SL/R231: Doug Demuro
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Joined: Feb 2016
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C300 and SL500
Doug Demuro
Does Doug Demuro drive everyone crazy?
Some time ago I watched his review of the R231. He started off saying he 'didn't know what it was for'. It was pretty obvious that he wasn't going to like it, no matter what. It's not that difficult Doug, it's a pretty, hard top GT with a great engine and smooth ride. It's for running up to Napa and climbing out of the car ready for wine tasting and dinner, it's for a weekend trip to Big Sur with the top down when you're cruising along the ocean, it's for a quick run up to the city for cocktails and the opera, where it still turn heads etc...
Today I watched him rave about the Lexus LC500 convertible. OK, it's a very pretty car, but really! So many of the things he pointed out as special and surprising on the Lexus have been features of the SL for many years.
His conclusion was that the Lexus is a lovely car that nobody will buy because everyone wants an SUV. Genius. I wish he hadn't wasted half an hour of my life, twice. In the words of George W - 'Fool me once, shame on...shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again'
I won't be wasting any more time on Doug Demuro ;-)
Gary
Some time ago I watched his review of the R231. He started off saying he 'didn't know what it was for'. It was pretty obvious that he wasn't going to like it, no matter what. It's not that difficult Doug, it's a pretty, hard top GT with a great engine and smooth ride. It's for running up to Napa and climbing out of the car ready for wine tasting and dinner, it's for a weekend trip to Big Sur with the top down when you're cruising along the ocean, it's for a quick run up to the city for cocktails and the opera, where it still turn heads etc...
Today I watched him rave about the Lexus LC500 convertible. OK, it's a very pretty car, but really! So many of the things he pointed out as special and surprising on the Lexus have been features of the SL for many years.
His conclusion was that the Lexus is a lovely car that nobody will buy because everyone wants an SUV. Genius. I wish he hadn't wasted half an hour of my life, twice. In the words of George W - 'Fool me once, shame on...shame on you. Fool me—you can't get fooled again'
I won't be wasting any more time on Doug Demuro ;-)
Gary
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
I tried to get into a Lexus LC500 coupe when they first came out. Not much room; nice styling, and it's a Lexus, but just not on par with the SL IMO. Have not seen the drop top yet, but looking at photos, I should believe the same functional space, or less.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 562
Likes: 20
From: East Bay Area, CA
2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
I find him entertaining... he covers a lot of interesting vehicles that no one else does in one place. I don't take take his reviews too seriously but he raised some relevant points on the SL 450 though he should have really reviewed a SL 550. He was candid that the car is not really aimed at him.
Chris
Chris
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Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I do not think Doug's reviews of the SL are that different than those of most auto journalists when it comes to the SL. Typically, they do not get it. Yes it is not a car for everyone, but it is a great car for some of us. Gary hit it on the head. For guys like us, it is perfect. Versatile, comfortable and stylish, what is not to like? I traded in a Corvette, which all of the journalists love because of the performance for the price. But the interior of my C6 was cheezy compared to the SL and it was noisy and hard to get into and out of as well. It accelerated quicker and handled better but was not nearly as pleasant to drive. I am sorry I did not discover the SL sooner, because for my wife and I it is a perfect adult sports car, roomy, quiet and refined. And I absolutely love the retractable hardtop convertible feature.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Ron, I agree with you 100%. Like you I traded in a Corvette for my SL. I traded a BMW Z4 with a retractable hardtop for the Corvette and sorely missed this feature. My Corvette was a great car, a C7 Coupe, but my wife HATED it. I do miss the ability to go to the track but at my age the days at the track are almost over. The SL is a MUCH nicer car to cruise around town and it also makes for a nice road trip as long as you pack light. Having some space behind the seats for a small cooler and snacks is a nice perk on long trips.
It is my first Mercedes after 13 BMWs and a couple Audis. So far, so good. I am fortunate to have a very good dealer in my town with an experienced service department. They have already replaced several parts under my CPO warranty. IF it proves to be reliable I will likely trade up to a newer model just before my 2 year CPO extension expires. If not, I don't know what I'll do, might trade for a used C8 Corvette. Time will tell.
It is my first Mercedes after 13 BMWs and a couple Audis. So far, so good. I am fortunate to have a very good dealer in my town with an experienced service department. They have already replaced several parts under my CPO warranty. IF it proves to be reliable I will likely trade up to a newer model just before my 2 year CPO extension expires. If not, I don't know what I'll do, might trade for a used C8 Corvette. Time will tell.
Last edited by rmorin49; Nov 5, 2020 at 10:24 AM.
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
Likes: 57
From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Ron, I agree with you 100%. Like you I traded in a Corvette for my SL. I traded a BMW Z4 with a retractable hardtop for the Corvette and sorely missed this feature. My Corvette was a great car, a C7 Coupe, but my wife HATED it. I do miss the ability to go to the track but at my age the days at the track are almost over. The SL is a MUCH nicer car to cruise around town and it also makes for a nice road trip as long as you pack light. Having some space behind the seats for a small cooler and snacks is a nice perk on long trips.
It is my first Mercedes after 13 BMWs and a couple Audis. So far, so good. I am fortunate to have a very good dealer in my town with an experienced service department. They have already replaced several parts under my CPO warranty. IF it proves to be reliable I will likely trade up to a newer model just before my 2 year CPO extension expires. If not, I don't know what I'lll do, might trade for a used C8 Corvette. Time will tell.
It is my first Mercedes after 13 BMWs and a couple Audis. So far, so good. I am fortunate to have a very good dealer in my town with an experienced service department. They have already replaced several parts under my CPO warranty. IF it proves to be reliable I will likely trade up to a newer model just before my 2 year CPO extension expires. If not, I don't know what I'lll do, might trade for a used C8 Corvette. Time will tell.
Driving a couple of higher performance Audi’s as daily drivers (A6 4.2, S4, and now SQ5) I learned to love the creature comforts of a well
done German sports car, but Bimmers and Audi’s just didn’t pull off that combination of true luxury and sport that I wanted.
Following a 4 year on again off again live affair with 6 speed CTSV Coupe (loved the power and suspension, the interior was far better than GM typical, but still far off from my Audi’s, and I hated the tank like visibility and 12MPG mileage average) I decided to drive every 2 door convertible I could find.
And despite not wanting to like the SL (incorrectly predisposed to the bias of it being a car for senior citizens) I kept coming back to it. So I traded the CTS V on a flyer, a black SL550, and now an SL63.
Why did I wait so long??
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I found his test to be informative. I am interested in buying a used R231. I would prefer the V6 as I really don't need the power of the V8, however what his test drive illustrated to me was that the SL450 didn't ride very well (I am assuming that this car was not equipped with ABC) and I didn't like the exhaust note. To me with very rare exceptions (Lotus Evora) V6's are to be felt but not heard. Is the noise piped in from the speakers and can be turned off or is that actually how the exhaust sounds?
Unless a used V6 R231 could be found with ABC and the exhaust noise in the video could be turned off I would only be interested in the SL550
Unless a used V6 R231 could be found with ABC and the exhaust noise in the video could be turned off I would only be interested in the SL550
Last edited by MBNUT1; Nov 5, 2020 at 11:01 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
I have an SL400 and hardly ever hear the exhaust, but then again I rarely drive it hard. In general use, it is a very quiet ride which is good for listening to music or conversing with your passenger. Coming from a Corvette, I find the ride to be quite good w/o ABC. It is nice having a car that does not grind the front facia coming in and out of driveways.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I have an SL400 and hardly ever hear the exhaust, but then again I rarely drive it hard. In general use, it is a very quiet ride which is good for listening to music or conversing with your passenger. Coming from a Corvette, I find the ride to be quite good w/o ABC. It is nice having a car that does not grind the front facia coming in and out of driveways.
Good to hear. I would not be driving it hard either.
I would actually prefer an 911 as the convertible is not a huge plus for me, but am afraid that it would be too noisy and hard riding.
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Yes, the ride will be "firmer" and the noise will be higher BUT the 911 is a joy if you like a true sports car. That said, I prefer the SL for my needs as It is a much better GT cruiser and road trip car.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Which is another reason for the interest in the V6 version as I expect it would be lighter on its feet.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Nov 5, 2020 at 07:25 PM.
