X2. I drive my spyder everyday & its been very enjoyable.

 

Drive a used XKR and SL 55

 

You mentioned the kiddo's.. what about a Ferrari California? Seats in the back that aren't totally impractical and it's a retractable hard top - looks like a coupe when its up, looks like you're cruisin' when its down.. front engine Ferrari sure but they've made the California to be waaaaaay more user friendly and daily drivable.. R8 is sick don't get me wrong (one of my favorites), reliable and solid car thru and thru and you wont break the bank doing maintenance. Two seater tho... but Ferrari has totally re-vamped their ideas towards service... You didn't mention budget.. Keep in mind with these newer Ferrari's the warranty and service plans that are included are wonderful. Ferrari is starting to shy away from the sky high maintenance costs, that sometimes prevent potential customers from committing their products, by including the service. People will probably start putting a few more miles on their Ferrari's because of the included 5 and 7 year free maintenance programs.. Why wouldn't you drive it more when it costs nothing to get it serviced on schedule with the right techs and the right parts! There are many choices out there its up to you!!

Whats your price range? Do you need 2 or 4 seats? Engine size or location matter?

 

Just some pics if you haven't already become confused and undecided!!

 

You're evil.

 

thanks for the pictures....!!

I thought about the California but couldn't find any in my price range which is $125K.

 

Well $125 is a solid price and you should be more than able to get what you're looking for! If you are thinking R8 V10 then your probably going to be looking at the 2010 to maaaaaaaaybe 2012 depending on miles and options. 6 speed is a little pricier and actually color makes a considerable affect on price as well (it seems white with the carbon fiber side panel brings the most $$$) The maintinence is too easy with AUDI however your gonna want to get that done at a dealership or wherever they have certified techs to handle that kind of drive-train. Now if your thinking R8 V8 your options are nearly endless when it come to year, color and options.. 125k is also and excellent range for the 430's as well (obviously as you are debating between the two) pretty much everything from 05 - 09 depending on miles (non-scud of coarse).. The only difference would obviously be maintinance cost, although not much higher, the efficiency and potential longevity of the drivetrain depend on it dearly. Youll need to get your annual done, which at a Ferrari franchise will run you anywhere from $1500 - $2500. If you get it done at a service shop like ours (same parts, certified techs, lower labor rates due to lower over head) for $1000 no problem..Unlike older model 360's and 355's and the classic Testarossa, which have sky high maintenance costs, you're not doing a major with the 430 just your clutch on occasion depending on how often and hard you use your machine!! I hope this helps a little bit!!. When it comes to handling and performance that's another conversation in itself entirely!!!! Ive actually got a 430 posted in the classifieds that fits your criteria... Just for an example!!

 

R8 V10 all day...

 

Yup, killer machine for the money, although I might also consider a MC-12 spyder

 

Curious what makes the R8 V10 so much more dailyable than a LP560/70 etc?

If you just seating for 4 and a looker I think the Maserati Gran Turismo/Cabrio takes the cake by far.

I would pass on a California really not an impressive car no offense too anyone who has own been in a couple and would pass immediately.

 

really conflicted.....the R8 V10 has really grown on me but don't want to purchase one and then a redesigned model comes out next year. I saw a few photos of the new design and to be honest it looks horrible....almost like a Camaro on roids!!

 

Wouldn't even consider F430, huge maintenance and vastly inferior performance to the R8 V10. R8 V10 is closer to F458 than F430 and IMO looks better than the outdated F430 too.

All those are press renderings, nothing official from Audi. And it won't be coming out next year, facelifted R8 just came out as a 2014 model.

 

+1. The R8 is still almost the same look as when it was introduced in 2007.

And they JUST facelifted it.

 

subtle I drive my wife's Spyder R8 everyday post.

 

Yes both the wife & I enjoy the R8. Thanks for asking.