I wanted something more reliable then a 40 year old car. Clarkson had a merc 300 kinda like the 280se and his last service was over £15000!!! Next time though....
Got rid of the TT as the running / servicing costs were too high
The other cars i mentioned would be worse - so i will just have to keep dreaming of the R8
I'd go for an Evo 9 GT.
Before I bought the Solstice - I also looked at a Lotus Elise Sport ( $41,000.00 USD ) and a BMW Z4 M ( $44,000.00 USD ) both were used ( 2005 - 2006 ) with less than 20K miles.
I always wanted an Elise - but they let me drive it for a day.....that changed my mind. Very nice track day car - but I am getting to old for a "fun" car that could put in the hospital with back problems just getting in & out of it - LOL
The Z4 M was really nice - but with a $10K premium over the Solstice ( and it was used ) -- I had to go for the new Solstice.
Oh well.....