I'm getting close to a new car. Right now I drive a 2012 Jaguar XKR convertible and, while I love it, I've decided to upgrade. I can't decide between a few cars. A Bentley Continental GTC, a Ferrari California, or an Aston Martin DB9 Volante. I plan on getting it new so mileage would be low. I'll put somewhere between 28,000-35,000 miles on it in the next 3 years before trading it in. I have to drive my two kids to school. I live in central North Carolina so there is a good bit of rain, and sometimes a little ice. I can afford the occasional issue but I would prefer to not have to send it to the dealership very often. This would be mostly just for my work commute and going out with my wife, I do have an S550 and a Cayenne for family trips and going out to dinner. Has to be a convertible and I don't really want to get it just for fun, I'd like to use it as my DD. Thanks for any advice in advanced!

 

I own or have owned a variant of the 3 cars you listed and they are VERY different machines.
My wife daily drives a Flying Spur - super comfortable and more about luxury. Lots of torque in the W12 and fast in a straight line, but feels like a boat on turns.
I have a 16M which is super raw, but mind-boggling and mystifying to drive. The California though is more civil and would serve better as a daily driver. You can't go wrong with the driving enjoyment of a Ferrari.
I previously owned a V8 Vantage, and I am now selling my DBS, of which I daily drove both. Astons are the best looking cars on the road IMO. However, the driving experience is that of a GT. It may be a happy medium between the California and the CGTC.....it's got both luxury, handling and moderate power.
If it were me, I'd pick Ferrari....better engine and build than the other two.
You just have to pick your poison.

 

None will be cheap to own as a DD. I would go with either the Aston or the California. Or go with a 458 spider!

 

I think the answer lies in what specific type of driving you want to do as a DD and whom has the best local service. Living in Long Island we are blessed we a top notch authorized F car dealer (Ferrari of LI). If you drive rather aggressively (ie. like to push your car hard though not necessarily a tracker) I think the F car is a no brainer. A new Cali 30 is just a different level of handling and basic acceleration compared to a GTC or DB9 Volante. The Bentley is just a huge tank of a car and the AM while more lithe than the GTC is still a relatively underpowered porker. The Cali 30, while not my 458, will surprise you with its performance and capabilities. Drive them and you will see the difference. That being said, the clincher has to be the dealer servicing you. A new 13 Cali has a warranty that will last you for your 3 years of ownership and also include all regularly scheduled maintenance. The poster who mentioned a 458 Spyder hit the sweet spot, buy now you are talking $325K-$350K+ for a used 2012-2013 depending on miles and options. You could probably pick up a 13 Cali 30 for $230K-$250K depending on mileage and options. Best of luck with your decision.

 

Personally, after driving one, the Ferrari FF with its 4 wheel drive and 12 cyls is exceptional, especially for traction in the winter months. Astons have a lot to offer too. I do not know much about the Bentleys. Of course many choices, and it gets down to a personal decision after driving them all, as well as how near the dealership is to your home. Good luck.

 

I think the 991 TTS coming soon would do all you want out of this car and more. May not be as unique and flashy as the others. However will be an incredible, reliable, well engineered fast car.
458 is gorgeous, no back seat to take kids to school and attracts loads of attention as a DD. Bentley is a beautiful bejeweled machine, cumbersome for spirited driving, great for open top cruising. The other is British..... Enough said.
The new 991 TTS is going to do so many things so well that it may be a great choice to consider, also cost is much lower with better resale.
Any of the cars you chose will be a wonderful experience (maybe British not so much).

 

@ tort. I also live on LI. Was in Ferrari of LI about three weeks ago. Was looking at two Nero 458 spiders. Both are now in the $360 - $370k range. Thinking 16M as an alternative.


Had a chance to drive a GTC last summer. It is big and fast but not in the same league as the Aston or Cali. More on the GT side of the spectrum.

 

The 991 really is a good around car.

But having been in the same position as you a little while back I ended up with a monster of a track/weekend car and something just to putter to work. If I was going to keep it at one car I would go with a V8 Bentley convertible and call it a day. The reliability is good, service is not to crushing and its both a GT and semi sporty car. I could not get over the ergonomics of the California for some reason and the Aston's while I love them dearly are just not fast enough for the cost.

 

My wife has an XKR and I have a California. Both have about the same depth in the back seat. I have to admit though I am really leaning on getting rid of the XKR and going to the FF. I had one for a day and was beyond impressed. It can be subtle and a monster the next second. The discounts that I have seen are making it extremely attractive. Downside - like the 612 they just don't hold up well with depreciation and the new technology on the 4WD may become very costly to fix.

 

The DB9 is kind of the sweet spot in between the Bentley and the California. I honestly haven't really touched my California since I got the DB9. I'd probably consider the Bentley the most practical as a DD, but they never invoke any thrill for me like Aston's or Ferrari's do.

 

California.

 

And this is why I had 2 Astons and sold them...they are absolutely gorgeous!
But for me, just not fast enough.
I'm dailying my S260 Exige and the 16M is my weekend beast.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Aston because it seems like a good in between the two, also its probably the closest to the XK, which I really love.

 

I heard that it was the same design team for Aston and XK

 

I agree......