BrabusTrojanSL

So you guys all know, I love my car more than anything. I love the feel, the look, and its so so clean. I still drive it like its a beast, and I still get girls breaking their necks doing double takes.
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.

jl88

I'm in the same boat. I just sold my F430 and i'm looking at something new. The "hot" car right now will be the new Lambo LP560.

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?

SpainSL500

SL63 hands down

CY

Where in LA do girls still break their necks over the SL? Where I live theres like 1000 of them out in the streets everyday.

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.

CY

Dude get the Lambo...its sick.

BrabusTrojanSL

I mean for a 21 year old to have an SL for 4 years, I still get looks. And I wouldn't even think about the M6, looks the same has a 650, and I hate the drive in the 650 (turn radius is garbage).
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.

CY

Go for the DB9 then...the SL63 isnt really a new model and isnt worth it if youve had a SL for so long. If you were new to the SL it would feel like a different car, but youre not. The DB9 has Exotic/Bond status and is 100 times more cool then any SL IMO except maybe the new Black edition which will cost even more.

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.

jl88

If you're getting looks in your SL, it's probably because people think you're driving your parents car.

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.

mikeblah

if it were me, and it is since i'm looking to make a move as well, i'd be grabbing an R8, then the DB9. everyone's right, the SLs are great, but not quite a show stopper at the moment.

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.

BrabusTrojanSL

If I get less than 40 for it, I'm just going to keep it and give it to my sister. She wants an A5, but I think she would like the SL more
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.

jl88

I forgot, the Audi R8 is a great car as well. Try to snag one at MSRP.

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.

BrabusTrojanSL

I agree but a car that had a 25-30k markup 4 years ago shouldnt cost as much as the markup. That is called depreciation like a ****

CY

Its going to be really hard to get 40k for your car unless it has very very low miles and even then.

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.

SL-Chick

If you want a female's opinion - buy the AMG. That will still turn my head every time. It shows the guy has class and style.

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.

CY

The thing is: most chicks dont know cars. I still say go exotic. You really cant generalize all the drivers of all the cars mentioned based on personal stereo-typing which has been induced by one's environment. Ive had 3 SL's (2 R230 and 1 R129) since I started driving and I just turned 27. I love the heritage of the SL but the current one is on its last legs and is basically a 2003 with a 2009 front end. If he was new to the SL I would say buy it. Since hes had it for 4 years I thinks he should try something new. What he really needs to do is test drive all the cars in question and make the decision soley on his on research.