What car next....too many to pick!
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 181
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From: Oregon
CTS-V Coupe
As both a CTS-V coupe owner, and a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner, I'd like to chime in.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
2011 Range Rover Sport SC
As both a CTS-V coupe owner, and a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner, I'd like to chime in.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
Back to the JGC....the interiors are quite a bit nicer than they used to be, and all done up, are probably nicer than the C63 (the C-Class MB is probably their poorest interior across all models, though the 2012 is better than previous years). I still say that the JGC interior doesn't match up to a proper Range Rover, or loaded Cayenne / ML interior though. Heck, Jeep doesn't even put in the UConnect system that they have in all of Chrysler's other models into the JGC. It's one of the best setups around (far, far better than MyFordTouch), yet they don't use it in a $50K Jeep.
And as always, my biggest problem with the SRT-8 is that it's simply useless off-road. Both the Cayenne and Range Rover (even the Sport) are fairly capable offroad, though the target audience for an SRT8 is not generally the offroad capable crowd.
Which makes me wonder.....why would anyone buy one, when a proper high-performance sedan or coupe (say, C63, M3, S5, S4, S6 et al) will blow it away in ANY conditions, except perhaps winter driving?
Patrick
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,207
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From: North Jersey
2012 CTS-V
Congrats on the sale 
.
It's been interesting to follow those who had early model year C63's and what they have moved on to. My choice was a little radical as I no longer needed a sedan or even a back seat and I have this itch lately to support "Made in the USA". The exception however is the 1199 Panigale that my wife has not yet embraced. For some reason she can't understand why someone would want 2 motor bikes?
Please keep us updated with your selection!
.It's been interesting to follow those who had early model year C63's and what they have moved on to. My choice was a little radical as I no longer needed a sedan or even a back seat and I have this itch lately to support "Made in the USA". The exception however is the 1199 Panigale that my wife has not yet embraced. For some reason she can't understand why someone would want 2 motor bikes?
Please keep us updated with your selection!
As both a CTS-V coupe owner, and a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner, I'd like to chime in.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
OP, in terms of a replacement for your C63 I would say you should seriously consider the CTS-V. You will not notice a drop in quality, and you have to approach the car with an open mind. The CTS-V steadily outperforms the C63. The interior is a damn-sight nicer than the 1st gen C63 interior. And let's not forget the handling with the magnetorheological shocks and stock 285s on the rear. While the C63's rear end goes out at the slightest provocation, the CTS-V's remains solidly planted and is able to put down all that power so much better. In several different reviews of the CTS-V they attribute it with "Porsche-grade steering"--something that certainly can't be said of the C63.
Now, to those who say that the JGC is a downgrade in terms of quality from "any european car", well I'm sorry to shatter your long-held misconceptions, but that is just untrue. I can tell you've never been in one. My Jeep has had zero problems over 25,000 miles, has a hand-stitched leather-wrapped dash, and all the luxury/comfort features you pay extra for on european cars. Sure, the nav unit needs updating but I never use the nav in the car, I've got my android for that. The Jeep SRT8 is an astounding car, and Jeep has come a long way--if you have to worry about gas prices then you obviously can't pay to play.
The CTS-V is always a pretty solid choice....I had given that plenty of thought before I went the Range Rover route (though when I picked up the C63, I never really looked at the CTS-V too closely). The two biggest problems for me with the CTS-V is that the Coupe is ugly, and I was looking for a coupe (the sedan, meanwhile, is gorgeous), and the fact that most of the units around here tend to have automatics (and yes, I know, my C63 has an automatic). For some reason, having an automatic in the CTS-V seemed blasphemous, whereas having one in my C63 doesn't. Not saying it's valid or logical....just that's what it was.
Back to the JGC....the interiors are quite a bit nicer than they used to be, and all done up, are probably nicer than the C63 (the C-Class MB is probably their poorest interior across all models, though the 2012 is better than previous years). I still say that the JGC interior doesn't match up to a proper Range Rover, or loaded Cayenne / ML interior though. Heck, Jeep doesn't even put in the UConnect system that they have in all of Chrysler's other models into the JGC. It's one of the best setups around (far, far better than MyFordTouch), yet they don't use it in a $50K Jeep.
And as always, my biggest problem with the SRT-8 is that it's simply useless off-road. Both the Cayenne and Range Rover (even the Sport) are fairly capable offroad, though the target audience for an SRT8 is not generally the offroad capable crowd.
Which makes me wonder.....why would anyone buy one, when a proper high-performance sedan or coupe (say, C63, M3, S5, S4, S6 et al) will blow it away in ANY conditions, except perhaps winter driving?
Patrick
Back to the JGC....the interiors are quite a bit nicer than they used to be, and all done up, are probably nicer than the C63 (the C-Class MB is probably their poorest interior across all models, though the 2012 is better than previous years). I still say that the JGC interior doesn't match up to a proper Range Rover, or loaded Cayenne / ML interior though. Heck, Jeep doesn't even put in the UConnect system that they have in all of Chrysler's other models into the JGC. It's one of the best setups around (far, far better than MyFordTouch), yet they don't use it in a $50K Jeep.
And as always, my biggest problem with the SRT-8 is that it's simply useless off-road. Both the Cayenne and Range Rover (even the Sport) are fairly capable offroad, though the target audience for an SRT8 is not generally the offroad capable crowd.
Which makes me wonder.....why would anyone buy one, when a proper high-performance sedan or coupe (say, C63, M3, S5, S4, S6 et al) will blow it away in ANY conditions, except perhaps winter driving?
Patrick
This is the only shot I have of the interior. Recaro seats, leather dash, suede shifter, steering wheel and seat inserts.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63
2010 C63 AMG perf pack, prem, carbon, LSD on Kijiji http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?AdId=428684773
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,925
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
It is a hard decision to find a great replacement for the little C as it was a jack of all trades. Great utility, good looking and awesome performance.
I noticed that the Chevy dealer has your car listed for $43K. Wonder how much of much he is trying to make. Congrats on your new vert. Awesome looking. Care to give us your feedback on the vette?
I hear you regarding the itch to buy American. My choice would be the Viper but it will sell at more than MSRP for a while, then MSRP and I swore to myself I would never buy a first year vehicle. I would probably hold for the ACR version and that is at least 2 years away. I have a tough time swallowing $140K for a Dodge...
The other contenders I have are the Audi R8V10 (used), AM Vantage (used) and upcoming Jaguar X-R coupe. More $$ than the OP wants to spend and in a different league than the C in my opinion.
I did look at the new C63 coupe they had at the dealer but even with the deal they were giving me (less than invoice), I felt the need to step up for something with more panache i.e. CLS.
At $75K new, there are few cars that have the appeal of the C. OP needs to test drive the RS5 and CTS-V. Both have great assets and at the end of the day, you may fall in love with the car you find hits the right buttons of your heart. Exciting time, keep us posted and give us pics of the new ride.
I noticed that the Chevy dealer has your car listed for $43K. Wonder how much of much he is trying to make. Congrats on your new vert. Awesome looking. Care to give us your feedback on the vette?
I hear you regarding the itch to buy American. My choice would be the Viper but it will sell at more than MSRP for a while, then MSRP and I swore to myself I would never buy a first year vehicle. I would probably hold for the ACR version and that is at least 2 years away. I have a tough time swallowing $140K for a Dodge...
The other contenders I have are the Audi R8V10 (used), AM Vantage (used) and upcoming Jaguar X-R coupe. More $$ than the OP wants to spend and in a different league than the C in my opinion.
I did look at the new C63 coupe they had at the dealer but even with the deal they were giving me (less than invoice), I felt the need to step up for something with more panache i.e. CLS.
At $75K new, there are few cars that have the appeal of the C. OP needs to test drive the RS5 and CTS-V. Both have great assets and at the end of the day, you may fall in love with the car you find hits the right buttons of your heart. Exciting time, keep us posted and give us pics of the new ride.
Congrats on the sale .
It's been interesting to follow those who had early model year C63's and what they have moved on to. My choice was a little radical as I no longer needed a sedan or even a back seat and I have this itch lately to support "Made in the USA". The exception however is the 1199 Panigale that my wife has not yet embraced. For some reason she can't understand why someone would want 2 motor bikes?
Please keep us updated with your selection!
.It's been interesting to follow those who had early model year C63's and what they have moved on to. My choice was a little radical as I no longer needed a sedan or even a back seat and I have this itch lately to support "Made in the USA". The exception however is the 1199 Panigale that my wife has not yet embraced. For some reason she can't understand why someone would want 2 motor bikes?
Please keep us updated with your selection!
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2011 Range Rover Sport SC
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Joined: Jul 2006
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PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SL600 E55 BRABUS*SOLD*
definitely a conversation piece good or bad
the car gets lots of attention
and the fact is it handles better than any other sedan on the road.
i'm seriously thinking of one now or waiting on the new E63 OR RS7.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: D.c
2009 Barolo red C63 AMG (SOLD).13' P31 c63 coupe 2012 porsche panamera
I have both the panamera(4) and the c63. The panamera turns more heads in a day than my c does in a week. Amazing driving, top class. Driver seat feels like a jet's cockpit. Comfortable, smooth drive. Pictures dont do it justice, and around here they arnt very common which is a plus. Cant go wrong with the panamera. The turbo is a MONSTER but im fine with the one i have.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 5
PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SL600 E55 BRABUS*SOLD*
I have both the panamera(4) and the c63. The panamera turns more heads in a day than my c does in a week. Amazing driving, top class. Driver seat feels like a jet's cockpit. Comfortable, smooth drive. Pictures dont do it justice, and around here they arnt very common which is a plus. Cant go wrong with the panamera. The turbo is a MONSTER but im fine with the one i have.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 3
2003 SL55
Please don't flame me guys but my vote for a fun cool yet quick family mover is the Infiniti FX50S. This is a picture of my wife's 2012 Limited Edition FX35. It's a blast to drive, looks great (in my opinion) but is just a tad slow. The FX50S has the HP and Torque that her car is missing! But it's super reliable, and very intuitive.
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C63 Coupe Edition 1
I've got my eye on the RS7 that was announced at the Detroit auto show. 530hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in what in my opinion is the nicest looking car in its segment.
According to Motortrend the S7 does almost identical skidpad and figure 8 numbers as the C63 coupe so it will be interesting to see what an RS varient will do and laptimes as they come out. It mightbe a good candidate in a year or two of I don't like the new C63, the other hope is F430 prices will come down to within range by then.
According to Motortrend the S7 does almost identical skidpad and figure 8 numbers as the C63 coupe so it will be interesting to see what an RS varient will do and laptimes as they come out. It mightbe a good candidate in a year or two of I don't like the new C63, the other hope is F430 prices will come down to within range by then.
Last edited by CaliSun; Mar 13, 2013 at 04:36 PM.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 472
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2014 E63
I went from C63 to CTS-V sedan and love it. More options, better ride, a tad more room inside. Speed feels about the same, even though I know the specs on the V are faster. I am really happy with my decision. C63 still has the better exhaust note though, lol. I do miss that.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Richmond BC
2011 C63 Calcite White
If renders are even 85% accurate, for sure I'm getting the new F82 M4 vert :
It'll be fun modding/fiddling around with the tri-turbo inline 6. Also it's probably going to be the best looking hardtop vert in the $90-100k category.
It'll be fun modding/fiddling around with the tri-turbo inline 6. Also it's probably going to be the best looking hardtop vert in the $90-100k category.
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
There is nothing wrong with the FX series from comfort and looks, however, somewhere around 2010 they switched tuning from performance to gas mileage. The aggressive exhaust note (some might say one of the best tuned V6 engine sounds) was also removed.
We noticed this when we switched from the 2007 FX35 to the 2011 EX35 (same engine, different exhaust), but the gearing ratios were completely different (this applied to the 2010 FX's as well), the car was always in the wrong gear, well right gear to better fuel economy, wrong gear for fun economy
The sales manager (now the finance manager) noted that one of the biggest complaints about the new models was lack of performance (hence why they introduced the S and IPL options) in the newer cars.
In the end, while semi happy with the EX and the FX, wife got pregnant and we had to replace the EX with something much larger, we went with the middle of the range 2012 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 4x4 options (that last bit was for me ). Also. it was incredibly painful trying to sell the 2011 EX with 7k miles on it.. in 2011..
We noticed this when we switched from the 2007 FX35 to the 2011 EX35 (same engine, different exhaust), but the gearing ratios were completely different (this applied to the 2010 FX's as well), the car was always in the wrong gear, well right gear to better fuel economy, wrong gear for fun economy
The sales manager (now the finance manager) noted that one of the biggest complaints about the new models was lack of performance (hence why they introduced the S and IPL options) in the newer cars.
In the end, while semi happy with the EX and the FX, wife got pregnant and we had to replace the EX with something much larger, we went with the middle of the range 2012 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 4x4 options (that last bit was for me
). Also. it was incredibly painful trying to sell the 2011 EX with 7k miles on it.. in 2011.. Please don't flame me guys but my vote for a fun cool yet quick family mover is the Infiniti FX50S. This is a picture of my wife's 2012 Limited Edition FX35. It's a blast to drive, looks great (in my opinion) but is just a tad slow. The FX50S has the HP and Torque that her car is missing! But it's super reliable, and very intuitive.
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
I just want the new RS6 
but thats not coming to the US, well the station wagon version anyways. I have dogs, I have a kid (well infant), I am a cyclist, and I am not rich, so for me its a 1 car for me, 1 for wife (as noted previously she has a JGC). She hates the C63 and refuses to drive it ( I kinda like it that way heh...). But the C63 is seriously lacking space and functionality for me (and my warranty will run out soon and I do not want to keep it past the CPO warranty end date, almost 82k miles on it at the moment).
I would so pickup the Estate C63 if they brought it here, the E63 estate with all wheel drive would be awesome as well, but too expensive for me, the RS6 is a dream but would also be too pricey.. that leaves.. the CTS-V Wagon..... and while I used to be biased against most American made cars, that was more due to the boringness of them, all bland and ugly. The quality is there, at least in the mid to upper range cars (the cheaper ones, maybe the Dart, but otherwise they are still crap). This is one of the reasons we gave the Jeep a chance (also it is based off the MB ML platform so it has some EU pedigree).
The other option of course would be the CLA, not sure what the AMG price point would be, but since it is slotting in under the C class, I'm figuring $40k to $60k depending on options..
but thats not coming to the US, well the station wagon version anyways. I have dogs, I have a kid (well infant), I am a cyclist, and I am not rich, so for me its a 1 car for me, 1 for wife (as noted previously she has a JGC). She hates the C63 and refuses to drive it ( I kinda like it that way heh...). But the C63 is seriously lacking space and functionality for me (and my warranty will run out soon and I do not want to keep it past the CPO warranty end date, almost 82k miles on it at the moment).I would so pickup the Estate C63 if they brought it here, the E63 estate with all wheel drive would be awesome as well, but too expensive for me, the RS6 is a dream but would also be too pricey.. that leaves.. the CTS-V Wagon..... and while I used to be biased against most American made cars, that was more due to the boringness of them, all bland and ugly. The quality is there, at least in the mid to upper range cars (the cheaper ones, maybe the Dart, but otherwise they are still crap). This is one of the reasons we gave the Jeep a chance (also it is based off the MB ML platform so it has some EU pedigree).
The other option of course would be the CLA, not sure what the AMG price point would be, but since it is slotting in under the C class, I'm figuring $40k to $60k depending on options..
