Purchasing Advice - Which Car?!

Old Mar 19, 2021 | 03:23 PM
  #1  
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Purchasing Advice - Which Car?!

Hey everyone,

Wife has authorized 100k car. If I’m nice, maybe bit more (115 max).

Would say the front runners are a 2016/17 GTS, GT roadster, or wait 6-12 months until the GTC roadster/coupe start appearing more often in that range. Any opinions? Don’t think I’ll track the car. Live in Texas, so nice weather for top down. Think it will come down to a GT/GTC convertible contest.

For sake of conversation, other considerations:
M850i/M8 convertible
M4 convertible
M5 (bergundy CS)
RS7
1969-71 mustang/Camaro/chevelle vert
M3 (2007-2013 V8 convertible) and new boat
2017+ mustang gt vert and a new boat

Love the AMG engine and think the GT will be iconic, but priority #1 is fun. In no rush. Lots of test driving ahead

Thanks!

Last edited by sammers99; Mar 19, 2021 at 03:28 PM.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by sammers99
Hey everyone,

Wife has authorized 100k car. If I’m nice, maybe bit more (115 max).

Would say the front runners are a 2016/17 GTS, GT roadster, or wait 6-12 months until the GTC roadster/coupe start appearing more often in that range. Any opinions? Don’t think I’ll track the car. Live in Texas, so nice weather for top down. Think it will come down to a GT/GTC convertible contest.

For sake of conversation, other considerations:
M850i/M8 convertible
M4 convertible
M5 (bergundy CS)
RS7
1969-71 mustang/Camaro/chevelle vert
M3 (2007-2013 V8 convertible) and new boat
2017+ mustang gt vert and a new boat

Love the AMG engine and think the GT will be iconic, but priority #1 is fun. In no rush. Lots of test driving ahead

Thanks!
Why spend a $100K + on something that will be a depreciating asset?? Classic American Muscle Cars are a pretty good investment these days if you do your homework. My .02 cents
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by TEAsE550
Why spend a $100K + on something that will be a depreciating asset?? Classic American Muscle Cars are a pretty good investment these days if you do your homework. My .02 cents
I agree. I also like the idea that a classic has more space and makes you look like less of a douchebag. But it seems like you need to do a ton of hw. I have this theory that things peak in demand/value at 60 years because grey-hairs are reminiscing and purchasing.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 04:15 PM
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Good options.
GT/C if you need some spiritted driving out of your system once in a while.
Otherwise "1969-71 mustang/Camaro/chevelle ver" and probably a smaller boat. Perfect
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 04:27 PM
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2021 E63S Wagon 2019 S63 AMG Coupé 2015 S Coupé Edition 1 1970 Chevelle LS5
I have a 1970 Chevelle SS LS5, and lt me tell you it’s the greatest car ever. There is no other modern car that offers the same visceral emotion that car brings. On the other hand, it’s a handful. You would always f around with it to keep it up. Never mind normal regular daily driving. That’s why most of them only get driven to car shows.

Buy an AMG GT roaster and be done.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 04:41 PM
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Originally Posted by coolcamden
I have a 1970 Chevelle SS LS5, and lt me tell you it’s the greatest car ever. There is no other modern car that offers the same visceral emotion that car brings. On the other hand, it’s a handful. You would always f around with it to keep it up. Never mind normal regular daily driving. That’s why most of them only get driven to car shows.

Buy an AMG GT roaster and be done.
Thanks. That is the other thing. Seems you can’t use them as daily/usual drivers. How much time/money do you have to spend on upkeep if you don’t mind me asking.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 04:48 PM
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Not sure where you're located, but if in the SW Barrett Jackson Scottsdale is kicking off right now
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...3-884d31219e9b

If you're looking at 60s/70s circa Muscle cars, this will be like a christmas party.

My dream muscle car - 1968 Chevelle SS 396/375hp 4 sp muncie, 4:88 posi....I can pull small wheelies in front of the local drive in restaurant!
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 05:17 PM
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I want to live in Scottsdale 6 months a year. I should be at this auction. Iconic everything.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by sammers99
Hey everyone,

Wife has authorized 100k car. If I’m nice, maybe bit more (115 max).

Would say the front runners are a 2016/17 GTS, GT roadster, or wait 6-12 months until the GTC roadster/coupe start appearing more often in that range. Any opinions? Don’t think I’ll track the car. Live in Texas, so nice weather for top down. Think it will come down to a GT/GTC convertible contest.

For sake of conversation, other considerations:
M850i/M8 convertible
M4 convertible
M5 (bergundy CS)
RS7
1969-71 mustang/Camaro/chevelle vert
M3 (2007-2013 V8 convertible) and new boat
2017+ mustang gt vert and a new boat

Love the AMG engine and think the GT will be iconic, but priority #1 is fun. In no rush. Lots of test driving ahead

Thanks!
Don't know if you've looked into these, but if you love the AMG engine - An Aston Martin might be something to add to your list. Don't quote me, but I think AM has been using this engine since 2017 or 2018? Might still fit your desire and likely your price range too.

Here is a Wiki quote:

The Vantage uses the powertrain and infotainment technology from Mercedes-Benz, like the DB11. The Vantage uses Mercedes-AMG's M177[5] 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has a power output of 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp) and 505 lb⋅ft (685 N⋅m) of torque as is equipped with the Mercedes COMAND system.[3][6] The Vantage is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.6 seconds, and attaining a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph).[7][8] The Vantage uses a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic gearbox manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen, and will be the only vehicle that pairs the Mercedes-AMG V8 with a manual transmission when the combination is made available.[3][9][10] The engine is positioned as far back with the chassis as possible, and a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution has been achieved with the car.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by sammers99
Thanks. That is the other thing. Seems you can’t use them as daily/usual drivers. How much time/money do you have to spend on upkeep if you don’t mind me asking.
It’s the little nik nak things that’s a chore sometimes... I have just spent a couple of hours troubleshooting the vacuum line to the flapper on the cowl induction scoop, for example... was working fine, then just didn’t.... with today’s California 91 octane fuel, I must put fuel addictive to each tank, then check timing and dwell, etc... with the car doing about 6-7 mpg, filling up happens to what seems all the time.

And the guy said he wants 4.88 gears. I had/still have the 4.10 gears and can’t even drive 50mph without all the fillings rattling in my head. Switched over to 3.37 to save my sanity. They actually made the cars ride on 3.37 and only switch out to 5.10 for drag events.

So no, don’t buy a muscle car hoping to drive it regularly.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by coolcamden
It’s the little nik nak things that’s a chore sometimes... I have just spent a couple of hours troubleshooting the vacuum line to the flapper on the cowl induction scoop, for example... was working fine, then just didn’t.... with today’s California 91 octane fuel, I must put fuel addictive to each tank, then check timing and dwell, etc... with the car doing about 6-7 mpg, filling up happens to what seems all the time.

And the guy said he wants 4.88 gears. I had/still have the 4.10 gears and can’t even drive 50mph without all the fillings rattling in my head. Switched over to 3.37 to save my sanity. They actually made the cars ride on 3.37 and only switch out to 5.10 for drag events.

So no, don’t buy a muscle car hoping to drive it regularly.
Is the LS5 stock?

Are you mixing leaded fuel additive? Hopefully not octane boost. If this engine is stock, 91 octane alone is a push on this engine. Stock LS5 is only 8.5:1 compression. I would just tune it for 91 (turn the timing way down low) and hopefully that octane rating isn't too slow.

OR,
8.5:1 is FI territory.
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Old Mar 19, 2021 | 07:34 PM
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I had a 427 corvette 390 @ 15, for $5500 in SCarolina. I thought it was badass and was revered in HS, as It beat all the ****ty z28s and TAs, and 911s. I was at the top of the world at age 17.

I’ll never forget my Dad response to the question as to why he never drove my vette but a few times. He said “ because it was a POS. “. He was right.
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Old Mar 20, 2021 | 08:53 AM
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I would get a $85k GTs and a $30k S2000
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Old Mar 20, 2021 | 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Acta_Non_Verba
Don't know if you've looked into these, but if you love the AMG engine - An Aston Martin might be something to add to your list. Don't quote me, but I think AM has been using this engine since 2017 or 2018? Might still fit your desire and likely your price range too.

Here is a Wiki quote:

The Vantage uses the powertrain and infotainment technology from Mercedes-Benz, like the DB11. The Vantage uses Mercedes-AMG's M177[5] 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that has a power output of 510 PS (375 kW; 503 hp) and 505 lb⋅ft (685 N⋅m) of torque as is equipped with the Mercedes COMAND system.[3][6] The Vantage is capable of accelerating from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.6 seconds, and attaining a top speed of 314 km/h (195 mph).[7][8] The Vantage uses a rear-mounted 8-speed automatic gearbox manufactured by ZF Friedrichshafen, and will be the only vehicle that pairs the Mercedes-AMG V8 with a manual transmission when the combination is made available.[3][9][10] The engine is positioned as far back with the chassis as possible, and a 50/50 front/rear weight distribution has been achieved with the car.
Yeah I had looked at the vantage. For some reason it reminds me of a Ford Focus front end. And there don’t seem to be as many out there to choose from!
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Old Mar 20, 2021 | 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by sammers99
Yeah I had looked at the vantage. For some reason it reminds me of a Ford Focus front end. And there don’t seem to be as many out there to choose from!
I can understand that. Funny, I see the same resemblance as you do, only the other way around, like the Focus is trying to be an AM. And, as is well known, Ford owned AM for a number of years.
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Old Mar 20, 2021 | 04:21 PM
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Originally Posted by sammers99
Yeah I had looked at the vantage. For some reason it reminds me of a Ford Focus front end. And there don’t seem to be as many out there to choose from!
To add to this, the folks I have known locally that bought them didn't keep them long due to them being in the shop too frequently.
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Old Mar 21, 2021 | 01:49 AM
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I heard the AMG/MB sourced Astons are much more reliable. Engines are rock solid, same as the ZF and the much of the electronics are MB now so I don’t think these are a big risk.

Plus AM now has an upgrade program for the grills which was the biggest flaw in the design of the new Vantage.

The GT models are still better as a package but I wouldn’t diss the AM’s if the price is right. Given the depreciation they have to be keepers though.

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Old Mar 21, 2021 | 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
I heard the AMG/MB sourced Astons are much more reliable. Engines are rock solid, same as the ZF and the much of the electronics are MB now so I don’t think these are a big risk.

Plus AM now has an upgrade program for the grills which was the biggest flaw in the design of the new Vantage.

The GT models are still better as a package but I wouldn’t diss the AM’s if the price is right. Given the depreciation they have to be keepers though.
These were all the new model Vantage, and almost all of the issues were electrical related, but we're persistent enough that they spent enough time in the shop repeatedly that they dumped them at a loss to get into something they could drive regularly without worry. None of the issues were powertrain related.
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