Guys, thanks for the responses and advice. Firstly, sorry about doubling up the thread! Anways, I have driven the Gallardo and AMV8 extensively, in fact I have done a lots and lots of driving them in them both. The 430 is still too rare for dealers to have as demonstrators in Japan and I daren't ask a friend if I can push his car to the limits. I have driven at least 8 360's - all variations and liked them. I have only heard good things about the 430 so far...
Aston Martin DB9 was mentioned by a few gentlemen, I did have one for a day and to be honest was not that impressed, its a big car and unlike a Ferrari 575 / 550 it feels like a big car, the brakes were not impressive and the turn in was not definite enough for my liking. The steering lacked the feedback and directness of a 911 OR the AMV8.
Now the AMV8 is a lot nicer car if you are a Porsche fan than the DB9. True it could be said that the cars are aimed at different people and are more suited for different purposes but that is not the point if you are going to drive it everyday for me. I can get the point - trust me, but I prefer the looks and the feel of the AMV8 more.
The only thing the AMV8 lacked was a bit of kick, doesn't feel as fast as the 997 and it probably isn't. But it is a great car to drive. The 2007 cars are very different to the 2005 cars. I had the chance to drive a 2005 when it first came out. I wanted to check it out so much, I left my car at home, took a cab to the dealer and asked if I can drive to work. I did this during peak traffic in Tokyo - silly mistake, the clutch was very heavy and the gearshift was impossible! You could probably cope on a country road or motorway but 1st / 2nd gear driving in Tokyo was terrible, so much so, I told the salesman that I was going to get a cab to work for the rest of the journey, he almost started crying poor guy! But I just couldn't handle it. The wife and I had a 2007 Vertigo Blue AMV8 the other weekend, great car, drove lovely - much more useable. Can't really think of any downsides - maybe too many options : ) Its hard to spec!!
The Vanquish is lovely but it seems a little overweight to me, I know a couple of owners and although they love their cars said I SHOULDN'T buy one. Way too many annoying issues for them. One of them has 9 cars and uses a Gallardo as his daily driver!
For your information, I also had a Gransport for an extended test drive, it was OK. When I went out with the salesman and had a good chat he told me honestly that the Maserati's are great to go shopping, taking the GF/wife out for dinner and the odd bit of spirited driving, if I drove like I did that day ( nothing unusal for a P car driver) he thought the car wouldn't last! Honest hey! He went on to mention to his detriment that the Maserati warranty is 4 years but Maserati were not too good in what they covered or their response to issues.
The Lamborghini Gallardo was something I didn't consider seriously until I got one for a day. Negatives, the steering is very heavy at slow speed. The brakes demand you to be a bit more assertive than a P car and the stowage space is very limited if you wanted a few days away but still doable.
Nothing else negative. Great car, great fun puts a smile on my face everytime I see one and especially when I hear one! The REALLY interesting thing is my very petite Japanese wife LOVES the Lambo. She drove all over the place in it and it was hard to get her out! Everywhere we got stuck in traffic she caused a stir. I have never seen a 25 year old girl driving around in a Lambo myself so I guess it was the same for everyone else, people were pointing and staring which did put her off a bit. She loves the look, the fact that its not a Ferrari and she reminded me of what 'ol blue eyes said to a journalist who asked why he bought a Lamborghini Miura instead of a Ferrari
Quote
A Ferrari is what you buy when you WANT to be somebody, a Lamborghini is what you buy when you ARE somebody"
Unquote
Thats a cool line from Frank. I'm a nobody so the Ferrari might be the better choice : )
So getting to the Ferrari, I have driven loads of Ferrari's (1994 onwards only) and never had a bad experience. To me the whole Enzo Ferrari story is something special. He sold the family house to buy a car! Love it! And of course the rest is history and not everyone should take out a huge loan to buy a car! I have always wanted one and promised myself one day IF I have the means I will get one, I will never sell it though, it will be a keeper and go to my son and his son hopefully!
I have always wanted an Aston too - inspired by Bond of course when i was a kid - even my number ends with 007 - how tragic
Another 911 is an option I guess but I only ever like the lines of the standard car, don't like spoilers or huge holes in the body on a Porsche. So if I was to get another 911 I will just wait until the 998 comes out. The 997 is perfect as it is.
A friend of mine is pushing me to get a Carrera GT but the fact that a replacement clutch could cost USD 20,000 and their is no warranty just annoys me. I would be very upset if I had a major issue in a car like that.
The Veyron - I will have to win the lottery to get that! Not sure if I would though, I would probably get the Carrera GT and buy a couple of clutches while they still made them!!!
My dad could buy my 997 off me. I told him he can have it for GBP 40,000. He might just do that and at least its in the family so to speak.....Then I guess I could not feel so bad for selling me motor.
Incidentally, I drove the Jaguar XKR the other day too. Not a bad motor. Very nice to drive but definitely more of a cruiser if you ask me. Sounds and looks great!
Keeping your experiences and opinions coming! Very keen to hear them.
Sorry for the very long post though! Gonna be late for work now
