PDC

I have owned my 'previously enjoyed' 2006 SL65 for about 5 years now. It is KLEEMANN tuned (ECU/TCU) with an '010' Bosh Intercooler pump and Star Diagnostics lowering. Brilliant Silver over Charcoal. I am REALLY getting a bad case of 'wandering eye' - but the problem is that after owning a 650hp/800tq daily driver for 5 years, there are very few cars that: 1) are a 'next logical step' and 2) are financially within reach of mere mortals like myself.

My local MB dealership also sells Jag and just moved a 2012 XKR-S that was absolutely beautiful. No, not as much raw 'grunt' at a tuned 65, but less curb weight and clearly a better, faster shifting transmission with more cogs to choose from. Oh well, its gone now. But at $78k - less whatever trade value is on my SL ($35K +/-??), I figured I could live life with a short term 36 month note for the balance and probably wipe it out in 24, depending on how the economy treats my lil' business.

They also have a 2013 911 Carerra GTS with PDK. I have always been a sucker for the 911 Turbo with the extra power and aerokit. So the naturally aspirated GTS - while respectable - is a significant step down in hp and ESPECIALLY torque. I just don't know if I would be happy long term behind the wheel. It also does not have the aerokit and looks a little 'forgettable' for lack of a better term. And they want $87K - which would realistically crowd me beyond the self-imposed line where I want to be as far as a continuing financial obligation is concerned. (Sure, they would be GLAD to write it up and I could easily stroke the checks, I just think that beyond my "X" amount, what funds I have available belong somewhere else other than a car note.)

Finally, the local Nissan dealership has a 2014 GTR in Black on Black that has been reduced significantly, now that its 2015. I have always been partial to these. I think they look cool as hell, they are monster performers, I like the idea of all-wheel drive, since it will be my daily driver, and the thought of a car with no miles on the clock, the sticker in the window, and full toot to snoot warranty is very appealing - if it is going to be a semi-'long-term' commitment. Yeah, its right at where the 'Euro' dealership has the 911 GTS priced, but it is a heckuva' lot more car for the money. I have done limited research on available tuning packages, and these things are capable of around 800hp with the factory manifolds with intake, exhaust, cooling and ECU upgrades. Basically bolt-on, flash, and FLY.

Thoughts?

F1BHP

Just spend the money on a few more mods and a wide body kit and custom interior and Brembo brakes, you will have a whole new super car for less money.

Viper98912

GTR sounds like the only real competitor

V12TTenthusiast

It's funny you came to the same conclusion that I did for what I want for another performance car in my garage, but I added RS7 to that list, but in the end it looks like in the fall I'll go for the 911 Turbo. Honesty for the power the SL65 offers at the price point its at, its really hard to find other cars.

Viper98912

I think many of us share the same fear. You/we/me have a twin turbo V12 engine. Then what after that?

BlownV8

The GTR is such a great car but, to me, it's just so ugly.

PDC

O.K. - KBB - Edmunds - Black Book ALL say that an 06 SL65 AMG in "good" (not 'excellent') condition is worth $38-$39K "Trade Value" (not "Private Party"). I personally think that's a little optimistic, but its a nice reference point.

Nissan dealership concedes that my SL falls into the "Excellent" category and has confirmed ALL service records with the local Benz dealership. Then proceeded to offer my $25K trade on their $89K GTR. (P.S. The GTR is a 2015 model, not a 2014 as I previously thought. Showroom new)

Thank you, no thank you. Parked the SL at the office this morning and looked over my shoulder as I walked in. Just SO damn good looking. And the 'cache' of having the big blocky number "65" on one side of the trunk and "///AMG" on the other ... all I can say is "What Was I Thinking???" (Maybe I will treat myself to a Renntech CF air-box and cf interior trim this spring.)

The ONLY car I could ever consider trading my '06 SL65 for is an '09 SL65 with the new(er) style front and rear treatment. This car is just too cool.

My thoughts: I am willing to bet that if I went to the 'Euro' dealership and voiced an interest in their 911 GTS, they would offer me minimum $35 on my SL65 in order to make the deal.

AND - if the Nissan folks would have said "all we can do is $35k which leaves a $54k difference" - I probably (regrettably) would have knee-jerked and done the deal. Sometimes things work out exactly as they should.

carlsturm

I too have the wandering eye and have been wrestling with same question. (Guess I always suffer from wandering eye).
After much thought I've decided to keep my 05 SL65. I just love the timeless styling which I think is lost in the '09+
Consequently I'm looking at other vehicles that offer some contrast to the SL. Lighter and more agile not necessarily faster.

Ingenere

You guys might want to consider a Ferrari 360. It may not have the grunt you are used to but it's lot of fun, and you won't get hit with the depreciation monster as they are pretty well depreciated.... and you just may come out ahead when you go to sell. Finally, every car guy should have a Ferrari...... at least once!

Viper98912

I've looked at those, but just hate the interior. Much prefer the F430.

TTtodd

I believe the R230 SL65 is at or near the depreciation bottom now.

Anyway to make you feel better I sold my 911 turbo to move to the SL65.

BlownV8

Wishful thinking but way to stay positive.

F1BHP

Yep, another 10-15 years before the bottom.

sound 8

You will appreciate a SL65 as you grow old together....

PDC

Really love the SL65 - now considering an 09 in charcoal metallic with under 10k miles.
Love the diamond stitched interior and shift paddles as opposed to buttons. Also love the front and rear treatment. New(er) coil packs and 010 IC pump from get-go.
VERY tempted.

sl65_rockford

Why not simply do a facelift? Everything your thinking, I felt the same...I got close to Bently GT, but couldn't committ. The GtR, if it wasn't such "teenager dream" car...I would consider.

Simply do a facelift and a wrap and enjoy your same care, that's got vested time and money..rather than dropping a lot of cash to simply trade in 06 for an 09..imho

sl65_rockford

I mean if your going from a r230 to r231..I can understand ....but from 06 to 09.?!

I'm sure paddle shifter are nice, but how often do you use your paddle "buttons"..do you really need an "air pillow"?

Invest a little more (10-12k) into her and enjoy her till the wheels fall off.

2011 SL65 are still 100k

PDC

You make a VERY good point. I personally like the 09+ R230s better than the 231s. And what are the chances that if I keep my 06 for another couple of years I will find another fully loaded later style 230 with 9300 miles? That's darn near showroom new... Just a thought. Trying to think first and sign later this time

sound 8

Any change will ruin those beautiful lines, except a widebody on the 230
would look great.

F1BHP

Check out the wide body SL's with the facelift headlights, you will think you have a new car. With the mileage so low it really makes no sense to sell a new car for bargain basement money. Just bring it up to date and get that new car feeling without spending 50k to get it.

dave-t

We have a 2008 SL65 with 36k on the clock for $66,250. Options are carbon fiber trim, alcantara headliner and parktronic delete.

coldhammer

i was ready to pull the trigger on a diablo roadster but the prices have just gotten stupid. I was also interested in an older testarossa but again prices have gotten stupid. You can pick up a 430 pretty easily for about $90-$100k and i gave that some serious consideration but honestly i feel like i would just be "settling" for a 430.

I decided im just going to do a widebody on the sl55, new interior and a twin turbo setup while i wait for this speculation bubble on exotic cars to burst.