Hey all,

Been gone for a while, since I lost my beloved 2005 E55. Long story for another day.

I started looking for a new (used) car recently and am really shocked at how little progress has been made since the E55 came out. What is out there in the E's price range that matches it in performance and comfort? The E55 is getting old and tough to get warranty coverage, or I'd consider going back to one, or maybe a nice CLS55, love that car's looks.

But assuming you had to buy something newer, made in the last 4 years, with luxury and performance as your criteria, what would you buy. Budget $45-65k. I'm stumped, thinking I'll have to give up on the performance I'm used to and settle for a luxury car. I hate to talk BMW's, but the newer 750 with the twin turbo v8 looks like a very comfortable cruiser, though obviously not in the E's class performance wise. But what is? Should I settle for supreme comfort and decent speed, or is there a car out there that I'm overlooking.

Missing my E55, that's for sure. Can it be that a design coming up on 10 years old is STILL at or near the top of the pile? Amazing.

Thoughts appreciated,

Skeeter

Well there's always the E63 (I'm personally biased towards the 2007 model ), you can find some low mileage ones in the range of the upper 50s price range. You wont have the torque of the 55 tho.

I passed by a 2007 with 53k on the clock for $37K

Loving my 07 E63 with only 36k kms. Wud def consider one in 07-09 range.

I thought about the E63, but it is very similar in looks to the E55, and while the 63 is fast, I loved the torque from my lightly modded E55. The E63, on paper anyway, does not seem like a huge upgrade in performance or style, IMO.

Skeeter

Handling is better from what I've read on the boards, you don't get the "oomph" of the torque from the supercharger especially on straight lines but it's traded off for more gears (7), better ratio overall, and about the same performance I'd say imo. In terms of other cars, I think an vantage or a gt-r is good performance wise, but they're not sedans and they're at the upper bounds of your price range at best currently (I'd give them another year of depreciation). I thought at first you were looking for a sleeper hence why I suggested the later model E.

Jaguar XKR coupe (supercharged) 2008-2009 with Jaguar Select Certified Warranty. Quick car (on a lightweight yet stiffer aluminum chassis.) It handles great and looks good.

This. Big aftermarket too. 2011 Gt500 is also a brute that can be made into a monster.

You guys are talking about sports cars, the OP is talking about sedans. How about a 2009 CTS-V? Killer looks imo, cheaper to maintain and pulls like a rocket. They can be 11 second cars with ease.

Your budget is 45-65k, but you're not willing to pick up a 5 year old E55 out of warranty for low 30s? You could put 10k away for repairs and still be below your budget.

From what I can read, he seems to love what the E55 represented but doesn't actually want one anymore. Maybe what he really wants is just something more modern looking that can pull like a train.

Subscribed,

I fear that we will have to, "wait it out" for the 55TT to see 500+ FtLbs @1800 rpm.

EDIT
Oh, my bad, yes the CTS-V would fill the bill.

I however, despise what is now known as Government Motors.

Didn't they already pay their debt?

I like the E55 platform, while a bit outdated it could still put the hurt on most sedans that are out today.

The CTS- V takes the price in this day and age, just heard the interior is a bit Crappy. Performance wise it's a monster.

I dont understand with your price range they're tons of options... I'd say get the same motor in a different car... CLS 55

CTSV would be the next step for now anyways.

Not sure of you like red but this dealer is selling this one for $18k off sticker ($62k) and it looks good. For whatever reason, the red won't sell. If I was in the market like you, I would get this in a heartbeat and it should smoke an E55/E63.

http://www.jaguaroflivermore.com/new...b6842e9398.htm

Guy on a local forum has a 2011 Mustang that he just put a roots type (I think whipple) onto the engine. Cost 10k for all of the upgrades and now is in the 700 hp range. Not too bad for around 50 invested. But it's no Benz.

"Location: Arctic Tundra Hell, Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA. That's right, I'm from one of the coldest states in the lower 48. Do you have any idea what it's like to wake up to -30? Canadian guys know what I'm talking about. But I'll take it anyways.
Posts: 65
Drives: 2004 E55"

Cmon man the guy said luxury...

What about a used 65?

To have comfort and performance ..... why not the 07 S600 V12TT ??
Few one from $55K to $65K

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

Or $15K more from your budget the S65 AMG that you wont need to spend more money to mod it.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

fwiw, the XKR isn't a sports car, it's basically like a two door version of the XFR. Like getting a CL instead of the S Class. Both versions have more luxury than the E Class and far more than a CTS-V. They come standard with a Bowers and Wilkins sound system and a much better Nav. And they use excellent leather.

Plus they're supercharged and tunable. Very quick cars than can out handle a Benz anytime. Depreciation is just like AMG, so you can pick up a slightly used CPO for a good deal. Reliability and maintenance cost is same as AMG, too (which is why they depreciate.) Jaguar is turning a profit now and is a marque to reconsider in the Euro luxury performance segment, imho. Plus they have a great history and their designs are classy.

p.s., Jag could actually build a car and call it a "Daimler" since they co-own the rights to the name with Daimler AG (they're not able to use it as a corporate name but only as a car model name.)

+ 1 Used S600 would be a great option as well. Absolutely no need to mod that thing.

Awesome guys! Another reason I miss having my E is that I spend less time on the board...

I'm OK with a coupe, even a 2 seater. Were it not for the fact that a new body is due this year, I'd look hard at an SL55 or SL600 in fact.

Nardeezy, how do I see the discount on the Jag? Listed at $80k. Looks nice!

Charly, good thought on the S600, I figured it'd be too much $.

CTS-V is interesting also. Coupe looks interesting.

Any other suggestions/links?

Thanks again!
Skeeter