What would you guys do: Keep the E55 or Get a New SL500?
#1
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
What would you guys do: Keep the E55 or Get a New SL500?
Have been given the option (by my dealer) to trade in my Beast for a new SL500 (#10 spot on the list of 50 allocated) ... what would you do in my situation?
Please don't recommend I go for the SL55 (same dealer has 4 open spots for their 5 allocated SL55's) ... although I've been "duly-spoiled" by my AMG ... and not sure I can live without the power I've grown so accustomed to ... I just can't seem to justify in my own mind ... paying over $100K for my daily-driver (I already feel guilty not considering the AMG-version).
I am also #1 on 'the list' at the same dealer, and #15 on the list at another dealer for the new E50/55 ... whenever it comes out.
What would you do in my shoes? Why?
I am more than happy with my current ride ... but like to change-out cars after a year or two.
I know this falls into the "it must be rough" category ... but would like to hear your opinions ... they may help me make my decision a little easier.
Thanks in advance for the feedback ...
Please don't recommend I go for the SL55 (same dealer has 4 open spots for their 5 allocated SL55's) ... although I've been "duly-spoiled" by my AMG ... and not sure I can live without the power I've grown so accustomed to ... I just can't seem to justify in my own mind ... paying over $100K for my daily-driver (I already feel guilty not considering the AMG-version).
I am also #1 on 'the list' at the same dealer, and #15 on the list at another dealer for the new E50/55 ... whenever it comes out.
What would you do in my shoes? Why?
I am more than happy with my current ride ... but like to change-out cars after a year or two.
I know this falls into the "it must be rough" category ... but would like to hear your opinions ... they may help me make my decision a little easier.
Thanks in advance for the feedback ...
#3
Drew C'mon!
Please do give me a break!!!! Last time I checked the wife and kid not care much for a two seater. And also, I do not think you are trolling too much around Boca these days at FAU for a companion. Keep the E55 and or get a new one of those. WIll keep you out of trouble at the house at the very least.
#4
You need to keep what you got Drew!
As a daily driver the E is much better suited. The SL is a weekend road toy. If you have a family, then the SL is not gonna work too well. The E55 is such a beautiful vehicle, I would wait till the new one came out. I love the SL especially the new one, but doesnt sound too practical for your needs. Im also on the list for the new E50 when it comes out in about April 2003. I am actually number 3 on the list to get one.
#5
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Re: Drew C'mon!
Originally posted by Randy B
Please do give me a break!!!! Last time I checked the wife and kid not care much for a two seater. And also, I do not think you are trolling too much around Boca these days at FAU for a companion. Keep the E55 and or get a new one of those. WIll keep you out of trouble at the house at the very least.
Please do give me a break!!!! Last time I checked the wife and kid not care much for a two seater. And also, I do not think you are trolling too much around Boca these days at FAU for a companion. Keep the E55 and or get a new one of those. WIll keep you out of trouble at the house at the very least.
I can also count on one hand the times in the past year I've taken passengers ... anywhere, so a roadster wouldn't 'cramp my style' here either.
The drop-top is way cool ... but I seem to be leaning towards driving a coupe for a while. Maybe a CL would solve my problems?
#6
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Originally posted by mbtech208
If I had an E55 AMG, I'd keep it until the wheels fell off. The SL500 is more of a weekend crusing car, a toy. The E55 is a superb all-around car.
If I had an E55 AMG, I'd keep it until the wheels fell off. The SL500 is more of a weekend crusing car, a toy. The E55 is a superb all-around car.
Maybe I'll take up 'stamp collecting' or something like that to take my mind off getting a different ride.
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#8
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From: THE Orange County, California
2020 Audi R8 V10, 2016 AMG GTS, 2018 E63S Edition 1, 2018 Porsche GTS Cab, 2012 C63 BS
Originally posted by young
<b>sl500</b>
i assume you have 2 vehicles. the other is more practical?
<b>sl500</b>
i assume you have 2 vehicles. the other is more practical?
All kidding aside- if money is not a priority and your case Counselor I dont think it is then a change of pace is always good. I have had 8 cars in 8 years but this is the only car that really has not got me thinking of changing (E55). A retractable hard top in Florida is awesome and being one of the first on the block with the new SL will keep that grin rollin that you first got when you floored the E55.
#9
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From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
Drew.... The biggest problem I see here for you in this respect is going from an AMG tuned engine to a Non AMG engine. You will regret it ... Keep the E and wait for the New E is so inclined.
#10
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Originally posted by young
<b>sl500</b>
i assume you have 2 vehicles. the other is more practical?
<b>sl500</b>
i assume you have 2 vehicles. the other is more practical?
But now, I just feel like a change, and the 'dual-purpose' aspect in my daily driver may not be so important now.
Vic: money is an object to me. While I'm fortunate in the fact that i could afford to buy a car that cost over $100K ... something inside me has always said I'd never do that for my daily driver. But then again, I will likely trade whichever car I get in after a year or two, so I'd likely only be paying for the time I drove it and any depreciation ... not the full $100K.
I guess we have the same bug Vic: I don't know why I get bored with my rides so quickly ... but I do.
Adam: Stop being the voice of reason all the time !!! I know you make sense, and your most likely right ... but I can give myself sensible advice ... I want you to tell me to 'GO FOR IT' ... 'GET THE SL55' ... 'YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE' ... stuff like that!
Maybe I can do some Mod's to the SL500 to make it perform more like an AMG?
#11
I have had both the E-Class (several-but not AMGs) and a 500SL. I would suggest that if you haven't had an SL that you go for it. I think you will like it (excuse me--love it). Living in KC I also bought an old Chevy beater for the snow and bad weather. Besides, we all have those clients that if you drive up in one of these cars they are saying to themselves "I can't afford this guy". Doing some insurance defense it was a real issue with some insurance adjusters. I like you have a wife and kids that travel in a van.
The experience of an SL is awesome. I had mine for several years and never had a problem with it being a 2 seater.
What I'm sure you know though is that these are entirely different cars. I assume you have driven an SL. Hopefully enough to know that there is no way an SL handles as good as the E-Class. The E-Class is just a lot more nimble. The SL on the other hand has you riding in the lap of luxury with plenty of power.
I went back to the E-Class for several reasons. First, maintaining 3 cars (especially when your trying to maintain little kids) is time consuming. Second, there really is no better all around MB than the E-Class. (Right size, great handling, lots of power and room for 4).
I disagree with the comment that the SL is a weekend car. It does just fine for a daily driver. And, if for some reason, you have to take several people to lunch (or to go to the bank to split up a great big huge settlement check) then you can just borrow one of your partners cars.
If you don't do it now- and own an SL at this time in your life- then you'll be waiting till your retired and definately won't get the same kick out of it. Always remember, and never forget, "Enjoy yourself NOW--you're going to be dead for a very long time!"
That's just my two cents. But again, I have never viewed the issue from an "AMG" perspective.
If, like you say, you are looking for the "toy factor" then it seems to be a no brainer.
The experience of an SL is awesome. I had mine for several years and never had a problem with it being a 2 seater.
What I'm sure you know though is that these are entirely different cars. I assume you have driven an SL. Hopefully enough to know that there is no way an SL handles as good as the E-Class. The E-Class is just a lot more nimble. The SL on the other hand has you riding in the lap of luxury with plenty of power.
I went back to the E-Class for several reasons. First, maintaining 3 cars (especially when your trying to maintain little kids) is time consuming. Second, there really is no better all around MB than the E-Class. (Right size, great handling, lots of power and room for 4).
I disagree with the comment that the SL is a weekend car. It does just fine for a daily driver. And, if for some reason, you have to take several people to lunch (or to go to the bank to split up a great big huge settlement check) then you can just borrow one of your partners cars.
If you don't do it now- and own an SL at this time in your life- then you'll be waiting till your retired and definately won't get the same kick out of it. Always remember, and never forget, "Enjoy yourself NOW--you're going to be dead for a very long time!"
That's just my two cents. But again, I have never viewed the issue from an "AMG" perspective.
If, like you say, you are looking for the "toy factor" then it seems to be a no brainer.
#12
Originally posted by Drew
No Young, actually I don't (my Wife has the SUV). One of the reason's for getting my Beast originally was that it is a sports car that doubled as a luxury car (or the other way around ... depending on your perspective).
But now, I just feel like a change, and the 'dual-purpose' aspect in my daily driver may not be so important now.
No Young, actually I don't (my Wife has the SUV). One of the reason's for getting my Beast originally was that it is a sports car that doubled as a luxury car (or the other way around ... depending on your perspective).
But now, I just feel like a change, and the 'dual-purpose' aspect in my daily driver may not be so important now.
#13
Originally posted by Drew
No Young, actually I don't (my Wife has the SUV). One of the reason's for getting my Beast originally was that it is a sports car that doubled as a luxury car (or the other way around ... depending on your perspective).
No Young, actually I don't (my Wife has the SUV). One of the reason's for getting my Beast originally was that it is a sports car that doubled as a luxury car (or the other way around ... depending on your perspective).
#14
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Re: Drew C'mon!
Originally posted by Randy B
WIll keep you out of trouble at the house at the very least.
WIll keep you out of trouble at the house at the very least.
Ever since I got married, I've gotten more 'potential-trim' than when I was single (I should have started using the ring-thing-rap when I was single!)
Reasoning:
1. There's likely going to be no long-term comittment with a married guy? (file under the "wham, bam, thank you maam" theory of romance).
or,
2. The "Blackmail Meal-Ticket" theory?
or,
3. Maybe its not the ring. Maybe its the look in my eyes. You married guys know what I mean: that look that says "I haven't gotten it in a while"
#15
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Originally posted by STKLAW
I have had both the E-Class (several-but not AMGs) and a 500SL. I would suggest that if you haven't had an SL that you go for it. I think you will like it (excuse me--love it). Living in KC I also bought an old Chevy beater for the snow and bad weather. Besides, we all have those clients that if you drive up in one of these cars they are saying to themselves "I can't afford this guy". Doing some insurance defense it was a real issue with some insurance adjusters. I like you have a wife and kids that travel in a van.
I have had both the E-Class (several-but not AMGs) and a 500SL. I would suggest that if you haven't had an SL that you go for it. I think you will like it (excuse me--love it). Living in KC I also bought an old Chevy beater for the snow and bad weather. Besides, we all have those clients that if you drive up in one of these cars they are saying to themselves "I can't afford this guy". Doing some insurance defense it was a real issue with some insurance adjusters. I like you have a wife and kids that travel in a van.
Originally posted by STKLAW
I assume you have driven an SL.
I assume you have driven an SL.
Originally posted by STKLAW
I disagree with the comment that the SL is a weekend car. It does just fine for a daily driver. And, if for some reason, you have to take several people to lunch (or to go to the bank to split up a great big huge settlement check) then you can just borrow one of your partners cars.
I disagree with the comment that the SL is a weekend car. It does just fine for a daily driver. And, if for some reason, you have to take several people to lunch (or to go to the bank to split up a great big huge settlement check) then you can just borrow one of your partners cars.
Originally posted by STKLAW
If you don't do it now- and own an SL at this time in your life- then you'll be waiting till your retired and definately won't get the same kick out of it. Always remember, and never forget, "Enjoy yourself NOW--you're going to be dead for a very long time!"
If you don't do it now- and own an SL at this time in your life- then you'll be waiting till your retired and definately won't get the same kick out of it. Always remember, and never forget, "Enjoy yourself NOW--you're going to be dead for a very long time!"
Originally posted by STKLAW
That's just my two cents. But again, I have never viewed the issue from an "AMG" perspective.
That's just my two cents. But again, I have never viewed the issue from an "AMG" perspective.
#17
You only live once.... Get the SL!!
And I truly mean it... I said the same thing a few months back. I ordered the C32 in April and in August I cancelled the order. After 9/11I rethought my position and went out and reordered the car. Im so happy with it that Ive ordered a E series AMG sedan for 2003. Im the number 3 person on the list to get one. So go and get that SL damn it! Enjoy yourself.
#18
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Re: You only live once.... Get the SL!!
Originally posted by vinmanc32
And I truly mean it... After 9/11I rethought my position and went out and reordered the car. Im so happy with it that Ive ordered a E series AMG sedan for 2003. Im the number 3 person on the list to get one. So go and get that SL damn it! Enjoy yourself.
And I truly mean it... After 9/11I rethought my position and went out and reordered the car. Im so happy with it that Ive ordered a E series AMG sedan for 2003. Im the number 3 person on the list to get one. So go and get that SL damn it! Enjoy yourself.
Well, hey ... you only live once, right!
(but gotta do something about those new SL55 wheels ... maybe the 18" CL Monoblocks would look good - I'm a firm believer that Monoblocks on 'Benzes look better than anything else)
#19
Re: You only live once.... Get the SL!!
Originally posted by vinmanc32
And I truly mean it... I said the same thing a few months back. I ordered the C32 in April and in August I cancelled the order. After 9/11I rethought my position and went out and reordered the car. Im so happy with it that Ive ordered a E series AMG sedan for 2003. Im the number 3 person on the list to get one. So go and get that SL damn it! Enjoy yourself.
And I truly mean it... I said the same thing a few months back. I ordered the C32 in April and in August I cancelled the order. After 9/11I rethought my position and went out and reordered the car. Im so happy with it that Ive ordered a E series AMG sedan for 2003. Im the number 3 person on the list to get one. So go and get that SL damn it! Enjoy yourself.
#21
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Originally posted by mbtech208
If I hired a lawyer, I'd much rather he pull up in a new Mercedes than some rusty Chevy S10 Blazer..."What the hell?? Who hired my cousin Vinny??"
If I hired a lawyer, I'd much rather he pull up in a new Mercedes than some rusty Chevy S10 Blazer..."What the hell?? Who hired my cousin Vinny??"
#22
Drew,
You can't lose on the SL, get it. In S. FL you could unload it at any time and definitely make money!
And you can stay on the W211-AMG list can't you? If you get the SL first and don't like it, just sell it and get the W211-AMG...or keep the SL and get your doors blown off by those of us who are getting the W211-AMG!!!
You can't lose on the SL, get it. In S. FL you could unload it at any time and definitely make money!
And you can stay on the W211-AMG list can't you? If you get the SL first and don't like it, just sell it and get the W211-AMG...or keep the SL and get your doors blown off by those of us who are getting the W211-AMG!!!
#23
Get the SL55 - you'll consider anything else a step down. The cost factor - well if you have to ask the price......
As for client impressions - if you really have custom plates that say SUE4U, you don't seem like the kind of guy who would worry too much about that.
As for client impressions - if you really have custom plates that say SUE4U, you don't seem like the kind of guy who would worry too much about that.
#24
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From: Los Angeles, California
2004 SLK 32 AMG, 2002 E320, 2002 ML320, 1986 Porsche 944
Go for the SL!
Heck, you only live once!
Get a Toyota Camry or something like that for your daily driver and for your family car if money is an object (No sense in driving around a super expensive car to grocery parking spaces where other people just bang on it anyway). If money's not an object, then buy both the SL and the E. (Then if somebody bangs on it at the grocery store, you can just buy another one. )
Good luck!
Get a Toyota Camry or something like that for your daily driver and for your family car if money is an object (No sense in driving around a super expensive car to grocery parking spaces where other people just bang on it anyway). If money's not an object, then buy both the SL and the E. (Then if somebody bangs on it at the grocery store, you can just buy another one. )
Good luck!
#25
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From: S. Florida
'01 E55 AMG - Brilliant Silver (very rare)/ Charcoal, K2a
Originally posted by hmrdwn
Drew,
You can't lose on the SL, get it. In S. FL you could unload it at any time and definitely make money!
And you can stay on the W211-AMG list can't you? If you get the SL first and don't like it, just sell it and get the W211-AMG...or keep the SL and get your doors blown off by those of us who are getting the W211-AMG!!!
Drew,
You can't lose on the SL, get it. In S. FL you could unload it at any time and definitely make money!
And you can stay on the W211-AMG list can't you? If you get the SL first and don't like it, just sell it and get the W211-AMG...or keep the SL and get your doors blown off by those of us who are getting the W211-AMG!!!
"doors blown off" ... not if I get a Kleemann-Kit for the SL!!!