The old guy "fun car" dilemna

[twobone]

I live in Toronto Canada where the fun car driving season really only runs from early May till November.

Because of the growing population, stupid drivers and generally inconsiderate people have increasingly made urban "fun driving" more of a challenge.

I'm planning for my next "fun car" once I've got my garage back. Its currently full up with a boat building project.

I have my eye on two options of manual transmission cars:

- Late 2000s/early 2010s Aston Martin Vantage V8

- Mk 7.5 VW Golf R (half to a third of the cost of the Aston)

I've had "semi-exotic cars" before and been reluctant to use as a regular summer run-about (80s 911, Caterham, TVR Chimaera, etc.). This draws me towards the Golf R. I can leave it parked in the driveway and jump in it and rip to the grocery store or leave it parked anywhere without a worry.

However the opportunity to own and drive an Aston (my Dad owned a DB4 in England in the late 60s) is extremely enticing.

More and more I don't see classic cars on the road. Are others facing the same dilemma in the urban North East with the death of summer classic? I wish I lived in NorCal!

[sc_rufctr]

I can understand the Aston Martin thing but as we get older maybe we should be more prudent.

Golfs are cool but I prefer the classics like the Mk2.

Have you considered a Mazda Miata? Great fun car for not a lot of money.

[LWJ]

My buddy had a mt Aston of a similar vintage. He was a big fan. I think they are gorgeous.

I had similar thoughts when I sold my SC. Now? I am very much considering buying an air cooled P car. Just don't drive during rush hour and many of the obstacles are removed.

[Zeke]

Why can't you leave an AM parked somewhere? Do people in your town molest every car of that nature? If so you're assuming people don't know about Golf's. Around here Golf's turn heads (somewhat).
I don't understand the problem. Is it related to the value of the car?

You could always buy an interesting 'sleeper'. I had a friend back in the 70's who was a wizard at suspension set up. He had a Falcon station wagon that had a good F to R balance. That thing was a terror in the canyons. A stout 289 and he embarrassed a lot of "sports cars."

Being a bit crazy helped. He died on a blown Norton at the dry lake at triple digits. Don't ask me how he fabbed up a blower. He just did.

[Deschodt]

Quite the spread.. One of my close friends had the manual Aston V8 bug, and they are gorgeous cars. He reported he passed on it eventually as they were not as exciting to drive as he hoped. Pretty, gorgeous even, but I quote "made him feel like an old fart inside".

the golf R is a great car, but as "pedestrian" as the Aston is noticeable... May I suggest an in between, something like a 981 Cayman S ?

[aschen]

different things. Depends on your goals. Manual Aston will probably be a pain at times but probably past the bottom of its depreciation curve. COst of ownership all in might not be any higher than golf R once depreciation is factored.

Others for possible consideration, F-type or e92 M3 (most exciting engine I think Ive ever driven).

[herr_oberst]

A friend of mine has an M5 F90. My god, this would be my semi exotic if I had the dough, at least until the nickel and dime-ing that usually happens with a BMW. I would never get on an airplane to fly anywhere in NA ever again if I owned a car this capable. So comfortable, so fast, and very discreet.

[ted]

The old guy "fun car" dilemma.
At 68 I may not meet your old guy standards.
Are American cars no longer in vogue?

Golf R great choice if you are going to drive in the snow.
I would not bother with the AM, 80s 5.0 Mustang would be more exciting.
the answer is a C5 vette. Cheap to keep and easy to fix.

[Dantilla]

I briefly considered a V8 Vantage until I found out Aston Martin would not sell parts to an individual, or even a local body shop.
In case of accident damage, the car would have to be shipped to the nearest factory authorized dealership for repairs, which was, at the time, in San Francisco.

Makes it kinda tough on a DIY type guy like me.

[908/930]

Pick something that is comfortable sitting in traffic, no sport seats lol. Having lived in Toronto for years I found it was hard to enjoy a nice car. I would lean towards a M3 or M5 with a 6 speed.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Your current spread is between an older exotic and a modern grocery getter, albeit a fun one. In my opinion while the Golf R is a cool car, it’s also the car you buy if you need a fun and practical all-season daily driver. The Aston is the car that goes out on nice days, you mostly polish it in the garage, and you can’t help but turn back and stare as you walk away. For a non-daily driver it’s a no-brainer in my opinion, the Aston all day long. Of course I’ve had many a Porsche that I’ve daily driven including all winter on snow tires, so I’d daily drive it too!

[Dixie]

Go pick up a Testarossa. They're the common man's reasonably priced exotic.

So Innocent Angel GIFfrom So Innocent GIFs

[onewhippedpuppy]

One of your fellow Canadians went through a similar decision process quite recently:

https://youtu.be/naO2zYd7Cf0?si=nqb28MmuaSSEibrR

[Dixie]

Serious question. Why isn't anyone on this Porsche forum suggesting a Porsche?

[908/930]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Serious question. Why isn't anyone on this Porsche forum suggesting a Porsche?

Have you priced an air cooled 911 lately, that takes some of the fun out of it.

[Seahawk]

My "fun" DD has been my old friends 1996 Land Cruiser...9 years and 85k since I got it. Looking to change as I want keep that car in the south.

I have looked at lot of older stuff and it is, uh, suitable for
around town but I'd like a five hour tether to take advantage of the area...Boxster is in the lead since a lot of cars I like get problematic after an hour of so and a/c is a requirement...I just want to admire the view ad I need to get there.

Price point as well...I'd have a 964 Targa if I felt it was worth the price.

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by Dixie

Serious question. Why isn't anyone on this Porsche forum suggesting a Porsche?

We’re busy schadenfreuding.

[ryans65]

I see what you did there!

Originally Posted by dixie

go pick up a testarossa. They're the common man's reasonably priced exotic.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by 908/930

Have you priced an air cooled 911 lately...

What about a 15 year old water cooled 911, or a Boxster?

[Steve Carlton]

Originally Posted by twobone

I have my eye on two options of manual transmission cars:

- Late 2000s/early 2010s Aston Martin Vantage V8

- Mk 7.5 VW Golf R (half to a third of the cost of the Aston)

I think the discussion is supposed to be about these two cars.