GT daily driver
#1
GT daily driver
Looking to get a new daily driver towards the end of the great as the current daily is a wet towel (Lexus CT200). Strongly considering getting into the GT segment for around 50k. So far I've got 3 cars in mind but I'm open to suggestions:
Jaguar XKRS:
I've wanted one of these since they released while I was still in training. Great looks, true GT styling, supercharged 5Liter V8 sounds glorious, and a surprisingly reliable chassis for the marquee (battery issues aside). Unfortunately, examples are few and far between and the infotainment/ stereo system leaves a lot to be desired.
Lexus RCF:
This is the safe bet. Newer car with more/better features and creature comforts, CPO options available, naturally aspirated 5liter V8 (same V8 as the new LC500), Toyota reliability. Unfortunately, the styling is the least palatable of the 3 options.
E63 M6:
The black sheep. The opposite of the Lexus. Styling is in the middle ground. It's more subtle than the Jaguar but not abrasive like the RC. More of a sleeper than the others. Also a 5 liter... V10. Available in a manual. It's much cheaper than the others, which is great because they're known to spin rod bearings.
I'm open to other suggestions as well, these are just the 3 I've considered so far.
Jaguar XKRS:
I've wanted one of these since they released while I was still in training. Great looks, true GT styling, supercharged 5Liter V8 sounds glorious, and a surprisingly reliable chassis for the marquee (battery issues aside). Unfortunately, examples are few and far between and the infotainment/ stereo system leaves a lot to be desired.
Lexus RCF:
This is the safe bet. Newer car with more/better features and creature comforts, CPO options available, naturally aspirated 5liter V8 (same V8 as the new LC500), Toyota reliability. Unfortunately, the styling is the least palatable of the 3 options.
E63 M6:
The black sheep. The opposite of the Lexus. Styling is in the middle ground. It's more subtle than the Jaguar but not abrasive like the RC. More of a sleeper than the others. Also a 5 liter... V10. Available in a manual. It's much cheaper than the others, which is great because they're known to spin rod bearings.
I'm open to other suggestions as well, these are just the 3 I've considered so far.
#2
Never really got into the XK or RC personally.
You can replace the rod bearings in the M6 proactively if you're really worried. That's about $2-2.5k for the M3 which has basically the same engine but two less cylinders. Rest of the car isn't cheap to own/maintain either (horrible, and I mean horrible gas mileage for one) but that's an epic engine.
Might I suggest in addition:
-997
-AMV8
-F-Type V6S
You can replace the rod bearings in the M6 proactively if you're really worried. That's about $2-2.5k for the M3 which has basically the same engine but two less cylinders. Rest of the car isn't cheap to own/maintain either (horrible, and I mean horrible gas mileage for one) but that's an epic engine.
Might I suggest in addition:
-997
-AMV8
-F-Type V6S
#5
#6
I would go for the XKRS (or XKR) out of your picks. Have you driven an XKR? Very powerful car. I owned an XK for a few years. I disagree on your quote " infotainment/ stereo system leaves a lot to be desired". Sure, it's not a 2018 system, but it does all you'll need and is easy to use. Are you buying a car to drive or play computer? All of these kind of cars, Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar, Bentley.... all suck down the battery if not driven every few days. The stories of the Jaguar battery are overblown. All of those cars need a newish battery that is charged. Using a CTEK is easy as the battery is in the trunk.
I would not suggest a Gran Turismo, but a lot would. I find the interior material sub par and the car drives really heavy. MB and BMW have numb steering. F Type is not a GT and has limited utility. I strongly suggest also driving a Lotus Evora S. Has a back seat which is flat and functional for storage. Limited trunk space, but a ride that no other car this side of a Ferrari or McLaren can compete with. Very comfortable seats and seating position. DB9 is nice and beautiful, but XKR is going to leave that in the dust and will cost less to own. I would look to spend 80K+ if considering a DB9.
I would not suggest a Gran Turismo, but a lot would. I find the interior material sub par and the car drives really heavy. MB and BMW have numb steering. F Type is not a GT and has limited utility. I strongly suggest also driving a Lotus Evora S. Has a back seat which is flat and functional for storage. Limited trunk space, but a ride that no other car this side of a Ferrari or McLaren can compete with. Very comfortable seats and seating position. DB9 is nice and beautiful, but XKR is going to leave that in the dust and will cost less to own. I would look to spend 80K+ if considering a DB9.
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#8
Never really got into the XK or RC personally.
You can replace the rod bearings in the M6 proactively if you're really worried. That's about $2-2.5k for the M3 which has basically the same engine but two less cylinders. Rest of the car isn't cheap to own/maintain either (horrible, and I mean horrible gas mileage for one) but that's an epic engine.
Might I suggest in addition:
-997
-AMV8
-F-Type V6S
You can replace the rod bearings in the M6 proactively if you're really worried. That's about $2-2.5k for the M3 which has basically the same engine but two less cylinders. Rest of the car isn't cheap to own/maintain either (horrible, and I mean horrible gas mileage for one) but that's an epic engine.
Might I suggest in addition:
-997
-AMV8
-F-Type V6S
I would go for the XKRS (or XKR) out of your picks. Have you driven an XKR? Very powerful car. I owned an XK for a few years. I disagree on your quote " infotainment/ stereo system leaves a lot to be desired". Sure, it's not a 2018 system, but it does all you'll need and is easy to use. Are you buying a car to drive or play computer? All of these kind of cars, Aston Martin, Maserati, Jaguar, Bentley.... all suck down the battery if not driven every few days. The stories of the Jaguar battery are overblown. All of those cars need a newish battery that is charged. Using a CTEK is easy as the battery is in the trunk.
I would not suggest a Gran Turismo, but a lot would. I find the interior material sub par and the car drives really heavy. MB and BMW have numb steering. F Type is not a GT and has limited utility. I strongly suggest also driving a Lotus Evora S. Has a back seat which is flat and functional for storage. Limited trunk space, but a ride that no other car this side of a Ferrari or McLaren can compete with. Very comfortable seats and seating position. DB9 is nice and beautiful, but XKR is going to leave that in the dust and will cost less to own. I would look to spend 80K+ if considering a DB9.
I would not suggest a Gran Turismo, but a lot would. I find the interior material sub par and the car drives really heavy. MB and BMW have numb steering. F Type is not a GT and has limited utility. I strongly suggest also driving a Lotus Evora S. Has a back seat which is flat and functional for storage. Limited trunk space, but a ride that no other car this side of a Ferrari or McLaren can compete with. Very comfortable seats and seating position. DB9 is nice and beautiful, but XKR is going to leave that in the dust and will cost less to own. I would look to spend 80K+ if considering a DB9.
I wouldn't mind the CTS-V but GM cars are way down the list of contenders for me since I've already got an LS in the S2000 and would like to branch out to another platform.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Waterford, MI - America's High Five
Posts: 672
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I daily a Mazdaspeed6 GT. It's a very, very nice vehicle for the money. Leather, heated seats, comfy for 4 adults, classy looking, okay fuel economy (18 city / 26 highway)....did I mention they're insanely cheap and tunable?
#10
I agree here. The battery problem is essentially a nonissue since this would be a daily driver. I've had some seat time in the XK but not driven an XKRS due to their rarity. I love the thought of owning an Aston, but as a daily driver I think that might take away from the experience.
Drive an XKR 5.0 locally and if you like that, just look nationally for an XKRS. Even an XKR is incredible. Will put a lot of money back in your wallet to keep it tip top.