Paul_mez

I've seen a lovely 20k mile 2012 C63 with P31, lighting package, multimedia, lane tracking etc... ($82k MSRP) for $38k. I am thinking to trade my 996 C4S and C300 (2015).

I do around 10k miles a year.

Few questions I hope someone could help me out with:
Am I crazy to consider this car as a daily driver?
What things do I need to watch out for before I seriously consider buying this car?
Typical yearly costs? (can it be worse than a 996+C300?!)
How desirable are the P31 packages? Is it likely to hold it's value.

Any advice would be greatly received.

I do not plan to track this car, just have a nice motor to enjoy.
Paul

myn8m3is8ndy

Search the forums. There is for sure a post about daily driving it, what to consider, yearly cost and the desirability of the P31 package.
But to answer your questions, DD is fine. nothing really, FL C63 are really reliable, check for proper maintenance. depends on how much you drive it, set aside a few thousand for emergencies. very desirable, P31 = better engine components so even more reliable. For value, bought my P31 like 14 months ago, depreciated about 3K so far according to KBB.

America

I've owned 964, 993TT, 996 C4s, 2 996TT, and 997. The Porsche are more balance and seemed like you can't break them loose no matter how hard you drive them. They are fun, but never feels scarey like you can kill yourself. My 14 C63 Coupe have been a real head turner for myself. The C63 drives like a Porsche but the torque is compared to an American muscle car. Have to say I love how easy it is to make the car slide around with total control.

BiturboSF

No you're not crazy for considering this car as a DD. There are lots of us here that DD our C63s, the only annoying thing is how often you have to go to the gas station when using it as a daily driver.

Catchyname

Paul_mez

Thanks for the feedback.

Is it worth the $7k extra to get the P31 + LSD (plus other options) and have 20k less miles than an alternative 2012 I've found in the local area (has 44k miles and is standard).

thebug44

Texas E63

Agree that it's for sure worth the extra to get a FL car and one out of the HB issue zone...... LSD if at all possible - if you're going to mod the car it's totally needed. I'm about add one to my 507 as it's about the last thing it needs and strangely it didn't come with one...I DD'ed mine for a year and it was livable - a bit rough on out miserable streets and you'll find you hate parking it in lots etc.... but that's probably the same for your 996..

good luck in the hunt.

E

America

Like myn8m3is8ndy mentioned the prices for C63 have been dropping, not sure about special models like P31, 507, and Black Series. BS prices seems to be holding and will continue to hold/appreciate. If that's the car you want, get a PPI and bargain on the asking price. C63 are not the most sought after car so don't feel ashamed to lowball, sorry guys, just being honest. Most of the C63 for sale in my area seems to sit for a while. C63 is a bit unknown car for most car enthusiast as I only found my car searching for a Porsche and priced below KBB value. My seller have been trying to sell the car for 2 years unsuccessfully at market price, but eventually have to sell car way below value. After purchase and some decent miles driving, the C63 is one of the funnest cars I've driven. Handles great, quality interior, great seats, unbelievable torque and power, and the ease of making car slide in full control.

Ludedude

I DD my 2014 coupe. It's livable for sure. Fuel economy blows, transmission takes some getting used to but once you learn its quirks, it's easy to not have be all jerky jerky, even in S+. Things that will cost you are tires, brakes and gas. Otherwise I haven't had any issues save scheduled maintenance over the 13K miles or so that I've put on it in the past 20 months. Way better daily than my Z06 was, that's for sure. And the girl doesn't hate it so that's a plus.

curt.r

I DD'd my C63 this past year. I put about 11k miles on it in one year. The one thing that blows is stopping at the gas station every other day. I'm not exaggerating when I say that. Fuel economy aside, it's not a bad choice for a daily. It just eats away at me to put miles on it in traffic where I'd rather spend the miles enjoying the car. It sucks driving a fast car slow. In regards to maintenance and upkeep, I only had to do an oil change and a trans flush (I'm nearing the 40k mark and decided to do it sooner). Aside from that, it's been bulletproof. The transmission takes a bit of getting used to but its nothing too drastic. In the 11k miles, I've spent ~$2700 in gas for a year... yikes. For the trans, oil, and diff fluid change I spent about $1000. I just changed my tires from MPSS's to MP4S's which set me back $1070. Not the best choice for a daily, but it's definitely fun once you find a stretch of open road after a long day of work.

sventastic82

Rsquad911

100% Yes!

Paul_mez

Should I get a PPI done if buying a low mileage 2012 C63 from a Mercedes Dealership? (comes with a 90 day warranty only)

chrisridebike8

juggernaut1

I just bought a 2013 coupe and use it as my daily. I got tired of garaging nice cars and keeping the mileage down only for the benefit of the next owner whilst driving a bunky to work - I've decided I'm going to enjoy my cars these days .

Drives better than I thought it would in peak hour. Although similar to you I only have a 10 klm round trip each day so fuel economy isn't an issue. I had a PPI done for peace of mind and to check on any outstanding recalls of which the passenger airbag had to be replaced. I'd go the P31 and LSD although in my neck of the woods they don't really command any higher price over a normal C63 where the year and mileage seem to matter more. Like you I'm not sure of ongoing costs, but I have two boats so I just expect it will be like owning another boat .

MBMike09

Go for the 2012 C63 P31 with 20k miles if it checks out (yes, P31 is worth the $); I think that's a fair price given the miles and you can likely negotiate the price. I've had my C63 P31 for a few months, daily drive it, and have not one issue or dislike about the car; it's a beast that needs to be driven and will put a smile on your face before you start her up. Like what others have noted, yes, gas/brakes/tires are going to be your biggest expenses, but that's not bad given the car has little to no other issues. Your 996 has the notorious IMS bearing issue which is a ticking time bomb that most would not want to mess with, so you'd be in good hands with the C63. Good luck!

Paul_mez

Thanks for the feedback.

Is it a conflict of interest to go to another Mercedes dealership? or should I stick with an Indy (I was concerned they have less Mercedes specific equipment).

MBMike09

IMHO, if something major breaks then you'd want to take it to the MB Stealership; for routine maintenance, brake jobs etc., a trusted indy shop will save you some money that can go towards some nice tires or a good detail. Going back to major repairs, consider an extended warranty that way you're not questioning whether you should go MB or indy and are typically only responsible for the deductible. I went AutoPom and have been pretty happy with their price and customer service.

kindafast

DD in the C63 is totally fine. Only problem is its hard to drive it at the speed limit.

AMG6.3

SactownP31

The gas mileage alone is a good reason not to DD a c63. Then there's the stiffish ride, loudness (arh headers) and the urge to drive it fast everytime you get in it. Add to the fact that it's kind of a special car, you know, the type of car you don't park next to a 90 something honda or chevy at a walmart. But it's not special enough to opt not to drive it because it's raining, like some people here.