Dilemna..

[bpsorrel]

I'm after opinions!...

After months of to-ing and fro-ing, I'm still undecided about my "classic toy" choice!! (being a libran, I'm told decision making is not a strong point! LOL)

But, I've narrowed it down to three, coincidentally, the same age and same price, but very different cars. I've tried them all, like them all, but SWMBO says I can only have one!!

So, this is my dilemna...

1. '97-'98 Mercedes SL500 (or 350?)

2. '97-'98 Porsche (996) Carrera

3. '97-'98 Corvette C5

As you see, similar in some ways, very different in others!

Out of these three, which would you choose, and why?!

Thanks!

 

[martin_a]

I think you've sorted half answered the question - 3 very different cars. The answer really depends on what you want to use it for. Lazy sunday drives then probably the Merc. Bit more sporty and less comfort, the Porka. I'd kind of ditch the C5 as it is neith beast nor fowl. Not that comfy, practical or sporty!

m.

 

[d w124]

I'm after opinions!...

After months of to-ing and fro-ing, I'm still undecided about my "classic toy" choice!! (being a libran, I'm told decision making is not a strong point! LOL)

But, I've narrowed it down to three, coincidentally, the same age and same price, but very different cars. I've tried them all, like them all, but SWMBO says I can only have one!!

So, this is my dilemna...

1. '97-'98 Mercedes SL500 (or 350?)
Thanks!

I don`t think you can get a 350 r129,320 yes.If it was me,129 all day
Why:I`m not much into Porche and as for the Vette,don`t know why but no

 

[C240Sport97]

not a Porsche 996 .. not a looker, not as well built as previous and current Porsches. It was engineered when Porsche was nearly bust, so no doubt corners were cut

 

[st4]

I know you have a soft spot for the 'vettes but in reality the MB and the porka are better. Given the inherint reliability of the 129 I'd be inclined to go with that. An early ppokra 996 does have engine issues.

I suggest also the merc would be maintained more cheaply and retain more value. The 996 was never a loved 911. A 993/964 would make a better "modern classic".

 

[Tiff]

Corvette for me. You said it was to pick up the boys from school? Nothing impresses little kids (or big kids like a pair of black lines left behind .. also I just love Yankee metal. I know they are crap, but you already have some Teutonic efficiency in your life. Just look on it like an updated Mustang that can go round corners slightly better..

Have you seen the Bullit Charger on Ebay... speechless

I'd fill them both with petrol, get my mate to drive the Highland green Mustang, and I'd just chase him around all day losing wheeltrims. I know they are crap too, but presence,sinisterness (is that a word?) and the 8 year old in my head would prefer that to a Porsche anyday!!

I suppose you could be "Face" out of the A Team in a 'Vette

 

[martin_a]

If it is something to show off then what's up with a Trans-Am? Proper 70's job a la Bandit and Rocky.

Plus, you could probably hire it out for weddings!

m.

 

[grober]

Given the time/ money I would try to find/build /restore/ even fabricate one of these.
The 5-litre SLC Rally Cars

 

[Tiff]

If it is something to show off then what's up with a Trans-Am? Proper 70's job a la Bandit and Rocky.

Plus, you could probably hire it out for weddings!

m.

NOW your're talking! You could hire it out to me too! I'd replenish the BF Goodriches after every session for ya! I wanna be the Bandit..

You have 2 other cars I see.. 1st car needs to be sensible practical family transport, 2nd car should be for weekends away, 3rd car should be purely to make you grin,and for totally personal reasons!

 

[flango]

No Brainer for me 3 totally different cars but only one winner has to be the MB the other 2 have major issues that may make the cost of ownership unaccepatable. At least the SL can be repaired on a fairly low budget at an Indy if things do go wrong but being on that year they probably won't

The 996 as pointed out above had serious engines issues on the early models anything after 2000 MY is fine and if you were looking at this year then I would advise this over the SL. I did a lot of research on 996's as I was seriously thinking of one before I got the CLK but the high maintenance costs of the late 90's cars put me off (same issue with TVR)

Corvette well you only have to drive one to realise why you wont buy it, like everything American big and brutal, no finesse handles like a cross channel ferry and is cheap inside no fun on British roads whatsoever.

I'll throw a curved ball in as I'm actually looking myself for a bit of summer fun in addittion to the CLK. What about a Maserati? OK some models are a bit quirky and unreliable but some are fairly bullet proof too. I'm just in the middle of doing my homework on them before I go out and try a few.

Good luck and happy hunting

 

[Londonscottish]

If you go for a 996 see if you can get one on the right rims - they make a big difference. A mate of mine had one with Cup (?) wheels and they set it off nicely. The standard ones are a bit mincey.

I never drove it, just passengerd in it. I liked it. If I wanted something raw I personally would go for a Porker over a Vette. For me the Vette is a bit shouty.

And make sure you get a switchable exhaust.

 

[rockits]

Your welcome to look at my facelift Dec '95 Model Year '96 SL500 which will be up for sale shortly! Has to make way for the SL60.

 

[Tiff]

For me the Vette is a bit shouty.

Within budget YEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAWWWW
1968 Dodge Charger General Lee For Sale on Car And Classic UK

Looks like I'm on my own here with the mad cars.. Easy spending someone else's cash.. look what I drive!) I blew a lot of money before on a Dodge Challenger and a 6.6 Dodge pickup. Could have had a Porsche but hey, the little boy in my head wins every time... thats why I'm skint.

 

[d w124]

Corvette for me. You said it was to pick up the boys from school?

What kids wrong thread mate

 

[Tiff]

OOPS! I'm getting mixed up with the other post .. Inspiration required. Just saw Mustang and Corvette and lost the plot!

 

[martin_a]

Looks like I'm on my own here with the mad cars.. .

No you aren't

Pontiac : 1979 PONTIAC TRANSAM 6.6 (403CI ) AUTO

 

[bpsorrel]

WOW!! So many views already! Thanks guys!

I've done the Trans Am thing already. Back in the late 80s I bought an '82 (Knight Rider shape) T/A which was a blast! Kept it for a couple of years, but as so many things went wrong, I was quite glad to be rid of it in the end.

Always had a thing for 'Vettes since I was a kid, but I agree with the interior comment - VERY dull and plastic! Reminds me of a 90s Celica!

Porsche I found really exciting! But am slightly worried about costs...

Only thing against SL was the fact I didn't really want another convertible, but I guess with the hardtop in place... hmmm.. I had a club SL320 for a week or so last year and even though their car was a "used" example, it still felt solid and robust - a really nice modern feeling car actually - the SL500 I've not had a chance to try yet... Quick question - can the plastic rear window be changed for a glass one on the SL soft top? The platic window on the club car was very crazed and cracked and looked (and performed!) awful.

I thought about an SLC too (I actually like the shape and concept of this car), but all of the ones I looked at were unbelievably rusty and that's something I don't want to get into..

OK, still thinking...

 

[bpsorrel]

I'll throw a curved ball in as I'm actually looking myself for a bit of summer fun in addittion to the CLK. What about a Maserati? OK some models are a bit quirky and unreliable but some are fairly bullet proof too. I'm just in the middle of doing my homework on them before I go out and try a few.

Good luck and happy hunting

I've sampled a 4200GT Maser at the CCC and yeah, great car to drive, listen to and look at - but the experience they've had with their 2 Maseratis has put me off to be honest - way too many faults the costs have spiraled to the point that the Club want rid of them now...

I'd be interested to know your findings though as they are VERY appealing! (mate has a Ghibli and Kyalami and they are trully stunning cars!!)

 

[bpsorrel]

Your welcome to look at my facelift Dec '95 Model Year '96 SL500 which will be up for sale shortly! Has to make way for the SL60.

I just might take you up on that as I've not experienced the 500 yet..

Is the mpg crippling compared to the 320 which I found reasonable for the type of car it is? Also, do these MB V8s have a similar V8 rumble and burble as the US V8s? (silly question maybe, but if I buy a V8, I'd like to HEAR that I have one!)

 

[BTB 500]

Only thing against SL was the fact I didn't really want another convertible, but I guess with the hardtop in place... hmmm.. I had a club SL320 for a week or so last year and even though their car was a "used" example, it still felt solid and robust - a really nice modern feeling car actually - the SL500 I've not had a chance to try yet... Quick question - can the plastic rear window be changed for a glass one on the SL soft top? The platic window on the club car was very crazed and cracked and looked (and performed!) awful.

The R129 is great with the hard top on (looks better IMHO).

You can't have a glass screen in the hood as it folds when the hood comes down. The plastic windows normally last a decent length of time though - mine are 13 years old and only just starting to crack at the edges. You can have all the windows replaced quite cheaply/easily.