I've realised I'm getting old...what to do (regarding cars)?

[Pondy]

I am liking that 650 more and more. I do like low mileage cars (maybe as I've leased over the last 15 years or so) and will do little mileage so residuals will stay higher.
The 4.4 shows up as £340 RFL, which seems low for the emissions. I would expect it to be £600 ish. Anybody know if this is an error?

 

[Mister T]

Aren't the 5.0L Mustang Convertibles hovering around £30k now?

 

[Sludgepump]

I'm doing exactly the same search!
Retirement is coming up and I've been allowed to have a bit of a splurge (the Zed will have to make way unfortunately)
Want a lazy V8 convertible with (idealy) four seats. I will follow your search with interest!

What I have discovered while doing my search is what a good car the Zed is and how much more you have to spend
to get anything appreciably better!

 

[Pondy]

Aren't the 5.0L Mustang Convertibles hovering around £30k now?

Looked at those, but they are A). going up in value (a lot) and B). pretty cr*p cars (Ford US make them and their build quality and technology have never been exactly world beating).

 

[Pondy]

Having spent 5 minutes researching the 6 series, it looks like the 650i has the same engine as the M6, just with a different map (heard that before many a time). The M6 has fancy hydraulic dampers and a posher exhaust. So a 650i with a remap and aftermarket cat-back pipes could be the 'thinking man's M6'?
Have a slight 'drug dealer' image issue in my head though. I do this with a lot of cars; maybe my pre-conceived ideas and many years of looking at cars and their drivers and being an old fart.

 

[RedUn]

If you swap the 8yr rule for a mileage rule that would open up some lovely cars...

 

[Pondy]

If you swap the 8yr rule for a mileage rule that would open up some lovely cars..

I'm all ears!

 

[sars]

If it were my money C43 convertible or 440i convertible

Good shouts, but the C43 to me is not a proper AMG (AMG light?) and the 4 series I just don't think look pretty (also they are a small 4 seater). M4 yes, but then we are going over-budget and into performance that I don't really want anymore.

No not a full fat AMG, but that C43 engine is an absolute gem, a 3.0litre biturbo V6 also fitted to my old SL400. The only downside of the 6 series is the size and weight, they’re huge and heavy, but a comfortable cruiser

 

[Pondy]

The C43 is over budget, they seem to start at £32k ish (they've also gone up a lot lately).

The 650i linked is sold! :x

 

[tiglon]

This might not be your thing if you think Jags are unreliable, but... Maserati Grancabrio? Probably over budget now.

Seems like all the options have been covered, there aren't a lot of different 4 seater 6+ cylinder convertibles these days. A quick search on autotrader says you can choose from BMW 2/4/6, Audi 5, or a Mercedes E400 (but unfortunately not the newer one that you would probably want).

If you can live with a coupe it opens up more options with a CLS400, C43, newer S5 and one or two M2/4's. C43 coupe would probably be my choice, not that it matters - glorious engine, good interior, looks great. The S5 is tempting for the interior but overall it's a bit dull.

I'd love a Mustang 5.0 but I just couldn't accept the rubbish interior either, in a car that is supposed to feel special.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

If it were my money C43 convertible or 440i convertible

Good shouts, but the C43 to me is not a proper AMG (AMG light?) and the 4 series I just don't think look pretty (also they are a small 4 seater). M4 yes, but then we are going over-budget and into performance that I don't really want anymore.

I agree about the C43. Driven in isolation it seems alright, albeit not especially fast and with a slightly low rent interior. However, in comparison with the sheer theatre and remarkable track capabilities of the C63, the C43 is not worthy of its AMG badges.

 

[Pondy]

This might not be your thing if you think Jags are unreliable, but... Maserati Grancabrio? Probably over budget now.

Seems like all the options have been covered, there aren't a lot of different 4 seater 6+ cylinder convertibles these days. A quick search on autotrader says you can choose from BMW 2/4/6, Audi 5, or a Mercedes E400 (but unfortunately not the newer one that you would probably want).

If you can live with a coupe it opens up more options with a CLS400, C43, newer S5 and one or two M2/4's. C43 coupe would probably be my choice, not that it matters - glorious engine, good interior, looks great. The S5 is tempting for the interior but overall it's a bit dull.

I'd love a Mustang 5.0 but I just couldn't accept the rubbish interior either, in a car that is supposed to feel special.

Thanks, that pretty much sums it up. No Maserati for me. Running costs, build quality, reliability, you name it!

I did briefly look at A/M DB9s, which a few months ago were in budget, but again the reasons above and that I don't want to smoke a pipe put me off! Parts are stupid expensive and they seem to need them often. Do like the idea of an Aston, though. My late dad would be looking down at me with pride if I had one.

 

[Pondy]

I agree about the C43. Driven in isolation it seems alright, albeit not especially fast and with a slightly low rent interior. However, in comparison with the sheer theatre and remarkable track capabilities of the C63, the C43 is not worthy of its AMG badges.

Agree with that. I could be seriously tempted by the newer C63S cab; it just looks great and sounds like a Spitfire, but again the whole point is that I am getting old and don't need, or really want a monster of a car and the budget is nowhere near (I have to set a budget otherwise £30K soon becomes £40K, then £50K and so on). One of my problems is that I have money sitting in the bank earning f*ck-all, so it is really tempting to spend it.

 

[RedUn]

This might not be your thing if you think Jags are unreliable, but... Maserati Grancabrio? Probably over budget now.

Seems like all the options have been covered, there aren't a lot of different 4 seater 6+ cylinder convertibles these days. A quick search on autotrader says you can choose from BMW 2/4/6, Audi 5, or a Mercedes E400 (but unfortunately not the newer one that you would probably want).

If you can live with a coupe it opens up more options with a CLS400, C43, newer S5 and one or two M2/4's. C43 coupe would probably be my choice, not that it matters - glorious engine, good interior, looks great. The S5 is tempting for the interior but overall it's a bit dull.

I'd love a Mustang 5.0 but I just couldn't accept the rubbish interior either, in a car that is supposed to feel special.

Thanks, that pretty much sums it up. No Maserati for me. Running costs, build quality, reliability, you name it!

I did briefly look at A/M DB9s, which a few months ago were in budget, but again the reasons above and that I don't want to smoke a pipe put me off! Parts are stupid expensive and they seem to need them often. Do like the idea of an Aston, though. My late dad would be looking down at me with pride if I had one.

I was going to suggest the DB9...

Other random ideas, Lexus RCF, 5 litre v8.

Big coupe, Panamera?

M6, V10 convertible and 10k in fuel money? :evil:

Edit to add, seriously, V8 M3, they are great cars, lots of lovely noises and they are holding their money well at the minute

 

[Ian J]

This might not be your thing if you think Jags are unreliable, but... Maserati Grancabrio? Probably over budget now.

I had a Maserati on my very short, short list a few years ago and was about to press the "buy" button when I chickened out due to the potentially frightening costs of keeping one on the road as a daily driver

 

[Pondy]

I think I may have found my Nirvana. Running costs are going to be pretty eye-watering but as long as I don't drive it, it should be OK. Insurance with my current company is £245 p/a
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055862810?model=M6&postcode=pe111xn&make=BMW&radius=1500&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&include-delivery-option=on&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2

 

[Mr Tidy]

I think I may have found my Nirvana. Running costs are going to be pretty eye-watering but as long as I don't drive it, it should be OK
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-detail ... ars&page=2

Wow - that looks fantastic!

Surely life's too short not to? :lol:

 

[Stevo1987]

I agree about the C43. Driven in isolation it seems alright, albeit not especially fast and with a slightly low rent interior. However, in comparison with the sheer theatre and remarkable track capabilities of the C63, the C43 is not worthy of its AMG badges.

Agree with that. I could be seriously tempted by the newer C63S cab; it just looks great and sounds like a Spitfire, but again the whole point is that I am getting old and don't need, or really want a monster of a car and the budget is nowhere near (I have to set a budget otherwise £30K soon becomes £40K, then £50K and so on). One of my problems is that I have money sitting in the bank earning f*ck-all, so it is really tempting to spend it.

Stocks and shares ISA for spare cash? I am chucking large amounts into my works pension. Loving that tax relief.

 

[Stevo1987]

I think I may have found my Nirvana. Running costs are going to be pretty eye-watering but as long as I don't drive it, it should be OK. Insurance with my current company is £245 p/a
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055862810?model=M6&postcode=pe111xn&make=BMW&radius=1500&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&include-delivery-option=on&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2

Could be fun on the roads where you live.

 

[Deleted member 32480]

I think I may have found my Nirvana. Running costs are going to be pretty eye-watering but as long as I don't drive it, it should be OK. Insurance with my current company is £245 p/a
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055862810?model=M6&postcode=pe111xn&make=BMW&radius=1500&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&include-delivery-option=on&sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&page=2

A lot of car for 26k that.

Would take a C63 from the same year over it tho.