Multiple 'fun' cars
- Thread starter Church of Noise
- Start date
zagatoes30
Member
- Messages
- 20,984
I separate daily drivers from fun cars, although no reason for daily not to be fun, but the key requirement is reliable easy to drive and can be left anywhere, second requirement is cheap to buy and own no reason to spend fun money of the daily hence I run a 01 E46 325i.
Fun cars currently 4 as per signature all have different characteristics and I love them all equally, they get used as often as I can (when on the road - 155 Q4 has been in slow restoration for 6 years) probably do 1000-1500 on each per year. I did experiment with an exotic, 4200 Spyder, and as much as I loved it the cost per mile was extremely high.
I am also planning a third type to add to my collection, classic rentals. My plan is to buy 2 - 4 cheaper classics to rent out for classic tours, weddings, vintage events etc. List of cars being considered MGB, Moggy Traveller, Beetle, Original Mini etc. The plan is a little retirement business to keep my mind active with some classic cars that won't really depreciate overtime. If I make some beer money all well and good but if not I can have some ownership fun until I sell them on again.
Fun cars currently 4 as per signature all have different characteristics and I love them all equally, they get used as often as I can (when on the road - 155 Q4 has been in slow restoration for 6 years) probably do 1000-1500 on each per year. I did experiment with an exotic, 4200 Spyder, and as much as I loved it the cost per mile was extremely high.
I am also planning a third type to add to my collection, classic rentals. My plan is to buy 2 - 4 cheaper classics to rent out for classic tours, weddings, vintage events etc. List of cars being considered MGB, Moggy Traveller, Beetle, Original Mini etc. The plan is a little retirement business to keep my mind active with some classic cars that won't really depreciate overtime. If I make some beer money all well and good but if not I can have some ownership fun until I sell them on again.
Last edited:
must go faster
Junior Member
- Messages
- 75
love the classic rental idea, hope it works out.
thought about renting out the lotus a couple of times however I think it’s probably too fast and way too precious. The vetting applied to customers would be brutal let alone the insurance cost!!
Guy
Member
- Messages
- 2,164
My experience started with many years of owning just one car and trying to find the perfect compromise. I remember in the 1980s switching between Saab turbos and 205 GTis 3 times because no sooner did I change, I missed the other. When I married it gave me the opportunity to have 2 cars, which helped (of course you can have a say in your next car darling.....). In the 90s I progressed to a garage toy (mostly 911s - all air-cooled) as well as the two regular cars but a few week of having to use the toy whilst my regular car was off the road taught me a great lesson. What is fun on a weekend away or a blast across the downs to Goodwood was not much fun on a 50 mile each way commute in traffic. This lead me to the position we are in today with 5 cars, each enjoyable in their own way and because all cover approx 5000 miles per year (the RR is more (12000m) as it is the most practical when kids are home) I find them all appealing to drive for their different characteristics. It is also saving me a lot of money because I am running cars without material depreciation and even some appreciation. Insurance and RFL are about the same as before. Maintenance costs may be a little higher but not to offset the £15k pa depreciation of 3 newer cars. We are lucky to have the space for them and in an ideal world I might buy a couple more, perhaps a lightweight like a Caterham or A110 or even a Boxster to offer another flavour of driving. Not much built since the 00s appeals and the last thing a car needs is a touch screen or more ecus so I think this will be the way forward. Older, better made cars well maintained and in various flavours!
davy83
Member
- Messages
- 2,827
My bare minimum is one that works and the 3200 (save Benny jumping in). I have an electric for commuting and i also have a Citroen C6 at the moment which was almost accidental and is quite interesting, and very comfortable and oddly more rare than the 3200!!! I think 3 is a good number. My 3200 is and always has been a truly exceptional car and a hobby. If I didn't view it as a hobby I don't think I could have kept it this long. Had a Yeti for many years which was bulletproof and could do more or less anything.
Doctor Houx
Member
- Messages
- 792
My logic goes as follows:
A back to basics race car GT40
A concours garage queen AM Vanquish
An opulent long distance tourer Bentley
A simple cheep convertible for the coast Z4
That leaves the daily’s, which I’ve tried to keep fun as well as practical. Cayenne for big awkward loads (in addition to me!) the Giulietta for the shopping etc and the Mito as a spare when one of the others is off the road.
A back to basics race car GT40
A concours garage queen AM Vanquish
An opulent long distance tourer Bentley
A simple cheep convertible for the coast Z4
That leaves the daily’s, which I’ve tried to keep fun as well as practical. Cayenne for big awkward loads (in addition to me!) the Giulietta for the shopping etc and the Mito as a spare when one of the others is off the road.
What I have and what I would like are far apart!
- Maserati GT
- Everything else is a workhorse for various family members.
Doctor Houx
Member
- Messages
- 792
I’ve been accused of that in the past on here.
No one mentions the sacrifices made, as contrary to some people’s belief, it doesn’t grow on trees! Over 30 years spent travelling the world building up my business prior to selling it and retiring and missing most weekends and my kids growing up. 2 short, failed marriages before eventually finding someone who understood you don’t generally get something for nothing.
Yes, I live the life of Reilly these days, and what I did was my choice, but believe me I’ve paid the price, and envy is not an attractive trait either!
Interesting. You've not come across as one of the willy-wavers to me as your posts are varied and don't shout 'look at me' and 'look what I've got'. Despite the success required to be able to show off there is often some significant insecurity and quest for validation attached to those who feel the need to do so - I feel a little sad for these people, not envious. On a lighter note I'm reminded of this when the willy-wavers can't help themselves...
I understand your post. It is difficult at the time to step back and ask is it worth it? I worked bloody hard, first as a junior Dr 100+ hours/week FA pay. Then as a GP for 30 yrs and sometimes working til midnight and even overnight on occasions. Fortunately Mrs HD stuck with me and now semi retired I have just learnt the phrase "work life balance"!
Still only the one Maserati though.
Doctor Houx
Member
- Messages
- 792
I ask myself that “was it worth it” question very regularly and I honestly don’t know. Fortunately, I have a great relationship with my only 2 kids (now in their 30’s) from my first marriage, so the answer is probably.
I’ll never know and what’s done is done. I have my health, a comfortable life and I’m very much still in love with my 3rd wife after 21 years, and we even renewed our vows this year, so no complaints from me!
Last edited:
zagatoes30
Member
- Messages
- 20,984
One thing I like about this forum that even though there are significant differences it financial positions you don't see much willy waving. Most seem to respect everyone regardless and it doesn't seem to change when you meet people in person
At the risk of being philosophical. We can only control what is yet to come. Regret is a wasted emotion.
I think that the Larini cats wave my willy quite enough thanks. They may also give a size estimate in some peoples opinion.
Tallman
Member
- Messages
- 1,835
I
I would have thought they would have stopped the waving
No I think they act as a sort of aural spotlight.
Oneball
Member
- Messages
- 11,130
I think ferret p0rn will put you in the new naughty boy corner.