09 S63 Designo or 08 S65? Advice Please!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 30
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From: Mount Laurel, NJ
09 S600
09 S63 Designo or 08 S65? Advice Please!
I am new to the AMG part of MB World. I've recently had occasion to visit a few dealers to see if I could put together a deal for an S class AMG. I found 2 cars I fell in love with, an 09 S63 designo and an 08 S 65. WOW they are both amazing. I've decided to trade my 09 S600 (yes, thats going to hurt a little but life is short) in on one of them. Just can't ignore the desire for an AMG car any more.
Any advice from any of you on either of these 2 amazing vehicles would help my decision process a great deal. I'm trying to avoid an "impulse" buy relative to one or the other. I have a Range Rover so bad weather is not a consideration. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Any advice from any of you on either of these 2 amazing vehicles would help my decision process a great deal. I'm trying to avoid an "impulse" buy relative to one or the other. I have a Range Rover so bad weather is not a consideration. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
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From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
The AMG cars definitely have that extra edge of appeal. Honestly performance wise, the S63 won't be really faster than your S600. The engine is a bit louder and more "alive" in the 63, and throttle response is better, as that V12 in the S600 is very smooth - and obviously the bodykit is AMG.
Now, the S65 is definitely great - but how much money would you lose in going for it?
The S600 is already extremely close to the S63 and not too far from the S65 - so it's definitely a tough call..it depends, how much money would you lose even on a S63 trade? It may not be worth since the cars are already so close, you'd be trading an S600 in for just a few minor differences.
Now, the S65 is definitely great - but how much money would you lose in going for it?
The S600 is already extremely close to the S63 and not too far from the S65 - so it's definitely a tough call..it depends, how much money would you lose even on a S63 trade? It may not be worth since the cars are already so close, you'd be trading an S600 in for just a few minor differences.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,146
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From: L.A., CA
'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
I am new to the AMG part of MB World. I've recently had occasion to visit a few dealers to see if I could put together a deal for an S class AMG. I found 2 cars I fell in love with, an 09 S63 designo and an 08 S 65. WOW they are both amazing. I've decided to trade my 09 S600 (yes, thats going to hurt a little but life is short) in on one of them. Just can't ignore the desire for an AMG car any more.
Any advice from any of you on either of these 2 amazing vehicles would help my decision process a great deal. I'm trying to avoid an "impulse" buy relative to one or the other. I have a Range Rover so bad weather is not a consideration. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Any advice from any of you on either of these 2 amazing vehicles would help my decision process a great deal. I'm trying to avoid an "impulse" buy relative to one or the other. I have a Range Rover so bad weather is not a consideration. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Only exception to this is if it was between new and used as I'd then recommend getting a new S63. But since your choice is between an 08 S65 or 09 S63 then without a doubt you'll be happier with the 08 S65. Bigger brakes than the 63 and far more power make it the world's best luxury sedan.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Long Island, NY & SE England
A Mercedes obviously!
IMO little point going in for an S63 from a 600. You're trading down in almost every respect and losing money into the bargain. Only the move to a 65 is worth the bother.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 30
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From: Mount Laurel, NJ
09 S600
My loss is in the 20k range away form the 600 into one of the AMGs. The two AMG cars are priced almost identical and have the same miles, 9k, which makes the 65 the faster depreciating car but also a much better value.
Thanks for the input and clarity. It's the AMGness I want while keeping everything I currently have in the 600. While a great car, the 63 just won't get me there.
I'll post pictures as soon as this 4 feet of snow begins to melt........
Thanks for the input and clarity. It's the AMGness I want while keeping everything I currently have in the 600. While a great car, the 63 just won't get me there.
I'll post pictures as soon as this 4 feet of snow begins to melt........
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 231
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From: Chicago
GL550
to me personally, for the same price it is a complete and utter no brainer - 65 (even if you do lose a year, but 08 is ok since you get the quilted seats and essentially the only options were the distronik and designo)!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 30
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From: Mount Laurel, NJ
09 S600
Sure will. I'm still working on the deal with the dealer (Princeton). While it should be part of the fun, it usually ends up making me weary. 
When our deals are done we should get together with the local guys.
When our deals are done we should get together with the local guys.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 350
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Aston Martin, Chevrolet
Both cars are fantastic, do whatever is financially responsible and comfortable for yourself. Drive both, experience the vehicles and with finances in mind make your decision.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 769
Likes: 5
From: New York
Mercedes S55 AMG
Definitely get the S65 if you are going to do it and the loss will be the same - it's an awesome car.
I guess it comes down to the 20k loss and how much you want an AMG. If that amount is OK with you, definitely get the S65 as it is tops!
I guess it comes down to the 20k loss and how much you want an AMG. If that amount is OK with you, definitely get the S65 as it is tops!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 277
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From: MI
2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS
From what we hear, both cars are soon to be extinct in terms of their engines. S63 is the last NA engined AMG for a while, and it seems the V12, as a configuration, is also on its last legs. For the S, the V12 makes a lot more sense, IMHO. The higher level of standard equipment makes it worth, not to mention the addictive torque.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 30
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From: Mount Laurel, NJ
09 S600
The 63 has distronic and the designo package which gives it the 65 like interior leather and wood. The 65 has distronic but I think the 09 version of distronic is a little more advanced unless the 08 65 has the same version. Not sure about that.
Drove them both again and the 65 continues to make its case. There is everything to love about that car.
Maybe that shows on my face cause the dealer isn't budging from his current number, 115k. In my research, that does seem to be a good number.
I haden't heard about the engine change that Ferri refers to. Does anyone have any more info on that?
Drove them both again and the 65 continues to make its case. There is everything to love about that car.
Maybe that shows on my face cause the dealer isn't budging from his current number, 115k. In my research, that does seem to be a good number.I haden't heard about the engine change that Ferri refers to. Does anyone have any more info on that?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: OC, SoCal
08 S65, 06 M3 CS(stick), 02 BMW X5 4.6iS, 07 R1 Raven, 08 F-450 4x4, 08 CooperS JCW
The 63 has distronic and the designo package which gives it the 65 like interior leather and wood. The 65 has distronic but I think the 09 version of distronic is a little more advanced unless the 08 65 has the same version. Not sure about that.
Drove them both again and the 65 continues to make its case. There is everything to love about that car. Maybe that shows on my face cause the dealer isn't budging from his current number, 115k. In my research, that does seem to be a good number.
I haden't heard about the engine change that Ferri refers to. Does anyone have any more info on that?
Drove them both again and the 65 continues to make its case. There is everything to love about that car.
Maybe that shows on my face cause the dealer isn't budging from his current number, 115k. In my research, that does seem to be a good number.I haden't heard about the engine change that Ferri refers to. Does anyone have any more info on that?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,271
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From: CA
2010 CL65
May want to look into nos. of $0-down leasing a new, '10 S65, spec'd to your colors, for 3-4yrs...about as much time until all-new S-Class launches
Get all the new MY10 tech like ABC w/Crosswind Stabilization, TqVectoring, new DriverAssistTech and more advanced-tech headlamps and LED taillights, latest infotainment stuff, etc....and far more refined leather sports steering wheel of MY10....and 030 wheels (std since MY09) much cooler than clunky wheels of MY08 65...and full lemon law protection and factory warranty (and lease-gap insurance) of a new, leased 65
No doubt '09 S600 is one of world's leading cars but if willing to pay up to gain perf/safety/tech/aesthetics advantages of latest new 65, might as well go big for next 3 yrs until new 65 arrives....or stay w/current 600
Get all the new MY10 tech like ABC w/Crosswind Stabilization, TqVectoring, new DriverAssistTech and more advanced-tech headlamps and LED taillights, latest infotainment stuff, etc....and far more refined leather sports steering wheel of MY10....and 030 wheels (std since MY09) much cooler than clunky wheels of MY08 65...and full lemon law protection and factory warranty (and lease-gap insurance) of a new, leased 65
No doubt '09 S600 is one of world's leading cars but if willing to pay up to gain perf/safety/tech/aesthetics advantages of latest new 65, might as well go big for next 3 yrs until new 65 arrives....or stay w/current 600
Super Member
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From: Long Island, NY & SE England
A Mercedes obviously!
