Is the C63 the best luxury/performance car bargain?
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
Is the C63 the best luxury/performance car bargain?
I have never driven or even been in a C63, but just based upon my research I can get a low mileage 2009 for low 50's and flash her and have a great DD with lots of pep and comfort.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
Last edited by Dr_jitsu; Nov 15, 2009 at 06:44 PM.
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R8
There is no catch. The C63 is one of those rare examples of having your cake and eating it too.
It's difficult to find another car currently for sale that blends the same combination of stellar performance, 4-door practicality, recognized luxury branding, and everyday comfort, into a package costing as little as the C63.
Yes, there are other cars that come close: the M3 sedan and Lexus IS F immediately come to mind. But with the M3, you'll give up a significant amount of low-end torque which is one factor that really makes the C63 a stand out as a daily driver. With the IS F, you sacrifice a little bit of clout and a whole lot of pedigree.
The other cars you can consider would be the RS4, which arguably is even more practical with its Torsen differential awd, but its back seats are very short on legroom and it's no longer in production so it's all moot, and the CTS-V, which has even better performance potential than the C63 but challenges would-be purchasers with the leap of faith that must accompany any decision to buy GM at this time.
Is the C63 perfect? Not even close.
Fuel consumption could certainly be better, but most owners go into this marriage knowing what's in store. Rear seat spaciousness, while better than its direct rivals, is hardly generous. You could move up to an E63 to get more luxury and room to stretch out, but that's tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars more for essentially the same performance quotients.
This is an interesting topic, and even though it hasn't been openly posted before, I'm sure it's on the minds of most C63 owners.
It's difficult to find another car currently for sale that blends the same combination of stellar performance, 4-door practicality, recognized luxury branding, and everyday comfort, into a package costing as little as the C63.
Yes, there are other cars that come close: the M3 sedan and Lexus IS F immediately come to mind. But with the M3, you'll give up a significant amount of low-end torque which is one factor that really makes the C63 a stand out as a daily driver. With the IS F, you sacrifice a little bit of clout and a whole lot of pedigree.
The other cars you can consider would be the RS4, which arguably is even more practical with its Torsen differential awd, but its back seats are very short on legroom and it's no longer in production so it's all moot, and the CTS-V, which has even better performance potential than the C63 but challenges would-be purchasers with the leap of faith that must accompany any decision to buy GM at this time.
Is the C63 perfect? Not even close.
Fuel consumption could certainly be better, but most owners go into this marriage knowing what's in store. Rear seat spaciousness, while better than its direct rivals, is hardly generous. You could move up to an E63 to get more luxury and room to stretch out, but that's tens of thousands of hard-earned dollars more for essentially the same performance quotients.
This is an interesting topic, and even though it hasn't been openly posted before, I'm sure it's on the minds of most C63 owners.
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
The M3 is more of a pure sports car (although w/ a chip the C63 puts down more power) and is quite a bit more expensive.
W/ the cars I have the C63 is definitely more in line with what I would want to compliment my stable. How long will the W204 style run?
W/ the cars I have the C63 is definitely more in line with what I would want to compliment my stable. How long will the W204 style run?
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09 C63
Literally, it might just be. I had done exhaustive research on what to buy after my 2002 M5. I had previously been a diehard BMW fan but this car intrigued me. After test driving multiple cars (including the e60M5 and the CTSV), I was sold on the c63. The torque on this car is intoxicating and makes for a great DD imho.
As others have stated, it is far from perfect.......but it is damn fun and a great value. I picked up mine in the low 50's CPO'ed. Could not be happier with purchase.
As others have stated, it is far from perfect.......but it is damn fun and a great value. I picked up mine in the low 50's CPO'ed. Could not be happier with purchase.
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R8
As for the M3 being a pure sportscar, I'm not sure if I'm with you on that one. A "pure sportscar" would be something like a Lotus Exige, or a 911 GT3. And just as a clarification, the C63 does not need to be chipped to put down more power than an M3.
Happy shopping.
Last edited by SebringSilver; Nov 15, 2009 at 10:05 PM.
Thread Starter
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
I said "more of a sportscar," not pure sportscar. The GT2 is a pure sportscar.
Since I like the looks of this iteration C63, I will probably pick one up just before they change the bodystyle.
The GT2 is a pure sportscar.Since I like the looks of this iteration C63, I will probably pick one up just before they change the bodystyle.
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2008 A8L, 2002 996TT X50, 2009 X5
Best of luck in your search - your GT2 is quite a vehicle (have seen your avatar on 6speed).
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2009 E350, 2002 GT2, 2004 SC M3, 2010 C63
Thanks c32...the GT2 is getting a full Protomotive intake with 5 inch IC's right now.
Hopefully she will run a 5.4 second 60-130.
As far as the Merc is considered, I am looking at picking up a 2011 model in about 2 years or so. The C63 will likely be my next car. I got my E350 3 months ago because I was trying to be practical. I need to drive her for a couple more years before giving her to the wife, and then I can justify/afford the C63.
Hopefully she will run a 5.4 second 60-130.
As far as the Merc is considered, I am looking at picking up a 2011 model in about 2 years or so. The C63 will likely be my next car. I got my E350 3 months ago because I was trying to be practical. I need to drive her for a couple more years before giving her to the wife, and then I can justify/afford the C63.
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From: Richmond BC Canada
C63 AMG
since the OP owns a 700whp GT2 and 600whp M3, the E92 M3 gonna feel bibilically slow to him...
C63 might only have 400whp but it has similiar torque as a supercharged or turbo car.
Personally though If I were op i would opt for a E63 amg just because its nice to drive and very very practical.
C63 might only have 400whp but it has similiar torque as a supercharged or turbo car.
Personally though If I were op i would opt for a E63 amg just because its nice to drive and very very practical.
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See Sig
I have never driven or even been in a C63, but just based upon my research I can get a low mileage 2009 for low 50's and flash her and have a great DD with lots of pep and comfort.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
With the money spent on your 3 other cars money seems to not be a factor for you. The C63 is an amazing car. Get the 2010. Its got a few more bells on it.
Other cars to consider in the C63 price range. 2009 CTSV and the M3.
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2003 C32 AMG & 2009 CTS-V
I have never driven or even been in a C63, but just based upon my research I can get a low mileage 2009 for low 50's and flash her and have a great DD with lots of pep and comfort.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
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C63 BS, GLA45
I've driven the IS-F, it has decent torque but it didn't feel terribly sporty for me. And it was quiet, which probably had something to do with it. Downshifts were just downshifts. The E92 M3 doesn't feel fast (lack of torque) so it got boring quick. The C63, with the sport package, was exactly what I was looking for. Combination of feeling in the corners, the seats, the interior, the sounds it makes and of course the feeling during acceleration was exactly what I was looking for without having to make a single modification to the vehicle. The noise is just awesome. I find myself downshifting all the time and just wasting gas coming to every stop light.
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C63 AMG
I drive a HPF 750hp M3 in the summers, and the C63 feels "good" for me. Not slow and not fast, feels good. You have to remember, in the city, or hell even on the highways, you don't always use all that power. When you do, it's only in very short bursts. In the city, I'd always be driving 50% of the car, which is a lot like how the C63 feels at 100%. And I haven't even chipped it yet.
I've driven the IS-F, it has decent torque but it didn't feel terribly sporty for me. And it was quiet, which probably had something to do with it. Downshifts were just downshifts. The E92 M3 doesn't feel fast (lack of torque) so it got boring quick. The C63, with the sport package, was exactly what I was looking for. Combination of feeling in the corners, the seats, the interior, the sounds it makes and of course the feeling during acceleration was exactly what I was looking for without having to make a single modification to the vehicle. The noise is just awesome. I find myself downshifting all the time and just wasting gas coming to every stop light.
I've driven the IS-F, it has decent torque but it didn't feel terribly sporty for me. And it was quiet, which probably had something to do with it. Downshifts were just downshifts. The E92 M3 doesn't feel fast (lack of torque) so it got boring quick. The C63, with the sport package, was exactly what I was looking for. Combination of feeling in the corners, the seats, the interior, the sounds it makes and of course the feeling during acceleration was exactly what I was looking for without having to make a single modification to the vehicle. The noise is just awesome. I find myself downshifting all the time and just wasting gas coming to every stop light.
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2014 Audi RS7
Dr. Jitzu,
To answer your original question. Dollar for dollar you won't find a better deal. Yes, the CTS-V is a challenger but its heavier and it IS a GM product. You can take a stock C63 with very few mods and make it into a very good performance car. It gets a lot of looks and like already has been mentioned, the sound is incredible. I've had mine over a year and I have to say it still get stares and comments. The looks are aggressive and it IS very fast. When you get a full interior four door sedan to run in the 8's 60-130 thats moving. The tranny is geared correctly and moves at any speed. We have friends with Lambo's, Porsche's, and other exotics and they love the practicality of the little "C" as its been nick named. You can't go wrong.
To answer your original question. Dollar for dollar you won't find a better deal. Yes, the CTS-V is a challenger but its heavier and it IS a GM product. You can take a stock C63 with very few mods and make it into a very good performance car. It gets a lot of looks and like already has been mentioned, the sound is incredible. I've had mine over a year and I have to say it still get stares and comments. The looks are aggressive and it IS very fast. When you get a full interior four door sedan to run in the 8's 60-130 thats moving. The tranny is geared correctly and moves at any speed. We have friends with Lambo's, Porsche's, and other exotics and they love the practicality of the little "C" as its been nick named. You can't go wrong.
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From: Montana/Alberta
C63 BS, GLA45
Sounds like we're in the same boat. I'm getting about 220km to a tank of gas. That's 137.5 miles. Haven't looked at the odo numbers yet to see the fuel consumption numbers, but really, I dunno how to convert L/100km to mpg anyways haha.
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From: Calgary, Canada
'10 F150 FX4 SCrew. '14 S212S
http://www.eforecourt.com/l_100km_mpg_convert.htm
My average since I got the car is 12 mpg or about 19.6 L / 100km (it is in one of the trip menus)
The funny thing is that my 335i uses about 12 L/100 km which is about 19.6 mpg.
My average since I got the car is 12 mpg or about 19.6 L / 100km (it is in one of the trip menus)
The funny thing is that my 335i uses about 12 L/100 km which is about 19.6 mpg.
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2012 E350 4matic
the only "catch" i see is bad gas mileage and tire cost. both of which you should be use to considering what is in your stable. i for one could not afford porsche, maserati, or F car maintence and that is why i got the C. plus i wanted four doors for when i had three others with me for dinner or whatever. i looked at the CTS-V, and drove it. but for one loaded up with recaros it was WAY more money than my 09 for 53 out the door. i just didnt see anything else on the market that could touch this bad boy for the price.
i just guess gas/oil changes and the occassional tire replacement should be most of the cost of ownership.
i just guess gas/oil changes and the occassional tire replacement should be most of the cost of ownership.
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From: NY
09 c63
I have never driven or even been in a C63, but just based upon my research I can get a low mileage 2009 for low 50's and flash her and have a great DD with lots of pep and comfort.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
Is there a catch...please discuss. I have a 700 whp Porsche GT2 and a 600 whp Supercharged M3 but those cars run in the 5 figures just to maintain every year (not counting the small fortune to acquire/build) in the first place. My E350 just requires basic maintenance but of course is not a performance car.
I am thinking of picking up a C63 in the future (will probably trade my Porsche cayenne TT in and give my E350 to my wife)
Thanks.
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2003 C32 AMG & 2009 CTS-V
the only "catch" i see is bad gas mileage and tire cost. both of which you should be use to considering what is in your stable. i for one could not afford porsche, maserati, or F car maintence and that is why i got the C. plus i wanted four doors for when i had three others with me for dinner or whatever. i looked at the CTS-V, and drove it. but for one loaded up with recaros it was WAY more money than my 09 for 53 out the door. i just didnt see anything else on the market that could touch this bad boy for the price.
i just guess gas/oil changes and the occassional tire replacement should be most of the cost of ownership.
i just guess gas/oil changes and the occassional tire replacement should be most of the cost of ownership.
Last edited by ericpd; Nov 16, 2009 at 07:24 PM.
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2003 C32 AMG & 2009 CTS-V
[QUOTE=AFR AMG;3811786]I got my 09 brand spanking new for 52 im sure u should be able to find a used one for much cheaper[/QUOTE
WOW! Man,... have these numbers changed. You couldn't get close enough to even smell a C63 for less than 64 when I was in the market. Damn! I guess the 10's are now where the 09's were then though. Didn't bother looking at any discounting on the 08's back then. Guess it was the same though.
WOW! Man,... have these numbers changed. You couldn't get close enough to even smell a C63 for less than 64 when I was in the market. Damn! I guess the 10's are now where the 09's were then though. Didn't bother looking at any discounting on the 08's back then. Guess it was the same though.
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From: New England
future W204 owner
part of me agrees with you. i have also done research as well and looked into the ctsv. the only thing i do not like about it is its looks. to me it looks like an old mans car. no offense to anyone here who drives one. it isnt just with the ctsv, to me all cadillacs are for people 35+
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R8
part of me agrees with you. i have also done research as well and looked into the ctsv. the only thing i do not like about it is its looks. to me it looks like an old mans car. no offense to anyone here who drives one. it isnt just with the ctsv, to me all cadillacs are for people 35+
