black-clk500

So I'm approaching my 2nd anniversary with my C63 and I'm having a hard time deciding what to buy next. I love this car and will keep it another year or so, but I'm ichin' for something new (you guys know the feeling). Like many of you, I'm not a total brand ***** and I'm willing to look at any brand. However, I've owned only MB and BMW for the last 15 years.

I'm basically looking for a car that made me as excited as the C63 did when I first test drove it and decided to order the perfect car for me at that time. This is the first 4 door "toy car" I've owned and honestly, I use the rear doors a lot less than I thought I would. I do have two little ones under 5, but we usually use my wife's BMW when doing family outings. So I think a two door is probably going to replace the C, maybe even a topless 2 door

I love AMG and love the performance of my C63 and the noise, noise, noise Other than the CBS (which I'm not even going to try) and the SLS (out of my budget) there is nothing AMG makes that I would want (no offense to other AMG owners)

I thought maybe the new 5.5TT E and CLS would fit the bill for replacement of my C63, but after my Advanced ADA event, I was left unimpressed and not salivating the way I should be to drop $100k I'm looking for a more raw/exotic replacement. The E63 and CLS63 are amazing cars and very beautiful, but they just don't reach into my soul the way my little C does. Every time I drive my C63, I drive it hard and enjoy chucking it around, this is lost in the E and CLS IMO.

Anyway, I know some of you have this same dilemma and have bought GTR (I'm too old), GT500, Z06, P-car. I've looked at all of the usual suspects, but I'm left unfulfilled. I'm willing to spend $120k-$130k, but it has to have as much or more power than my C63 and be fun to drive, European, and sharp looking. I really want an SLS badly, but my budget is just too small, I briefly thought about a CBS, but I can't be bothered with blowing my dealer and paying over sticker for any car. So sadly, I may have to look outside Affalterbach for my next ride--what says you?

Fung63

maybe try the RS lineup from audi? or if you are planning on keeping the C63 for another year, you can try the refreshed version of the C63

black-clk500

thanks Fung, funny you should mention the RS, I was getting new rears on my C a couple weeks ago and I walked the adjoining BMW and Audi dealerships and took a look at the Audis. They had some S7, S5 and S4, but the hp numbers looked anemic. I know the RS will have a bump, but I'm not sure there will be enough power. The v10 R8, may work, but I've never been a huge Audi lover. And BMW is just slipping more and more right now IMO.

One of my neighbors just got a new Maserati GranSport cab, nice looking---

I'm usually a cash buyer and finance very rarely, but I could lease a SLS for around $2400 per month (basically trading in my C63 for two years of SLS payments) and then buying the SLS outright after the lease is up. I can't stand paying interest and I'm sure the cost for financing the SLS would be ridiculous, but it is an alternative

khmergod

I would get the BS C. I know you're against overpaying, but it's special. SLS used to be my dream car. Planned on getting it when I turn 40. I now am in love with the BS. Too bad when I can afford it these engines will be replaced with eco friendly ones and the look is probably going to be something from a scifi flick.

black-clk500

I just can't deal with the nonsense of trying to get some dealer to do me a huge favor by getting me some phantom allocation or paying over MSRP for a car some fictious person bailed on I called one of my local dealers a while back who had a black CBS and they couldn't even give me a straight answer as to if it was sold or not--I just can't be another thread on MBW or the PL looking for a CBS

I've never bought used before, but within my budget I can get some pretty sweet cars with low miles, (aforementioned R8), turbo P-car, Maser, CLKBS, etc. I'm not sure I can buy a used six figure car, I just enjoy buying new

Maybe the SLC will fit my criteria, if and when MB ever decides to make it.

BTW the 2013 SL550 might be a contender, but I'm sure the weak brakes and lower hp as compared to the SL63 will turn me off Damn you MB, why did you make such a great "affordable" car like the C63

jakio

It's good you bring that up *** me also i am in exactly same position you are at now.Was going to get cls63 but at last minute back out.I really want to know what people have to say.I really want c blk but now where to be found.Gtr is on my list but there is something in me that say no dunno why.

khmergod

I'm just like you. I've only bought one vehicle used and it was my first one during highschool. I Lve the reassurance of buying new!

forcefed6.4ford

I would stay the course with the C if it still tickles your cockles. You are undecided with what is available on the market now. Wait for the '14MY to be released and drive one. If the rumored engine upgrade is not to your liking there should be some '13MY with this unbelievable engine still around to get into a new one.

CoolBDPhenom03

GT3 RS

c63edition1

carrera S is a solid car, nough said. Numbers wise it is less than the c63 but in actual performance it is said to rival the extoics. Also, if you were gonna wait, maybe the new jaguar F-type .. The RS5, a car ive owned is down on power compared to the C63 but has an umph not alot of cars had. I know you like to buy new, but hear me out. I've driven the R8 V10 (a gallardo) many times, and its suuch a solid car. You can pick one with very low miles for 125-130 easily .. here are some ! so think of this too !

exhibit a exhibit b exhibit c

i dont know if you've experienced it, but 525 road gripping all wheel horsepower is way way more brutal than 510 rear wheel (although i've always been a die hard rear wheel fan)

good luck deciding

CoolBDPhenom03

If you go R8, you HAVE to get a V10. I was just talking to my neighbor about this. He had put his deposit down on an R8 and had only test driven the V10 models. Once he said in the V8 version, he said he couldn't even hear the engine, which was sad coming from a guy who had owned 3 Vettes. Anyway, he ended up buying another Corvette, upgrading his Z06 to a ZR1.

SonnyakaPig

@black-clk500,

The option of trading your car for the SLS on lease, and purchasing it at the end sounds pretty cool. I think the SLS is one of those cars that will by considered amazing for a very long time. And with all the cars going F/I, the SLS is probably one of the last great N/A engines.

Besides that, if it were me, I would wait a couple of years to see what the next crop of performance cars looks like. There are very nice cars out now, but in the next 2-3 years, things will get even better.

I know you mentioned you prefer European cars. But, it will be interesting to see how the next Corvette looks and performs. Also, the next Shelby GT-500 with IRS. I think Infiniti is coming out with a 500+ hp performance car. That should be very interesting.

Basically, if nothing jumps out at you right now, I would wait. Things will be very exciting soon.

I think as others have mentioned, the Porsche GT3 RS is a great car for the money and would be a cool choice out of the current crop of cars.

black-clk500

Thanks guys for the input.
I'm definitely not making a move for another year (***** my c63 still smells new with 6000mls on the clock)! I just like to know where I'm heading and since I own my own biz, I get nice surprise bumps in funds when I close some nice deals. I like to know where I'm going so I can make that move when the time comes to pounce!

I love the SLS and I'm bummed they're stopping production for MY14. I'd really like to go brand new. Maybe I'll test drive a new PDK 911S and see what happens. I did consider a 911 when I bought the C, but the S was not nearly as much fun to drive. Maybe it's changed?

I'm also a huge AM fan, but new they're outta my budget.
Never driven an r8, but I would only go v10, for sure--I've never been a huge fan of the looks on any Audis, the brand in general, really does nothing for me.
I love AMG and like Porshe, Maser, AM--argggg!

forcefed6.4ford

2yrs old and only 6,000mls!?!

How can you not drive the ***** off of it? When mine finally arrives it will be driven... HARD!!!

Killswitch747

How about the new F10 BMW M5? It may have four doors, but the car is a beast.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

F10 M5 or the CLS63. Both are fantastic.

propain

All depends on your situation. Does it need to be 4 door?

2 door option:

2013 GTR
2013 Z06


4 door option:

CTSV
CLS63

SonnyakaPig

I think he said he's too old for the GT-R, wants European (so maybe no for Z06 and the GT500 that I mentioned), and the CLS63 doesn't quite reach into his soul.

Hmm... I still like the idea of getting the SLS and keeping it for a long time.

propain

Ahhh... Well these whats next threads can confuse me sometimes.

When I see someone driving a 70K car and they say "Whats next" I normally dont jump up to a 200K plus car.


We should just start with price I think. How much do you want to spend on "Whats next"

forcefed6.4ford

I think the op's problem is that the C63 offers what no other car really can. It is a symphony for the senses. Sound, touch, feel, excitement. All in there rawest sense. Most cars these days are too digital. Detaching the driver from the road and the car. The C63 from what I have experienced is so rudimentary with a touch of sophistication that it stand alone in the marketplace.

Like a muscle car bathed in champagne.

CoolBDPhenom03

WIN.

black-clk500

The M5 has wimpy brakes (they look ridiculous) and the interior and exterior styling is bla, I'd be much happier with an E or CLS AMG. I had a Vette before and I know the Z06 is a beast but Corvettes are a dime a dozen around here and it's every red necks go to "money car" Servicing it a local Chevy dealer leaves a lot to be desired

The CTSV has been on my radar too, it's probably one of the only non-European cars I might enjoy. I've got a slow week at work this week, so maybe I'll do some test drives!

SonnyakaPig

Good points. It is unique to consider the SLS as a possible replacement for the C63. But, hey, if it can be done...

black-clk500

EXACTLY

SonnyakaPig

+ 1