What 2+2 to get

Dealer told me that the CL600 was faster than the CL55 AMG. It has the same horsepower rating, but the 600 has more torque. The sprint to 60 is the same according to their brochure (4.6 seconds), and after that the 600 is supposed to pull away.

I've narrowed it down to (alphabetically) Audi A8, Ferrari 456M, and Mercedes CL55 AMG, CL600. I'm going on test drives today and probably tomorrow. Since it's raining I'm guessing the Ferrari dealer won't let me test drive a car so today will be Deutsche car day!

I will also be reluctantly returning the Subaru WRX STi I borrowed from my friend. That car is a hoot to drive. It has a lot of mods done to it. Embarassed many Corvette (including mine) owners and a few Ferrari guys too.

 

My friends Audi RS6 ? (4 door twin turbo) is these most impressive 4 door car I've ever driven.

 

OK, let's revise that list...

Audi RS6, Ferrari 456M, Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, CL600.

 

http://www.maybachusa.com/microsite/maybach/webroot/main1000.html

 

The Maybach is enormous. I was hoping to get a smaller car. I'm a Bentley fan anyway, so the Maybach is out of the question.

I've been in one of those monsters though. Unbelieveable luxury appointments. Very impressive car, but just not my type.

Cheers

 

Sorry to do this...but..Cont. GT.......

Our service guys went down to LA 2 weeks ago, and drove it through the hills. They both fell in love with it. One of the Symbolic Sales guys was stuck in the back seat, and last to drive. At 6-1", he had no problem, and was so comfortable that when the time came for him to drive, they had to wake him up. No joke......

The only major problem with the CGT so far that England has had, if slamming the trunk, the latch wont catch. A certian British actor found this out the hard way. Just shut it, and it will pull close, like all new cars. The fix/update is already on the line.



Rich

 

Best guess based upon your responses would be the CL is more of what you are looking for. The description "sloppy" for the Jaguar is accurate. Elegant body, good power, everything else so-so. My wife loved her convertible, I was less impressed.

Good luck

 

Sheehan has a 456 Strahman conversion on his website. Looks good without the top. Its a bit overpriced as asking price is $175k.

 

No thanks. Good of you to point it out though. Thank you.

RossoFiorano355,

Agree that the Jaguar is extremely elegant. Very nice lines on the car. Like the Maserati, Jaguar is one of those marques I WANT to own, but never seem to justify it.

Rich,

Thanks for driving that coathanger right through my eyeball. Soon, it will be mine. It hurts enough that I want to get one but I'm forcing myself to wait. Given my penchant for slamming trunks it might not be the right car for me?

Tomorrow I drive some more. Drove the CL600 and it was quite an impressive vehicle. Not bad at all. The thing is vicious fast, even in the rain. I think my wife would get a kick out the car. Couldn't find an RS6 to drive. Can't find a 456M GT to drive either.

I decided to get the car for Valentine's Day if I get it. So time is real short. I guess that it's narrowed down to the Mercedes-Benz line. Hopefully I'll luck out with an Audi RS6 somewhere here and I'll get to drive it. I just spoke to the nearest dealer on the phone. Salesman didn't even seem interested to check inventory in his store, let alone neighboring stores. Someone suggested a Maserati Coupe? I thought the rear seats on these things were way too small, but I've never sat in the back, let alone been driven while back there. I have the worst damn timing.

Cheers

 

Agreed. Just saw one last weekend, be like BOND.

 

Stickanddice - keep us posted and good luck. I would go:

1. 456, but you will take a big depreciation hit. may be hard to find/drive on short notice
2. CL600

RS6 is a sedan and I thought you wanted a 2+2.

 

Solipsist,

Be like Bond? Pretty lame reason. Please go back and read my response to 98TDFSpider's initial suggestion for the Vanquish.

Zjpj,

Thanks for the well wishes! I feel out of my element purchasing a car in such short notice. I usually test drive cars at least four times before making a decision. I also like to take my time so that the initial wow factor or appeal of a car sinks in and doesn't sway me.

The RS6 is indeed a 4 door but I decided to give Audis a look based on suggestions. Somebody had suggested an A8. Jim later came on and suggested a RS6. Just based on what I know about the cars I substituted the A8 with the RS6. It turns out that my secretary has a new A8L and she told me she loves the car, but that I would find it boring so I'm glad I didn't waste a salesperson's time looking at the A8.

The 456 looks to be falling out of contention based on availability. I also spoke to an acquaintance on the phone who kind of swayed me against the Ferrari for a few very valid reasons. Mainly price depreciation of alarming severity (as you have also pointed out). Normally resale value is not a very big concern, but I have a feeling this is not going to be a car we will keep for long. Maybe five years or so until the "next best thing" shows up.

I am thinking of giving the Maserati Coupe a chance in the 456's stead as alluded to in a previous post. A member of this board, who incidentally is an employee of mine (what a coincidence! ) suggested it. I have never considered it and have no idea about the car. He has admittedly never used the back seats but enjoys the car a lot. He has a 360 and a 575 so I know he likes exotics.

The CL600 was recommended by the same gentleman who discouraged me from getting the 456. He had experience sitting in the back, in the passenger's seat, and driving it for pretty long stints.

Hopefully I'll make my decision tomorrow so that I can send the car on it's way.

Cheers

 

Hi Stickanddice,

Sorry for the slow response.

I haven't yet had a chance to drive the higher range of Audis, but I've had driving time behind the wheel of a TT. Nothing special there.

I've heard mixed reviews about the Audis, although the positive reviews outdo the negative ones by far.

The CL600 looks like the best option...Why not get the Brabus CL600 with the SV12 powerplant? That makes the car a little more special then the other CL600s out there.

 

I was mistaken. I was thinking of the CL500.

 

Taek
I have a Maser Coupe and like it very much. Back is FINE. Car is a great GT. Everything works. I'd drive one.
Best

 

Very strong recommendation! As soon as I get out of bed I'm going to the dealership.

Cheers

 

Of course, for old Stick, getting out of bed means normally about the time I start heading for bed! (Just kidding...)

Dr "Sleepy" Tax

 

Get the 456: Beautiful car, great power and a V12 with a pony on the front.

Q: How do you increase the leg room in a 456?

A: Floor it!

 

May I suggest that you drive an XJR before dismissing it, we have one and it is a very good driver, lots of power[as fast as the 456 through the qtr mile]. it is not a track car of course, but has been a fine driver for me. It is the dog car used to transport the 85 pound Doberman. He thinks it is his kennel. Also I think you could find a 456MGT if you are willing to look, if you buy a 1999 or 2000 most of the depreciation is probably covered by the original owner. Nice to have all these good choices isnt it? Remember 1974?

 

Malcolm,

I'm afraid I've made a decision so I will no longer be considering any more cars.

I know what you mean about the dog! My pup thinks my Corvette is hers. She's convinced of it, as a matter of fact.

1974? I don't get it. I wasn't born yet. But you're right about choices. It is a great time to be a car enthusiast.

Cheers

 

So Stick, what did you get?

Dale

 

Sorry, couldn't find my camera last night.

Getting ready for shipping.

The car is actually a bit boring but perfect for what I was looking for. The thing hauls ass. It smokes just about every car in it's class. Twin turbo V12? Can't go wrong. I was actually going to get the Maserati as per Jim's suggestion but I have no patience for crap salespeople and conceited dealerships.




Having a little problem posting pics over here...

Cheers

 

Hope this works...

 

Very nice choice, looks great!

 

Thanks Tom!

I think they look great in black. It'll be tough to keep clean, but worth it when it is. This car pulls like a freight train. I must say the workmanship is fantastic. Great attention to detail. Love the smart key feature that lets you operate the car/locks/ignition without the key. I'm a sucker for gimmicks like that. First year of the Bi Turbo V12 so I know the car won't be obsolete for a while (7 years according to the salesman...famous last words, I know).

Cheers