Help me pick my next weekend car

"haveacarortwoorthree" (haveacarortwoorthree) 04/15/2014 at 11:47 • Filed to: None

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Some of you may have read that my 66 Mustang recently was totaled when a construction worker driving a Ford 350 (hey, at least it stayed within the family) decided to turn left without looking. So now I am looking for a new "fun" vehicle — with airbags and shoulder belts since I still have kids at home!) and I think I have narrowed it down to the following choices in which to invest my insurance settlement (listed in order of anticipated price). Probably won't be able to use a convertible that much this summer since I have to stay out of the sun to try to avoid plastic surgery (the crash split my forehead open quite nicely, thank you), but ... convertible! And hey, let me know if I should be considering something different.

1. New Alfa Romeo 4C: This obviously is delayed gratification since no one knows when these will hit the US. And if I buy one (eventually), will I be disappointed a year later when the spider version arrives? What will it cost? I have seen anywhere from $70k to $90k, and who knows what the dealers will try to get out of you. So I think this is the most expensive of the four options.

2. 2005 Ferrari 360, with around 16,000 miles. In honor of Doug DeMuro. Will the upkeep costs kill me, despite what Doug says? Yes, silver (but not this one), and the 15,000 mile service already has been done.

3. New Jaguar F-Type convertible: a beautiful car. Probably spring for only the base model, or maybe the S (the S probably makes this more expensive than the Ferrari).

4. 2012 Lotus Evora IPS 2+2: Definitely fun to drive, but it's not like I am going to be going to the track much (if ever). But probably $20k cheaper than the other three cars. And what I really am looking for is a fun car to drive on the weekends.

Thanks for the help!

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:50

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Nissan 370Z Nismo Roadster. A really underated car with awesome looks, a great transmission, and a great price.

Your boy, BJR > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:50

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The answer is always…….

But if you MUST have airbags and CAN'T go bankrupt with maintenance, do the F-Type. Because…….holy fuck. Look at it.

MonkeePuzzle > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:50

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my votes would be in reverse order of how you have posted them, Lotus furst, Alfa last.

you like a mustang, so you like US cars, but the list is entirely Euro, no Corvette or similar in the list?

Party-vi > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:51

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I heard the interior of the Evora leaves a lot to be desired in a $70k-when-new luxury car. I vote F Type!

Edit: I LIED YOU NEED ONE OF THESE!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:54

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I sincerely feel there should be some more BALD EAGLE on this list. So I present options 5 and 6:

5: Corvette Stingray

6: Shelby Mustang

scoob > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:56

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Probably a really bad suggestion...

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:56

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Godzilla is sad he isn't included in your list.

t_s > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:57

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What you really want is a 550 Maranello.

Montalvo > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:58

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Of those 4 I would pick either the F-type or the Evora. Ferrari 360 is nice , have you considered maybe looking at its big brother the F430? The Alfa while it is drop dead gorgeous (except for the lights which are being fixed soon) I feel like it is overpriced for what you get and the dealers will probably have a field day marking it up even higher.

JR1 > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 11:59

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The most practical of these choices would be the F-type. It is also the most beautiful. So surprisingly (for someone who doesn't like the f-type much) I think you should buy the F-type

Arben72 > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:05

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The new cayman s with the sport exhaust. Just drive one and you'll know why.

Lekker > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 04/15/2014 at 12:08

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That is also not made and not shooped AT ALL. 'tis a fun car to throw around tho, I can vouch for that. Get the drop top, and put in some mods. Call it a day

Brian Silvestro > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:09

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4C

F-Type

360

Lotus

In that order.

haveacarortwoorthree > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/15/2014 at 12:10

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I just can't do the Vette. Have owned four Mustangs over the years (the passenger visor on my 66 was signed by Carroll Shelby!), but was looking for something a little more unique this time. But you're right, I should at least give it some more thought.

haveacarortwoorthree > scoob 04/15/2014 at 12:11

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At least getting my forehead split open would be the least of my concerns if a truck hit me again!

Flat Six > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:15

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The Evora has the most seats and probably the most storage. The 2012's will be slightly depreciated but still low mileage. It's not hard to find in a manual if that's your thing. That or the Jag would be my top two choices. Personally I can't afford either and am looking at Caymans/Boxsters right now.

CAR_IS_MI > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:16

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4c: While I love Alfa (I really really do) this is one of those cars I would say wait for it to be out a year so the bugs can be mostly fixed (it is Alfa...)

360: great choice, everyone I've spoken to who has owned a 360 loves their 360, plus you can get it in a manual. (I would recommend this, not just because manual, but because the DCT in the F430 I had was TERRIBLE! Every shift, even in auto, with the softest driving settings, felt like you were being driven around by a teenager attempting to learn how to use a clutch, since the 360 was the previous version to this, I can only imagine it to be way worse).

F-type: From your four, I would choose this. It really is a well built car and seems like a ton of fun. I would opt for the 8 but I understand the $ comes into it as well, but the S would be a great option as well.

Evora: While I like Lotus, I never really considered this a 'true' Lotus. It sounds nice, and I presume you said Evora over a used Elise / Exige because you say you have kids and Evora = 4 seats while Elige = 2, but everything else on your list has 2 seats, so why not a lightly used Elige?

Saracen > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:17

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I think the 4C will end up costing around the same as a base Cayman (mid 50's), with the Spyder version in the 60's. That would be my choice here.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:22

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Well if you're not big on the new C7, maybe a C6 Z06 or something?

Maybe wait for the NEW Mustang?

Another random thought, maybe go for something a little less popular, but can then make it ridiculous with the rest of your budget? Crazy build Pontiac GTO? Those cars can be NUTS!

Maybe something fancy? CTSV?

haveacarortwoorthree > CAR_IS_MI 04/15/2014 at 12:22

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On the Alfa, I kind of assume that the bugs will have been worked out since the car has been available in Europe for so long. But you are right ... Alfa! And I honestly just don't like the Elige as much as the Evora (the best available Evora I have found near me is the 2+2, but those back seats basically are worthless anyway).

CAR_IS_MI > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:25

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Yea they would have been better making the rear seats an extended parcel shelf...

As per the Alfa, while you are technically correct, there are a lot of changes that were / are being made to meet US spec, which hopefully will not cause issues, but Alfa...

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Party-vi 04/15/2014 at 12:25

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Interesting selection of cars. Here are some of my thoughts:

The 4C is amazing, but I think it would be a waste of money to not wait for the Spyder/Coupe with the much improved headlights. Also the rear looks much better on the Spyder. A great thing about the Alfa is its rareness and that it's a proper Weekend car. Light, simple, engaging.

I personally really like the 360 series Ferrari, and as every other Ferrari, the best colors they come in are blue, black and silver. A good choice

The F-Type... well, not what I would consider a weekend car. More of a everyday sportscar, more SL and SLK than 911 GT3 I would say.

The Evora must be a great car and surprisingly comfortable for a Lotus, but frankly I couldn't pick one over a 4C if they are in the same price range.

I don't have any idea about maintenance/running costs on all of these, so that was just my pure enthusiast opinion. And I also bet that there are at least 10 other cars to consider: Corvettes, 911s, and what not.

CAR_IS_MI > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:29

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Also, since you have been in the Ford family, why not a used GT500 Convertible?

DeltawingGothamDeserves > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:30

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I think a Cayman should be kept in the back of your mind, just in case.

Also, an elise can be picked up for <30k or so nowadays. But out of the 4, probably an Evora or F-Type.

Party-vi > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/15/2014 at 12:30

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I'd pick an Evora over the 4C, mostly because the 4C is getting tons of power from a (I'm assuming) stressed 1,750cc engine while the Evora runs a supercharged Toyota V6. Also, with barely used Evoras sitting on dealer lots I can probably arrange a test drive and purchase more easily for the Evora than a hard-to-find 4C, and a dealer isn't going to charge me a premium on an Evora unlist the coming markups on the 4C.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Party-vi 04/15/2014 at 12:34

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The Evora is probably the smarter choice. But the 4C is an Alfa, and the first good looking Alfa since the 8C. If it was to be my Weekend car, I would definitely take it over the Lotus, but the Evora would be the first pick for a semi daily driver.

I also believe that the 4C might rise in value or not lose as much as the Evora.

haveacarortwoorthree > Party-vi 04/15/2014 at 12:36

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Someone else said she thought the 4C would be mid $50s and the Spider mid $60s but I haven't seen anything "official" about that (and it ignores what the dealers are going to actually charge). But I know I can get the Evora for mid $50s, so it definitely is $20-30k cheaper than the Jag and Ferrari options.

Party-vi > Fred (FreddsterExprs) 04/15/2014 at 12:38

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Good point there - I doubt the 4C will lose any value.

Party-vi > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 12:39

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Another commenter mentioned the resale value of each car. The Evora isn't going to be worthless I'm sure, but the resale on the 4C will probably be greater in the long run.

haveacarortwoorthree > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/15/2014 at 12:59

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Actually, I like the C7 better than C6 (except for the tail), but I'm just not a Vette guy. And also am not much of a Cadillac fan either. Now that I see that in writing, maybe I just don't like GM. lol

Kailand09 > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 13:03

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I'd definitely at least test drive thE c7.

OOtherwise, limited to your listt, f-type

haveacarortwoorthree > Saracen 04/15/2014 at 13:08

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I originally heard that on pricing as well, but recent reports I have seen say the prices will be substantially higher. And given the repeated delays in when the 4C will hit our shores, I am not sure that Alfa has any idea what they are doing. I really do fear what the dealers are going to try to charge for them given what seems to be a lot of interest.

Fred (FreddsterExprs) > Party-vi 04/15/2014 at 13:44

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Yeah highly unlikely. The 8C even rose in value.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 16:33

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If were talking that high amount of cash for a weekend toy, get the GT-R beating, 911 Turbo eating track master: Camaro Z/28

Mochimaster > haveacarortwoorthree 04/15/2014 at 21:52

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You know you want a Westfield XI:

haveacarortwoorthree > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/19/2014 at 17:05

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so i went to drive mustangs today. The Roush stage 3 is freaking awesome — better IMHO than the Shelby. I may end up with a Mustang after all ... All thanks to you!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > haveacarortwoorthree 04/22/2014 at 09:26

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That's awesome, I don't know why I didn't think to recommend a Roush, I use to drive by their HQ all the time, GREAT option. Love Roush!

Whatever you buy I hope YOU love it!