Question

"CAcoalminer" (CAcoalminer) 09/05/2014 at 15:59 • Filed to: None

2

54

Should I include this in my choices for best supercar under $100,000?

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/ca…

What I have currently:

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For Sweden > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:00

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Sure, if we're going to include GT cars.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:00

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only if you get in in BRG.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:01

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Yes.

And if it was about $10k less, you can get it converted to a Manuél for under $100k total!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/05/2014 at 16:01

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Well it's listed as being "1 of only 6 produced in AM almond (racing) green." Is that close enough?

CAcoalminer > For Sweden 09/05/2014 at 16:02

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See that's what is throwing me off because everyone has a different definition of a "supercar."

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 16:03

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I like the way you think, Brian.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:04

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(insert I prefer Manuél meme here)

macanamera > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:05

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Honestly, no. Beautiful, but a total piece of junk. I have some seat time in one. One of the worst transmissions ever, and oddly, I hear that if you get the rear to step out, it will often throw a belt.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:08

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I'm familiar with that color, my uncle had one! I didn't know they were that rare.

It's a little light for my taste, but it suits the Vanquish rather well. Really classy!

CAcoalminer > macanamera 09/05/2014 at 16:14

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I have heard the automatic is terrible. This video shows the belt problem:

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/05/2014 at 16:16

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Very cool. Did he ever take you for rides in it?

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:21

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Sure did! Not many, but the times he has taken me out in it have been very memorable. He's since sold it (has 5 kids, 3 in college and one just married) so he said he'd rather have some extra money in his pocket than a car.

He let me drive (read: move it from his driveway to his garage) it once and it was awesome. I've secretly been hooked on Astons ever since.

He's been asking me about new Astons for a few weeks now, I think he wants back in!

macanamera > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:23

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I believe there never was a manual. Unless I'm mistaken, it was always that hydraulic auto-manual trash.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/05/2014 at 16:27

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That's great to hear. I'm sure like all Astons, it sounded amazing.

Let's hope he doesn't get back into one and lets you drive it.

CAcoalminer > macanamera 09/05/2014 at 16:28

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You're right. I was thinking of how Aston now offers to convert them to a manual for something like $20,000.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:32

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It definitely did! I'm gonna see if I still have any pictures of it.

I've also gotten to drive a Rapide, another memorable experience! Especially because I got to REALLY drive it.

Fingers crossed he picks up a new vanquish! The Aston/Mclaren/Bentley dealer isn't too far and they always have MP4-12c's out front. Maybe I can talk him into one lol!

macanamera > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 16:36

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Yeah...not worth it. Build quality on those Vanquishes was mediocre at best in the first place

CAcoalminer > macanamera 09/05/2014 at 16:57

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I wouldn't know but their engineering does seem suspect.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/05/2014 at 16:58

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Great. I'd love to see them.

Very cool. How did it drive? Did it feel big and cumbersome?

12cs are absolutely wonderful vehicles.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 17:05

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On a semi-related note, I found this last night and have been experiencing expensive thoughts ever since.

Ofcourse, when I shared it with Rusto, he totally shot down my idea and tried to be logical.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/black-is-alway…

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:12

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MMMMMMMM

SO CLASSY

Pffft, Rusto and his logic. There is no logic to our hobby!

Though I do think two of one car is something that I wouldn't personally do.

Wait..on second thought...I'm wrong, I would totally do that with Alfas. One as a race/track ready car, and one daily driver.

But if you were to get the car above, I suggest trading in your current one for it. That way your wife might not notice!

Would she even notice if you traded it in for a 650S?

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 17:19

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My thoughts exactly.

Oh if I was to pursue it, I would definitely strongly consider trading in my current 12c (I like it but not enough for two).

I wish. She has always been quite observant, so sneaking anything past her is exceedingly difficult. In addition, even if you do initially sneak something by her, she, like most women, will find out about it eventually and I'll be in hot water.

I might need to buy her some flowers on the way home.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:25

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The rapide felt big at first, but that was mostly because I was parallel parking it! After that it felt very nimble and hid it's size very well. It was great on the highway, overtaking was a breeze. I was able to handle off ramps way faster than I should dare living in Virginia! It was also remarkably nice on backroads, you really don't feel it's size unless you're parking it, and that was probably just me being scared of scratching a friends new car.

Lovely 12c! I'll be sure to tell him you love yours.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:27

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Hahaha I'm sure you giving her flowers will stop her from noticing the supercar you brought home.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 17:31

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Nope, that's just to put her in a good mood before I propose buying another supercar. Haha

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:33

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GENIUS

"So uhh, Honey..I was looking at this car today..."

"SO THESE FLOWERS ARE JUST A BRIBE!?"

-what I assume that conversation goes like

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 17:33

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Pretty much.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:34

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Well it must work! Look at your garage!

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/05/2014 at 17:37

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Yes, but a few over the years were like the situation you described earlier where I brought them home and prepared myself for her wrath. Haha

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/05/2014 at 17:41

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Well I guess it's not a perfect method. But hey, at least it gets you somewhere!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/05/2014 at 18:11

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That's great to hear. I'm always amazed at how modern cars can hide their size so well.

Thank you. I've definitely enjoyed the year and a half I've had with her. Also, if your uncle has any questions about it, just let me know. I'd be happy to share my experiences.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/06/2014 at 01:26

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Thanks, I'm sure he'd really appreciate that. I'll give him a call tomorrow morning, I'll just reply to you in this thread.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/06/2014 at 01:30

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Sounds great. Have a wonderful weekend.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/06/2014 at 01:33

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Thank you sir, Hope you enjoy yours as well!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/06/2014 at 01:34

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Thank you.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/06/2014 at 17:14

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Hey, hope your Saturday has gone well so far, sorry for getting back to you so late! It's been a busy day.

My uncles first and most important question is how does the Mclaren hold up to being daily driven? He probably won't be driving it to and from work but anywhere else he needs to go in the day it'll probably be the car used. Space is limited, so it just wouldn't make sense to have a car taking up space if it's only driven once a week. He's totally fine with keeping it in the garage during the winter though.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/06/2014 at 18:24

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Hi. Nice talking to you again and you're not getting back to me late at all. I actually perceive this as early.

The 12c does great with being daily driven. I currently have over 18,000 miles on mine and, outside of a few software updates, have had absolutely no issues at all. First of all, the 12c has one of the best rides in its softest setting of any sports car period. In fact, I can't tell you how many times I've hit quite large pots holes and pulled over excepting to see a bent rim only to find that its completely fine. On top of this, the steering is light and accurate. Third, the transmission is quite intuitive and combined with the two other aspects I already mentioned, makes traffic much less of a burden. In addition, unlike most super cars, the wind and road noise inside the cabin is actually very well contained. Finally, the engine, thanks to its turbos, has more than enough power throughout its rev range so constant downshifting never becomes necessary. I consistently see about 16-18mpg in the city and 25-28mpg on the highway and have seen as high as 32mpg.

I would strongly advice your uncle to look at 2014 12cs as their prices are quite low right now due to the flood of owners wanting a 650S. Also, they have updates not found on the 2013s like an optional front lift system (I highly recommend this as the car is deceptively low) and conventional door openers (you probably have heard of the infamous hand swipe doors).

So what do I not like about the 12c. Well for starters, its sound system is lacking when compared to the B&O and Bose systems offered by its competitors. It's not bad, just not quite as good. In addition, if coming from a Vanquish or other another GT car, you will need to think about the trunk space. Before the 12c, I had a DBS and GT-R as my DDs, so changing to the 12c meant adjusting my expectations of what could be taken on long trips. For its segment, the 12c is very competitive and probably one of the largest, but its just something to consider.

All in all though, the 12c has been nothing but a pleasure to DD. It's smooth, quiet, and refined when you want it to be and yet, with the turn of a few switches, it can stick with nearly any machine on the road.

I hope I've answered your questions effectively but if not or if you have more, feel free to write me again.

Note: I would suggest that your uncle tries a 12c with and without the sports exhaust. I personally love it but some have it to be a bit much for them.

I almost forgot to mention that my annual service cost $1,280.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/06/2014 at 19:05

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Nice talking to you as well,

That's very reassuring to hear. It sounds like he could even be able to drive it to and from work! I don't think the trunk space will be that big of an issue, because he has so many kids he has a Sequoia and now that ones married and two are in college, he can use it whenever he needs to.

I'm extremely pleased to hear that wind noise isn't an issue, we may not realize it but that's one of the most important factors in a daily driver. Even the salesmen warned me that the Meridian audio system wasn't the best. I'll be sure to tell him to check out one with the sports exhaust just to make sure it isn't too loud.

WOW! That's amazing for annual service. I ls pent more than that on my 328i in a year! (Not just maintenance, new windshield, battery, tires).

Thanks for all the help, I really do appreciate it.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/06/2014 at 19:29

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You're very welcome and like I said, feel free to write me if you have anymore questions.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/06/2014 at 23:13

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Will do, my expertise is BMW so feel free to ask me any questions you have. It's the least I can do! You may be the reason I get to drive a Mclaren!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 13:11

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Interesting. What BMWs have you owned over the years?

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 13:15

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I currently own an E90 328i, it's the first that's been "mine". I'm shopping for some toys at the moment, I'd love an E28/E39 M5 but I'm having trouble finding one near me. I'm currently in a deal for a E36 M3 and a 944 turbo, but it seems like the seller is gonna back out.

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 14:08

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Very cool.

It sounds like you're going after the cars every M enthusiast dreams of. Do you plan on modifying them at all or keeping them stock?

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 14:18

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Honestly I just can't decide. They look amazing stock, but they can look and perform even better when modified correctly.

I'll end up modifying them when things need to be replaced. Suspension needs to be refreshed? Let's shop for some coilovers. Need new tires? Might as pick up some lighter wheels!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 14:25

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Sounds like a good plan to me. Do you have a particular color preference?

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 14:37

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In a perfect world, the E39 would be lemans on caramel. BMW took a page right out of Henry Ford's play book for the E28 so I can have it in any color, as long as it's black!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 14:42

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Good choices. I'm personally ok with the E28 only being black because it looks so good in it.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 14:46

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Yeah I really do agree with you. It's so classy and unassuming, which is what I'd want my M5 to be.

The only problem is space. I have the space for two cars, the rest will have to be parked on the street either behind or in front of my neighborhood. I can't tell you how many cars have slipped away because I didn't feel comfortable keeping them parked outside all the time..

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 14:58

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Sounds like you're ready for a bigger garage. Haha

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 15:01

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I don't even have a garage! I live in a townhouse. I chose having a big yard and a large finished basement over a garage. Sometimes I really regret that...

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 15:05

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I think you made the right decision for this time in your life. I assume you're still young, so you have plenty of time to buy a house with a nice sized garage.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 15:17

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Thank you, it definitely does make me happy being able to have my little "man cave" in the basement! Oddly enough, I've never really been into gardening or yard work but I always find myself visualizing different projects I can do to make my house look nicer. The joys of home ownership I guess!

CAcoalminer > AM3R 09/07/2014 at 16:07

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Haha. Believe me it gets worse.

AM3R > CAcoalminer 09/07/2014 at 17:31

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Haha yes, I've already taken too many trips to my local Home Depot.

It's bad!