Let's assume you have $130k-$180k burning a hole in your pocket. I assume this is more or less the price range of an average NC1 new or slightly used highly optioned spec today. I did a quick online search for other cars in the price range. Here's what I got. Which others am I missing?
Mercedes GTR (used), 4 dr. AMG GT 63, AMG G Class, etc
Porsche 911s (in various trims, but not the models we would want like the TT or GTs)
Porsche Taycan, Panamera Turbo or even a Cayenne Turbo
McLaren 570S or 650S (used with maybe at least 5k miles)
Bentley Continental (an older one)
Rolls Royce Wraith (an older one)
Ferrari California
BMW M models (the higher end new ones like the M8)
Audi R8 V10
Tesla S Plaid+
Maserati Levante Turbo
Aston Martin Vantage
You can barely buy a used 2018 911 Carrera GTS for <$140k. Those GTs really hold their prices.
To me the R8 V10 and the 570S, and perhaps a used GTR are the only ones that make sense in the price point. NC1 still seems like a great deal given the competition.
Great thread! As an active shopper at this price albeit in the great north (Canada), this really resonates with me. I have driven and looked at the following:
570S - Had one for half a day. Loved the throttle response and the handling. Not a big fan of the bug like front and the rear. The styling just doesn't do it for me. Mclaren in Toronto is selling used ones as CPO and there is an option to extend the warranty as well. The carbon tub is always a great sight to jump into.
991.2 C4S - This was surprisingly a fun car than I expected. Had this for a day from the local Porsche dealer. Fully loaded with the sports chrono package. The back seats are a huge plus for me as I have two little ones and they both love fast cars! In terms of holding value, reliability and some practicality you can't just beat a mid-level 911 like the C4S or a GTS. No wonder they sell so fast and good ones are hard to get hold of.
992 C4S - For the money I'd stick with the last generation. The 8 speed PDK was even better than the 7 speed. Porsche knows how to make transmissions. The interior looks cheaper than the last generation and that woman shaver of a shifter is super annoying! Oh and you can't seem to see the fuel gauge without tilting your head, very annoying.
458 - This is my top choice. Only got to drive one for 30 mins and it was by far the most engaging experience. Ferrari just knows how to give you goose bumps. Exhaust sound, steering feel, visibility, looks, all check off! Surprisingly they're reliable as well. Since the 458, Ferrari has been including the 7 year maintenance in the price so the owners are compelled to go to the dealers so they stay reliable within the first 7 years anyways. Really hard to find clean ones with low mileage. This will be a classic for the future!
R8 V10/Plus - Drove the plus and having that screaming V10 in the back was a surreal experience. Reliability is there as well and Audi is offering (at least in Canada) really good extended warranty as they are standing behind their product. The styling looks dated to me and I still think it looks the same as it did when it came out 13 years ago.
NC1 - As a long time Honda fan, this was my top choice, but after keeping one for the weekend via an exotic car rental, I am not sure I would be excited by it after 2-3 months of ownership. Also after researching, the reliability of a NC1 is not that much greater than the competition as it was when the NA1 came out. That was night and day. Competitors have caught up and even the Italians are reliable now if taken care of. Plus the NC1 is not a simple drive train so if anything does break out of warranty, good luck getting it fixed cheaply. Love the acceleration, love the looks, love the rarity but that excitement you get with the V10 R8 or the 458 is unmatched. Practicality, the Porsche takes it so the NC1 is left trying to find its place in this ultra competitive landscape. I would still buy one if I can find one with the right spec and the right price as I just love Honda products and it would go nicely with my family hauler the MDX! :smile:
