amg gt - 911 targa - lc500?
Discussion
I've been searching for the right sl55 for a few months, one hasn't come along and i'm starting to think it might not.
ended up looking at 911 targas(991 and 992), however this reminded me to look at AMG GT C's also, which I think might just be more fun than the 911 and a bit more 'special'?
LC500 is on the list and if the right one came along, i'd jump at it.
Anyone comment if they've had one or what might be missing from the list? The AMG seems likely to be more reliable than the 911 also. Slightly worried about the width but it looks like my polestar 4 is wider!?
https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/mercedes-...
ended up looking at 911 targas(991 and 992), however this reminded me to look at AMG GT C's also, which I think might just be more fun than the 911 and a bit more 'special'?
LC500 is on the list and if the right one came along, i'd jump at it.
Anyone comment if they've had one or what might be missing from the list? The AMG seems likely to be more reliable than the 911 also. Slightly worried about the width but it looks like my polestar 4 is wider!?
https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/mercedes-...
Keith-9fc7j said:
Just my personal opinion, but I just could never see myself in the financial position to buy one of these 3 cars, and think I know, ill buy a Lexus LC500 . It just doesnt seem in the same league?
They’ll all cost less than a new or possibly a used vw golf over 3 years. I think they're quite different ownership propositions but I was in a similar place as you a while ago so here are my thoughts...
Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
shiversaint said:
I think they're quite different ownership propositions but I was in a similar place as you a while ago so here are my thoughts...
Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
what did you buy after the 4s targa ?Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
shiversaint said:
I think they're quite different ownership propositions but I was in a similar place as you a while ago so here are my thoughts...
Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
The porsche I think would be the least special out of the 3 as they're not uncommon, i'm also a little worried about medium term reliability. I did look at the California T, however the others are a little more discreet, without the same level of running costs.Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
If I want AMG GT it'd need to be the 'c' for the style and other bits from the GT but with a more useable suspension setup(and lower cost).
I sold my AMG GTC in June of this year after 5 years of ownership.
Aside from servicing and a set of tyres it cost me nothing in maintenance and in all honesty, I still regret selling it.
Like a German TVR - Brutish and playful when you want it and a very comfy cruiser when you don't.
Decent size boot, huge performance, roof off (assuming you're looking at the cabrio) and very easy to drive once you get used to the bonnet length.
For reference, before buying i also looked at the 911 , r8 v10 and vantage before buying it.
Any questions fire away 😀
Aside from servicing and a set of tyres it cost me nothing in maintenance and in all honesty, I still regret selling it.
Like a German TVR - Brutish and playful when you want it and a very comfy cruiser when you don't.
Decent size boot, huge performance, roof off (assuming you're looking at the cabrio) and very easy to drive once you get used to the bonnet length.
For reference, before buying i also looked at the 911 , r8 v10 and vantage before buying it.
Any questions fire away 😀
SFTWend said:
Did you give up on the Granturismo idea? I couldn't find a nice one in colours that appealed.
If AMG GTC why not 2018 on Vantage?
finding the right colour of Granturismo, then if it was, it was too ropey in other areas.If AMG GTC why not 2018 on Vantage?
The vantage(IMO) has a sad looking face, some quality issues and larger running costs. I think the GT, GT C just look a lot better, bit more drama about them also.
TTB said:
Frankychops said:
If I want AMG GT it'd need to be the 'c' for the style and other bits from the GT but with a more useable suspension setup(and lower cost).
You know the C is one down from the GTR? Has the wider rear track, 4ws etc...Range goes GT, GTS, GTC, GTR
Frankychops said:
shiversaint said:
I think they're quite different ownership propositions but I was in a similar place as you a while ago so here are my thoughts...
Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
The porsche I think would be the least special out of the 3 as they're not uncommon, i'm also a little worried about medium term reliability. I did look at the California T, however the others are a little more discreet, without the same level of running costs.Try a Targa before buying one, and drive it at speed with the roof down. I had a 991.1 4S and generally wouldn't put the roof down if I knew I'd be going above 50mph, i.e. local drives only. The buffeting is insane, and I understand it's not massively better in a 992.
991.1s at least still have some interesting foibles, which in my case includes replacing all 8 or 9 change over valves for the vacuum system (a smart design from porsche let down by flakey parts), and PASM engine mounts made from chocolate, 3 replacements in 1 year at a part cost of about 1300 quid each. I also had some water ingress issues because of the stupid drain design above the wheel arch which killed the radio amp, fortunately dealt with on warranty but yea...across a 20 month ownership period it was pretty expensive.
The handling also leaves a fair bit to be desired, quite a bit of scuttle shake and high speed driving is not confidence inspiring at all. I was consistently surprised about this. Improved a lot with PS4 tyres but I never really felt very certain in that car. Depends what you need from it.
Of course the noise of the NA flat 6 is pretty special so do compare a 991.1 to the turbocharged cars if you can find one - good ones are very rare. PDK was excellent but they do have a niche failure mode that is crazy expensive to repair, worth researching.
I also looked at the AMG GT - I found the driving position to be VERY intense. It's super cool in some ways but I just couldn't envisage it as a daily which is what I needed. I think generally it's a very focused style of drive. The engine is "fine" IMO, a lot of people rate the hot v 4.0 from AMG but it's pretty clinical in my view and made for people who don't want to worry about where they are in the car's rev range; so tolerant and capable but not rewarding for precise driving. Has that classic AMG hammer thing about it.
The only one I didn't drive was the LC500, because I couldn't find one. I think it's probably the pick of the three and had I gone that route I suspect I'd still own it. It is firmly GT car territory though, as is the targa because its so heavy.
I think if you're looking at AMG GTs you may want to consider an R8 V10 as I guess the ownership experience will be similar. Bit of a wildcard but Ferrari California T sits in this same bracket, not loved at the time but those that have them now tend to be quite complimentary, one of the better Ferrari ownership prospects.
If I want AMG GT it'd need to be the 'c' for the style and other bits from the GT but with a more useable suspension setup(and lower cost).
Ultimately I don’t think it’s a car people keep long term unlike the AMG GT though, too many quirks and compromises.
Tagteam said:
what did you buy after the 4s targa ?
Quite counterintuitive but a W205 C63. It was fine. I wanted an AMG but the GT was too compromised/I needed some back seats for dogs. Glad I tried it but realised AMGs are probably not for me.Sold that now and now in a 996 Carrera 2, which I adore.
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