vixapphire

+1.

The SL is a nicely sized personal car, whereas the '63 is really a behemoth, regardless of how much computer assistance makes it "drive smaller". That may start to matter to you once the thrill of the new purchase wears off.

Further, the new CL's really don't look quite as distinctively unique as the SL's do: they look like every other "wind-tunnel designed" integrated-plastic-bumper coupe from a distance of more than a few feet, so your thrill of being one of the few, the proud will probably not mean much to anyone you'd expect or hope to impress.

On the other hand, if you're going to want to entertain clients or the like, lease the CL. Better yet, buy a used CL65 of the outgoing body style and save a pile of cash.

All the foregoing is from experience - the thrill isn't what it's cracked up to be!!! Save the dough and buy the CL you want when the market-fever breaks and you can look at what you want with some perspective.

Taximan1

so.... did you buy it???

Speed Thrills

No I passed after the test drive. Fantastic car but I need more power and wasn't willing to drop another 30k+ to downgrade in performance no matter what the luxury upgrade was. Interior really was stunning though.

I'm trying to work a deal for my friends F430 but I would have to sell the 65 first. We'll see.

rockitman

One step down from that idea, I traded my SL55 for a 360....it's actually a bit slower, but I don't regret it for the moment....never had ferrari before and the sound of the exhaust is worth every penny. But in spite of the "no regrets", the 55 was still my all time favorite car (including 996 turbo and E55). I have no doubt that I'll go back to amg either for another sedan, or maybe reverse the trade on the 360 and get a black series SL, if they make it

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

F430 FTW!!! I like it way better than the 360, which really surprised me initially, and performance-wise it crushes the 360 by a large margin.

Speed Thrills

I know what you mean as far as sound and looks with the 360, but I could never pull the trigger on the 360 in the past solely because of power. Especially in the last several years of the 360 it fell way short on performance not only in it's class but far below it. Now with the 430 out the 360 it's not even an option.

With the CL it was all interior for me as I still don't love the body even with the AMG kit so the price, looks and performance didn't ad up for me.

IngenereAMG

You may want to have a little patience and get a 1 year old CL65 or 63 for 40-50% off. Mercs have a tendency to depreciate like rocks, especially the 12s.

rockitman

I totally get that....I've been eyeing the CL as well, but it just doesn't inspire the same passion as the SL did for me 4 years ago, ....it's certainly a pretty car, but almost too generic looking. The only problem with the SL (other than it is pretty familiar after 4 years) is that living in Scottsdale, I see one every five minutes. At least that doesn't happen with the 360. At the end of the day, what a great problem to face (buy CL63? Keep SL65?) Enjoy the quandry.

Speed Thrills

Yes, I wouldn't dream of buying a 65 new. I still can't fathom loosing 50% on a 200k car in one year!!

StealthAuto

I say keep the SL65... What's not to love about a V12 with twin turbos?