Thinking of getting a C63 - Have a few questions
I'm thinking of getting a C63. I can get a $40,000 loan (which is what 2009 models are going for with relatively low kms here in Australia) over 5 years on repayments or $170-$180 per week. This is quite affordable. It would take me 14 months to save up and buy outright. I like the idea of financing as I can just count it as another weekly expense and put the rest of my money into savings that I can invest elsewhere.
Anyhow, my questions are:
How reliable are these cars?
Is the upkeep expensive? If so, how much per year will I be looking at?
In the manual mode, aside from not having a clutch and gear lever, does it behave like a true manual in the sense of only changing when you want it to, giving you complete control over the gears?
When driven conservatively, what's the mileage per tank like?
And are these cars as much fun as I'm assuming they are?
What are they like as a daily driver? I'd be driving to work and back 4x per week (30km total) and about 50-100km in leisure driving every other week. So I'm probably going to be doing about 4000-6000kms per year.
If there's anything else you think I should know, add it in.
Thanks!
I’ve own a late 2011 model as well as my current 13 FL model. Neither gave me any issues. Neither cars were stock either. I personally recommend doing oil changes every 3k miles. I’d personally recommend getting a FL model. The MCT alone is worth it. Not to mention the revised head bolts. Speaking of head bolts. I’d recommend upgrading them if you do get a 08-11 PFL.
Is the upkeep expensive? If so, how much per year will I be looking at?
No.
In the manual mode, aside from not having a clutch and gear lever, does it behave like a true manual in the sense of only changing when you want it to, giving you complete control over the gears?
Yes. The MCT in 12+ models will act nearly or better than some manual cars. But nothing will ever replace a good manual car.
When driven conservatively, what's the mileage per tank like?
Idk, the light comes on at 1/4 full. That alone should tell you what you need to know.
And are these cars as much fun as I'm assuming they are?
More than fun. Keep it in S+ or M, with TC in Sport mode or completely off. And if you wish to go step further, instal headers and you have the godfather of European muscle cars.
What are they like as a daily driver? I'd be driving to work and back 4x per week (30km total) and about 50-100km in leisure driving every other week. So I'm probably going to be doing about 4000-6000kms per year.
Only thing that will eventually start to bother you is the size of the gas tank.
If there's anything else you think I should know, add it in.
m156 can safely handle a 150 shot. I do recommend DD.
Last edited by Slow_c63; May 5, 2021 at 09:35 PM.
I’ve own a late 2011 model as well as my current 13 FL model. Neither gave me any issues. Neither cars were stock either. I personally recommend doing oil changes every 3k miles. I’d personally recommend getting a FL model. The MCT alone is worth it. Not to mention the revised head bolts. Speaking of head bolts. I’d recommend upgrading them if you do get a 08-11 PFL.
Is the upkeep expensive? If so, how much per year will I be looking at?
No.
In the manual mode, aside from not having a clutch and gear lever, does it behave like a true manual in the sense of only changing when you want it to, giving you complete control over the gears?
Yes. The MCT in 12+ models will act nearly or better than some manual cars. But nothing will ever replace a good manual car.
When driven conservatively, what's the mileage per tank like?
Idk, the light comes on at 1/4 full. That alone should tell you what you need to know.
And are these cars as much fun as I'm assuming they are?
More than fun. Keep it in S+ or M, with TC in Sport mode or completely off. And if you wish to go step further, instal headers and you have the godfather of European muscle cars.
What are they like as a daily driver? I'd be driving to work and back 4x per week (30km total) and about 50-100km in leisure driving every other week. So I'm probably going to be doing about 4000-6000kms per year.
Only thing that will eventually start to bother you is the size of the gas tank.
If there's anything else you think I should know, add it in.
m156 can safely handle a 150 shot. I do recommend DD.
I'm not sure what an FL model is.
I agree with nothing being as good as a true manual and whilst I'm a huge fan of having a clutch pedal and doing my own rev matching etc. I feel I'd still far rather a C63 than an M3.
Yeah sweet, headers and an exhaust would definitely be on the table at some point.
Cheers!
PFT = Pre-Face Lift




It depends what you are used to. DIY is quiet reasonable but taking it to a shop can get expensive.
Let say based on 8000 to 10000 miles per year.
Oil changes with close to 10L of oil isn't that cheep compared to other cars. (2 oil changes per year is about $190 DIY.)
The most expensive upkeep for me are the tires. Running PSS, fronts last about 10k to 12k miles and the rears 5k to 6k miles. In my case that is about $1200 to $1500 a year for tires.



