SLS AMG vs 599 GTB

[sealtt]

Thanks a lot for the input & suggestions, much appreciated.

I have looked at Aston Martin (admittedly the DB9 & Virage not DBS) & Maserati options previously, but in terms of function they are very similar to my M6, and whilst they have a bit more glamour and sex appeal, I would probably end up missing the M6 for it's power, gearbox & modern tech comforts. To make the change worthwhile (I have only had the M6 for 9 months, and I know the hit is going to be quite painful) it really needs to be a different type of car to take advantage of the fact that this will now be a second car since I bought a new car for daily duties.

Reflecting on the test drives I think that being a convertible is important, I love having the roof down for both cruising and spirited driving for the noise & overall experience, adds a lot for me. I think that played a part as to why the SLS felt more fun to me than the 599 as the SLS was the roadster version.


Whilst Lambos are a bit flashy for my tastes and I'm not really an 'r8' kind of guy (I did really enjoy driving the v10 spider, but it's just not the right image for me) a quick look around ferrari approved used & a recommendation in this thread has brought me to consider the 430 spider. I have booked a viewing & test drive this weekend for a 2006 model.

I would aim to keep this car around 1-2 years, I'd like to keep depreciation to £15k max per year so I'd hope with the Ferrari's this would be achievable even with dealer margins.

[Anjum]

I think that both cars are great.

The 599 is a big car. A really big car. The F12 is smaller - and for a good reason. That being said, the 599 is a great piece of kit that does short journeys or long distance with aplomb. It's a very sophisticated car that will also do track days. Get Carbo Ceramics - and the Monolithic wheels.If you can get the HGTE pack- so much the better (if you do track days) - but not everyone agree's. If you're budget can stretch to it - the GTO is way more than the 599/599 HGTE will ever be.

The SLS sounds awesome - and will give the 599 a run for it's money. However, it is a little generic Mercedes on the inside, however, the gullwing doors add to the sense of occasion! If you have a garage, make sure that it is wide and high! You can have many updates, via the factory or other tuners - this is a proper super-car - ignore the detractors. It'ssuper quick - and around Spa returned a lap time that was super impressive (sub 2:45).

Both are great cars - drive them both - and whatever way you go - you're gonna have a big smile!

A

[franki68]

ModenaGTO said:

What are your long term plans for the car?

If you're looking to change car again in a few years you'll need to consider its residual value and a Ferrari will always hold its price a lot better.

Sls prices are going up at the moment,It will be a future classic ,and is probably more robust and cheaper to run.

But he should get a DBS Anyway.

[sealtt]

Drove the 430 spider today and loved it, exactly what i was looking for and seems a pretty good buy.

I went for black on black with carbon ceramic brakes , from a main dealer so ferrari warranty should keep most things in check.

Looking forward to a new driving experience, should be fun. Thanks for the help and recommendations.

[ModenaGTO]

Congratulations! A great car and I think the value will hold well the more it becomes appreciated with time! Still looks great too - hard to believe it was launched 10 years ago!
Enjoy!

[sealtt]

ModenaGTO said:

Congratulations! A great car and I think the value will hold well the more it becomes appreciated with time! Still looks great too - hard to believe it was launched 10 years ago!
Enjoy!

Thanks very much. Yes, I always think of them as a few years old, 10 years has gone way too fast!

I didn't necessarily choose the best spec for depreciation I expect, black on black vs a classic red combo, but it's the colour scheme I preferred and either way it doesn't have to do too well to beat the £15k/£20k+ annual depreciation I've grown accustomed to with premium Mercedes/BMW!

[vpr]

Maintenance costs on the SLS will be a fraction of cost for the 599....That would be enough to sway me.

DBS while a beauty and a real sense of occasion doesn't come within a country mile of the SLS in terms of dynamics and driving pleasure

[Wudee]

Too late for the op, but 991 ioffers all. And clean design that will look good forever.

[sealtt]

vpr said:

Maintenance costs on the SLS will be a fraction of cost for the 599....That would be enough to sway me.

Might be tight when you factor in depreciation! I think a good 599 is a pretty solid place to have your cash as far as cars go.

Wudee said:

Too late for the op, but 991 ioffers all. And clean design that will look good forever.

I personally don't find them that exciting, they are excellent cars and I always like seeing a Turbo/GT3/etc, but since I sold my 911 turbo a few years ago I've never really hankered after one again. The only other thing I'd consider than the F430 Spider would be the 458 Spider, but given the price differential the F430 it is!

[Paracetamol]

I know its already a done deal but the SLS if you are using the car for daily drives and I think they will be a 'keeper' future classic. The 599 is completely awesome but the bills would be too scary and it aint pretty enough to be a classic..

[sealtt]

Paracetamol said:

I know its already a done deal but the SLS if you are using the car for daily drives and I think they will be a 'keeper' future classic. The 599 is completely awesome but the bills would be too scary and it aint pretty enough to be a classic..

Interesting you think that, personally I think both the SLS and 599 are equally fantastic looking cars and I personally would feel happier placing a bet on the 599 being more likely to be a future classic - no doubt the 599 running bills would be far higher though.

[vpr]

sealtt said:

Paracetamol said:

I know its already a done deal but the SLS if you are using the car for daily drives and I think they will be a 'keeper' future classic. The 599 is completely awesome but the bills would be too scary and it aint pretty enough to be a classic..

Interesting you think that, personally I think both the SLS and 599 are equally fantastic looking cars and I personally would feel happier placing a bet on the 599 being more likely to be a future classic - no doubt the 599 running bills would be far higher though.

But 599's still dropping and SLS have increased in value though marginal

Also look to see how many are for sale....Supply and demand is the key

[sealtt]

vpr said:

But 599's still dropping and SLS have increased in value though marginal

Also look to see how many are for sale....Supply and demand is the key

I thought that 599s had at least levelled out by now and are generally up approx 10% since last year? No factual basis for that, just what I gathered from talking to a couple of dealers and what I noticed looking this year vs last year.

The last time I looked at the SLS was a couple of years ago so obviously it's dropped a bit since then due to being a newer car, I would have thought the roadster (which I was looking at) still has a bit to go given they are at £130k-ish.

[vpr]

sealtt said:

vpr said:

But 599's still dropping and SLS have increased in value though marginal

Also look to see how many are for sale....Supply and demand is the key

I thought that 599s had at least levelled out by now and are generally up approx 10% since last year? No factual basis for that, just what I gathered from talking to a couple of dealers and what I noticed looking this year vs last year.

The last time I looked at the SLS was a couple of years ago so obviously it's dropped a bit since then due to being a newer car, I would have thought the roadster (which I was looking at) still has a bit to go given they are at £130k-ish.

If this is the case re 599 then I stand corrected....I'm more in tune with the SLS market......Roadster doesn't have the same allure as the Coupe with its gullwing doors so would agree these are still on the downward trend

[vpr]

Just looked.....33 599's for sale against literally a handful of SLS Coupes.

Supply and demand.

[TISPKJ]

No you are correct, 599 is a touch down on a year ago but not a lot.
As you know SLS a touch up.
Interesting that there were 2 at the supercar meet yesterday and although a fantastic car both went pretty much unnoticed to be honest.

[vpr]

TISPKJ said:

No you are correct, 599 is a touch down on a year ago but not a lot.
As you know SLS a touch up.
Interesting that there were 2 at the supercar meet yesterday and although a fantastic car both went pretty much unnoticed to be honest.

You noticed them.....That's what matters

[TISPKJ]

vpr said:

You noticed them.....That's what matters

Like I say fantastic car but dull in the supercar world.and I think most people would walk past.

[andy355]

Low mileage, high spec sls seems easy to sell and there seem to be a couple of buyers waiting

So I heard when i sold mine. Sold easily to trade and on again

In case of any use services on sls were £400-500 territory. Warranty renewal wasn't bad either and you can pay monthly too

599 is a great looking car and looking good value now too

[sealtt]

TISPKJ said:

Like I say fantastic car but dull in the supercar world.and I think most people would walk past.

I do remember having an SLS roadster a year or so ago and driving it through the centre of a small town in the Cotswolds (maybe 30k population) and I was quite shocked at how few heads it turned! However, go to a more populated area and I think that probably the SLS and certainly a 599 (in louder colours especially!) will garner more attention than all but the most insecure of egos could desire.

In any case, the most important thing is what the driver finds exciting to look at, and I really love the looks of both of them. The endless bonnet on the SLS is just magic. Though of course I didn't buy either as I found the F430 Spider the more exciting purchase proposition overall, looks included, as it is totally different to any car I've previously owned.