Maserati Replacement - What Say You Oppo?

"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971)
12/14/2015 at 10:50 • Filed to: None

I’m considering trading in my GT-S for one of the following (especially given EOY deals on some of these cars). Like many decisions I am working out a list today, but below are the cars and some thoughts:

1. BMW i8 - supercar looks, not-quite-supercar performance (but good acceleration), brand new tech likely to be superseded in a couple of years as it matures, looks like a spaceship, expensive but dealers are looking to move 2015 stock by EOY so prices are down close to $130 (a lot better than the $200 I was quoted this time last year).

2. Alfa 4C - supercar looks, not very luxurious inside (but nicer than the Elise I tracked a few years ago, which is a pretty low bar), best pricing (the local dealer has one in black-over-red that they would be “aggressive on pricing correctly” which I take as code for “we want to sell it by EOY”).

3. Jag F-type - not quite supercar looks, but still a looker, available with a manual in certain trims! But not in the best trim.

4. Aston - supercar looks even if the car really hasn’t changed much in a while (can it really be 10 years?), available with a manual in certain trims! But not in the best trim. Not-quite-as-frowny-face since the manual trim is still a very nice car.

Anyone have any thoughts?

EDIT/UPDATE:

I’m adding the AMG GT-S to the list.

I considered adding the Corvette, but after talking to a friend who owns an exotic car dealership and has spent significant seat time in all of these, I’m striking everything except the following:

1. i8

2. AMG GT-S

3. 4C (and from what I am told this is likely going to be a no based on the way it sounds on the inside at speed; money quote: “You’ll never be able to make a phone call inside that car when it’s running, or drive it to LA and feel refreshed when you get out. But great for track days.”)

DISCUSSION (51)

not for canada - australian in disguise > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 10:52

3. Jag F-type - not quite supercar looks, but still a looker, available with a manual in certain trims! But not in the best trim.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 10:54

i8 has been my personal favorite of the $100k+ supercar group based on the awesomeness of the car alone. The looks, the tech, the speed, everything.

nerd_racing > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 10:54

Ford GT?

ncasolowork3 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 10:55

BMW i8 is on your list? The rest of the list is irrelevent. If that was my budget tho I’d still get the Tesla P85d

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > nerd_racing
12/14/2015 at 10:58

1. That’s already available? I thought it was a late 16 or 17 model?

2. When did you change your handle $kaycog? ;p

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:00

F TYPE!!!

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > ncasolowork3
12/14/2015 at 11:00

I like the Tesla and if I commuted in my car I’d get one, but I walk to work. (Why are you even on this site then dude? I know right.) And while I think it looks nice and is fast as hell, it’s a super-sedan rather than a sports car, and I have an Alfa Giulia queued up as my next choice in that category.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > not for canada - australian in disguise
12/14/2015 at 11:01

Well who am I to argue with the beef?

Every freaking dealer in the bay area thinks an auto is the same as a manual. I know they want to sell what’s on the lots but I’m not just going to “come in and look at” a version of a car I don’t want.

Patrick Nichols > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:02

As cool as the i8 is, I would still rather have a z8. I think the z8 is the best looking german car in my lifetime (born in 93). Though the prices are probably absurd.

ncasolowork3 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:03

If you walk to work then the cars you’re thinking about are the perfect reason TO get a car like that. Less wear and tear than a daily driver. That makes you the ideal owner for something you want to enjoy, but not enjoy for an hour every day.

Considering the criteria that have been developed a little bit more by the lack of commute and desire for something that looks crazy and drives well or crazy... you know the Audi R8 has a gated manual option, right?

PanchoVilleneuve ST > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:04

I’d say go with something more esoteric and stupid like a Callaway Corvette but I’m a bit of a weirdo.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > ncasolowork3
12/14/2015 at 11:05

I know. I don’t love the R8. A buddy just got the one of the last in the run of manual V10s and it sounds completely great. But I just don’t love it. I also don’t like 911s enough to own one.

Jonathan Harper > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:13

I still can’t forgive you for selling the 1M...in my eyes the F-Type or the Aston would be the closest to the outgoing Mas, so one of those two. F-Type is a real hoot to drive, so tail happy in RWD V8S trim.

djmt1 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:13

7:45 minutes in is why you should buy the Jag.

ncasolowork3 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:13

911 is boring and I don’t mean that in a bad way, but the car hasn’t changed in forever. You’re clearly in the market for a unique experience and a 911 is not it. not going to bother recommending a Lambo or Ferrari either. Your reaction to a gated manual R8 V10 though does surprise a little bit.

This may sound crazy, but have you given any consideration to a Corvette C7 Z06? The capabilities of that car and I’m not talking about power are so under estimated. And I have to be honest I love the look.

Just throwing other ideas out there. Ignoring all my extra ideas I still like the i8 idea. It isn’t high on my personal “If I won the lottery” list of cars to get, but I do like the car.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Jonathan Harper
12/14/2015 at 11:14

Hey I never drove it! Around 5k miles in 3 years. I drive the Maser more.

Huh funny thing about the F-type is I didn’t even think about it until someone mentioned it at a party over the weekend. And now I see there is one (1!) manual in the bay area for sale in S trim. Hmmm...

DrScientist > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:16

how long are you planning to keep it?

would these be new car purchases?

what’s acceptable depreciation?

Sneaky Pete > nerd_racing
12/14/2015 at 11:21

For 500ishk? No thanks

Sneaky Pete > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:25

Guess I’m the weirdo - I can’t stand the i8. Ugly, ugly, ugly car.

I like your other 3 choices.

spanfucker retire bitch > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:29

Were it my money, I’d get the i8. The Carbon Fiber chassis, the AWD Hybrid drivetrain, that fucking exterior design. It’s the best looking and most lustworthy car BMW has made in decades, as far as I’m concerned.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:32

I came to weigh in on the side of the 4C, but seeing as you’ve got a Giulia queued up then you’ll have a dose of Alfa coming sometime soon so that might open things up a little.

What does the rest of your stable contain at the moment? From memory it was a Conti, the Masser, the E9/S38 and by the looks of your tag a Z3M as well? Is the S55 a Merc or an M engine?

Trying to identify gaps in your lineup. By the looks of things the 4C would map into roughly to the Z3M’s spot whereas the F-Type or Aston would be a more direct replacement for the GT. i8 I have no idea where that maps to in terms of purpose to be honest...

Also, what’s the timescale of ownership for the car? If it’s relatively short-term I’d say get the 4C. You can hoon around in it for a while then either sell it on or trade it in for a Giulia QV when they come on sale.

Sod it, just buy the 4C. I love the 4C ;)

Jayhawk Jake > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:34

AMG GT-S?

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:37

Not available yet. Also supposed to be in the aventador price range. You could go for an older GT but then you’re looking at anywhere from 250k to 500k

nerd_racing > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:37

Kinja'd!!!

I wish I was skaycog. just look at the car though... worth waiting for.

I saw the lemans car at PRI and it was really awesome in person.

CAR_IS_MI > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:41

I have actually contemplated all of these and then some as I will need to replace my 360 Modena with something soon and have contemplated many different avenues.

I REALLY wanted an i8 until I met a guy who owned one yesterday. He loved it but he was not a car guy. My first problem with it was that many of the compartments are ‘code locked’ so that only BMW can service them. This is fine when the car is new and in factory warranty, but having to bring the car back to BMW forever... (one of the many things that annoys me about my Ferrari is if I bring it to an indy mechanic and have the same service done for 1/2 the price, it effects the value of my car). He let me sit in his i8 as well and getting in and out is not easy, like v12 Lambo, do the limbo, difficult. The other part of this problem here is parking. The doors are too wide to fit in a standard parking spot, so BMW had to put sensors in the doors that tell you if there is enough space on either side to open the door. How annoying would it be to go out on a date and pull into a spot and “oh, sorry, not enough room for you to get out, lets find another spot”, then another, then another until you finally find a spot both doors can open in, and then when you come back some jackass parked too close and now you cant get back into your car.

I am a fan of the 4c, looks great, sounds great, goes great, but my quarrel with it is no manual trans. Its not a super car like the P1 or 918 where a DCT only trans makes sense, so preferably, I would find a used Elise or Exige over the 4C.

F-type you nailed my concern too, manual is available but not the trims I would want.

Aston, I had my concerns about, my cousin had a V8 Vantage auto, had trans problems, got rid of it. The V12s are known to have valve / head issues. I finally found a guy who owns a V8 vantage with a proper transmission and spent some time talking to him about it, he said he never had an issue and services are not too pricey or close together (like Ferrari). So a V8 Aston with 3 pedals is still on my possible list

Not sure what your budget is like, I am trying to keep mine under 100K as I prefer not to take out a loan on something that is going to be a 4th or 5th car and not a daily, so my other considerations have been:

996 turbo

997 turbo

Continental supersports

C6 ZR1

SRT Viper

Gallardo (although I wonder how many of the same concerns I have with the Ferrari I will run into with this)

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Jayhawk Jake
12/14/2015 at 11:46

That should be on the list. My wife loves it.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 11:50

My vote is for the Jag. Ebrace your inner villain. Although if you could get a good deal on a manual Aston DBS, that would be the real choice.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Patrick Nichols
12/14/2015 at 11:51

Almost bought one in my perfect color combo (silver over full red) 6 years ago for $75. Oops. I think they are like 200k now.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > DrScientist
12/14/2015 at 11:53

I am open to new or used but needs to be relatively recent mode year. If new frankly I will probably do a 2-year lease because that’s how long I tend to keep cars and you can always buy out the lease if you love it.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
12/14/2015 at 11:56

The S55 is the big Merc. It’s getting replaced by the Giulia whenever it comes out (and I already have a friend who is taking it). I’ll probably sell the Z3M this year but I’ve said that each of the last 4 years then I go drive it.

I like the looks of the 4C but it's definitely more pure sports car than executive GT like most of the others. Frankly only the i8 is a pure exotic in my mind out of my mix, maybe the Aston qualifies too.

DrScientist > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:01

right... well i would definitely say to lease not purchase the i8. theyre doing horribly on the second-hand market. it might be an interesting car to have for a couple of years.

the aston might be a good long-term purchase, depending on which you’re interested in. i’m sure there are going to be very few manual shift v12 cars out there very soon.

the f-type is pretty but not nearly as special as the others. i’d say a reasonable 1-2 year old purchase for the wife/s.o.

and youre right about the 4c not being as luxurious. knowing how i drive... 1x weekly 100 mile drives, i’d get tired of it quite quickly. depends on how you use it. also... sparse interiors on cars seem to be more noticeable in the winter.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:02

If you’re looking for exotic then the i8 is probably as exotic as you can get this side of a Jag CX-75 (can you imagine the comparos if only they’d made that!)

I’d say the Alfa qualifies as exotic. Certainly looks the part, and the technology’s there as well with it’s CF tub.

Have you done much experimentation with adding boost? Might be fun to have a play around with the 4C in that respect...

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Jonathan Harper
12/14/2015 at 12:13

By the way you’re probably the only person on here that has driven all or most of these - what did I miss other than maybe the AMG GT and the Vette (which I have already sat in and think does not compete with the others in terms of interior amenities other than the 4C which is sort of a different beast, but I think I should give it another shot).

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:15

All of those other cars are great of course, but just go drive the GT-S if you haven’t already.

I know a guy who’s been all about Porsche his whole life until he bought a C63 507. Long story short, he ended up having a very bad experience with that car which left him feeling some rather unkind thoughts about Mercedes. He planned on getting a 991. Then he drove the GT-S and bought it right there.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > CAR_IS_MI
12/14/2015 at 12:16

I will admit it’s a fun/nice problem to have.

I have almost purchased a couple of 355s but everyone knowledgeable tells me to get the 360 instead and that was the biggest leap other than 430->458 in that segment. I’m sure that’s the right answer but I just love pop-up headlights. Sounds like maintenance on the 360 is still at the annoying level.

Also at that level: Continental (a friend owns one, he’s selling it due to maintenance levels. Way way worse than my Maserati.)

Lambo -same as I understand it, although I think the engine maintenance on the V10 is not that bad.

I’m not a 911 guy, or a Viper guy (also no death wish).

I should take another look at the new Vette actually, but I sat in it when it was brand new and remember being disappointed in the interior.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
12/14/2015 at 12:17

Also I would barely have to change my screen name.

Jonathan Harper > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:25

If you’ve got 4C on there, maybe consider one of the new Loti?

CAR_IS_MI > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:36

360 maintenance is way better than the 355, but mine has had 2 majors done already, one at 12k one at 17k, it needs an oil service every 2,500 mi or 2 years whichever comes first, at the cost of $1000, and the clutch is supposed to be replaced at 80% clutch life (that’s right, a clutch is apparently only good for 20% use). I drove mine about 2,500 mi a year, and its due for an oil service now, which I don’t feel the desire to do as I’m getting rid of it, and my clutch life is at 60%, still works fine, so I am not spending the $5000 on a clutch replacement. I also need a new battery, which I might do myself and save myself the likely $1000 that Ferrari would charge for a $100 battery replacement.

That was my concern with the continental and lambo (and Maserati as well), the C7 vette is a huge upgrade compared to the C6 (interior wise) but would not compare to your Maserati.

one of the most comfortable and well appointed cars I have been is the new Mercedes S-class coupe. A neighbor has a black on black S63 AMG coupe, very comfortable, every luxury you may desire, and its quick. I mean its no sports car, but its a great grand touring car, and with a 0-60 at 3.9 it will take a lot of the mid range sports cars out there today, assuming you can stomach the 160k + price tag.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CAR_IS_MI
12/14/2015 at 12:46

I hate to say it, but the discussion between you two has made me incredibly grateful that I drive what I do.

That being said, if I were looking for something with a decent amount of performance without breaking the bank (too badly), I’d say go for the C7. That, or a Model S P85D.

Jayhawk Jake > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 12:48

I really love the way they look and it drives great in Forza

CAR_IS_MI > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 12:54

Lol. It’s so sad and true. The Ferrari was my first forte into high end exotic type cars and has been disappointing in terms of overall cost vs performance (it’s really not that fast, but it is fun). The sad thing is I can buy a ZR1 for way less than the 360 cost, and it would walk all over the majority of the new Ferrari’s / Lambo’s / etc. that cost 8x as much.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > CAR_IS_MI
12/14/2015 at 13:16

I will admit - the stereotypical owner does seem to be a slightly overweight (possibly) balding middle-aged Caucasian man. Take that as you will, though. :P

You shouldn’t worry about what you drive too much, so long as it makes you smile.

CAR_IS_MI > BaconSandwich is tasty.
12/14/2015 at 13:19

lol I only buy cars to experience them. Very few cars have impressed me enough to want to keep them for extended periods of time. I’ve already gone through 4 cars this year, see what happens next year.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > CAR_IS_MI
12/14/2015 at 13:37

Two majors under 20k miles makes me happy about my Maser. Yikes.

I don’t know where you live but I take my Maser to SF Motorsports in San Rafael which has one of the most highly respected indy F/M mechanics in the world and their prices are about half the dealer for service.

My exotic car dealer talked me out of trying the Vette and basically most of my other options. The only car he didn’t have much seat time with was the i8 but he thought it was a definite try it and see. The only others he thought were worth my time were the AMG GT-S and the 4C, but mostly just to try it.

He did say a 575M might make an interesting choice and they haven’t been hit as hard by the recent Ferrari run-up, but that I would probably be irritated by the maintenance requirements, which it sounds like you would agree with.

I love the S63 coupe but I already have an S55. That’s sort of the next replacement option. Anything that does 0-60 under 4.5 is probably fast enough for me - if I wanted to win every stop light race I’d just get the Vette.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > CAR_IS_MI
12/14/2015 at 13:38

Given your replacement timeline it sounds like we are very simpatico on the car ownership issue.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Sneaky Pete
12/14/2015 at 13:38

Really? Yeah no thanks.

marshknute > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 13:39

i8 or 4C. If you’re going to buy something crazy, go all out.

If you get the Alfa, go for the sexy metallic red, Rosso Competizione, instead of the less special Rosso Alfa.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > marshknute
12/14/2015 at 13:47

There’s a black/red one at the local dealer (which I am trying to drive tomorrow). I like that combo, but I generally agree that Alfas should be red.

B_dol > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 14:03

Might I add the Lotus Evora 400 in as a wild card? Not a lot of cars stand out in the bay area (most of your stable does), so my vote goes to the unique 4C or lotus.

Kinja'd!!!

CAR_IS_MI > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 14:11

I’m out in Vegas, we have one indy shop out here and he does good work, but as far as indy mechanics go he’s not really a “name”. I love the 550 / 575 and it is on my list to own, but services are a bit more on those than on my 360 due to additional cylinders I assume. The thing I learned with Ferrari ownership is that you need not only to be able to afford the car, but also have a separate bank account with 10 - 15k in it depending on the cost of maintenance for that model, and not only leave that money in there, but also be able to replenish that money quickly, solely for the upkeep of the car. Once I get myself above the 200k / yr mark I will buy another F-car.

Thisisadisplayname > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
12/14/2015 at 19:42

All Depreciating assets...do what DeMuro and I did and get an f-car. Sounds like you wouldn’t put a lot of miles on it anyways...