blake

Based on the stste of the used "luxury" market, I am interested in acquiring a DD for under $60K. My wife and I have narrowed it down to 3 cars, and I could use your advice around a few variables:

-'06-'07 911 C4
-'06-'07 MB SL550
-'06-'07 BMW 650i

I have found plenty available that fit my budget with under 30K on the odometer. My wife and I drive our DD between 25-30K miles per year.

The variables we are interested in:
-Reliability
-Cost for maintenance
-gas mileage
-applicability as a DD

Has any owned these cars? I have no problem adding another 911 to the stable, but the wife wants more a GT car so the others get her vote...

Thanks!
-Blake

David A

I would go for the C4, fun to drive, back seat for bags... lighter and with a 6 cyl it will get better MPG than the 650i and SL.

allegretto

owned a variant or the model of all three;

you already have two 911's and the C4 will be quite dull

the 650...NOT. poor mileage, poor reliability and the dealers...fuggettabbouttitt

the SL is the call, if neither of you is over 6'

the C4 and SL will get 18 MPG, the 650 will get 16.

get a CPO car in any case! normally i don't buy an extended warranty (think dishwasher and such) but for a car, fer shur!

Alan Smithee

I'd opt for the SL550, too, since you already have two 911s. My 2006 MB has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, much more so than the 997 or any BMW I've ever had. And there is no way I could look at a 6-series in the garage every day...yuck.

Better yet, sell me your Speedster and pick up a new SL63

chops

Another vote for the SL. Had an 05 SL500 as my DD; sold 3 weeks ago and the 911 Cab is my DD. The SL is definitely a great DD....comfortable, lots of luxury. One clarification: the SL550 model was introduced in MY2007, so you'll need to look at 07+ cars.

boolala

Since you're looking at the "luxury" market I would go for an SL550. I previously had an SL500 and it was a very reliable, resonably fast, stylish and comfortable car albeit too heavy for my taste. The newer, larger 5.5 L engine may have improved upon that feeling of ponderousness, however.

DRJMK

I'd go for the SL, too. Having come from the M6, I can tell you the major problems associated with the 6-series, too expensive to maintain and alot of electrical problems. GL with your purchase.

buckwheat987

for your needs...the SL

Le Chef

SL - comfortable, reliable, can be open or closed. And aesthetically much nicer than the 6 Series which looks like Shrek's constipated sister taking a dump.

Chris from Cali

Another vote for the SL... that's a lot of annual mileage and the MB will be comfy.

stevebmd

DRJMK...."expensive to maintain....?" BMW provides free (included in sales price) scheduled maintenance for 4 years/50k...so get as late a 2007 as possible. That would certainly offset the cost of tires on your new car.... And i cant recall any porsche services that were considered bargains...

I think it comes down to what your needs in a car are, and i would go for the BMW, at least it has rear seats like the Pcar for storage, as well a a functional trunk...both lacking in the SL

Edgy01

SL550 will be more reliable in the long haul,--this is what I've seen. The BMW,--far last choice.

JmanCLS55

I agree with everyone here, the SL seems to be the best choice for you at this time.

DRJMK

yes! Once these cars come off the 4yr/50k maintenance schedule, they cost alot to maintain. The OP said he would be driving 25k-30k miles per year, so they might get one free service. BMW service intervals for the free stuff is 15k. The 650 runs on the run-flats, so add in a new set per year. And the new body style comes out for next year. I understand what you're saying, but that free maintenance is such a gimmick. I plan on taking my new car to my indy for oil changes every 5k and to the dealer for the 'recommended' maintenance.

blake

Wow - thanks guys for all of the responses. I did not expect to see so many posts this morning.

I have been really shocked at the retail prices of '07 SL550s. I am seeing them at dealerships in the $48-$55K range with under 35K miles. I can't believe these cars are only 2 years old, and close to half the price of new. Truth by told, I want a 997 C4 or C4S, but the wife wants a GT. Per your feedback, we will look very closely at the SL550. It sure if good looking.

Thanks!

-B