CL55 vs Maser Coupe vs XKR vs ??? | FerrariChat
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CL55 vs Maser Coupe vs XKR vs ???

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by tundraphile, Aug 10, 2009.

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  1. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
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    Missouri
    #1 tundraphile, Aug 10, 2009
    Last edited: Aug 10, 2009
    I'm looking at cars that are 4-7 years old and around $30k. Depreciation is definitely my friend on these cars. There seem to be many to choose from. Needs to be a 2+2 coupe. Will probably drive 10k miles/year.

    I used to have an XK8, the space in the back was tight but usable, this would represent the minimum acceptable space. I still love the looks of the first-gen XK8, the XKR is even better with the bigger wheels and mesh grill. Wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

    I've never driven a Maserati, but I think I would like a manual better than the Cambiocorsa. Trying to find one in blue or black is a challenge. Rear-seat space seems on par or a little better than the Jaguar. I like the looks in darker colors, and the interior seems nice as well. Ideal color would be dark blue paint with tan or black interior.

    The 03+ Mercedes CL55's to me repesent great value. 500 hp, nice luxury and that sound from the supercharged engine. We have had great luck with reliability on the four M-B's we have owned in the recent past so I'm not too worried about inherent quality issues. It seems people have had trouble with their Active Body Control systems on these cars, obviously an area to pay attention to before purchase and with ongoing preventative maintenance. I personally like the older body style on the CL compared to the newer one, this works out nicely buying used. Even the CL600 (twin-turbo V12) is around that $30k limit with perhaps 50k miles. And the ultimate bad mofo of Mercedes luxury cars, the 600hp CL65, is now approaching $40k for the first year car (2005) with miles.

    I think my goal of this exercise is to discuss how to get the "most" car for $30k that satisfies the criteria.

    Any recommendations of regarding these three cars, or your own suggestion would be appreciated.
     
  2. Imola82

    Imola82 Formula Junior

    Oct 16, 2007
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    Stu
    #2 Imola82, Aug 10, 2009
    The guy who takes care of my folks fishtank has a CL65 he wants to get rid of. 2006 I think. Pretty sure the mileage is low, but I don't know and haven't seen the car. My dad said he told him that he wants around $40k for the car, maybe less? I can get you more info if you'd like, pm me if you are interested and I could put you in contact with him.
     
  3. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
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    #3 technom3, Aug 15, 2009
    I owned an 05 maser coupe cambiocorsa... trust me... you will want that transmission. i am a 6 speeed manual guy through and through... but let me tell you... that 6 speed in the maser coupe sucks. the shift action placement and look is just awful. It looks and feels like a complete after thought. The cambio is a good box driven properly. Go for the maser, be prepaired for 400 dollar oil changes though... Also the MBs suspension WILL fail... and when it does... its 1k a corner... the jag is suprisingly the best of the group... just get an 04 and up and you will be good to go. the maser is my pick no matter what though
     
  4. enginefxr

    enginefxr Formula 3

    Aug 20, 2007
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    #4 enginefxr, Aug 15, 2009
    Not sure about the differences in the coupes, but as far as sedans- my buddy has a Quattroporte Sport GT (naturally aspirated 4.2? and I have a Jag S type R (supercharged 4.2)
    But I would think you could compare the coupes the same way.
    His makes horsepower up higher, while the Jag has tons of torque down low. Personally, I prefer the torque, it's much more useable on a day to day basis. The Mas is top of the line inside, but the Jag is just a little behind there. Service costs are way higher with the Mas too.
    If you're shopping based on depreciation, the Jag is going to be way lower priced too...you can probably get a 2-3 year newer Jag for the same price of a Maserati.
    07 and newer XKR's look like an Aston Martin and on Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson was amazed how good the Jag kept up with the A/M at about 1/2 the price.
    Sorry, don't have any experience with the MB though.
     
  5. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
    5,083
    Missouri
    #5 tundraphile, Aug 17, 2009
    It seems all three of these cars have their well-known potential problem areas. Since all would likely be out of initial warranty, doing my homework would be prudent. Setting aside perhaps $5k in a SHTF account just in case would also be a good idea.

    Jag XK: Throttle body ($1600, mine was done before I bought it). Early cars (pre 2001) had cam chain tensioner problems. Figure at least $1500 to upgrade, or a new engine if (when?) the original plastic ones fail.

    CL: If any of the active suspension hydraulic lines blow the pump will starve for oil and be ruined. To replace ABC pump with new lines is about $2500. This assumes the sensors and valves at each wheel are still fine. To my knowledge there is no maintenance interval for this system, like my ML500 transmission it is "lubed for life". Lubed for the life of the transmission I assume, not the life of the car. An interval of perhaps 30k-50k miles on the ABC/Power Steering would probably go a long ways toward extending the life of the system.

    On super or turbocharged models (55, 600, 65) the intercooler coolant pump can go out causing the charge temperature to reach a maximum and the car shuts down. On the 55 the supercharger clutch disengages and you have a NA 5.5L until it is fixed.

    Maser: I have read about the Cambiocorsa hydraulic pumps going out at frighteningly early mileage over on Maserati Life. $2000 or so to replace. Clutches on the CC also have a short life if used in traffic in Auto mode. Not sure of any other typical items that add to increased maintenance. Mine would be little stop-and-go and quite a bit of highway driving (probably 90%+).
     
  6. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
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    #6 technom3, Aug 17, 2009
    Spot on with the Jag. Aboslutely correct.

    Spot on with the benz 100% correct.

    Maser... little bit older info.. used to be true but not quite true anymore. Hydrolic pump failure is caused by the F1 relay. Replace at oil changes at a cost of 65 bucks if you are nerotic... if you are slightly neurotic replace every other. If the pump does go out... you just have to rebuild the electric motor which can be done by any shop that works on electric motors. Some have been rebuilt for less than 200 dollars. Removal and intalation is extra... however, keep changing the relay and you will be fine.

    Clutches on CC will be fried if driven as an automatic. Meaning if you are a two footer... you will KILL your clutch... if you have to be on the car in front of yours ass every second in stop and go... and constantly inch up every second you get... you will kill your clutch. It will make you a better driver actually. You don't need to be on everyones bumper all the time. Let them move up a car length... then you can move up... if they only move up 3 ft... DON"T move up. Stay... this will eliminate like 200 starts and stops per day on your drive home (okay maybe not that many but you get the point). YOU CAN DRIVE THE CAR IN AUTO... driving in auto vs manual makes no difference other than the occasion that it might start in second which puts unneeded stress on the clutch. driving in SPORT will make your clutch last longer because it doesn't slip the clutch as much. Slipping the clutch fries your clutch. A more harsh engagement makes it last longer. The other thing is do not reverse excessivly, and heavin forbid... DO NOT REVERSE UP HILL. this will kill every clutch in every single one of the SMG, F1, CC, E-gear etc... cars.
     
  7. tundraphile

    tundraphile F1 Veteran

    May 16, 2007
    5,083
    Missouri
    #7 tundraphile, Aug 18, 2009
    Thanks for the info on the Maserati. After reading the horror stories of poor reliability on the CC transmission, I really stopped considering it although it would be preferred if my wife ever were to drive it.
     
  8. technom3

    technom3 F1 World Champ
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    #8 technom3, Aug 18, 2009
    had one and i loved it. it was perfect. wish i never sold it
     

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