As with everything in life, the limit is dependant on your means and willingness to compromise.
By means, I am including storage and money.
By compromise, I mean, on the storage and the quality, performance, what the car is good and bad at etc.
Every car is a compromise.
(Or at least every one i can afford?)
Im going to willy wave as I’m definitely towards the lower end of the SM money tree All of the vehicles in my household total up to less than 1 of many on here. I’m using my list as an example as I over think everything and own what I do for good reasons…
Starting with the obvious fun cars:
Maserati Coupe GT: it’s Italian, it’s gorgeous, it has 4 seats, it sounds incredible, the performance is great and it’s sports car enough to keep me entertained (for a GT), it feels properly special, and it’s Italian.
I can’t think of another car that can tick all of these boxes for the sort of money it cost.
Lotus Elise S1: It’s raw. I’ve never driven anything like it. I think it’s as raw as I’ll ever find without basically owning a race car, and worrying about things like where to store doors or something. Its an absolute joy to drive, It’s also a stunning looking thing. There won’t ever be another car made like this.
Daily cars - and yes, of course they are fun cars, because why would I want to own a boring car!?
Mini Cooper S: It looks ok, a bit lardy. It’s definitely fun and easily quick enough for the road. It fits my small family in it and my wife likes it. its a decent size for running about in, and it feels well put together compared to other cars in its class.
Mazda Mx5 ND: This one is purely my wife’s choice, but its a great car and I steal the keys every time I go somewhere on my own. Convertibles are best, and this one will keep going forever. It’s proper basic, giving you just what you need and no more. It’s soft enough that it doesn’t shake you to bits, but it’s firm enough that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying out deposit you out the door on your side. The roof is down (or up) in about 5 seconds, and its just about got enough power to pull the skin off a rice pudding.
Bonus: Ducati Monster. The latest addition to my stable, and perhaps the one that is made for this thread. I don’t have space for another car, but I do have enough space to squeeze this thing into my garage. I just need to learn to ride it properly!
So, why post all this in here, well, because no 1 car can do all of the things these cars can do as well as they each do what they are best at. There is no such thing as a special feeling, lightweight, 4 seat, convertible that’ll do 40 mpg, is easy to get into the back of, can carry my family or garden waste, and be comfy for a longer trip etc.
On top of all of this… if i was regularly doing longer trips, I’d want something more luxurious.
The real answer for me might be an M3/4 or Giulia QV or a Panamera or something, but I couldnt really afford one even after selling 3 of the above, and it’d still be compromised in some way larger than what it replaced (not as special as the Maserati, not as good handling as the Lotus, not as small or frugal as the Mini)
