2013 Mercedes SL550 or '14-'15 C7 Z51
10-01-2016, 06:36 PM
#41
From a depreciation and maintenance standpoint, MB builds some of the worst cars on the planet.
They also build some of the sexiest cars as well.
So, if financially you can afford to drive that MB into a ditch and set it on fire without being pinched too hard $$ wise, then get the MB. If not, get a new C7.
They also build some of the sexiest cars as well.
So, if financially you can afford to drive that MB into a ditch and set it on fire without being pinched too hard $$ wise, then get the MB. If not, get a new C7.
), however the maintence of my current car (FJ ) have not been so cheap (specially gas and tires) so I dont know how much bigger the diff will be mantaining a 2013 SL550. My head says sl550 my heart c7 z51 with black rims, frontlip, skirts, and a spoiler
10-01-2016, 06:37 PM
#42
Race Director
might as well get the amg version...my good friend with a 700 hp twin turbo c5 ...loved his SL63 amg with a renntech tune...
It had the paddle shift torque convertor less transmission and it was fun to drive especially with the renntech tune..
The transmission without the convertor but rather a computerized planetary gearbox was not available on the 550 but rather the amg SL
Although I didn't personally care for the looks as much as corvettes....the aMG version was excellent as a tuned vehicle.
Very direct driving experience,
Test drive one if you love the looks of the 2013 SL....
Looks are always a personal opinion.
Hope this helps
It had the paddle shift torque convertor less transmission and it was fun to drive especially with the renntech tune..
The transmission without the convertor but rather a computerized planetary gearbox was not available on the 550 but rather the amg SL
Although I didn't personally care for the looks as much as corvettes....the aMG version was excellent as a tuned vehicle.
Very direct driving experience,
Test drive one if you love the looks of the 2013 SL....
Looks are always a personal opinion.
Hope this helps
Last edited by JerriVette; 10-01-2016 at 06:39 PM.
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aparrax (10-01-2016)
10-01-2016, 06:44 PM
#43
From a depreciation and maintenance standpoint, MB builds some of the worst cars on the planet.
They also build some of the sexiest cars as well.
So, if financially you can afford to drive that MB into a ditch and set it on fire without being pinched too hard $$ wise, then get the MB. If not, get a new C7.
They also build some of the sexiest cars as well.
So, if financially you can afford to drive that MB into a ditch and set it on fire without being pinched too hard $$ wise, then get the MB. If not, get a new C7.
If that works out well for him, he can consider buying it. If not, the C7 may then be the next option of possession/ownership. Leasing may be the way to go.
10-01-2016, 06:59 PM
#44
If what I'm reading is complete enough from the OP, he can afford to consider leasing a new 550 SL, to get it's "experience, " without getting married to it financially.
If that works out well for him, he can consider buying it. If not, the C7 may then be the next option of possession/ownership. Leasing may be the way to go.
If that works out well for him, he can consider buying it. If not, the C7 may then be the next option of possession/ownership. Leasing may be the way to go.
Sorry for any typos (english is not my first language
)
10-01-2016, 07:06 PM
#45
might as well get the amg version...my good friend with a 700 hp twin turbo c5 ...loved his SL63 amg with a renntech tune...
It had the paddle shift torque convertor less transmission and it was fun to drive especially with the renntech tune..
The transmission without the convertor but rather a computerized planetary gearbox was not available on the 550 but rather the amg SL
Although I didn't personally care for the looks as much as corvettes....the aMG version was excellent as a tuned vehicle.
Very direct driving experience,
Test drive one if you love the looks of the 2013 SL....
Looks are always a personal opinion.
Hope this helps
It had the paddle shift torque convertor less transmission and it was fun to drive especially with the renntech tune..
The transmission without the convertor but rather a computerized planetary gearbox was not available on the 550 but rather the amg SL
Although I didn't personally care for the looks as much as corvettes....the aMG version was excellent as a tuned vehicle.
Very direct driving experience,
Test drive one if you love the looks of the 2013 SL....
Looks are always a personal opinion.
Hope this helps
10-01-2016, 07:09 PM
#46
Race Director
I've also always bought all my cars for cash but interest rates are so low....and incentives so high to move the metal...leasing a SL is not a bad deal. The new Mercedes amg GTS in coupe and soon in convertible form has HALFED the more traditional SL sales since the AMG GT arrival and this year has shown an additional twelve percent drop...
Mercedes is dealing on lease deals for the SL big time that would be relatively inexpensive for a 42 month lease for 739 a month if you prepay in one payment....31038 plus 700 bank fee and of course tax and tags..for three and a half years of care free driving..(sl400)
Www.legendleasing.com at least look at it from a financial standpoint...
Just an ide
Mercedes is dealing on lease deals for the SL big time that would be relatively inexpensive for a 42 month lease for 739 a month if you prepay in one payment....31038 plus 700 bank fee and of course tax and tags..for three and a half years of care free driving..(sl400)
Www.legendleasing.com at least look at it from a financial standpoint...
Just an ide
Last edited by JerriVette; 10-01-2016 at 07:15 PM.
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aparrax (10-01-2016)
all of u guys rock
10-01-2016, 07:53 PM
#51
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10-01-2016, 08:31 PM
#53
Benz take a bath in resale, but never buy a car thinking your gonna make out in the end. Saying that, after working on the German high end cars, they take a huge hit, and always kill you everytime there in the shop.
Last edited by Millerrock; 10-01-2016 at 08:31 PM.
10-01-2016, 09:48 PM
#54
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OP,
whatever used car you're considering, don't buy that individual car without reviewing a copy of the repair record from a brand dealer. As an example, a used Corvette will have a GM repair record for that individual VIN on their computer. They can print that out and you can see the maintenance and repair that's occurred. Yes, repair performed outside of a GM dealership will not show up, but let's be honest. Very few repairs are going to be made outside of the Corvette warranty, if any, because the owner pays nothing or a nominal fee. Same for the MB. Even is you buy from a non-factory dealer, copy the vin and get the repair record from a dealer even if you pay for it. It will tell you if the car has been reliable with minimal repairs (other than maintenance) or if it's been in for an engine or transmission overhaul, computer problems etc. Last thing you want to buy is a car that was problematic and was traded because of that.
BTW, I'd only go for the Vette, but MB was never a big attraction for me.
whatever used car you're considering, don't buy that individual car without reviewing a copy of the repair record from a brand dealer. As an example, a used Corvette will have a GM repair record for that individual VIN on their computer. They can print that out and you can see the maintenance and repair that's occurred. Yes, repair performed outside of a GM dealership will not show up, but let's be honest. Very few repairs are going to be made outside of the Corvette warranty, if any, because the owner pays nothing or a nominal fee. Same for the MB. Even is you buy from a non-factory dealer, copy the vin and get the repair record from a dealer even if you pay for it. It will tell you if the car has been reliable with minimal repairs (other than maintenance) or if it's been in for an engine or transmission overhaul, computer problems etc. Last thing you want to buy is a car that was problematic and was traded because of that.
BTW, I'd only go for the Vette, but MB was never a big attraction for me.
10-02-2016, 10:16 AM
#55
Le Mans Master
My vote:
Benz = wife happy
Vette = husband happy
Corvette show and comradery are numerous, Benz not so much even with leading the current year Formula 1 race series.
But...if the SL is an AMG 65 Black Series. That is a nice car yet watch the operating costs.
Benz = wife happy
Vette = husband happy
Corvette show and comradery are numerous, Benz not so much even with leading the current year Formula 1 race series.
But...if the SL is an AMG 65 Black Series. That is a nice car yet watch the operating costs.
10-02-2016, 04:11 PM
#56
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Which one will hold more value with time?
assume youll be upside down
if youre still interested pick the one that makes you smile and pick it up
Selling a used MB=giving it away unless you find an uninformed person.
Mines an 00 with 215k. Jut got real lucky think scares the hell out of me $$$ and is nowhere as advanced as the newer ones.
10-02-2016, 04:20 PM
#57
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?
I believe someone mentioned the drastic drop in resale value once the warranty has expired --
makes purchasing affordable, maintenance not so much.
Check out Benzworld.org forum for opinions and advice.
Good luck.
10-02-2016, 05:42 PM
#58
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Good cross-check.Far as repairs, would U buy a new car w/o a warranty? So if U have a warranty and things go south, take it in. Only one warranty issue (pass door lock malfunction) w/our M-B in nearly 3 yrs. Are C7's worse or better on that?
Again, the main issue should be what happens after the warranty is up. I answered that with a sale just before time was up, and got lucky doing so. The wife was very happy with her car but has no need or expressed a desire for another one.
What made me unhappy with the M-B was the glorified $250 and up oil changes if they did the work. I saw the writing on the wall with regards to routine maintenance. Did my own oil changes with their parts supply, to protect the warranty with their receipts. Even filter & prescribed oil came to nearly $100 a pop. Heck, in the service bay they don't even have to raise the car to change oil these days on M-B. I think first 3 or 4 oil changes are now a freebie, s/a C7.
Last edited by cor28vettes; 10-02-2016 at 08:55 PM.
10-02-2016, 07:44 PM
#59
SL's resale popularity and $ recapture has been abysmal for decades. They're probably the worst value model to own in the MB model lineup.