Which car?

Almost_Redundant

Hi,
Due to a forthcoming milestone birthday, I am planning to treat myself to a change of car. I am torn between the following:

1. Jaguar XK8/R

2. Porsche Boxter (2.7)

3. Maserati 3200

The car will have to be automatic and I have up to around 20K to spend. It will be used most days for commuting with a few longer runs each year.
Being a bit of a money saver (que the laughs) I guess that i'd really like to know which one is going to cause me the least financial pain. I am reasonably mechanically minded and can carry out most mechanical / electrical jobs, so wont be relying on main dealers for servicings. I hope to keep the car for minimum 2 years - longer if all still going well.

Does anybody own / have owned one of these cars? Would you care to comment good or bad points to further help me come to a decission. Many thanks.

P.S never had this opportunity to own anything like it, so being very cautious.

OrangeProse

Porsche, Porsche, Porsche. Porsche. Porsche.

The Maserati looks wonderful but it is temperamental, unreliable and difficult to drive. It will make you cry. And the Jaguar will be comfortable on long journeys but is likely to lose more in depreciation during the time that you own it.

So I'd go for the Boxster.

Or, perhaps consider a Mercedes CLK, nearly new Mazda RX8 or Nissan 350Z?

peterg1965

I agree, out of the three you list Porsche wins, buy one with a proper Porsche service history and from what I have read you will not be disappointed.

balsingh

Porsche! You cant go wrong and it will probably hold its value better than the others too.

mjr600

Nice position to be in.

The Jag and Porsche are both a great bet but the Porsche is the best to drive, it will retain value better than the Jag and will be more dependable.

I'd throw the Honda S2000 into the mix, it will be almost new at the £20000 point it is also a great drive coupled with superb quality and the best engine ever made. (not an auto though)

DavidHM

All three will come with substantial servicing costs. The Boxster is apparently not as well made as Porsche's reputation and the Jaguar will probably be cheapest to service, the Maserati the most expensive.

But realistically, buy whichever one you fall in love with and enjoy it, because none of them is a rational purchase but an emotional one.

nej

The other day I watched the Top Gear where they tested the Jag, a 911 (no, not a boxster), and a BMW 6 series against each other.

The outcome was the Jag (the supercharged one - R?) was best. And that was against a 911!

Anyway, drive them all and you'll know which one to buy I'm sure.

plane_boy2000

If you are buting this with a sensible head on then the Porsche. FIL is on his second and claims to have lost very little on the first one at part ex time. Also he raves about it, and he is very fussy

keithwales

I'm very envious of your predicament. The choice you have is huge.
One thing I would say thoughis look for a full service history and keep it up. Don't be tempted to do your own servicing on these cars. I think it will count for a lot when you come to sell on in two years time.
Find an independent specialist.
If you need help on the test drives don't hesitate to ask...

Almost_Redundant

Thanks for all of the replies so far. seems like the porsche is coming out on top. The most ive ever spent on a car to date was £7200 (mazda mx-6) 7 years ago! I guess you are right in saying that test drives will ultimately help me decide but i'm very reserved about going to do that. Looked at and test drove a (£9K) CLK320 1 year ago, nice car but not for me. The hassle I got from the dealer in the following weeks did my head in! Made me feel so guilty for not buying that I sent him some petrol money to cover the test drive!! What an idiot!! Puts me off going car hunting. I reckon i'd be in for twice as much hassle when I look for my dream car. Any advice on approaching this? - Excuses for not buying? Would it be easier to test drive at main dealers, knowing that i wouldnt buy from them? Was surprised about the comment re Jag being cheaper to service. Sealed gearbox on this car worries me (10 year life max!) Thanks again.

peterg1965

First stop for me would be https://www.autotrader.co.uk that would start to give you an idea of what sort of age of car you would be looking for. Check out the main dealer websites as well and see what they have to offer, but they will be asking top money. For that you will (should) get main dealer service and a cast iron warranty. Alternate places for the Porsche would be independant specialists, there are plenty of them, dependant on where you live.

As far as test driving is concerned, be honest with the dealer/salesman and tell them that you have a shortlist of three cars, any dealer worth his salt will be helpful, whilst still trying to sell you a car, but should not harass you afterwards! If they do give them short thrift.