Next car - Non Porsche

Hasan · Mar 9, 2013

Hi all,

I am giving serious thought to my next car as I have owned my 997 C2S cab for 4 years now and it's time for a change this summer.
I don't drive too often so it will mainly be a weekend car (My 997 only did 8k miles in 4 years and is at 33k miles)

I am thinking that if I go for a 997 gen2, it's just too similar for an extra £10k outlay. They look similar inside the cabin (aside from the Satnav) and I just personally feel that I want something different this time to get some excitement back.

I'll have around £40k available after I've sold my car and put around £10k on top so I've narrowed my choice to 2 cars.
A Maserati Gran Turismo, probably a 2008 or a Aston Martin V8 Vantage around 2007/8.

Servicing schedules are yearly on the AM as opposed to 2 years for the Maserati and servicing seems to be much more expensive.

Does anyone have any experience of doing the same thing and can offer advice?

Dylan1 · Mar 9, 2013

Does anyone have any experience of doing the same thing and can offer advice?

dont do it[

]

my ENT chum has a maser and loves it.

bit thirsty though you dont do too many miles so shouldnt be a problem

I swapped with him for a day and it was nice but felt a bit too "big"if you see what i mean

tscaptain · Mar 9, 2013

Have a big maintenance fund if you go with the AM[

] Oh, and a spare car...........[

] But (seriously) I'm with Dylan on this - don't do it in the first place.

Hasan · Mar 9, 2013

I know, I know.
I've had so many 911's and I've loved them all.
Nothing will be as reliable as a 997 or as cheap to service through a main dealer.
The AM's do come with a 1 year warranty though if buying through a main dealer.

Something is pulling me to try something new!

The only alternative is a Gen 2 C4S but that is not getting me excited at the moment. I don't know what to do

garyw · Mar 9, 2013

They both make a great sound, thats a plus...[

]
I don't know many people who have gone to the Mazzer but I do know a couple that went to the Aston- both sold it as soon as they could!!
One friend had a 'Friday' car and was in the garage more than out!!
The other friend just didn't get it?? whatever it was... mind you he didn't get my 911 either but loved the power delivery.- he bought a jag in the end, so says it all really....

garyw

flat6 · Mar 9, 2013

ORIGINAL: Hasan

I am thinking that if I go for a 997 gen2, it's just too similar for an extra £10k outlay. They look similar inside the cabin (aside from the Satnav) and I just personally feel that I want something different this time to get some excitement back.

The only alternative is a Gen 2 C4S but that is not getting me excited at the moment. I don't know what to do

How about a Carrera GTS. The changes are subtle but as a combination it makes a significant difference. Alcantara interior, Sport Design front apron, GT2 side skirts, centre lock wheels, unique combination of wide body with RWD, maybe sport bucket seats.

And not forgetting the 408hp upgrade (X.51, as applied to the Sport Classic & a £8K option on the Carrera S)

http://www.porsche.com/uk/models/911/911-carrera-gts-997/microsite/

Hasan · Mar 10, 2013

The GTS is a great car and my favourite 997 but sadly out of my price range :-(

I need to see both cars in the flesh really and drive them. I just thought one of our members may have taken the plunge in the past and bought a Vantage or Granturismo.

Gordon Attar · Mar 10, 2013

You should also consider a 997 turbo and the 997 targa as they are both wide boys.

flat6 · Mar 10, 2013

ORIGINAL: Hasan

The GTS is a great car and my favourite 997 but sadly out of my price range :-(

I need to see both cars in the flesh really and drive them. I just thought one of our members may have taken the plunge in the past and bought a Vantage or Granturismo.

Just one last thought, and I haven't looked into how much the AM or Maser costs but, if they are significantly more costly to keep on the road as others are indicating, they may end up costing you as much as the GTS...

Enjoy the dilemma, it's a priveledge and part of the fun[

]

jonnyp1 · Mar 11, 2013

My brother in law went to a maser from a 997. He didn't enjoy it and got rid very quickly - took a big hit - he said it just didn't handle as well or feel as good as the 997. He also tried an M3 conv and that didn't last very long either. Now in an E63amg - expanding family

I've not tried an AM, so don't know, but fear the reliabilty issues detailed above. An S5 conv perhaps as a different thought or a Conti GTC?

Lancerlot · Mar 11, 2013

Jaguar XKR
Bentley Continental GT
Ultima GT3
BMW X5
Range Rover Sport
Lexus RX
Mercedes Benz SL
Mecedes Benz CLS AMG
Audi A7
BMW M3
Audi RS5 Coupe

Nothing comes up to the Porsche, but worth consideration.

Regards,

Clive.

tscaptain · Mar 11, 2013

ORIGINAL: Lancerlot

Ultima GT3

GTR, I think?
0-100 in 5.3 secs![

]
Not exactly brimming with creature comforts and totally bonkers I fear![

]

isysman · Mar 12, 2013

Why has no-one mentioned new Boxster or new Cayman? Don't overlook them because they are 'lesser' cars, because now they are not. I drove a 981s with PDK and I think it was faster than my 911 Carrera S.

I recently went for a 997 turbo and I haven't looked back, if you like power this is amazing. Will be years before I get board of it (if ever).

Dylan1 · Mar 13, 2013

ORIGINAL: isysman

Why has no-one mentioned new Boxster or new Cayman? Don't overlook them because they are 'lesser' cars, because now they are not. I drove a 981s with PDK and I think it was faster than my 911 Carrera S.

I recently went for a 997 turbo and I haven't looked back, if you like power this is amazing. Will be years before I get board of it (if ever).

Because the op said Non-Porsche !!

Mark Elder · Mar 13, 2013

ORIGINAL: isysman

Why has no-one mentioned new Boxster or new Cayman? Don't overlook them because they are 'lesser' cars, because now they are not. I drove a 981s with PDK and I think it was faster than my 911 Carrera S.

I know this is off-topic, but just had to comment on this - you are right - they are certainly not "lesser", they are huge. Was in Glasgow PC yesterday looking at a new Cayman, having just driven my 993. It really is a shame that Porsche have dropped the idea of a new small "MX5 slayer". Everyone accepts that each model range gets physically larger at each iteration, but to my mind both the new Boxster and Cayman look physically too large. Probably fine once behind the wheel.

mascanes · Mar 13, 2013

Hi there .........

I had the same dilemma exactly ! ... I had about £55k to spend, and as some will have read, I've been looking around at a few Turbo's etc. But like you felt I needed something different, plus still smarting on how Porsche treated me with my warranty issues. That aside, I saw a really nice 3 and half year old V8 4.7 (420) Vantage 10k miles at Stratstones in Black.

I went away and did all the sums based on my low milage etc, plus I did a lot of investigating about this reliability issue that Aston Martins are supposed to have. Somewhat unfounded I have to say, well on the later 4.7 V8's with the new Vanquish interior anyway. So based on all my findings I made the decision and bought it !

Down side? yes, servicing on a annual basis and at around £900. Reliability, well lets see. Continuing warranty costs after the 12 months dealer warranty, about the same as a Porsche Turbo. Low down torque compared with a Turbo is not as impressive. Sportshift Gearbox takes some getting used too ..... Value for money, the Porsche definitely wins, but with the level of cars we all drive its not just about money, it also about the overall experience and sense of ownership. And finally, I will miss the Porsche community .........[

]

The upsides outweighs the 911 in my opinion ( waiting for a deluge of abuse from everyone with this comment [8D] !! ) First of all looks, its a stunner and this new Vanquish interior makes you feel really special. Its really comfortable ( like the 911), plus more room for stuff. Ride and handling just as good as the Turbos I've driven, with my style of driving that is ( mine has the "Sport Pack" fitted). The steering feels more precise and the car seems more nailed to the ground. And then there is that V8 sound above 4500rpm OMG!!!. Quality of the materials and finish are very impressive.

Anyway, decision is made now. If it doesn't work out you all know where I will be heading too.

Cheers
Mike

garyw · Mar 13, 2013

Mike, don't blame one bit [

]
Having a dabble in others things does make you appreciate the good and the bad of Porsche ownership.
Does this mean we need to start a V8 register ??

Sunil · Mar 17, 2013

I was having this conversation with my OPC the other day. The only cars I have ever kept longer than 18 months have been Porsches. No other car has come close. I understand the appeal of both the Maserati and the Aston because they are visually exciting and look special however, it's likely that once you've lived with either, you'll probably come back to Porsche. Both the Cayman and Boxster will be great cars but, if you're looking for a 'feel good' car, check out the Mercedes AMG C63 ... it's a great car!

Dylan1 · Mar 17, 2013

Spot on Sunil

The longest I have been without a porsche since I started a long time ago ,is around 6 months .the other fun stuff just didn't do it for me and back I went to the opc for another "fix"!!

Flatty · Mar 23, 2013

If its fun you want, then why not try a Cayman S. a very capable car with different characteristics from the C2S. Your budget would even get you into Cayman S Sport territory!!!