New car, or not bother?
Posted by: Rasher on 13 February 2007
Currently I have a Lexus IS200SE, which I’ve had for about 6-7 years now. It’s still only done 55,000 miles and is in perfect condition, but I’m bored and fancy something else.
I have 3 children, but my wife has a Renault 5 seater and whoever takes the kids takes them all, so we don’t need another 5 seater between us. I wanted a Lotus Elise (black with black Oz wheels), but I’m getting laughed at by everyone for wanting a mid-life crisis car, and it’s putting me off. I would like a car that is economical to run but desirable and fun (the children love the idea of the Lotus). The new Lexus looks horrible. I’m not a BMW driver – nothing wrong with them, but I’m just not one. I liked the Nissan 350 for a week, but I think it’s ugly now. I don’t fancy a Porche. I even thought of getting a little Smart at one point.
I’m stuck. I look at cars and they all bore me. If I saw something that took my fancy I’d buy one, but they’re either environmentally wrong or they do nothing for me. I still think the Lotus is the best; nice car, looks the part, 55 mpg with a light foot on a run, but I’m going to get the piss taken.
Any ideas before I just keep what I have for another 6 years?
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by JWM
Either (1) get a Harley Davidson - then everyone could be
certain you were having a mid-life crisis.
Or (2) get the Lotus and move somewhere where it is more acceptable, like ... Norfolk (also good for seaside, Naim dealers, independent record shops, and independent breweries per head of population...)
James
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Rasher
Fortunately I had a Harley in the 90's, so that is out of my system now. I guess in Norfolk whatever you buy you'll need to trade for a boat in around 20 years?
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by worm
If in doubt don't change it. You can always change your mind later if you don't buy - you can't if you do.
Cheers
worm
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by naimshake
Have you considered a Caterham?
Not flash like the Lotus, but at least as much fun.
Alternatively, what about a Moggy?
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Bob McC
Keep the car. Grow a ponytail.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Rasher
I did briefly consider a Caterham, but I was thinking more of an everyday car rather than a weekender, unless I got a cheap Smart too.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Chris Kelly
Rasher
The mark3 Mazda MX5 is excellent. It is really well made, the roof comes up and down quickly and easily (unlike the Elise or worse still the caterham!), it goes well enough without being scary and it seems to be well built and reliable. What's not to like?
And your new ponytail will trail in the breeze very nicely.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by JWM
Smart is certainly handy for manoeuvering in congested Camden-on-Sea parking situations.
(And surprisingly roomy - I have even thought of one myself before now...)
James
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Rasher
quote:
The mark3 Mazda MX5 is excellent. What's not to like?
Sorry Chris. It's not a petrol-head car. Stangely the Smart is, in some weird utilitarian way, like buying a pickup.
Know what I mean?
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Duncan Fullerton
quote:
I would like a car that is economical to run but desirable and fun
Aren't desirable and economical mutually exclusive?
I'm having a reverse mid life crisis and buying my first 4-door after years of TVR ownership, an Audi RS4. It looks sensible and middle aged but feeds the hooligan in me quite nicely!
Duncan
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Roy Donaldson
Couple of options that I'm perhaps considering myself would be:
New Audi S3
2 year old Audi RS6
Roy.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Diode100
Just buy the Lotus, if that's what you want, just get it. Everything else will be a compromise, and no matter how good it is, everytime you look at it, you'll wish you'd got the Lotus. Anyway they are a good buy, look after it and it'll re-sell easily if you ever need to move on.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Jono 13
For bonkers, banzai moments find either a Honda S2000 for hair ripping or a Type R Integra for frightening the kids.
9000 rpm redline madness!!!!!!
Jono
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Bruce Woodhouse
quote:
I did briefly consider a Caterham, but I was thinking more of an everyday car rather than a weekender, unless I got a cheap Smart too.
I love my Cat but it is surely not an everyday car, however neither is an Elise really without significant compromises. The new Elise-Europa might be a bit kinder on the comfort front but it is getting seriously pricey. Be aware that Elise insurance can be prohibitive if used everyday rather than limited milage-a reflection of high repair costs as much as anything.
What about a Boxster? You just know it will be a delight to drive and will also be usable and reliable. Or an nicely cared for 911? Neither strictly 'economical to run' but the residuals actually make them pan out pretty good value over several years compared to an Elise.
Bruce
Incidentally one of the (many) pleasures of Caterham ownership is that everyone seems to like it. Kids approve, and want rides whenever possible, petrolheads show due respect, traffic police flag you down for a chat about engine capacity and exhaust systems (I jest not) and generally people wave and smile rather than think 'pratt'. To my suprise really given the way most people react to me....
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Paul Hutchings
My sagely advice would be to get something you like the look of.
Sounds bloody obvious I know but you can buy the best handling most fun car on the planet but if you don't enjoy looking at it when you aren't driving it it's pretty pointless IMHO.
I was looking at Lotuses a couple of years back and I would be prepared for a few comedy moments getting in and out. I'm a lanky git and I found it awkward and probably not something I'd want to do every day, the same as drive the car, it's a blast and probably great in the summer but I didn't fancy climbing in it in the pissing rain or freezing cold.
I know you say you don't like Porsche but I would consider a 911 simply because it has 4 seats - the children might "love the idea of the Lotus" but as it only has 2 seats it does literally mean any family thing whatsoever and you're in the Renault.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Diccus62
Keep the Lexus and buy a second hand (see above) weekend car for playing in. Kids will love it too. Store it in winter to keep insurance down.
Diccus
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Stephen Tate
quote:
Originally posted by Jono 13:
For bonkers, banzai moments find either a Honda S2000 for hair ripping or a Type R Integra for frightening the kids.
9000 rpm redline madness!!!!!!
Jono
I know what you mean!
The s2000 is a fantastic car.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Guido Fawkes
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Don Atkinson
[quote]I wanted a Lotus Elise (black with black Oz wheels), but I’m getting laughed at by everyone for wanting a mid-life crisis car, and it’s putting me off. quote]
Christ man, stand up for yourself and do what you want. Life's too short to worry what others think.
If you need a bit of comfort support, how many people on this forum have laughed at the idea of your self-perceived mid-life crisis? None. And this place isn't renouned for being stingy with the ridicule.........
Cheers
Don
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by fred simon
Rasher, do your children (and mine) a favor and get a hybrid. If you can afford the Lexus, then you can afford the Honda Accord hybrid.
The Earth, and its population, will thank you.
All best,
Fred
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Chillkram
quote:
Originally posted by Diode100:
Just buy the Lotus, if that's what you want, just get it. Everything else will be a compromise, and no matter how good it is, everytime you look at it, you'll wish you'd got the Lotus. Anyway they are a good buy, look after it and it'll re-sell easily if you ever need to move on.
Exactly.
Clearly that's what you want, Rasher. Don't worry about everyone else and what they say. Besides, mid-life is the only time (unless you're very well off) that you have the disposable income and the older children that mean you have the freedom to get one.
Just do it man!!
Mark
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by Skip
I would buy second hand the last four door BMW M3, circa 1997. It is a blast to drive and relatively practical. An old M5 s better yet if you can find a good one. I have a 1988 daily driver which is a real hot rod!
I have priced a Lotus Elise, but now I am personally lusting after a Porsche Cayman S. But it is a lot of money with little practicality for a family guy. There are a lot of low mileage Boxster S's on Ebay, which might make more sense than a Lotus. Better motor, repair record, and resale for sure.
Posted on: 13 February 2007 by DAVOhorn
Dear All,
How about this ;
A Renault Alpine A610 or if you want more fun then a A110.
The A610 is a nutter of a 4 seater porsche style performance car.
The quality of build is Renault clio but the performance is 911 territory.
3 litre turbo V6 with at least 250 bhp but with a bit of money 400bhp is possible.
I nearly bought one 3 years ago but have moved to Aus instead.
Or go for a A110 from the seventies with a 150 bhp Gordini/Alpine engine.
Rare and idiosyncraticc but practical and a blast to drive.
regards David
Posted on: 14 February 2007 by rupert bear
quote:
Originally posted by fred simon:
Rasher, do your children (and mine) a favor and get a hybrid. If you can afford the Lexus, then you can afford the Honda Accord hybrid.
The Earth, and its population, will thank you.
All best,
Fred
Amazing that it's taken an American to say this. What a backward lot we are here in the UK.
Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Staedtler
quote:
Rasher, do your children (and mine) a favor and get a hybrid. If you can afford the Lexus, then you can afford the Honda Accord hybrid.
The Earth, and its population, will thank you.
All best,
Fred
Sorry Fred, but hybrids are not really the answer everyone is touting. How much energy is used in making the extra batteries? What happens to the batteries at the end of their life? The extra energy needed for all of this generally comes from power stations that have far less stringent emissions control. Plus, the hybrids are programmed to give you the low C02 and economy figures at the test speeds stated by law, not neccesarily to give the best real world benefit. Still, at least all the celebs can look like they're doing something for the environment, even if the don't understand what.....
