This might not be the most popular suggestion for this forum, but... have you driven a manual C7 Corvette Z06? They're fast as hell, the 7-speed is great, especially with the option of automatic rev-matching. And the prices on the used market are going to be coming down into the "very reasonable" category when the mid-engine C8's start getting delivered.
Only problem with the Corvette is how many are made. The base Stingrays are pretty common and don't hold their value well, but the Z06's do.

 

I have my name on a C8 and the dealer wants me to spec it for a build next week. Given the low cost of a C8 and the cheapness of the C7 interiors as well as the acreage of car in front of you as they drive (and the irritating tire noise), the C8 at $70K spec'ed out is no contest vs. a C7. However, I might not get the C8 for several reasons. First is the visibility. It's somewhat ok in the front except the window is weird because it's so far away from the driver which is something I'd probably get used to) but just weird, and the rear visibility seems non-existent. So if I order one it would have to be with a refundable deposit. Which brings up to that deposit - don't mind a few thousand, but if it's more I won't tie up too much to order one. And lastly, sitting in the passengers seat is a truly awful place to be sitting - claustrophobic, so I'm not sure my wife will want to be in the car more than a few minutes other than shed like driving it so I really don't want to sit in that seat. Other than those issues, the C8 is an incredible deal. Won't replace my V12S, but would replace my daily driver SLK55. In a week I'll see what happens.

 

Out of your choices the only one that won’t drop like a rock is the 430. An r8 v10 manual would probably hold its value if not appreciate along with any special edition Porsche 911.

 

I don't know, I was pretty impressed with the C7 interior. I've spent some time in a Grand Sport. The switch gear has nice feel, the seats are actually very supportive and the Alcantara on the headliner is a nice touch, a trend that Aston seemed to have started.

Compared to a Vantage, the front and rear visibility is much better for placing the car. I'd never consider doing it myself, but I love the charms that make the Vantage unique. I think the C7 is actually a pretty great car. The fact that the C8 no longer has a manual transmission only makes the C7 that much more desirable.

 

I "built" a C8 online as I would want it and it was $92k... add taxes on that and I'm at $100k... no thanks, not paying for that for a frickin base Corvette

 

Agreed... I did the same.. (Convertible).. $100k is stiff for a base Vette with the options we'd want. Interested to see the next variant... The ZR1 is supposed to have a larger electric powertrain up front, and the 5.5L flat plane turbo charged V8 out back... (Prob $150k+)... Z06 would supposedly have the turbo 5.5 and no electric motor up front... A track day special....

But there is still room and rumor of a 'Grand Sport' level car with a less powerful electric powertrain up front and the existing 6.2 liter out back. An AWD vette may be worth the money if its sub $120k all loaded up.?? You can also run the base C8 vette as is, and post warranty add a supercharger fairly easily.. I am sure the coupe will have room.. TBD on the convertible with the spacing available. Just get the Z51 pkg and magnetic adjustable shocks, and the car should be fairly capable.. and daily drivable.

I plan to keep my V8V, and add to the stable.. but similar thinking from all above. I don't mind the automatic if I am keeping my stick Aston. I'd really like the addition to be a convertible...

With that said... On the next to buy list.. That leaves us with R8 (V10 or V8), 430/360?, Gallardo? I have even been looking at Mercedes SLS... Or does the C8 vette stay in the mix given its under warranty, and zero worries?

I'll add that a current C7 stingray is a screaming deal. My wife has a 1LT 2019. Fun car when you put your foot down. And the rest of the car is nice enough for the $50k price point. You spend a little more for the upgrades as you go from 1LT->2LT->3LT.. just depends on what you want to do. 1LT still has a lot going for it.

 

Cali T is really high on my list for next car. As much as I love Aston; depreciation makes me want to think more about how I should spend my money. I don't keep cars for the long haul and early Cali T seems like a better investment.

 

I'm supposed to put a deposit down on the C8 later this week. I'm pretty torn if I'll do it. Since I'm keeping the V12S I have, it would be the daily driver to replace the SLK55 (2013) I have as my 'winter car' (Blizzaks makes every car a winter car). I'd spec mine under $70K if I get it - pretty basic, but it's a big 'feeling' car with no rear visibility and the passenger seat is super cramped, otherwise a terrific design. I like small cars (hence the SLK55), and thought the vette would feel smallish also, but just sitting in one on the preview showroom, it feels large. I'll order it I think if the deposit is not hard. Sometimes a large car shrinks as you drive it. No way to tell unless there's one to drive.

 

I agree for the money the Cali is a great option.. and I can blow off the nay-sayers about how its not track focused... agreed its not. I'll never track it.

Question: is the "T" worth the added $50k upsell? ( I know the performance bump... but $50k?) $85k goes to $135k+ with the refresh & Turbo.

 

It's newer, so each newer model year is worth something and I like the styling from every angle more on the Cali T. I like the Cali T exterior more than the Portofino too, FWIW. I am looking at 130K or under within the next year.

 

At the $130k price point you are spot on with the Cali T. The engine & styling should help keep the T value up. Good luck when that day comes!

 

Vast improvements to the entire drivetrain (not just the turbo), which include one of the best transmissions available in a sports car, the 7-speed dual-clutch. Also the interior is worlds better than the first-gen Cali's. The T definitely justifies the price bump, in my opinion. I wouldn't buy the previous model.

Don't forget that if you buy one that's less than 7 years old Ferrari has free standard maintenance, regardless of the number of owners. Or so I'm told; I haven't looked into the details.

 

You're saying everything I am thinking about why that one would be next.

 

Spec'd out the C8 today - LT2, bronze exterior, tan interior, only options rear wing, front lift with memory, exhaust - $71K... for a daily driver, did not want to go too much. Supposedly July build, no deposit until they start build. Does NOT replace the V12S, but instead my SLK55.

 

very cool, let us know your thoughts on it when you get it!