SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: What to get next
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 237
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From: orange county ca
2019 S63,2015 SL63, 2007 SL55, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
What to get next
I've had my 2003 SL55 for almost 3 years now which is a record for me. I still love it but I've had the itch to make a change. I've looked into doing some mods but it seems to me the best power mod is to sell it and get a 65. Have many of you made that change? What's it like with the added power and weight? When I read that the 08 SL55's are being blown out I thought why not just get a new version of my car since I like it so much. Then there is the DB9, Audi R8, Gallardo, maybe even a CL63. I've always wanted a Ferrari but it just seems so impractical and I love that I drive my SL almost every day. What to do?
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
I am in the same spot. Have mine 2 years in a couple more months.
Going to mod mine now that the warranty is going away in like 5000 miles. So keeping it another couple years then look for either a 2008 or a SL63 coming off lease. I do like my supercharger but that SL63 looks tight.....
I too would go for the Ferrari but just not there yet cash wise.
Trying to stay debt free....
The Lambo is just throwing money around IMHO.
Going to mod mine now that the warranty is going away in like 5000 miles. So keeping it another couple years then look for either a 2008 or a SL63 coming off lease. I do like my supercharger but that SL63 looks tight.....
I too would go for the Ferrari but just not there yet cash wise.
Trying to stay debt free....
The Lambo is just throwing money around IMHO.
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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
I've had my 2003 SL55 for almost 3 years now which is a record for me. I still love it but I've had the itch to make a change. I've looked into doing some mods but it seems to me the best power mod is to sell it and get a 65. Have many of you made that change? What's it like with the added power and weight? When I read that the 08 SL55's are being blown out I thought why not just get a new version of my car since I like it so much. Then there is the DB9, Audi R8, Gallardo, maybe even a CL63. I've always wanted a Ferrari but it just seems so impractical and I love that I drive my SL almost every day. What to do?
Handling is not quite as good as the 55 as more nose heavy but lets face it if you want great handling then a Merc isn't the best place to start. That being said the SL AMGs handle fine for 8 out of 10 drivers and cruise perfectly for 10 out of 10 (non scientific poll)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 237
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From: orange county ca
2019 S63,2015 SL63, 2007 SL55, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
The SL55 is just such a great all around sports/gt car, that I just can't see selling it. As well as we keep tweaking the software and getting more performance out of it. I just love the car. Then again, I tend to keep them along time anyway. Fortunately we have these 'tough' choices to make! 
348..18+ years
F40 8 years
TR 10 years
SL55 5 years and counting
348..18+ years
F40 8 years
TR 10 years
SL55 5 years and counting
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 237
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From: orange county ca
2019 S63,2015 SL63, 2007 SL55, 2006 SL55, 2003 SL55
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Life's too short to just appreciate one car.
R8 is a great buy when it falls back down to MSRP. I would give it another 3-6 months before dealers will come to their senses.
Aston Martin's have fallen out of favor with me lately. The DB9 is the only Aston to look at. Look for a 1 year old one (or 2 year old). Let someone else take the huge depreciation hit.
2006-2007 Gallardo's are GREAT buys right now. The superleggera is a killer car. The white color with black striping is a head turner. The Gallardo SE coupe and spyders are really good cars. Even though the new LP560-4 will be coming out soon, it will fetch over MSRP and will keep the Gallardo prices from free falling for at least a few months. Maintenance on the Gallardo isn't bad, just beware of clutch fixes which will run you $6k.
CL63 can be had for under sticker right now. It's still a great car. Just lease it, beat the hell out of it, and let MB Financial worry about residuals heh.
I'm in the same boat. I'm selling my F430 right now and trying to pick up something. I may either go a bit lower key (F430 just brought way too much attention, not including tickets heh) or just go way overboard (LP640 Roadster ftw).
R8 is a great buy when it falls back down to MSRP. I would give it another 3-6 months before dealers will come to their senses.
Aston Martin's have fallen out of favor with me lately. The DB9 is the only Aston to look at. Look for a 1 year old one (or 2 year old). Let someone else take the huge depreciation hit.
2006-2007 Gallardo's are GREAT buys right now. The superleggera is a killer car. The white color with black striping is a head turner. The Gallardo SE coupe and spyders are really good cars. Even though the new LP560-4 will be coming out soon, it will fetch over MSRP and will keep the Gallardo prices from free falling for at least a few months. Maintenance on the Gallardo isn't bad, just beware of clutch fixes which will run you $6k.
CL63 can be had for under sticker right now. It's still a great car. Just lease it, beat the hell out of it, and let MB Financial worry about residuals heh.
I'm in the same boat. I'm selling my F430 right now and trying to pick up something. I may either go a bit lower key (F430 just brought way too much attention, not including tickets heh) or just go way overboard (LP640 Roadster ftw).
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: manchester, uk
jaguar xkr
I've had my 2003 SL55 for almost 3 years now which is a record for me. I still love it but I've had the itch to make a change. I've looked into doing some mods but it seems to me the best power mod is to sell it and get a 65. Have many of you made that change? What's it like with the added power and weight? When I read that the 08 SL55's are being blown out I thought why not just get a new version of my car since I like it so much. Then there is the DB9, Audi R8, Gallardo, maybe even a CL63. I've always wanted a Ferrari but it just seems so impractical and I love that I drive my SL almost every day. What to do?
Well, I've been through the same 'issues' recently, but changing my E63, great to drive but bad looking, before that have had Bentley GT's, SL55's etc etc but (after lenghty investigations) have decided to go for a 997 Porsche Turbo, love at first sight and what a drive, awesome. Artic Silver, Black Leather, tiptronic, 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. Handles better than anything else I've had.
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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
Well, I've been through the same 'issues' recently, but changing my E63, great to drive but bad looking, before that have had Bentley GT's, SL55's etc etc but (after lenghty investigations) have decided to go for a 997 Porsche Turbo, love at first sight and what a drive, awesome. Artic Silver, Black Leather, tiptronic, 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds. Handles better than anything else I've had.
I like the way the E63 blends into the crowd more though, especially in jealousy-based culture that England has unfortunately adopted.
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From: manchester, uk
jaguar xkr
