Sold the F430, need some help on replacement! SLS or FF

[MLW88]

andymc said:

New Mercedes AMG GT-S, 115k give or take

Thanks Andy. I've ruled out a GT at this stage. Mainly because I think it's a little small, it's not really a super car, more of a sports car, and I think they are probably a poor mans SLS.

Maybe my gripes are completly unfounded. If you can convince me otherwise you would save me some money!! ha

[sealtt]

MLW88 said:

Thanks Andy. I've ruled out a GT at this stage. Mainly because I think it's a little small, it's not really a super car, more of a sports car, and I think they are probably a poor mans SLS.

Maybe my gripes are completly unfounded. If you can convince me otherwise you would save me some money!! ha

I took a GTS out for a couple of hours, a very, very good car. I think you would not regret getting one over an SLS. I have driven the SLS a number of times for extended periods and I think the GTS is notably better. Not quite as much prestige due to the £100k vs £200k cost of admission perhaps... not sure.

Have you seen one in person? It looks like a hot rod or something, very different styling and VERY cool. I think it looks fantastic and is a real head turner.

Noise is great, cabin is great, performance fantastic.

The only downside to me... no convertible roof. That's a must have option on these cars for me, for maximum drama and excitement whilst still not risking my license on choice stretches of A & B roads I love to have the wind rushing around and hear the full exhaust noise. That's why I'd rather a 430 Spider than a GTS.

Convertible one I'd probably have ordered on the day... watch out for depreciation though which I'm aware you want to miss, always going to be a factor on a new car. Though the extra cost of funding £40k-£50k extra for an SLS/FF - be it cash or finance - is not insignificant either and does offset some of the GTS depreciation. Especially when you consider maintenance costs, etc too.

[WCZ]

admittedly I haven't driven an SLS but the FF would be hard for me to look past at current prices I test drove one which was spec'd to around £270k! @ £150k I think they represent great value for money and are very suited to daily driving (relatively)

[andymc]

sealtt said:

MLW88 said:

Thanks Andy. I've ruled out a GT at this stage. Mainly because I think it's a little small, it's not really a super car, more of a sports car, and I think they are probably a poor mans SLS.

Maybe my gripes are completly unfounded. If you can convince me otherwise you would save me some money!! ha

I took a GTS out for a couple of hours, a very, very good car. I think you would not regret getting one over an SLS. I have driven the SLS a number of times for extended periods and I think the GTS is notably better. Not quite as much prestige due to the £100k vs £200k cost of admission perhaps... not sure.

Have you seen one in person? It looks like a hot rod or something, very different styling and VERY cool. I think it looks fantastic and is a real head turner.

Noise is great, cabin is great, performance fantastic.

The only downside to me... no convertible roof. That's a must have option on these cars for me, for maximum drama and excitement whilst still not risking my license on choice stretches of A & B roads I love to have the wind rushing around and hear the full exhaust noise. That's why I'd rather a 430 Spider than a GTS.

Convertible one I'd probably have ordered on the day... watch out for depreciation though which I'm aware you want to miss, always going to be a factor on a new car. Though the extra cost of funding £40k-£50k extra for an SLS/FF - be it cash or finance - is not insignificant either and does offset some of the GTS depreciation. Especially when you consider maintenance costs, etc too.

good write up in the new Evo

[mattf93]

MLW88 said:

Thanks for all the comments today, been very insightful. Thanks in particular to Cho who has owned both cars which is just what I was hoping for. I think the best plan of attack from here is to try and find the SLS and 12C in the specs I want and then see what the figures look like for those exact cars. There is a black SLS for sale with VVS in Kent for £137k that looks a great spec but it is an early car, 2010 plate, are there any issues arising from this?

There seems to be a general consensus that the SLS is going to continue to increase in price and this is definately a factor in my decision making process. The idea of buying an SLS at £130 - £140k and then in a years time is being worth say £150 - £160k is very appealing. Does anyone have any insight into how realistic this is, and if so, whether that will be the same for the 12C?

Looking at this Objectively is there any reason why you haven't considered a 458 Coupe? Or is the mileage thing an issue with/for you? ( I worked out at 20 miles a day all year works out at 7280 miles OR 5200 at 5 days a week (140 miles/ 100 Miles a week respectively).
458s don't come with the 7 year service pack until I believe 2012 onwards either.

As a daily drive the 12c will be easier to live with, with less mileage based concerns, but as Bertie has said - refrain from earlier models, some are rumoured to be plagued with teething issues.

[S1M VP]

First question I'd ask yourself is ..... Do you need rear seats?

[MLW88]

Just wanted to post a quick update and thank you message to all those who commented on my post.

After some research I took the advice of the general consensus and bough a McLaren 12C. It's a 64 Plate, 4,000 Miles, Carbon Black, Stealth Pack, Sports Exhaust, Carbon Interior, Carbon Engine Bay, Alcantara Interior, Meredian Upgrade, Titanium Light Weight Alloys. It's basically exactly as I would have specced the car new but someone took £50-£60k out of the cost for me. Happy days!

The car is unreal and I couldn't be happier with it. The performance is on another scale to the F430 but it is without compromise and is far superior in terms of ride quality, comfort, luxury, tech etc.

One question I do have for any 12C owners is I have noticed occasionally when in Manuel and driving hard I upshift from 2nd into 3rd and it almost immediately up shifts again itself to 4th. Has anyone else experienced this??

[AyBee]

Right decision OP

Oh, and

[MLW88]

AyBee said:

Right decision OP

Oh, and

Oops! Ha

[mattf93]

MLW88 said:

Just wanted to post a quick update and thank you message to all those who commented on my post.

After some research I took the advice of the general consensus and bough a McLaren 12C. It's a 64 Plate, 4,000 Miles, Carbon Black, Stealth Pack, Sports Exhaust, Carbon Interior, Carbon Engine Bay, Alcantara Interior, Meredian Upgrade, Titanium Light Weight Alloys. It's basically exactly as I would have specced the car new but someone took £50-£60k out of the cost for me. Happy days!

The car is unreal and I couldn't be happier with it. The performance is on another scale to the F430 but it is without compromise and is far superior in terms of ride quality, comfort, luxury, tech etc.

One question I do have for any 12C owners is I have noticed occasionally when in Manuel and driving hard I upshift from 2nd into 3rd and it almost immediately up shifts again itself to 4th. Has anyone else experienced this??

Great decision OP! You must have one of the last 12Cs then They're a relative bargain now, a lot of bang for your buck and a british brand too, which from my perspective is a big thing. You'll have to make sure you keep on top of the cleaning though to keep it nice and shiny Hope you enjoy driving it - and more reliable than the old Italian too!

With the shifts, (although I have no experience) maybe check that its had the latest software updates for everything (not just Iris).