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But, being a guy, and every guy knows, when its time for an upgrade you gotta do it.
I'm looking at these cars for the next step-up, and these are my options
1. 2008 Aston Martin Vantage
2. 2008 Bentley GT
3. 2008 SL 63 AMG
4. For the 4th option, keep my car the way it is, BRABUS K8 it and buy a Speed boat

I just want you to also know, that I am getting a Gallardo in the family, so for the speed and sportiness, we will have that car to drive. But as a daily driver its between those 3. Let me know what you guys think.
1) Vantage is a nice car, but a lot cheaper than the other choices. It lacks the power compared to a SL63 and doesn't have the same interior space as the Bentley. It's more of a comparison to a SL550.
2) The Continental GT is looking dated. It's entering it's 5th year of production. It's a good car, but starting to show the years.
3) Definitely a great looking/performing car. SL63 Black Series will be smoking. But for how long?

I would go DB9. Next choice would be the Bentley, then the 997 turbo, then tied between 08 M6 and 09 SL63 (SL black is a different story), then the Vantage. BTW I am in my mid 20's and in LA.
Last edited by CY; May 10, 2008 at 09:09 PM.
1) Vantage is a nice car, but a lot cheaper than the other choices. It lacks the power compared to a SL63 and doesn't have the same interior space as the Bentley. It's more of a comparison to a SL550.
2) The Continental GT is looking dated. It's entering it's 5th year of production. It's a good car, but starting to show the years.
3) Definitely a great looking/performing car. SL63 Black Series will be smoking. But for how long?
Last edited by CY; May 10, 2008 at 09:03 PM.

I would go DB9. Next choice would be the Bentley, then the 997 turbo, then tied between 08 M6 and 09 SL63 (SL black is a different story), then the Vantage. BTW I am in my mid 20's and in LA.

DB9 is lookin like the main choice or the 63, but I am not too crazy about the 63 because 1. it looks like my car, interior and exterior, and 2. the gallardo will be the sport car ill drive if I want to go fast, but i still like the new sls.
Also the turning radius is pretty normal on the 6 series....remember it is over a foot longer then the SL. You always seem to care a lot about your U turns when making your decision...lol The Vantage may have a better turning radius the the DB9 but the DB9 is way way more car.
Last edited by CY; May 11, 2008 at 12:01 AM.
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We all live in SoCal (i'm in City of Industry). The typical profile of the pre-facelift SL500/SL550 is a mid 40's mom.
The DB9 is looking dated as well, it's had the same style for four years.
Either way, it's a good problem to have. You'll be happy with any choice.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG

i'm sure when the entirely new style hits in a few years they will be hot again.
we're kind of in the middle of a bunch of stale models. hate to pick up a $100k+ car that is set to change in under 2 years. i guess just do a 24 month lease on anything and be ready to jump to the next one.
i might try murdering out a smart car and laying low, just give my mom the SL so she can find an orange county sugar-daddy.

I guess from the looks of it, I'll keep the SL and just get the Vantage or GT. I am going to steer away from the Benz's just because of how much they depreciate. I got my car in Jan 04 for $126 out the door. Now they are selling for 30k?!?!? Come on now, at least aston martins and GTs maintain most of their value.
Bentley's and Aston Martins still depreciate, just not a huge nosedive like Mercedes AMG models.
2005 Aston Martin DB9 MSRP was probably mid 170k. Wholesale prices are around 100-110k, with retail about 115-120k.
2004 Bentley Continental MSRP was approximately $160k. Wholesale prices are 90k, retail mid 100k.
Most car's resale price is tied in with warranty. Expect a nice 10-15% depreciation once the car leaves warranty.
Bentley's and Aston Martins still depreciate, just not a huge nosedive like Mercedes AMG models.
2005 Aston Martin DB9 MSRP was probably mid 170k. Wholesale prices are around 100-110k, with retail about 115-120k.
2004 Bentley Continental MSRP was approximately $160k. Wholesale prices are 90k, retail mid 100k.
Most car's resale price is tied in with warranty. Expect a nice 10-15% depreciation once the car leaves warranty.
That is called depreciation like a ****

I would have said R8 but he said his family will have a Gallardo on tap for him and we all know the R8 is like a de-tuned Gallardo. I agree that the R8 is one of the hottest car in LA right now. Also between the Vantage and GT I would go GT. If you cant roll with the big dogs in the DB9/DBS I would rather have the big body Bentley then the under powered baby Aston. But thats just my opinion.
Non-car enthusiasts think the Aston is a Jag. Bentleys are usually driven by stale old men. Lambos are usually driven by men in mid-life crisis -who cares if the car is fast - it is ugly. The only other car that turns my head besides an AMG is a Ferrari. These dudes are usually stylish intelligent car guys.
When I purchased my SL550 they treated me like the "average mid 40-year-old mom" who drives an SL (which I am not) and didn't offer an AMG test drive. If I would have driven an AMG I would have forked over the extra money without hesitation. Big regrets I live with everyday.
Be a cool classy guy - buy the Benz. Trust me - chicks like me who know cars love the AMG's.
Non-car enthusiasts think the Aston is a Jag. Bentleys are usually driven by stale old men. Lambos are usually driven by men in mid-life crisis -who cares if the car is fast - it is ugly. The only other car that turns my head besides an AMG is a Ferrari. These dudes are usually stylish intelligent car guys.
When I purchased my SL550 they treated me like the "average mid 40-year-old mom" who drives an SL (which I am not) and didn't offer an AMG test drive. If I would have driven an AMG I would have forked over the extra money without hesitation. Big regrets I live with everyday.
Be a cool classy guy - buy the Benz. Trust me - chicks like me who know cars love the AMG's.


