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I thought about the new Mustang but man, it's not a good looking car and the 10spd auto is not good either. Plus, at almost 52 now I'm becoming a bit of a badge snob.
Anyone here owned a F-Type recently? I had been considering that too but don't know how good they are as used cars. Like the idea of the ZF 8spd and a boosted 6-cylinder plus I can get it as a convertible. I know the interior is pretty dated even on the newer ones before the drastic facelift.
In my opinion, yes. I get the "fun car" bit but find one that isn't impractical to actually go and do things with it. Getting something that's fun to drive while having space to sit in, a trunk to put shit in, and a bonus sorta back seat for when you want to bring your buddies around is awesome for around town and road trips. I don't know if you have or plan to have kids but it's also nice to be able to cart them around in a fun car too. A roadster won't do any of those things and that's why they don't really sell all that well these days. Getting a sport coupe gets you a lot of practicality while sacrificing next to nothing except for the folding roof...and where you live I'd say (IMO at least) that's worth the trade.
New M240 is fantastic and actually faster than the previous gen M2 but, IMO, the M2 is still the one to get if you can swing it. It has a lot more character and feeling behind it and it'll probably hold its value for a long time.
Why not get another Mustang? You can probably snag a GT Premium or Mach 1 for about $50k.
I don't have kids and won't as I'm almost 52, so that ship sailed. As I mentioned, I'm becoming a bit of a badge snob and had my time in a Mustang. There aren't many, but it looks like a F-Type V6 would be in my price range.
I like the F Type, but know nothing about the ownership experience.
Just old reputations, but I'd lean BMW/MB over Jag. Not sure if current models area more reliable than older Jags, just know some of them (older XJs & such) had some pricey maintenance that was more frequent.
What about a corvette? Or does that trigger the brand snobbery you mentioned?
A friend of mine had an EType R a few years back that he got used. He sold it because even getting it a few years used, it was still dropping value like a rock and he said “he couldn’t afford the depreciation”.
After the Jag he got an Evora.
Jags have horrid depreciation and even worse reliability. You're better off with a S5 cabriolet if that's what you want. Another good option is a Cayman. No back seat but it has plenty of storage space and is a comfortable car to drive.
What about a corvette? Or does that trigger the brand snobbery you mentioned?
A friend of mine had an EType R a few years back that he got used. He sold it because even getting it a few years used, it was still dropping value like a rock and he said “he couldn’t afford the depreciation”.
After the Jag he got an Evora.
+1 C8 FTW, I occasionally go online and see what a 1LT C8 goes for and there are plenty of new C8 in the mid-Atlantic region going for MSRP (mostly in NJ). IMO, the best value/fun proposition out there for new or used in that price range. And decent resale.
+1 C8 FTW, I occasionally go online and see what a 1LT C8 goes for and there are plenty of new C8 in the mid-Atlantic region going for MSRP (mostly in NJ). IMO, the best value/fun proposition out there for new or used in that price range. And decent resale.
C8 is way out of my price range. C7s are something I could afford but not really something I'm that enthusiastic about. C8 is a good shout objectively, I just can't afford to spend that kind of money.
Jags have horrid depreciation and even worse reliability. You're better off with a S5 cabriolet if that's what you want. Another good option is a Cayman. No back seat but it has plenty of storage space and is a comfortable car to drive.
Not trying to be contrarian, but have you had experience or know folks with issues with recent jags? I just remembered that a coworker of my wife had 2 jags (actually he still has one). He had an XJ long wheelbase for many years that he traded in and now he has an F-type (I think it’s the S). We occasionally talk cars when we meet but it’s been a while since I saw him. I don’t remember him complaining about the jags. My mom also had a 2017 Range Rover with the Diesel engine. She got it very early 2017 or late 2016, she just traded it in a few months ago, but during the 6 years there were very few issues with it. The only problem I can think of was the suspension gremlins. The car lowers itself when you park, but hers would sometimes raise itself all the way up when parked. It would do that for a few days then come back to its senses. We once had the engine go into a limp mode (no power reduction it just said that I had X miles to take it to dealer) and it turned out it was just a sensor for the diesel emissions thing.
wife and I talked about keeping the Range Rover, but a combination of it having very little leg room in the 2nd row (regular wheelbase) and I didn’t find the seats too comfortable in it (HSE trim, not autobiography) we decided to just stick with the cars we currently have in the garage.
In reality though, I think a lot of the cars on the used market are there because they had problems, not only because the owner is bored.
Originally Posted by charliemike
C8 is way out of my price range. C7s are something I could afford but not really something I'm that enthusiastic about. C8 is a good shout objectively, I just can't afford to spend that kind of money.
Yeah I was thinking C7 as well, although at an Autocross we had one completely seize up… the owner said that was the second motor in that car too, older guy too, 65-70years old.
also, what about an Alfa Romeo 4c?
friend has one, and he really likes it. He also has an Exige and he said they are pretty different, the 4c is much easier to live with.
Not trying to be contrarian, but have you had experience or know folks with issues with recent jags?
Yes. Friend has a F Type SVR and it sounds like thunder but it's always broken with something or the other going wrong. It's also (relatively) not as fast as you'd think they are nor is it all that comfortable.
Yes. Friend has a F Type SVR and it sounds like thunder but it's always broken with something or the other going wrong. It's also (relatively) not as fast as you'd think they are nor is it all that comfortable.
what we are learning here is; don’t go for the fast model. That’s a shame about your friends experience, it’s funny you mention the sound, my friend with the R also sounded really good at Autocross.
@hdcolumbus has one.
Can you get into a 4C for under $50k?
Maybe a newer Boxster S, pre 718? Get the convertible fun & maybe a bit more performance than the Z4.
The 718 S is down about 50hp/20tq on the Z4 M40i
981 seems closer to M40i power numbers, but those are probably at or over the $50k mark, I'd guess
@hdcolumbus has one.
Can you get into a 4C for under $50k?
Maybe a newer Boxster S, pre 718? Get the convertible fun & maybe a bit more performance than the Z4.
The 718 S is down about 50hp/20tq on the Z4 M40i
981 seems closer to M40i power numbers, but those are probably at or over the $50k mark, I'd guess
Interesting. Hadn't thought about a Boxster S. Father-in-Law has a 2009 Cayman S with about 4K miles on it (6MT) that he loves though he doesn't drive it a lot. Also has a 2023 Cayman GTS 4.0 with PDK. AND a Macan GTS. So he's a big Porsche guy and I could definitely fit in well with a Boxster S.
@hdcolumbus has one.
Can you get into a 4C for under $50k?
Maybe a newer Boxster S, pre 718? Get the convertible fun & maybe a bit more performance than the Z4.
The 718 S is down about 50hp/20tq on the Z4 M40i
981 seems closer to M40i power numbers, but those are probably at or over the $50k mark, I'd guess
There are currently 27 4Cs for sale in the US — An earlier model year coupe (non-Launch Edition / pre-Akrapovik exhaust) with base options can be found for under $50K. If a 2015 is found, there are a few things that you’ll want done from a preventative maintenance perspective, like adding in a TCM shield, belts, fluids, bolt tightening on the carbon fiber chassis—so, be prepared to spend around $3-5K up front—all labor—I think the parts are under $500 altogether.
Most of this can all be done in one service overlap to cut down on the labor costs. The great news is that after these are completed, cost of ownership is around $500 per year. They’re stupid simple to work on and reliable. It’s a lot of race car for the overall spend. The prices are pretty much at the bottom at this point for base models. Pricing is affected by seasonality and location too—dropping 2-5% in winter months; however, most are steadily appreciating 1-1.5% YoY.
Here is the lowest price in the country at the moment:
Decently equipped with the 22C package. You wouldn’t lose money on this deal; but, if I were looking for a coupe in this year, I’d spend the extra $5-6K and get a Launch Edition. It will be the only one that will appreciate over time in this model year. It comes with every option available at the time—so, $17-20K in original MSRP options for a few thousand more than a base—and will likely become a collectible as there are way less than the 500 supposedly shipped to the US in the market.
Last edited by hdcolumbus; Jul 16, 2023 at 01:22 AM.
Hey, thanks for the info on the Alfa 4C. Honestly, I had never considered one. You certainly know your stuff. I will definitely do some more research. They are not common and I love the idea of Alfa Romeo so it would be an interesting option.
Hey, thanks for the info on the Alfa 4C. Honestly, I had never considered one. You certainly know your stuff. I will definitely do some more research. They are not common and I love the idea of Alfa Romeo so it would be an interesting option.
Always feel free to shoot me a dm if you have more questions. Always happy to help!
I just wanted to vent a little about the lack of Wagons here in the USA. We got back from a trip to Europe (wife and 2 kids) and I rented a bmw 520 touring. Ok that engine was not the highlight of the trip, it was reasonable around town but on mountain passes (for overtakes) or highway it was anemic and inert. But otherwise, I really liked the car, comfy seats, comfy ride, good dynamics and lots of room for cargo and I just find it pretty… Also, while in Europe, I saw the new M3 touring… I would be willing to forgive the ugly nose if I could get a touring. I think they made the Alpina B5 in a touring, that would have been a sweet ride. Now I saw on the bmw website the next gen 5 series which in proper bmw form, they managed to make uglier.
Ok, rant over, attaching picture of our temporary chariot.
Oh Absolutely LOVED seeing all the wagons in EU!!! There are quite a number of them that are completely GORGEOUS and completely UNAVAILABLE in the USA.
Hey, thanks for the info on the Alfa 4C. Honestly, I had never considered one. You certainly know your stuff. I will definitely do some more research. They are not common and I love the idea of Alfa Romeo so it would be an interesting option.
Sweet deal on a private seller 2015 coupe with all the good stuff, including track package. The major services are already done too—good for the next 12,000 miles or so.
A used LC 500 is like $10K outside my comfort zone. Always intrigued me and man they are rare. The styling can be polarizing but they sure make a statement.
What do folks think of the F30 3-Series? I've been looking at 330xi wagons as well. Still on the fence if we keep the Mazda or sell it and get a toy later.
What do folks think of the F30 3-Series? I've been looking at 330xi wagons as well. Still on the fence if we keep the Mazda or sell it and get a toy later.
I'm a pretty big fan, I think it's one of the best generations.