Mr. Mercedes' 911 GTS

[Mr. Mercedes]

Hello all,

I'm considering my next vehicle purchase. While it may seem premature, considering that some of these cars would be 18-36 months away I need to start thinking about it now.

Mercedes AMG GT63
- Brand new model. I would probably get a factory specified car by August 2024 and an ordered vehicle by December 2024.
- Everything I want in terms of technology (Driver assistance, HUD etc.)
- Should be a good drive based on my experience with the SL63
- Depreciation will be higher than the other models (bar the Aston) IMO.
- Brand image is not as 'Exotic' as the others.
- The interior is fine in terms of build and finish, but it doesn't look exquisite like the DB12. Though I'm sure the interface is superior.
- Probably the most refined option here.
- A bit more exclusive than a 911 as it's simply not the default choice.

Porsche 911 GTS
- Due for a facelift next year. I have been told that the S and the Turbo will launch first and the GTS 12 months later. Is this generally accurate?
- Do we know when the FL is due?
- If I order a current GTS now I would get a car in May 2024 and if the timing is accurate a new GTS won't be out until Mid to late 2025.
- The alternative is to just wait for a facelifted 4S.
- Everything that's great about a 911.
- Good resale.
- Questionable interior quality (plastics)
- Dated infotainment relative to the Mercedes.

Aston Martin DB12
- Utterly gorgeous in my eyes IMO. Interior and exterior.
- Weak Aston resale values
- Please list your pro's and cons about this car as I am simply not familiar enough with the brand in terms of reliability, drive etc.

Lamborghini Huracan Replacement
- At least 36 months away for Australia.
- Strictly a weekend only car.
- Any insights you guys have on this would be great as I really don't pay attention to these exotics beyond the Germans.
- Likely to be a hybrid I believe?

Lamborghini Urus
- The quickest and most practical way into a Lamborghini.
- Probably 24 months before I could get a Facelifted model.
- I love the looks, but something in me believes an SUV is simply not as fun. The Macan has done a great job at proving otherwise though.
- The infotainment etc. should likely be up to date given it's an VG brand now.
- Strong resale

Ferrari 296
- Any insights you guys have on this would be great as I really don't pay attention to these exotics beyond the Germans.
- Will the hybrid tech date the car prematurely? Surely it would preclude it from being a future classic just due to the pace of progress.

 

[Merc1]

All I’ll say is that if your blessed enough to be able to but a Ferrari or Aston, i say those should be the two finalists. They are the most special by far imo. I’m assuming you mean the Ferrari 296?

M

 

[Centurion]

Superb list of cars to choose amongst!
In the GT segment, the DB12 is probably the most exciting one.

Pros:
-DBS aggression and presence a lower price.
-RWD
-671bhp
-Bespoke and upscale interior with physical switchgear.
-AMG drivetrain which is good for reliability.
-Great for networking e.g attend Aston Martin events or receive invites from AM partners
-Free Formula tickets?
-The car is sexy, exotic and will have high curb appeal compared with a 911 or AMG GT

Cons:
-It's a new car. Consistency in fit and finish is unknown + reliability will be unknown until 1 model year has passed.
-After options it likely has a big price premium over the AMG GT but justified for the exclusivity.
-Uncertain and questionable resale value compared with an Urus or 911.

 

[tristatez28lt1]

296 is one of the best cars out there period. clear winner product wise.

 

[kiki voinea]

DB12 here also.

Damn hot car. Probably will age fine , like any other Aston.

Finally they have more power than other AMGs.

BUT...resale value...If that is not an issue , go with 296.

AMG GT if it's over 200k is stupid.

 

[Matski]

Is this a long term ownership prospect, or an urge to scratch an itch?

I think unless there's a question of day to day practicality, I'd knock the Urus off the list - then the choice becomes cognitive comfort in the competence of the tuetonic options (the 911 being the 'default'), versus the flair, exuberance - and dare I suggest - day to day delicacy of the Italians... then in the middle you have the Aston, which to me, seems to be to be the best blend of 'occasion' and 'usability' - though I suppose, if you've no hang-ups about standing out, or the cost of the ownership experience - would you really turn down the chance of a Ferrari?

Sucks to have the choice (not! )

 

[AndreB]

If money is not a problem then Ferrari 296 is my pick.
+ its a Ferrari so good resell value
+ hypercar performance
+ looks sexy

But, the best way to make the right choice is to drive them all as some are too stiff, too much road noise, quality issues, solid feel, etc

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thanks for the feedback gentlemen.

I'm going to be doing a lot of dealership visits over the next few days and will probably do some test drives once I have a clearer picture about exactly what I want.

I will respond in greater detail after and I'm sure I'll have loads more questions for you guys.

Much appreciated.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Interesting options, all of them.

If I were in your shoes, I’d take the Aston Martin, without a shadow of doubt. Why?
It looks much better than all the other candidates. With it’s AMG drivetrain it’s rather reliable, easy to maintain and parts are no problem. It has it all, and more..it’s Bond’s choice.
The Urus is a no-go. It has a lot of Audi in it’s dna and it’s a suv … You don’t want that if a gran turismo or real sportscars are among the possibilities.
Porsche? Nah, not if you want an exquisite car and something else than what your neighbour and the rest of the world drives.
Ferrari? The obvious choice for people with money and no taste (not the most popular opinion ). Besides, it’s quality sucks. Anecdotal, but I have five clients who owned and drove a brandnew Ferrari. Not one without serious problems. Quote of one of them: “I am glad this nightmare is over”.
Huracan? It has something raw about it that I like. But if it will be a hybrid by then, no.

Keep us posted.

 

[Tourbillon]

I mean the DB12 is a thing of beauty and the one "let down" was the interior or infotainment systems or carry overs! Well they smashed that out of the park.

 

[dalab]

Difficult and easy, eliminating the majority easy, choosing between what I consider finalists difficult, what I don't understand is how you consider a Urus, an SUV in this group of options.

In any case, between these two I think the only way to solve it is to see them there and feel at the moment which one pulls you more

If it were me, this time in particular, I wouldn't doubt, the Ferrari is much newer and sexier than just the FL of a DB11 that has been around for years

 

[Tourbillon]

Difficult and easy, eliminating the majority easy, choosing between what I consider finalists difficult, what I don't understand is how you consider a Urus, an SUV in this group of options.

In any case, between these two I think the only way to solve it is to see them there and feel at the moment which one pulls you more

If it were me, this time in particular, I wouldn't doubt, the Ferrari is much newer and sexier than just the FL of a DB11 that has been around for years

You can take three ladies in the Aston. And we all know 007 is a little bit of a player.

 

[Monster]

You can take three ladies in the Aston. And we all know 007 is a little bit of a player.

These days the ladies don't need to be taken in a nice car, they see you, and they will follow you and and hunt you down and your every last cent.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

 

[Monster]

Congratulations mate !

Beautiful car with beautiful location to match.

Enjoy and have many fun and safe driving ahead.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thanks mate.

I went through a lengthy process to reach this decision.

Aston Martin - Undoubtedly stunning, the dealers demo will arrive at the end of October. Pricing has increased at least $100k over the DB11 though and further research revealed terrible resale values. There is one dealership in the state and the experience was not great in terms of service nor dealership quality. As such I ruled this car out without even seeing it. I'm not willing to take the risk with the whole experience.

Bentley Continental GT - Absolutely stunning craftsmanship and truly truly impressive finish. It drove with arrogance over whatever the road threw at it, though its no S in terms of ride and absolute NVH refinement. But then thats not the point. Despite some very sporty trim, paint, leather options etc. it is not an engaging car. It is also a bit too old for me in terms of style and character. A supposedly major facelift pending and a minimum loss of 50% over three years was the final nail in the coffin.

Lamborghini - Further research revealed to me the Huracan replacement would be imminent, but still 24 to 36 months before I could get one down under though. I decided to not even drive it nor consider the current vehicle given its age. I left the door open to leave a deposit for the Huracan replacement.

The very accommodating sales head did his absolute best to convince me into coming back for a Urus test drive, as I could likely have a custom order within 12 months. BUt I ultimately decided against an SUV. As well as they may drive, the seating position, character, body control etc, means they are not sports cars and I have reached the conclusion in my mind that an SUV should just be an SUV and not try to be anything else. Also I could always just ask my brother for his G63 or 300 series on weekends I felt like I wanted a change and a different experience or needed a more practical car to take my kids and nieces and nephew out together. My personal circumstances also mean I dont need a car as large daily and I ruled the Urus out without a test drive. Besides if I was buying the Urus I would also have to consider the cheaper and arguably superior Porsche Cayenne.

More to come...any particular questions let me know.

 

[Gianclaudio]

Congratulations Mo; beautiful car and the most logical choice!

 

[Matski]

Congratulations on taking your default option.

 

[CrunchSlaughtered]

This beautiful car will accelerate the next poll: my next wife (could also be my next ex-wife)

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Congratulations on THE sportscar
Many joyful and safe miles!