Buying a car

[Nibby]

When I read that Pistonheads forum sometimes I see someone post like “Sporty convertible up to £15k recommendation” .
Rightly or wrongly I’ve never bought a car on someone else’s recommendation, I know what I want and normally won’t settle for anything else.
Wonder if that’s the case with anyone else?

 

[CatmanV2]

When I read that Pistonheads forum sometimes I see someone post like “Sporty convertible up to £15k recommendation” .
Rightly or wrongly I’ve never bought a car on someone else’s recommendation, I know what I want and normally won’t settle for anything else.
Wonder if that’s the case with anyone else?

Hmmm. I followed all the reprobates on here. It didn't end well

C

 

[Nibby]

Hmmm. I followed all the reprobates on here. It didn't end well

In the mid 80s I wanted a Triumph Stag, “Don’t buy one of them, they overheat” but I didn’t take any notice. Bought a lovely looking Emerald Green one out of the Cambridge Evening News, took it out the next day, July, sun was out…and it overheated.

 

[c4sman]

I generally know what I want, but I also definitely seek advice to validate that my expectations are valid. But I also try and vet whether the advice is worth listening to or just an echo chamber of people following popular commentary about a particular car. Like those many who say a Porsche Boxster is a “poor man’s Porsche”. I am fairly confident that 99.9% of people who say that have never been in one let alone driven one.

 

[Sam McGoo]

I generally know what I want, but I also definitely seek advice to validate that my expectations are valid. But I also try and vet whether the advice is worth listening to or just an echo chamber of people following popular commentary about a particular car. Like those many who say a Porsche Boxster is a “poor man’s Porsche”. I am fairly confident that 99.9% of people who say that have never been in one let alone driven one.

Hmm, but 99.9% of people that have a boxter would have got a 911 if they could afford it..... So they're right. A poor man's Porsche.

 

[Nayf]

Hmm, but 99.9% of people that have a boxter would have got a 911 if they could afford it..... So they're right. A poor man's Porsche.

Hmm.
I think I’d go for a Cayman R over a similar aged 911 GT3. The latter is a great car, but when I drove one on the road, I found myself struggling to find places to exploit it to its fullest, in the same way you could in previous GT3s/RS models.
The small tweaks to the R, plus the relatively small size, mean you stand a chance of using all the power, more of the time…

 

[philw696]

Hmm, but 99.9% of people that have a boxter would have got a 911 if they could afford it..... So they're right. A poor man's Porsche.

I like my 987.1 3.2S as one of the Best cars I've had for over 5 years now and I've had some special cars in my time.

 

[allandwf]

I've never bought a car that way. I know what I like, investigate, research, then just buy it. If I don't like it then it gets sold. I'd never buy on what the majority say, we'd all be driving something German and in white!

 

[c4sman]

I like my 987.1 3.2S as one of the Best cars I've had for over 5 years now and I've had some special cars in my time.

I ordered a box fresh 987.1 3.2S in 2005 when they were launched. A special thing to drive and enjoyed it more than later 911s I owned (997.1. 3.8S, 997.1 3.8 4S Cab, 997.1 Turbo, 997.1 Turbo Cab). Only my current 997.2 3.8 GTS which I’ve owned for 10 years matches it for fun and engagement.

When I collected my 987 from Chiswick in 2005 and paid cash for it I didn’t feel like a poor man at all

 

[happydaze]

I'm quite sure I would not have these current cars, if I went on advice from others. I buy what I want :-

1924 Lancia Lambda, 1925 Vauxhall 30-98, 1938 Morgan 4/4, 1954 VW Beetle, AND 2006 Maserati MCV.

Oh, and my daily drive is a 2018 Golf wagon (estate) - AND it's WHITE...

 

[P5Nij]

I've just realised that three of my cars are white, but two of them are Italian!

Doing the research is half the fun, whether it's a more modern car or a classic I'm after, forums like this one are a great place to start and ask questions, but sometimes it comes down to 'head or heart' and you have to make your own mind up either way. Then blame someone else when it all goes t*ts up!

 

[Nibby]

I've just realised that three of my cars are white, but two of them are Italian!

Doing the research is half the fun, whether it's a more modern car or a classic I'm after, forums like this one are a great place to start and ask questions, but sometimes it comes down to 'head or heart' and you have to make your own mind up either way. Then blame someone else when it all goes t*ts up!

Heart every time, head is too boring.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Usual Cliches
Italian Electrics, they always break down.
I'd have one but for the kids,
Don't have a British car as they rust/overheat/dodgy Lucas Electrics or all three.
I like your motorbike but I'd kill myself, if I had one....

All bollox but this cliche is true

Life is too short

 

[P5Nij]

Italian electrics often have German components in the mix!

 

[HTAFC4200]

Italian electrics often have German components in the mix!

Or French (renault) on the 4200 ..... that great Italian / French mix lol

I followed remove before race's (youtube) advice and you know what, I'm loving my C63. Incredible car.

 

[Motorsport3]

I'm quite sure I would not have these current cars, if I went on advice from others. I buy what I want :-

1924 Lancia Lambda, 1925 Vauxhall 30-98, 1938 Morgan 4/4, 1954 VW Beetle, AND 2006 Maserati MCV.

Oh, and my daily drive is a 2018 Golf wagon (estate) - AND it's WHITE...

Centenary year for your Lancia! Is it in good shape?

 

[happydaze]

Sure is...

 

[Felonious Crud]

Usual Cliches
Italian Electrics, they always break down.
I'd have one but for the kids,
Don't have a British car as they rust/overheat/dodgy Lucas Electrics or all three.
I like your motorbike but I'd kill myself, if I had one....

All bollox but this cliche is true

Life is too short

Your fifth point is right in my case. Or someone else would.