Choices, Choices and more Choices.....

[Merc1]

Yes that time has come, I'm about 5-6 months out from buying a new car. As most of you know I have a 2003 CLK430 Cabriolet, but a lot of you may not know I also have a 2010 Lexus IS250 AWD, that I recently inherited. I'm in Dallas and the Lexus is in Chicago until next month, when I driven it down to Dallas. It will be my daily car once I have it here.

There are 2 scenarios in play here; one is to keep my CLK430 Cabrio and trade/sell the IS on a sedan or a coupe - this would be the daily driver while the CLK430 gets a rest. Ursla has about 135K on her clock, but she looks as good as ever and when given new tires and a proper alignment she drives beatifully. Still though an almost 9 year old car is still a 9 year old car.

The cars for this scenario are:

1. 550i M-Sport or M5 - Love the design inside and out, obviously the M5 will be like a 550i x2 and a stunning car. Only decision here is whether or not I want 4-door car. I fit perfectly in this car, unlike the IS. Haven't driven the 5-Series, yet.

2. 650i M-Sport Coupe - Haven't seen it yet, but the pics are stunning. Then of course the convertible is the big question here. I have driven the convertible and came away liking it a lot, but I wasn't blown away because of the 100K price. It didn't feel like a 100K car, like the CL550 did. Need to see and drive the coupe with the M-pack.

3. XFR - Haven't driven it yet, but the 2012 model is one hot looking car. Only 80K or so, much cheaper than the 650i or M5, just a little bit more than a loaded 550i M-sport. Will driven this car in the coming weeks when the dealer here gets the 2012 model in.

4. CL550 - Yikes are they expensive, about 120K, but man this is a true premium car. I went to drive it this past Saturday and unfortunately the dealer didn't have any in stock, only one that was already sold. Just sitting in that car is special. Hate the wooden steering wheel, sheer old-folks option IMO. Love this car, but this might be too much money and such an extravagance for driving to work. Want to buy a new car this time, but a pre-owned model might be the trick here if I can find a 2011, simply because of the new engine that is the model I'd want.

5. Audi S5 or RS5 - Drove a S5 this past Saturday to get a feel for the design, very nice car, but I'm over the design of the Audi A/S5. Dealers dont know when the RS5 will arrive and when it does it will be one of these hard to get, price gauging type cars. I think Audi is done for me, for now. Loved the power of the S5, but you have to boot it to get it to move. Car just felt kinda old to me.

6. M3 - Scared to drive this one, I know I will fall for this one based on the drive. Question is do I want an "old" car. I will have to drive it before I buy something though. Would an M3 be a good daily driver for me? I dunno, but I have to find out.

7. CLS63 AMG - I had all but written the CLS off, but then I had a K/A moment. I saw one being delivered Saturday and it was Black with the PP package...WOW. Stunning. Still not a pretty or beautiful car, but more arresting and eye-popping. Would be about the same price as a 650i Coupe/Convertible, around 105K or so. Dealer didn't have any that weren't sold already. Will drive this one too.


The other scenario is to keep the IS as the daily driver and sell the CLK430 Cabrio for a new Cabrio. The cars in play here are:

1. 650i M-Sport Cabrio - Can't wait to see such a optioned out 650i, its going to be pricey for sure. This is the by far the leading choice here.

2. E550 Cabrio - Haven't driven this one yet, but I don't feel like I'd be moving up in the Mercedes line since the E Coupe/Cabrio is just really an extension of the CLK lineup. A plus though, it costs a whole lot less than the 650i Cabrio.

3. Audi S5 Cabrio - V6 only, and I'm over the whole design of this car I think....nearly no chance here. If the facelifted version appears before I buy I will check it out, but doesn't seem likely.

Pretty much the 650i is the only Cabrio I see myself with. The SL is way too old to go near one. Don't want a M3 Cabrio, kinda a contradictory car IMO.

Any thoughts, car suggestions, or helpful comments are welcome...


M

 

[Hein]

I wish I had to make your decision anyway cause I'm a bee-em guy I'd have either the M3 or the M5, but that said the CL is easily the classiest car there and the CLS is imho gorgeous. Either way you win.

 

[Michael]

I too wish I had to make your decision. Hard choice to say the least.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Rather than seeing the M3 as an "old" car, I would view it as one last chance to drive what will become a classic in the medium term, and a final hurrah of what will become a dying breed. That is, a high revving, naturally aspirated V8. That engine would not be out of place in the back of my R8 quite frankly.

 

[SKY]

They are all good cars, and you won´t make a mistake with neither one. I wouldn´t go for the M3, as it is old and they new one will be here in two or three years. Same for the CL. The Audis don´t seem to fit you, reading your comments. That leaves us with the 550i, the 650i, the CLS,and the XFR. I find the XFR fantastic looking, but a bit old now, and the less upscale of the bunch. Which leaves us with the 550i, the 650i and the CLS.

The CLS has the best looking interior of the three IMO. The 5er is the most beautiful sedan BMW has created in the last 15 years, the best all-rounder, it can´t be a bad decisions, never. But it´s not as risky and aggressive as the other two. The CLS will age faster than the BMWs, cause its lines are less elegant. The 6er is just sex on the wheels. Don´t know if you´ve seen one IRL, but owns everything next to it. A 650i like the one on the pic you´ve posted would be the best looking option I think, and the most timeless.

Honestly, I´d go for the 6er in a heartbeat. 10 years later you will look at it and it will still be perfect looking.

 

[Merc1]

I agree Betty, that is how I looked at the M3 until I gave the interior a good look over. Really dated compared to the new BMWs. Such an engine is in the R8 4.2 actually lol.


M

 

[K-A]

Lol at #7. I'm telling you, coming from such an enthusiastically sprung critical standpoint on one of these new Benz Designs, IF you can have that "moment" where you go from yuck to wow because your eyes may "get it", nothing else compares.

I vote to sell the IS, as it's worth more, and severely lacking, even when comparing it to cars that you can directly trade it for. The CLK is probably worthless on a fiscal level, yet is worth a lot on an emotional level, not to mention, is still "worth a lot" as an actual car, and what it has to offer, however, of course, German engineering also included German depreciation when the miles and years set in.

I'll say which ones I'd take from that list:

#1: M5: Only IF you can get it for under $90K after negotiations. I wouldn't pay more than that, personally.

#1 (Tie): CLS550. Perks to this are more exclusivity and prestige as an entry point from the model that the M5 is based on. Also, the styling is either clumsy and simply bad on the side crease tip, or beautiful, depending on how your eyes and brains figure it out. This would be my #1 but since it doesn't accommodate my height up front, I can't really side with it realistically.

#2: 650. However, IMO it is WAY, WAAAAY overpriced. I sat in a Convertible, and it just didn't move me. Stylistically, it's nice, but doesn't say "I cost $100K", and the interior is marginal. A 650i Coupe with M-Pack is a stunning car it looks like, and should bring more arrest and command to your eye I'd think, but what's working against it here is a $100+K price it seems, which is just a deal-breaker to me. Which makes it a great slightly-Used car to buy.

#3: Another car that is just way too much, and another only-slightly-Used option IMO is the CL. HOWEVER, the CL DOES command that price, and is a league above the 6-Series to me, even if it's merely in name-perception (which it's not, sitting in it, and witnessing it, it commands that $100+K respect). What's working against this is the fact that I never really was grabbed by it for some reason, and if I sprung that kind of cash on a car, I'd want to at least buy it closer to its entry into production, so I can grow with it, and enjoy it will it gracefully grows up.

The rest I don't really care for. The XFR is very nice, and a strong contender, you just have to muster up the courage to deal with a Jag (my Cousins XF has been great to him in Europe BTW).

.... BTW, I just noticed you mentioned CLS63. In that case, CLS63 no contest, as long as your eyes can make sense of the design and that jarring upper swag line. Issue here is price as well, but it commands it more than some of those other cars mentioned, IMO.

 

[K-A]

Or just screw all of them, and wait until the new 911 comes out.

 

[martinbo]

It's 7pm, I'm still at work and I need to get home to see my family. I tell you what, I'll sleep on it for you Marcus.

PS. What a sh!tty position to be in with decisions like these to be made!

 

[Merc1]

Or just screw all of them, and wait until the new 911 comes out.

Talk about pricey. Yeah that would be nice, but a 911 S is going to start at 95K and Porsche has so many delicious options.

I will drive a Panamera S for the hell of it though.


M

 

[donkeykong]

It seems to me like you're leaning towards the 650 cab can't argue with that choice,as the car is absolutely gorgeous. If you're seeking a sportier alternative to that,there's always 991 cab. Which to me is not only slightly more attractive,but way more sportier,but the downside to going down that route is the expensive options. It's a tough choice you have on you're hands. I hardly feel sorry for you though with so many desirable cars on that list.

 

[SKY]

If you go for the 6er, the Coupe way before. The Cabrio looks amazing, but the Coupe is in another league.

 

[Sunny]

Wow, nice list ...must be the first time some one is cross shopping CL550 and a M3. Those 2 cars offer things at the 2 ends of the spectrum (and the rest falling somewhere in between). If I were you, I would think hard about of what would give me pleasure/happiness over the long term - the driving aspect of the M3 or the luxury aspect of CL550 (obviously the answer would be driving element in my case). But I would try make that decision before trying to choose a car.

 

[Betty Swollocks]

I agree Betty, that is how I looked at the M3 until I gave the interior a good look over. Really dated compared to the new BMWs. Such an engine is in the R8 4.2 actually lol.


M

The V8 in the R8 is renowned for not producing anywhere near the hp figures Audi claim. I think the V8 in the M3 is far superior.

And as much as I agree the E92 interior is looking a bit dated against the F10 5 Series for example, to reject the M3 due to it's interior is kind of missing the point of the M3.

The 6 Series I would hazzard a guess would be completely dull to drive. Some of the first reviews seem to back this up.

All this is IMHO of course.

 

[Merc1]

Sunny and Betty....I get where you both are coming from and I agree totally. I really appreciate the input.

Believe me Betty the M3 weighs heavily on my mind it has for a over a year now, but I struggle with the whole about to be replaced aspect of it. I'm not rejecting it on interior alone, it would be that and the fact that its on its way out.

Sunny you're right which is why I'm driving a cross section of cars. Can't really compare the M3 and the CL550, just evaluating them.


M

 

[SKY]

Well, maybe you should try with a car that offers good drivinf experience and luxury, 50/50. I think that car is the 550i.

PS: Mind the refreshed 7er will have surely an upgraded V8 with I think 450 PS. Maybe the next year the 5er gets that version too.

 

[klier]

I said damn when I saw that list of cars.

And I am going to say it again. DAMN!!
Whatever you choose, clearly, positively, it will be awesome.

I'd only scratch out the S5 and RS5. M3 is superior in pretty much every way. You'll get past the looks of the interior when you're driving it, believe me brother!!

My pick would be between the M3, CLS63 and M5. I'd end up with the F10 M5 most probably.

 

[Merc1]

Klier, I was waiting on you to say that about any and all VAG products...lol.


M

 

[klier]

Well be honest with yourself too. The RS5 I can sort of understand, but the S5? You're actually thinking about both the S5 and CL550?? Heh You can probably give away a couple of S5 away too for the price of that CL Gimme one!

 

[Merc1]

Well the S5 was just to get a feel fo the A/S/RS 5 line in general. Like how I fit in the car, the interior etc. I wouldn't buy an S5 and the dealer doesn't really know when the RS5 will arrive here.


M