New SL63 or old SL63
Discussion
Guys,
Currently on the look out for a new car. My current car is an F10 M5, but I'm looking for a 2 seat convertible to enjoy for next year summer. I've been keeping an eye on the R230 and R231 SL63 prices, and it seems the newer model is dropping while the older one is holding it price quite well.
From what I've seen recently, it seems to be about £10-15k between the two models, that's is quite close considering the older ones are nearly 8 yrs old now. To be honest the older model still look good, while the newer one's ain't that much of a looker.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
Currently on the look out for a new car. My current car is an F10 M5, but I'm looking for a 2 seat convertible to enjoy for next year summer. I've been keeping an eye on the R230 and R231 SL63 prices, and it seems the newer model is dropping while the older one is holding it price quite well.
From what I've seen recently, it seems to be about £10-15k between the two models, that's is quite close considering the older ones are nearly 8 yrs old now. To be honest the older model still look good, while the newer one's ain't that much of a looker.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...
I've recently sold my earlier SL63, I really liked everything about the car. Having tried an Aston Martin V8, an Audi R8 and the SL63 in one day the SL63 was my choice.
My only issue with the V8 N/A SL63 was a potential head bolt issue on the earlier cars which could land the owner with a significant bill.
During my ownership I booked a morning 'thrash' around the MB World test track in a later SL63 (the smaller engine turbo car) and found it absolutely amazing in every respect the road holding was a real surprise even when playing with backing off the traction control. Jumping back into my N/A car afterwards to drive home my thoughts were you have to rev the N/A more (which is nice anyway) and the interior was a bit dated. I couldn't reach or achieve the sort of speeds driving home that I achieved on the track but the N/A really didn't portray any inadequacies whatsoever.
If I were in your position I would buy the later car but there is nothing at all to fault the N/A V8.
Just to add these cars can be a comfortable long distance cruiser then at the touch of the throttle and a few sport button settings adjustments can be a very fast capable A or B road blaster, plus there is that lovely engine sound that is real not some farty contrived sound some cars come with these days
My only issue with the V8 N/A SL63 was a potential head bolt issue on the earlier cars which could land the owner with a significant bill.
During my ownership I booked a morning 'thrash' around the MB World test track in a later SL63 (the smaller engine turbo car) and found it absolutely amazing in every respect the road holding was a real surprise even when playing with backing off the traction control. Jumping back into my N/A car afterwards to drive home my thoughts were you have to rev the N/A more (which is nice anyway) and the interior was a bit dated. I couldn't reach or achieve the sort of speeds driving home that I achieved on the track but the N/A really didn't portray any inadequacies whatsoever.
If I were in your position I would buy the later car but there is nothing at all to fault the N/A V8.
Just to add these cars can be a comfortable long distance cruiser then at the touch of the throttle and a few sport button settings adjustments can be a very fast capable A or B road blaster, plus there is that lovely engine sound that is real not some farty contrived sound some cars come with these days
beemarman said:
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I leaning more towards the newer shape as well, but I'm worried about further massive depreciation. I know it's hard to guess the future, but do you think the price would settle in the forties within 2 yrs, or is it going to keep dropping?
Difficult to say how much more they will depreciate but they reach a certain point where they are a real bargain and stay about there. Lets face it at even £50K they are a bargain considering some were as much as £130K plus new. Most cars I looked at were about 20-30K miles and so well looked after they were like a new car which I guess says says something about the high quality materials used in them.Thanks for the reply. I leaning more towards the newer shape as well, but I'm worried about further massive depreciation. I know it's hard to guess the future, but do you think the price would settle in the forties within 2 yrs, or is it going to keep dropping?
If you can find one with the Performance Pack and cooled seats although rare I'd pay the extra because that would be a car worth keeping hold of.
JamesRF said:
Is it just me that finds the newer shape a bit awkward looking? The older one looks so much better in my opinion!
Ever since I did the AMG experience in the SL55 I've always wanted one, sound is just epic.
You're right there seem to be critics of both models looks but I've always thought it was very colour dependant, the older SL63 in black looked good and the later model in that silver grey suited it well.Ever since I did the AMG experience in the SL55 I've always wanted one, sound is just epic.
You'd be mad to buy the R230 if you can stump up the extra for the R231.
Whilst the R230 is a superb car, and has arguably one of the best stock exhaust noises of any car and from most angles does look better (though starting to show it's age a bit), the R231 is sooooo much better to drive in every way, still sounds beastly, and is a much better built car.
The 'new' (now technically old as the facelift has arrived!) will be a great choice even after the M5 - I bought a brand new M6 F12 a few years back so familiar with the 4.4 V8 you're used to. The old-old SL63 will feel dated and seriously lacks the agility of the new model.
One thing, after your M5, make sure you get an SL63 (R231) with performance pack, the extra lbft will be sure to make an impression, especially as you'll be relatively used to the big boost coming from that BMW.
Whilst the R230 is a superb car, and has arguably one of the best stock exhaust noises of any car and from most angles does look better (though starting to show it's age a bit), the R231 is sooooo much better to drive in every way, still sounds beastly, and is a much better built car.
The 'new' (now technically old as the facelift has arrived!) will be a great choice even after the M5 - I bought a brand new M6 F12 a few years back so familiar with the 4.4 V8 you're used to. The old-old SL63 will feel dated and seriously lacks the agility of the new model.
One thing, after your M5, make sure you get an SL63 (R231) with performance pack, the extra lbft will be sure to make an impression, especially as you'll be relatively used to the big boost coming from that BMW.
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