Unfortunately I need to replace my beloved 2018 GTC Roadster. While I may consider replacing it with the same year / model I may consider a newer model GTC (2019 - 2021) with low mileage. Trying to balance tradeoffs of exhaust sound, digital vs analog display, and push button vs knob console controls. ). Has anyone gone through this process or have any advice. Thank you.

 

I've only had my car a few months. If you are in the states, only the 2020 and 21 and the updates. There were very few made in 2021 as 2020 was the last full year of production. I considered buying an earlier model, but I just decided that I wanted to updated electronics and headlights which I think look better.
Good luck with your search.

 

I’m biased but I think your best bet is a 2019 GTC or another 2018. I have a 2019 base model roadster and a 2019 GTC coupe. There are significant advantages to the GTC. These include the larger turbos, rear wheel steering and the electronic controlled limited slip differential. I’ve driven 2020 and 2021 models and much prefer the 2018’s and 2019’s. The exhaust was quieted somewhat in 2020. Losing the easy to use rotary controller for the infotainment system is a major negative in the 2020 and newer models. I also prefer the 8 round buttons in the pre 2020’s. There were no performance enhancements made to the GTC in 2020 or 2021 either.

 

Gary does have some points. Plus you forgot to mention that it’s going to be less money because it’s older.
I don’t know it’s kind of a tossup. The pre-2020s are definitely louder if that’s important to you. As far as the rotary button is concerned, that’s kind of a toss up. Once you get used to the pad portion of it, it’s fine and in some ways, I think it’s probably better. As far as the round center console controls are. They do look cool but I like the functionality of the new ones better when I looked at different AMG’s. I also like the buttons on the steering wheel much better.
The center screen is now all digital and the entertainment screen is bigger.
That’s why I went for the 2020 or 2021.
let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks for your response.

 

Great analysis. I’m tempted to replace with an 2018 GTC for many of the points you mentioned - although I’d hate to miss the chance to get something slightly newer. There are a number of very good looking 2020 GTC cars available.

 

I think the major downside to the newer one if you wanna call it that at all is that it's not as loud. Whether it was programming or particulate filters, I don't know. The older ones do appear to be louder. I think your best bet is to go take a look at one. I think the driving experience itself will be exactly the same.

 

Thanks. Trying to keep the same exhaust note as my 2018 will be a big part of my decision process. I agree I’ll need to drive each of the newer models to know for sure.

 

Perhaps if do end up with the newer one with the benefits in the cabin as mentioned, downpipes is the way to go?

 

Great option I would consider. I am a bit concerned that changes to the exhaust system may impact emissions regulations / compliance in the future. I’ll need to do some research. Thanks

 

All the best OP, I guess each state is different when it comes to those types of laws, California is very strict for example.

 

The touchpad in 2020+ model years were optional. My 2020 GTR has the rotary dial.

 

I could see why people would prefer the rotary switch. As I said before, once you get used to the touchpad, it’s fine. Obviously a touchscreen would be way better. I wish there was an aftermarket way to upgrade to a touchscreen.
Wireless Apple Carplay would be better too. I’ve tried a couple of different dongles and they’re just not reliable.
I watched a bunch of reviews on the dongles, but with this car for some reason, they just don’t work every time and it’s frustrating and you end up just pulling out the cord and plugging it in manually. Which is no big deal.

 

You can have the best of both worlds by retrofitting in the facelifted digital instrument cluster screen and NTG 5.5 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay.

You can even facelift the headlights as well.

OR if you want to go the other route with a 2020 and want the louder exhaust note, I have catless downpipes that I can sell to you.

 

I think the sound of the 2020 GTC I have is fine. I don’t need it any louder.
My preference was to get the newer car with the updated interior and lights.
If you’re going to spend all that money, upgrading the headlights and the steering wheel and the two screens, you might as well just buy the newer car.
It looks like that steering wheel that is pictured above, does not have the extra controls.

so how is the decision-making going?

 

FWIW, I've had this one installed since 2022-Nov and it's worked flawlessly for me ... though I primarily use it for navigation and not much else:

I suspect they have a newer (maybe improved, even?) model available, now.

Definition: (Software) Updates -- trading known problems for unknown problems. #;-)) [I'm a retired software geek]

 

I’ve come to agree with your point of view. I’ve found a couple of 2021 GTC with low mileage. I’m a bit surprised by the prices of these but I’ll come around. Thanks for your comment