Discussion
Have been looking at getting a 2nd car to have some fun in at weekends and sunny weather. Will likely do 2K - 3K miles a year and only needs to seat 2 as have another car for day to day stuff. Started looking at SLK55s but really didnt think it was special enough. Then tried 997 S and came to same conclusion. Now I am comparing SL and XKR. Didnt think I could afford SL63 but have seen they are now available for late £30K. However having owned an SL55 a number of years ago am concerned at running costs and reliability. I realise that it will be 6 years younger but not sure if the problems I suffered with suspension, boot leaks etc have been rectified. Haven't driven XKR yet but at the moment this is my 2nd choice. Here are a few questions.
1. How reliable are SL63s and are they a big improvement on SL55?
2. Rough guide to annual costs.
3. Rough price for MB Warranty. Any 3rd party warranties worth considering?
4. Any guess at annual depreciation?
Any other cars I should be considering?
1. How reliable are SL63s and are they a big improvement on SL55?
2. Rough guide to annual costs.
3. Rough price for MB Warranty. Any 3rd party warranties worth considering?
4. Any guess at annual depreciation?
Any other cars I should be considering?
SL C63, just watch the spec unless your ordering it as merc put out some horribly basic cars and hope you don't notice until you have bought it then its your tough titty.
Aston, unreliable and big deprecation.
Maserati, unreliable and huge deprecation.
jaguar, well its just a jaguar, nothing " special " about it.
I am going for a R8 V10 : )
Aston, unreliable and big deprecation.
Maserati, unreliable and huge deprecation.
jaguar, well its just a jaguar, nothing " special " about it.
I am going for a R8 V10 : )
Which SL63? The R230 or the R231?
I'm sure you may already be aware, but the R230 will mainly be a question of engine variance from the SL55: the supercharged M113 unit vs. the NA M156 6.2l unit. The chassis to all intents and purposes remained the same, plus the MCT. Incidentally, more than a few reports at the time, American mainly, indicated that the older '55 still retained a performance edge over the later car - to certain speeds - due to the torque characteristics.
If you're thinking of the R231 version, then you're looking at a far more modern machine. Looks have been compromised (an opinion), but the luxury levels have obviously increased. The Biturbo 5.5 is another engine iteration again, but from my perspective lacking the essence and vigour of the NA and supercharged predecessors.
As regards a comparison between an R230 SL63 and an XKR, then I would um and ah, but would slightly fall towards the R230. My reasons being is that whilst the SL is a slightly more fidgety car, and the XKR feels a tad more planted, the fit and finish of the Jag put me off ever so slightly. Mercedes aren't faultless, but things like the touchscreen navigation made my feel like I'd just get annoyed with it over time. The XKR is certainly a lovely car to look at, however. In addition, (for the SL) the ability to switch from hard-top to convertible so seamlessly won me over.
I'm sure you may already be aware, but the R230 will mainly be a question of engine variance from the SL55: the supercharged M113 unit vs. the NA M156 6.2l unit. The chassis to all intents and purposes remained the same, plus the MCT. Incidentally, more than a few reports at the time, American mainly, indicated that the older '55 still retained a performance edge over the later car - to certain speeds - due to the torque characteristics.
If you're thinking of the R231 version, then you're looking at a far more modern machine. Looks have been compromised (an opinion), but the luxury levels have obviously increased. The Biturbo 5.5 is another engine iteration again, but from my perspective lacking the essence and vigour of the NA and supercharged predecessors.
As regards a comparison between an R230 SL63 and an XKR, then I would um and ah, but would slightly fall towards the R230. My reasons being is that whilst the SL is a slightly more fidgety car, and the XKR feels a tad more planted, the fit and finish of the Jag put me off ever so slightly. Mercedes aren't faultless, but things like the touchscreen navigation made my feel like I'd just get annoyed with it over time. The XKR is certainly a lovely car to look at, however. In addition, (for the SL) the ability to switch from hard-top to convertible so seamlessly won me over.
For late £30K will be 2008 SL63 which I assume is R230. Of course the other option is to save £15K+ and go for SL55 post 2004. Looking at it logically seems a lot to pay for slightly newer car with different engine which some people say is not as good. Guess I have just complicated matters a bit!!
I know you did say you only needed two seats, but have you considered an M6 convertible?
The rear seats are a tad less negligible than those in an XKR, and everybody is aware of the performance bargain they offer.
I suppose it depends on what you really are after. If the SL55s you had before you enjoyed, excepting any niggles, then shoot for the R230 SL63. It will be newer, have the face-lifted front, and a different but similarly potent engine to enjoy. Mercedes would have learnt about something of the challenges earlier in the R230 lifecycle and should be a bit more ironed out. Then again, 30k isn't chump change to try a twist on something you already know so well.
The XKR is a lovely car, but you have to drive one first to really see if its your thing.
The M6 will have loads of fun gadgets, the HUD, the power button etc, and the newer electronics, and the V10 will just be another new powerplant to explore. But the looks do polarise as we all know. A great all-rounder nevertheless.
But it does come down to if you want a gentle evolution on things you've enjoyed before or want something completely new. Are you fixed on a two-door sports car, or just like GTs? I echo views on the GranCabrio/Turismo, but they go for money on average. Continental at 35k? The game is endless!
Nice choices to have anyway
The rear seats are a tad less negligible than those in an XKR, and everybody is aware of the performance bargain they offer.
I suppose it depends on what you really are after. If the SL55s you had before you enjoyed, excepting any niggles, then shoot for the R230 SL63. It will be newer, have the face-lifted front, and a different but similarly potent engine to enjoy. Mercedes would have learnt about something of the challenges earlier in the R230 lifecycle and should be a bit more ironed out. Then again, 30k isn't chump change to try a twist on something you already know so well.
The XKR is a lovely car, but you have to drive one first to really see if its your thing.
The M6 will have loads of fun gadgets, the HUD, the power button etc, and the newer electronics, and the V10 will just be another new powerplant to explore. But the looks do polarise as we all know. A great all-rounder nevertheless.
But it does come down to if you want a gentle evolution on things you've enjoyed before or want something completely new. Are you fixed on a two-door sports car, or just like GTs? I echo views on the GranCabrio/Turismo, but they go for money on average. Continental at 35k? The game is endless!
Nice choices to have anyway
I've just gone SL55 AMG 2005 with widescreen nav and upgraded wheels. I will get the CKS stage one performance upgrade to 557 BHP and the suspension lowering kit added. Looks like a lot of car for the money and something different after all the Fezzes Porkas GTR's and Nobles etc
Let's see how it goes ?
Let's see how it goes ?
Saw 54 reg F/L SL55 today and will be picking up tomorrow. Currently has turbine wheels fitted so might consider changing as pita to clean and do tend to date the car. Any idea of wheels to consider? Dont want anything too chavvy? Do 19" wheels affect the ride quality?
Want to put it in for a service and Mercmedics are near me so wondered what they are like? Anybody here used them?
Cant wait for tomorrow but judging by weather forecast might be quite wet!!
Want to put it in for a service and Mercmedics are near me so wondered what they are like? Anybody here used them?
Cant wait for tomorrow but judging by weather forecast might be quite wet!!
“There are no days more full than those we go back to!"
Nothing quite like revisiting an old flame is there...
I can't remember the last time I saw the turbines on an R230. I've been umm'ing and ahh'ing about an alloy upgrade for ages, and when I feel all fast and furious I just can't see beyond the following:
If it was a choice between four of these wheels or one night with four Sugar Hut Honies, I'd still take the wheels.
Nothing quite like revisiting an old flame is there...
I can't remember the last time I saw the turbines on an R230. I've been umm'ing and ahh'ing about an alloy upgrade for ages, and when I feel all fast and furious I just can't see beyond the following:
If it was a choice between four of these wheels or one night with four Sugar Hut Honies, I'd still take the wheels.
I was in exactly the same predicament, almost put a deposit down on an SL63, until someone told me to try the 5.0 XKR.
I found the SL63 Dated in comparison, the noise of the XKR equal, if not better, and the XKR a better looking car. I bought the XKR, got a newer car for less money, use it as a daily and it brings ear to ear grins for power noise and gentle hooliganism if need be. Does drink - but I'm sure no more than an SL63.
Drive them both, its the only way you will make the right decision
I found the SL63 Dated in comparison, the noise of the XKR equal, if not better, and the XKR a better looking car. I bought the XKR, got a newer car for less money, use it as a daily and it brings ear to ear grins for power noise and gentle hooliganism if need be. Does drink - but I'm sure no more than an SL63.
Drive them both, its the only way you will make the right decision
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