Formula 3

    Jul 5, 2009
    1,375
    Toronto
    Between all those, Murcielago hands down. Nothing else screams "exotic" like that car does.

    How about an SLR?
     
  3. WRXracer112

    WRXracer112 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    121
    Richmond Va
    Full Name:
    Gray
    Can't get an SLR registered in VA, so I am told. Our Merc dealer owns one but its registered in a manner in which he can drive it for promotions.
     
  4. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    Apr 3, 2006
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    L.C.
  5. WRXracer112

    WRXracer112 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    121
    Richmond Va
    Full Name:
    Gray
    well if my memory serves me right from our conversation, he couldn't sell one bec it couldn't be registered. he bought one and stuck it in the showroom.

    I am leaning more to buying another duplex, or maybe looking into an apartment complex or do HUD homes.
     
  6. Waldoonay

    Waldoonay Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2007
    630
    Ottawa/Abu Dhabi
    Full Name:
    Walid Z
    I say if you can swing it and it makes you happy go for it!

    Another one to consider is the Audi R8, It's a nice modern car, compared to some of the others on your list.
     
  7. WRXracer112

    WRXracer112 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    121
    Richmond Va
    Full Name:
    Gray
    Waldoonay - thanks for the advice...its a 60/40 split right now leaning to buying another duplex.

    on a side note, I should come by and visit I am only a couple of countries away ;)
     
  8. agup48

    agup48 Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 15, 2006
    28,633
    Phoenix
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    I was going to recommend the R8 as well, and a new one is in your budget range.

    From your list of cars, the 355, my dream car and all time favorite F cars (except I love them all, don't tell the others :D)

    Not on your list, maybe a Bentley, Aston Martin DB9/Vantage, Maserati GranTurismo/GranSport, Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, somewhat below your price range yet a great car: the NSX, Nissan R35 GT-R, and BMW M6.

    Good luck with the search. :)
     
  9. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie

    Nov 3, 2003
    3,797
    Gladwyne PA
    Full Name:
    Morrie
    Buy the Porsche, it is a great car for a first time buyer, and it is easy to work on, not expensive to maintain, and is not expensive to fix, f you happen to have a slight fender bender which can cost 10's of thousands in some of the cars you listed.
     
  10. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
    5,083
    Missouri
    That almost certianly is incorrect. California has more strict emission laws that require special modifications in some cases, but Virginia should have the same rules as the other 48 states save CA. The SLR can be sold in CA, so I don't see why it wouldn't in VA.
     
  11. TexasF355F1

    TexasF355F1 Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    Feb 2, 2004
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    That's exactly what I was thinking.
     
  12. atomicskiracer

    atomicskiracer Formula 3

    Mar 30, 2005
    1,736
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    Ryan
    False, here is one for sale (even though its a roadster)...

    http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/Search/DRauSearchDetails.aspx?itemid=751038

    Although, i don't think that any SLR is in the 100-130k range, so its irrelevant
     
  13. 8 SNAKE

    8 SNAKE F1 Veteran

    Jan 5, 2006
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    Exactly. Any decent SLR is going to cost way more than $130k.
     
  14. BMEDguy

    BMEDguy Karting

    Apr 16, 2010
    52
    West coast
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    Tendinosed
    You'll only be 30, (presumably unmarried?) and with an LP640 once.
     
  15. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    Sep 27, 2006
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    Rockville, MD
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    Steve
    If you were looking for a super car in that price range my vote would be a new Viper, ZR1 or a 911. Now if you were looking for an exotic in that range I would go with a Murci, Gallardo, Diablo or 360. You might be able to find a 430 or Challenge Stradle in that range although I'm not current on what either one is selling for.
     
  16. Mr Payne

    Mr Payne F1 Rookie

    Jan 8, 2004
    2,878
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    Seems like you have some ludicrous variation between those choices. I'd imagine the Murci is a car which could destroy you financially after only a few mishaps (I'd think you'd need at least a 30K reserve fund that could be liquidated at a moment's notice.

    Now, a Murci is absolute a ridiculous exotic that will announce your arrival more than anything else on your least (all of which are relatively low key other than the Gallardo).
     
  17. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    Are you referring to my list??? Why do you think its ludicrous? Also with the exception of a Verde Ithaca Murci the Diablo will draw more attention, I know cause I owned one. And it would be smart to have a reserve if you owned any exotic however with the Audi influence in the G and the Murci 30k would be more than one would need. Unless your "mishap" is driving the car into a wall.
     
  18. Luke Warmwater

    Luke Warmwater Formula Junior
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    Oct 17, 2009
    496
  19. Kayvan

    Kayvan Karting
    BANNED

    Mar 29, 2009
    101
    Ford GT

    You are on cusp of Supercar ownership...all of listed will require maintenance that may add up; Ford GT is faster than all, and will require fraction of costs AND hold value better.
     
  20. Dincenzo

    Dincenzo Formula 3

    Oct 11, 2005
    2,434
    Columbia, SC
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    Adrian
    I'm not sure which of those on your list I would consider "supercars", but I would invest in more property and continue to watch the market. Look for the best example of the car you want and negotiate. Don't jump at the first thing that you see, just to have ownership. Afterall, it is a buyers market out there. Take your time. Talk to some of the owners out there of some of your favorites. You have the money, now have the patience.
     
  21. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    2,298
    northern va
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    john g
    get $35k 328 and invest in another duplex with the rest. only downside here is that the 328 is a little slow and quirky by today's standards, but it's a great entry into exotic car ownership (kinda cheap too).
     
  22. XJR-15 RACER

    XJR-15 RACER Formula Junior

    Aug 17, 2007
    545
    Full Name:
    Mike K
    Are you unmarried w/o kids? If so, go and buy an exotic! I can't think of a better way for a 29 year old to spend $130k.

    I'll be in a similar situation in a couple of years. When I'm done with school I plan on basically starving myself and living in a 1 room apartment so I can afford a 1990's exotic. I don't like the Murcielago at all and out of those choices I would pick either the F355 or the Esprit V8. You say the F355 Berlinetta is your dream car, I think it's the most beautiful car ever made, so...

    Some others just to throw out: Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, Toyota Supra Twin Turbo, Lotus Elise, Porsche 993 Turbo, BMW 850. Also, the Diablo is about the same price as the Murcielago nowadays and is way more of the quintessential Lambo in my opinion. Cars designed in the 2000's are nothing compared to the dream cars of the 1990's, but that is just my opinion.
     
  23. Max4HD

    Max4HD Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2006
    1,042
    Florida
    #23 Max4HD, Aug 14, 2010
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2010
    With just a little speculation on my part, I think buying the best 328 (or 355) you can find and putting the rest of your cash back into real properties bought at the present low can only work out right for you in the long run.

    IMHO, a well preserved example of a 328 will out pace other 3x8 cars over time. Not that I advocate buying a 3x8 as an "investment" vehicle. They're for driving and enjoying the ownership of the marque. Attending rallies, track days and concours for example. Selling for a profit at the end of ones ownership can only be looked at as a gift, not the reason to buy initially.

    Now if you wanted to really budget the whole bank roll for a vehicle, then I'd recommend a nice 360 bought In the 80-90k market and put the rest into maintenance and upgrades.

    Good luck and have fun.

    Don't forget to post up photos of whatever you finally decide on.

    Cheers
     
  24. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 29, 2007
    18,608
    Phoenix AZ
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    Justin
    355 is fantastic... get out your checkbook to stay up on it though... and expect to pay to fix something before you sell it. great car though... only thing that sounds better is a carrera GT.

    Gallardo wouldn't be a bad choice nor an R8 V8.

    id skip the murci as its a little too shouty and maintenance is insane.

    just don't buy a 911 turbo. boring
     
  25. WRXracer112

    WRXracer112 Karting

    Jan 6, 2005
    121
    Richmond Va
    Full Name:
    Gray
    Hey everyone I am back!

    Sorry I haven't replied to all of your great advice! But lets just say I have been working hard, earning that money! Well to catch everyone up, I put a big chunk of that money into buying properties an have enough left over for something like a 328. I know this is not a "OMG look at that exotic" but it is something I know I will enough and it will break me into owning a Ferrari. I had the privilege of riding in an 458 Italia where I am working geographically speaking, and all I have to say is, I WANT ONE, BADLY!!!!

    Thanks for all the suggestions, when I make it back to the states. I will keep everyone informed as to my search, and what I buy!

    Thanks.

    WRXRacer112 aka Burn
     

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