Help me choose my next car!
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2
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Help me choose my next car!
Hi I'm new here and was wondering what you guys thought about the following cars. I didn't want to ask on a Ferrari forum, because Ferrari fans/owners are, let's just say a little too narrow-minded (diito Porsche). But basically I've just sold my Porshe Boxster S and towards the end of this year (I know its a bit early), I'm going to start looking for a new car. My requirements are:
0-60 < 6 seconds
Top speed > 170
Hold a set of golf clubs
Reliable as far as getting around goes. I don't mind the odd non-critical type failure.
Good solid build, i.e. no bits falling off, etc.
< £2-3k per year for normal maintenance
< £5-6k per year depreciation
< £50k
< 8 years old, pref 5
A proper coupe (i.e. no pretend 2-door saloons like BMW M3, etc.)
German, Italian or English.
Easy enough for my girlfriend to drive every now and then, so no TVR, etc.
Capable of driving for very long distances in comfort, e.g. London to Vienna
It would be used most weekends and would cover around 5-6k miles per year.
2+2 preferred, but not essential
My short-list so far is:
SL500/SL55
CL500/CL55
Ferrari 456 GTM
Ferrari 550
(Ferrari 360 - probably not - a bit too flash for me)
Why no 911? I owned a Porsche for 3 years and I really didn't gel with it. The car was completely soulless and I just don't miss it at all now. Its the first car I have owned that I don't miss at all. Zero character. It was a wonderful car in terms of ability, but I much prefer Mercedes (I had an SLK before, which was much more satisfying to own) and Ferrari. Porsche just leaves me cold. So no 911s or Caymans!
Any comments welcome. Thanks.
0-60 < 6 seconds
Top speed > 170
Hold a set of golf clubs
Reliable as far as getting around goes. I don't mind the odd non-critical type failure.
Good solid build, i.e. no bits falling off, etc.
< £2-3k per year for normal maintenance
< £5-6k per year depreciation
< £50k
< 8 years old, pref 5
A proper coupe (i.e. no pretend 2-door saloons like BMW M3, etc.)
German, Italian or English.
Easy enough for my girlfriend to drive every now and then, so no TVR, etc.
Capable of driving for very long distances in comfort, e.g. London to Vienna
It would be used most weekends and would cover around 5-6k miles per year.
2+2 preferred, but not essential
My short-list so far is:
SL500/SL55
CL500/CL55
Ferrari 456 GTM
Ferrari 550
(Ferrari 360 - probably not - a bit too flash for me)
Why no 911? I owned a Porsche for 3 years and I really didn't gel with it. The car was completely soulless and I just don't miss it at all now. Its the first car I have owned that I don't miss at all. Zero character. It was a wonderful car in terms of ability, but I much prefer Mercedes (I had an SLK before, which was much more satisfying to own) and Ferrari. Porsche just leaves me cold. So no 911s or Caymans!
Any comments welcome. Thanks.
Last edited by Unknown; Feb 21, 2006 at 04:34 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,364
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From: New Jersey
SLS AMG | S65 AMG | GL550
Not sure if you've researched Ferrari before, but I'd call your dealer and ask how much a major service costs...30,000 mile (not sure KM) for example...that will help you to make your decision.
Erik
Erik
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Sure, I already checked it out. From a reputable independent (e.g. Verdi), for the 12 cylinder models, its around £800 for the minor/6k and £1300/1400 for the major. Belts are another £600 every 3 years. So its not so bad. The real bummer is the exhaust, which can be 4-5k (factory), but there are cheaper options (Tubi, etc.).
