Peeps,

Odd post I know, but now that my E55 is just a beast (see video below in my sig), and it's faster than I'll really ever need, where do I from here for my next car?

This is kind of a serious question actually.

My E55 has 68K miles on it and I'll keep it long past 100K miles but I'll probablly need another lower mile 4 door performance car. I'm married, 42 a Software Executive with 3 young kids. (1.5, 3 & 5).

At the crank I'm currently near 700 ft/lb and 630HP and I know there are faster E55's out there, but I really feel I don't need anymore power/speed because what I have now barely keeps me out of trouble.

I've begun looking at my next car which has to be a 4 door sedan but where do I go from here? I guess an S65 is next but my E55 will probablly run with it to 100MPH (?) and from there I'll just get in to trouble on a public road so if you were me, what should I save for to buy in about 1-2 years time that will somehow be better/faster/more unique than my E55?

Seriously I think this car has runied me. (It's a good thing mind you), just not sure what's next.

Again silly question I know, but I can't be the only person who has an E55 thinking this?

Thanks for your advice as always!

Alex

3/4 ton duramax, 2 wheel drive, crew cab, 6' box. 400hp stock. Infinitely upgradable.

Perfect new ride for ya.

Love it!

Seriously, great truck, high teens mpg, great for your kids too. Gmc makes a Denali version that is awesome.

The GM trucks use IFS, so it actually drives more like a car; read; the wife will like it!

I have been contemplating the same question but honestly, I won't get rid of mine - just keep it and add. . .the S65 is actually going to be slower than your 55 and when it breaks. . .

The kids throw a wrench in things from a four door stand point (my searches have taken me to FI SRT8's; XJR's, GT500, Z06, and CTSV's) and the closest two are the Z06 (with a revised interior) and a CTSV with bolt on's that cost less than long tubes and install

I feel you man, everyone goes through the same thoughts and feels the same way.....HOOKED. I have never owned a car for so long and its runied me too. I now think its normal to asume that when I am in the 55K everyone is in my way on the road and needs to pull over to let me pass.

I have had alot of cars and the 2 doors ones got moved on the quickest and most of my 4 door cars lasted about a year. Nearly 3 years with the 55K is a record for me.

Maybe a suitable replacement currently does not exist

If only they could have a duramax that provides the presence of the raptor... i know i know just stuck on how it looks but I do love diesels.

Why 2 wheels drive ? Will the 4wd ride the same / have the same modification capabilities ?

Chevy has a prototype along the same lines as the raptor, but I doubt it will see production, I saw it at SEMA '09.
http://blogs.trucktrend.com/6602772/...ema/index.html that one is LSA gas powered, but there was talk of giving it the LMM or LML duramax.

Since the OP lives in AZ, figured the 2 wheel drive would be easier for his kids/wife to get in and out of, doubt you need 4x4 down there? But ya, same modification ability.

I got to tell you that.........I think the Chevy...... is ugly. There, I've said it.

Reminds me of the time I stopped at the Chevy dealer in 2007 ish (probably 2008 model year). I stopped to look at the Silverado SS that was sitting nearest the road I was traveling. Salesman comes out and Blah...Blah...Blah and about then I turn a 180 degrees and there sits a base model Silverado. I thought it looked ugly with it's huge front bumper hanging out and may have vomited that thought out of my mouth. Man I thought we were going to get in a fist fight.
Long story short, ended up buying a 2002 Harley Davidson F150 because it looked bad *** and backed it up with power.

Ya, it needs a lot of work. The gmt900 body style was 07.5, looks much better.

(the pic above is 2007)

yah the looks aren't my favorite. How are the diesels in the Fords ?

I'd go with the dodge over the ford, but that's just me. (if I couldn't have the Chevy)

OP, what about the new SRT-8 Cherokee?

it's funny that some of you considered and recommended diesel trucks. I'm in a process of getting a Duramax power Land Cruiser. But only as an additional vehicle. The E55 will be here for a while because I'm not quite "done" with it yet.

Only other car I'd consider right now is a 911 GT3

I would rather eat a bullet.

Every 'General Maintenance' car I've ever owned has been nothing but a money pit. Not low dollar ones either, 3 Corvettes, a Grand National, 2 Cadillacs, maybe it's just my luck, but I've owned wind up clocks that are more reliable.

I have asked the same question and I think the new twin turbo E is my next endeavor. I love the car and that one should offer even better performance in all aspects.

Regards

ML 350 bluetec

I'd venture to say that their trucks (especially the newer diesels) are of higher quality. Owned my duramax for 3 years, not one thing went awry.

Sounds interesting!

Too funny. I bought my E63 because I didnt want to spend the $$ to get the GT3 I wanted ($90K used, the E63 was less than $50K used). GREAT cars, but kinda defeats his 4 door rule.
BTW, I am also fairly well hooked now...
vroom,vroom,
G

SL65, G55, 911 GT3, etc

@motorkas i like where your head's at

I started a thread like this a while ago, its a great read, but we did not accomplish much, might give you some ideas though..

hope this helps,

Chad

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...after-e55.html

ML 63, G55, Jeep SRT8. SUV's is where its at.

Alex,

You're right that you can't keep raising the bar on performance forever... At least not for a streetable, enjoyable car. At some point you'll need a 10-point rollcage and a parachute!

What about going in a completely different direction? I drove a classic, 1972 Suburban 3-door for several years....it was a two-tone truck with white wheels and big hubcaps and it just had such a great personality with that big "school bus" steering wheel and bench seat. I never wanted to drive fast in that truck. I'd just pile a bunch of friends it, put it in "D" and cruise it around with my arm across the seatback and a big goofy smile on my face. The dream was to lower it a little bit and add a set of classic 5-spoke wheels....maybe a deep, burbling BBC under the hood just thumping along down the highway. Sadly, I sold it a couple of years ago...but someday I will buy some kind of classic American "sled" and give it a tasteful resto-mod.

If you can shift your thinking away from "something faster than an E55" to something with a totally different vibe, you might find some cool options out there. Plenty of 4-door vehicles with great personality that will allow you to haul your family around responsibly, but still feel like you're in a parade every time you drive it. I used to really get a kick out of all the smiles and waves I'd get every time I drove that old 'Burb.... Living where you do, there should be plenty of rust-free options around.

Something to think about.

-G

Thanks guys I really do appreciate your input here, even the truck talk. I'll go check out the ML63, SRT-8 & CTS-V. With my young kids I have to have a 4 door so I'm a bit more limited but still you've given me ideas.

The CTS-V is particularlly interesting as noted above with just a pulley and a tune it could probablly match my E55 in power.

Thanks again this really does help, I'm not just posting to post here if that makes sense.

Alex