60-80k budget, What to buy?

[superfast]

My grandfather has just gotten a new job, and being the car nut that he is, the first thing he wants to do is get a high-end car. He has a budget of like 60-80k, wants it to be (much) faster than his Legacy GT Wagon, somewhat outrageous, and fun to drive and look at.

Top Runners so far:
Porsche Boxter S
(Used) Ferrari 355

Any ideas?

Oh and by the way, he doesn't want a new Z06.

 

[daan]

Why have a Boxster when you can have a 911?

 

[IMADreamer]

My grandfather has just gotten a new job, and being the car nut that he is, the first thing he wants to do is get a high-end car. He has a budget of like 60-80k, wants it to be (much) faster than his Legacy GT Wagon, somewhat outrageous, and fun to drive and look at.

Top Runners so far:
Porsche Boxter S
(Used) Ferrari 355

Any ideas?

Oh and by the way, he doesn't want a new Z06.

He isn't much of a car guy then. If he wants speed, then the Z06 is the only choice really.

If he gets a used 355 tell him to steer clear of the F1 gear box. They were known to be quite troblesome in the 355. Also if the top of his budget is 80k he may want to steer clear anyway because you will be hard pressed to find a 355 in good shape with all the services at that price. He also needs to keep in mind that he will need to save around 2 grand a year for the regularly scheduled services. I am sure your grandfather is a smart man but sometimes even the smartest of cookies need to be reminded Ferraris are tempremental SOBs and routine maintanence is expensive as hell.

For that price why get a Boxster? Why not a Cayman or used 911?

Some other considerations should be a M3, some old American Muscle, also a used Viper, or a superformance replica.

 

[Poverty]

911 or wait for the audi R8. Z06's are selling for 90k anyway because the dealers arent being very nice and stickin huge markups on whats supposed to be a performance baragin.

How does your grandad feel about automatics, as he could get a MB AMG that will beat Z06's in a straight line.

 

[Raghavan]

911 or wait for the audi R8. Z06's are selling for 90k anyway because the dealers arent being very nice and stickin huge markups on whats supposed to be a performance baragin.

How does your grandad feel about automatics, as he could get a MB AMG that will beat Z06's in a straight line.

Not really... EVen the CL65 AMG only equals the Z06's 0-60 time, and that costs 3 times more!

I'd suggest the NSX, but seeing how it's not faster than the Legacy he has, nevermidn that.

 

[Carl.]

The word that gets my attention here is "grandfather". How old is he? How much beating his back can take? How good/bad are the roads in Maryland? Is he really going to drive his car hard or just mash the throttle once in a while?

If a 355 is in top of the list, he obviously enjoys something a bit more exclusive and irrational than a Z06. I like the looks of a 355, but besides that, there are so much better cars out there for the same money...

One brand new car that could fit the bill in that price range is this:

If he likes the styling, of course. Those are quite rare, and as a bonus he won't take a beating while driving it.

Personnaly, I'd be looking for a used Z8 or an SL, though. That might be out of his budget, and in the case of the SL, it's probably not exclusive enough, but I'm quite sure it's the car he would enjoy the most in the long run...

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd be going for the SLK55 or maybe the GrandSport as mentioned earlier.

...Of course the Z06 would be my obvious choise, but since that doesn't count, BAH!

Maybe the standard Cadillac XLR?

 

[amp88]

When I read outrageous a Lamborghini sprang to mind, but for 80k you're not looking at an Audi-Lamborghini, so a Diablo would be a right workout for your grandfather.

I've got to echo the 911 suggestions, you could get a very nice slightly-used 996 for 80k.

 

[Raghavan]

New BMW M3 when it comes out or an RS4.

 

[Poverty]

Not really... EVen the CL65 AMG only equals the Z06's 0-60 time, and that costs 3 times more!

I'd suggest the NSX, but seeing how it's not faster than the Legacy he has, nevermidn that.

Im talking about rolling start on from 60, and going by the video ive seen a old CL just slighly started pulling on the Z06 once they hit 120mph.

New M3, new RS6, new R8 or new godzilla. Thats if he can wait a while. M3 will be out real soon and the R8 is just around the corner too.

 

[Jay]

I'd suggest the NSX, but seeing how it's not faster than the Legacy he has, nevermidn that.

I think the late Ayrton Senna would be insulted if he read that.

 

[Famine]

Jaguar S-Type R and invest the change.

 

[GM]

How about an BMW M5?

 

[superfast]

Why have a Boxster when you can have a 911?

He likes the feeling of mid-engine as opposed to rear.

The Z06 is the only choice really.

Yeah, I've been trying to persuade him, but he feels it's too much "hair on the chest" for him.

I am sure your grandfather is a smart man but sometimes even the smartest of cookies need to be reminded Ferraris are tempremental SOBs and routine maintanence is expensive as hell.

Agreed, but not all are terribly tempermental..He would probably get the gated six anyway.

Some other considerations should be a M3, some old American Muscle, also a used Viper, or a superformance replica.

He likes the Bimmers, but he'd rather stay away from the Viper for the same reason as the Z06..And I know he wouldn't do the replica, because he is too in love with the real thing..

911 or wait for the audi R8. Z06's are selling for 90k anyway because the dealers arent being very nice and stickin huge markups on whats supposed to be a performance baragin.

How does your grandad feel about automatics, as he could get a MB AMG that will beat Z06's in a straight line.

The R8 would be pretty nice for him, but the sticker is supposed to be a bit high. He loves MBs, has owned about 50 in his life, but as he already has his luxury in the Subary Legacy GT, he'd like to go for more of a performance Grand Touring car.

The word that gets my attention here is "grandfather". How old is he? How much beating his back can take? How good/bad are the roads in Maryland? Is he really going to drive his car hard or just mash the throttle once in a while?

If a 355 is in top of the list, he obviously enjoys something a bit more exclusive and irrational than a Z06. I like the looks of a 355, but besides that, there are so much better cars out there for the same money...

If he likes the styling, of course. Those are quite rare, and as a bonus he won't take a beating while driving it.

Personnaly, I'd be looking for a used Z8 or an SL, though. That might be out of his budget, and in the case of the SL, it's probably not exclusive enough, but I'm quite sure it's the car he would enjoy the most in the long run...

Nah, he's about 70 but he's in shape like a fifty year old. He can really drive hard (he raced Lotus Cortinas in the 60s and 70s) and wouldn't mind getting thrown around (he'd probably like it).

The Z8 is a good idea though, hadn't really thought about that..and what is that in picture? It looks like something he would definitely like. I mean, the car he really wants is a Continental GT, but that's obviously out of the question.

Maybe the standard Cadillac XLR?

Right idea, but probably not fast or exclusive enough.

When I read outrageous a Lamborghini sprang to mind, but for 80k you're not looking at an Audi-Lamborghini, so a Diablo would be a right workout for your grandfather.

Hmmm, I really think that he would like that, can you really get a used one for under 80?

Jaguar S-Type R and invest the change.

Again, a good suggestion, but I think he's looking for something more racey than that. He likes the new XKR a lot, but he'd be pretty hard pressed to find an R in this price range, I think.

 

[G.T]

M5/M6/Mercedes CLS 55AMG?

 

[Carl.]

Nah, he's about 70 but he's in shape like a fifty year old. He can really drive hard (he raced Lotus Cortinas in the 60s and 70s) and wouldn't mind getting thrown around (he'd probably like it).

The Z8 is a good idea though, hadn't really thought about that..and what is that in picture? It looks like something he would definitely like. I mean, the car he really wants is a Continental GT, but that's obviously out of the question.

That's a Maserati Coupe, basically a toned down Ferrari GT (the 4.2L V8 was designed by Ferrari). I don't think of any other exclusive European GTs availible here in that price range, besides a Jaguar XK, if he considers that exclusive enough. If you go a bit higher, there are Astons and Bentleys, but for around $80K, brand new, this is as good as it gets.

There's a Spyder, too:

And finally, for a substantial $20K premium, the "GranSport" version, with better handling/aero/engine/transmission:

Looks great, but they ask a bit much for that one IMO.

 

[amp88]

Hmmm, I really think that he would like that, can you really get a used one for under 80?

Ask *McLaren* if he doesn't reply in here (I think he works in a Lambo dealer, he'd know much more about used Lambos than I do), but I think you'd be able to get a mid- to high-mileage model from the mid-90s in budget.

 

[superfast]

M5/M6/Mercedes CLS 55AMG?

The M6 is really nice, I'm not sure his thoughts on it, what are some prices you can get it for used?

That's a Maserati Coupe, basically a toned down Ferrari GT. I don't think of any other exclusive European GTs availible here in that price range, if you go a bit higher, there are Astons and Bentleys, but for around $80K, brand new, this is as good as it gets.

Yeah, that's probably pretty close to what he wants, I'll definitely talk to him about it. It's a great-looking car.

Ask *McLaren* if he doesn't reply in here (I think he works in a Lambo dealer, he'd know much more about used Lambos than I do), but I think you'd be able to get a mid- to high-mileage model from the mid-90s in budget.

Really?? I know he's always liked Lambos, I didn't know they came that cheap. I'll talk to McLaren too though.

 

[Carl.]

Really?? I know he's always liked Lambos, I didn't know they came that cheap. I'll talk to McLaren too though.

I'll recommend a very good chiropractor with that. (look up for a video of Lambo parallel parking / backing up techniques)

 

[superfast]

I'll recommend a very good chiropractor with that. (look up for a video of Lambo parallel parking / backing up techniques)

Haha. Good call.👍

 

[Tornado]

If your grandpa is an aging hipster, maybe a Countach would be his fancy? They frequently go for mid-to-low 70's to high-60's. There is also a Testarossa, whose styling has aged considerably better and is faster and cheaper (Testarossa's are also alot...better put together in general than any Lambo short of a Murcialago, which he definately won't get for 80K).
Also, if he is looking at a 355 but can't afford one, tell hm to avoid the 348 like the plague. They are more or less garbage, and an NSX would be a far better choice in that respect. Another alternative to a 355/348 would be an Esprit, but they are nearly as hard to live with as the big Lambos, and not everyone likes there styling. If he chooses an Esprit, tell him to prepare to throw 1-2 thousand dollars at it every year or so.
I recommend a 512TR Testarossa in the end though.

 

[JCE]

The M6 is really nice, I'm not sure his thoughts on it, what are some prices you can get

Expect to pay at or near sticker for a used one. They are still running high $90's to $110's used. Don't count on getting a used one for $80k anytime soon.

I'd vote for a Cayman as well...but since he doesn't like the rear engined Porsche just tell him to get a used DB7 GT and he will be happy. Those run $80k-90k. Or he could just get a regular DB7 Volante for around $60-75k depending on mileage. I'd definately go with Aston here--it's fast but also so easy on the body unlike Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Porsches. Astons were designed to be cruisers--that just happend to be fast also. At his age--even in good health a Lamborghini or Ferrari will rattle his bones apart!

 

[Sage]

Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-8, keep the (major) change.

I think he’d be perfectly happy with the Boxster S though. 👍

 

[McLaren]

When I read outrageous a Lamborghini sprang to mind, but for 80k you're not looking at an Audi-Lamborghini, so a Diablo would be a right workout for your grandfather.

I've got to echo the 911 suggestions, you could get a very nice slightly-used 996 for 80k.

He'd quickly sell it then.

Though used Diablos can be found under $100,000, you'll need to spend a lot of money to keep it constantly maintaned. The parts will wear out fast if the car isn't given a push every once in and a while. Not to mention, any Diablos in this range need to be checked by a mechanic first. They've most likely been pushed very hard, have a lot of maintenance work, and have quite some miles.

 

[superfast]

If your grandpa is an aging hipster, maybe a Countach would be his fancy? They frequently go for mid-to-low 70's to high-60's. There is also a Testarossa, whose styling has aged considerably better and is faster and cheaper (Testarossa's are also alot...better put together in general than any Lambo short of a Murcialago, which he definately won't get for 80K).
Also, if he is looking at a 355 but can't afford one, tell hm to avoid the 348 like the plague. They are more or less garbage, and an NSX would be a far better choice in that respect. Another alternative to a 355/348 would be an Esprit, but they are nearly as hard to live with as the big Lambos, and not everyone likes there styling. If he chooses an Esprit, tell him to prepare to throw 1-2 thousand dollars at it every year or so.
I recommend a 512TR Testarossa in the end though.

I think the Countach is just a slight bit over the top for him, though he definitely wants something stylish. I think he likes the Diablo better because it is slightly less radical. The NSX really isn't much faster than the Legacy, but it is a cool car.

 

[Slicks]

I'd have to side with Carl/others and say a Maserati. Rare, and comfortable but still fast.
Either that, or possibly an older Aston Martin (DB7 Perhaps?)

I think a solid, faster Grand Touring car would fit the bill.

 

[humbo]

How about a Z4 M Roadster/Coupe? Those could be up his alley since he's looking at a Boxter S.

 

[Poverty]

If only you guys got TVR's. Caymen or boxster sounds good to me though.

 

[Amemiya]

What about a used NSX?

 

[superfast]

How about a Z4 M Roadster/Coupe? Those could be up his alley since he's looking at a Boxter S.

He likes the M Roadster and Coupe a lot. However, he is very fond of the mid-engine platform of the Porsche.

Nissan 350Z or Mazda RX-8, keep the (major) change.

I think he’d be perfectly happy with the Boxster S though.

The Nissan and RX-8 are both cars that I would like to see him add to his garage, but I think he was going for something slightly more speedy.

He'd quickly sell it then.

Though used Diablos can be found under $100,000, you'll need to spend a lot of money to keep it constantly maintaned. The parts will wear out fast if the car isn't given a push every once in and a while. Not to mention, any Diablos in this range need to be checked by a mechanic first. They've most likely been pushed very hard, have a lot of maintenance work, and have quite some miles.

Thanks for the heads up.👍

I'd have to side with Carl/others and say a Maserati. Rare, and comfortable but still fast.
Either that, or possibly an older Aston Martin (DB7 Perhaps?)

I think a solid, faster Grand Touring car would fit the bill.

Yeah, I think that is really what he is after.

If only you guys got TVR's. Caymen or boxster sounds good to me though.

Oh my God, I know......he absolutely loves TVRs and so do I...

What about a used NSX?

Yeah, that could work, as it is quite close to the Boxter S, is very exclusive, and rather reliable. But isn't the price of even a used one still pretty high, as they are quite rare?