LAWYER2

Hey guys,

I'm an all-around car guys, mostly into classics, trucks and luxury sedans (long time S-Class owner) but for the past couple years I've really wanted a starter sports/super car with a relatively reasonable entry-point, yet respectable enough to pull up to some of our cars & coffee events and thought the AMG GT might tick a few of those boxes. I recently sold my S-Class so I have an empty garage spot begging to be filled
Any recommendations on where to start? I usually buy pre-owned, but if leasing a new 2024 AMG GT63 is an option I'm all in, lol. Are there any years/trim/spec that I should focus my attention on?

G. P

Hi,
In general, all these GT models are great and most importantly, they are fun to drive. They each design for slightly different use case
To determine the ideal GT model for your needs and preferences, consider the following:

Do you plan to use the car on track? If so, how frequently? what is your proficiency level in track driving and what are your objectives?
Are you seeking a vehicle suitable for both daily driving and track performance?
or, will the car primarily serve as a daily driver, used 100% of the time? or only on weekends with no intention for track use?
Are you inclined towards a coupe or a roadster configuration?
Furthermore, when comparing the new GT63 with its predecessors from 2016-2021, take into account that the new model boasts enhanced luxury features and a sleeker profile with a shorter nose. Are you more drawn to the "classic" appearance of the 2016-2021 models, or does the updated design of the newer models appeal to you more?

I think the above will help the community guide you to the best model.

mkraft3003

I just got the new GT55 2 door last week and it is very different from the older generation. GP, you are correct it is geared more towards luxury than performance/track. It is in my rotation for daily driver and I would have never used the last gen for daily. You can be on a conference call and enjoy the massaging seat on the new one. Not sure there will be any lease deals as they typically don’t offer any incentives and the MF is typically high on these.

MalibuScott

You can pull up to a Cars & Coffee event with any of these cars, but none but the most exotic (and expensive) should be anything but transportation there.

6G Schnell

we have EuroSuday meet that is not about getting from the point A to B

Eyeman89

I guess most of us here analyzed what was out there and decided an AMG GT was for us. I'd bet 90%+ have happy with the decision. I'm a little bit more of a Porsche guy but I thought the SLS and AMG GT were extremely cool looking. A used one popped up a couple of miles from where I was working so I decided to drop by and see how it drove. I was shocked and decided that an AMG GT was for me.

Another thing I liked was it looked to me like the AMG GTs dropped to nearly half the sticker quickly and I couldn't see them going much lower than that. So as long as I picked up a few years used model I would not suffer much depreciation. I looking at it from that perspective it seems the SLS Gull Wing would be the best investment, vs any of the roadster/convertibles would be the worse investment (that happens with Porsche, etc too, purist and track guys don't want a convertible). GTR's and rare models (Black, etc) also should hold value better.

Now that the GTC has been out longer and the price has dropped further, I might lean more that way if I could have fit it in my budget (a GTR, etc is a little too much flash and cost for me). The way I understand it the C has a little softer softest ride but also has the wide body and somewhat upgraded motor like the GTR.

I did not think about stock HP variants since I planned a "flash" upgrade anyways. Most here encouraged getting a car with race mode, I'd say that will also help longterm value a little. Most seem to prefer the panoramic roof and the black many spoked simulated knock of hub wheels. Btw, those wheels are horrible to clean thoroughly but the outer polished ring, etc outweighs the cleaning struggles.

Orcbolg

What's your budget? It's hard to make any recommendations without knowing that, but for all around exotic factor, handling, and livability, I suggest you look at the 18/19 GTCs. As Eyeman said, you get the wider rear and slightly softer suspension. On top of that, you can actually get the interior in decent colors and have your choice of roadster or coupe. Throw an aftermarket wing on it to bump up the aggressiveness, or leave as is, it should still command plenty of respect at small-mid sized Cars and Coffees. They are also practical enough to daily, most of the time, and have enough storage space for long trips and runs to the grocery/hardware store.

rwells4

Not to create any thread drift on the original poster's question, but kind of related - is there anything to be aware of or look out for regarding general reliability for say a 2018-2021 GT roadster? I've owned a few MBs, mostly trouble-free, but my last experience with a CLS 450 drove me straight to the Lexus dealer for my DD. I'm considering a possible replacement for a 981 Boxster as strictly a weekend/date night car. Something I don't have to talk the wife into getting in with me (as is currently the case with the Porsche). Last thing I need is another mechanical nightmare, especially for a vehicle that will only get occasional use, which we all know is already less than ideal. Appreciate any input and again, apologies for the thread theft, but perhaps this will lead to useful info for all?

boosted20v

To your first question, they are primarily very reliable. Early GT's had some transmission issues, mainly 16's and 17's there was a recall on them. They seem to have sorted the issue by 18 which was the first year of the roadster anyway so you should be ok there if that's what you're looking for. Other common issues are misfires (finicky coil packs and plugs). I randomly have a cylinder 1 misfire issue which is annoying but very infrequent.

To your comment of talking the wife into getting into it. I'm assuming she doesn't think the Boxster is comfortable, to loud, etc. My wife actually doesn't like going anywhere in my GT, she doesn't find it comfortable at all and in fairness doesn't like speed which is hard not to do while in it. LOL

rwells4

Appreciate the info. The main pushback I get from the wife are more convertible-related (noise, exhaust fumes, wind), but I'm thinking (hoping) I can overcome that with a machine with more class, style and presence.

Katie22

At one point I had a 2016 Maybach s600 and a 18 GTC. I sold the Maybach and still have the GTC!!!!!!!! IF that is enough info for you. Dont get my wrong I loved the Maybach BUT The GTC is where my heart is!

AMG 17GT

I now have the cybertruck beast. Having my simple GT, both are digital/analog perfection. Driving them back to back is to me the perfect experience for me.