Thinking of switching the cl63 to 06 f430...
Watch for service intervals. They are much more comprehensive and expensive than for a MB. Timing belts/chains in many are replaced every 5,000 miles and usually are good for a $ 5,000 bill.
Ferrari suspension works well but is really not great quality. They are using materials in ball joints and tie rod ends that second line aftermarket manufacturers wouldn't use. (And yes, so I don't get flamed by someone, I have seen them in cutaways and I know what I'm talking about).
Cracked windshields that can't be fixed, for the high end ones are upwards of ten grand.
The local paint shop says that Ferrari welding is crap.
I wouldn't say that the Ferrari was an everyday car, where the CL63 is
supreme any day, all occasions. You certainly need to have a decent test drive, and as pronto says, servicing is very expensive and very regular.
Scheduled maintenance is at 5k miles, 15k, 30k, etc. They recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles.
The major service intervals at 15k are approximately $2,000. Mine was like $1,980 at Ferrari/Maserati of Orange County.
The f430 doesn't use timing belts; it uses chains and the engine doesn't have to be pulled for most services. Overall maintenance is cheaper compared to the 360.
Other random notes:
- The exhaust manifolds are known for cracking/wearing down. Ferrari is aware of this issue and should be able to fix it even if it's out of warranty.
- There is some welding issues on the roof of the car which results in squeaking in the passenger cabin. Not sure if there's a fix for this.
- I would go for steel brakes instead of ceramics.
- Make sure the car has skid plates
- Don't bother with the factory option blue tooth or the "Hi-Fi" stereo.
- Get the F1, your left leg will thank you.
Overall, a great car. Ferrari's and high-end Benzs are in pricing free falls. You should be able to pick up an 06 Coupe for $170-180k. I recommend going for a Convertible over a coupe.
Last edited by jl88; Oct 18, 2008 at 07:56 PM.
The CL63 is an every day driver. It's fast, quiet, comfortable and relatively practical with room enough for kids, luggage, golf clubs, etc.
430 is not an every day driver. It's loud and some driveways present a challenge in terms of scrapping the front end pulling in and out.
Driving the two cars is a night and day experience. The MB is quiet. The F car is loud and frenetic. The MB is a heavy cruiser and feels not as connected to the road, while the 430 feels nimble and provides constant driver feedback. The braking in a 430, particularly with CCB, is amazing.
In the 430 you have the sensation of going fast even when you're not going fast. The 430 keeps reminding you that you're driving it. The CL63 is subtle, smooth and demands little of the driver.
In short: both great cars, yet quite different.
I wholeheartedly agree and back up the daily driving bit. On another subforum, people were arguing about the daily drivability of F430's. The car is loud, suspension is stiff (however, if you're used to aftermarket wheels, it's not a big deal), and there are no cup holders. Lastly, you get stared at. A lot.
Odds are if you're getting a F430, you probably have another daily driver.
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You should not make a decision as which car mentioned above is a better choice since they both are on different planets to begin with and should not even be compared.
One is a daily driver, the other is ADDITIONAL weekend or free time toy ,an occasional track warrior.
Either get both or only the Benz if your financials would not allow the whole package.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Around 15k miles if you have an F1 you'll probably need clutch work, more maintenance etc....
Also I have notice no one pointed out that if you have a Ferrari and you don't maintain it at Ferrari and hold on to the receipts, you'll have a hell of a time selling the car. Ferrari people are obsessed with Ferrari Service, has to be done there, has to be documented, or they won't touch it.
Satan, we're talking about scheduled maintenance.
I never count tires, alignment, or bumper repair as part of scheduled maintenance.
Total cost of ownership is of course going to be higher than the scheduled maintenance intervals, but people go through tires, brake pads, clutch, and all other wear items at different rates.
However, per the scheduled maintenance book, oil change is approximately about a grand (I can't remember this price) and the 15k interval ran me a little shy of $2k.
Even though i've owned a few Mercedes, AMG's and a F430, the car that's always been in my garage since 2002 has been my Corolla. It's my daily driver. 82k miles and going strong.
Even though i've owned a few Mercedes, AMG's and a F430, the car that's always been in my garage since 2002 has been my Corolla. It's my daily driver. 82k miles and going strong.
If I could swing the S550 and a F-car I would love to.
Does anyone know why there is such a big difference in depreciation between the two cars?
Does anyone know why there is such a big difference in depreciation between the two cars?
The Corolla doesn't have an ABC system :-)
It's like how guys from the generation before me always complain about how you open the hood of a modern car and you can't work on it. But you don't HAVE to work on it... setting points, dwell angle, mixture screws is fun and easy, but I'd rather not have to do it at all.
It'd be like switching from laced shoes to velcro straps and complaining its harder to retie your shoes when they come undone... but they don't come undone.







