Is there a realistic alternative to an SL?

[mat8n]

I'm always wanting to upgrade my old SL350 R230 to a newer more powerful cabrio.
Ive always hankered after a Bentley gtc but my budget of £40k-£69k has always but a block on that and I've been put off by everyone! Same with Astons.
Yesterday I nearly bought a 2011 911(997)carrera gts cabriolet... But I got home and went out in the old SL and it was leagues better, more comfy, quieter, more refined,ok so nowhere near as fast.

So now I'm thinking of an SL 63(R231) , it has the power, comfort and luxury, ticks all the boxes.... But it's still a bit samey to my old SL.

Is there anything out there that can match an SL? Or am I being to picky?

 

[flowrider]

The only car to match an SL is an SL but you knew that already. i think you are right that an SL63 should be a contender for the sort of cash you have available.

 

[hoochini]

Yes, you're being to picky... Try one of thise...

 

[mat8n]

It's not about the speed and power.... Yes I want the big motor,just because.... I didn't think the porsche was very exciting or the c63s cabriolet I thought about.
It's about the style and how the actual car is, not what it can do on paper.
I want a good car I can enjoy no matter what or no matter how it's being driven, the porsche would have done my head in on some days being to racey, the c63s was to 'c class'... Sorry.... I want a car that looks like a supercar too.

 

[bob6600]

R8?

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Jaguar XKR-S or Maserati Grancabrio.

 

[gerrym]

What about a Vantage Cabrio, lovely motor.

 

[mat8n]

Whenever I go Maserati or Aston it's the after care that folk say will cripple me.
Not doing a Jaaaag!

The Vantage is always on the list but they are manual and the auto(speed shift?) have bad reports. I don't think the Grancabrio has the look I'm after.

 

[markjay]

In aviation, there's an old saying:

‘the only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3.’

I guess the same goes for the SL....?

 

[Rayny]

E Class convertible ?
£34,950 Mercedes-Benz E Class E 400 Cabriolet AMG Line 3.5 2dr Designo White & Red Leather

 

[mat8n]

E Class convertible ?
£34,950 Mercedes-Benz E Class E 400 Cabriolet AMG Line 3.5 2dr Designo White & Red Leather

That would be my daily car not my special car

I've been looking at e class cabriolets as a tow car as my s class can't have a towbar fitted!

 

[BIRMA]

What I normally do is set my budget then try as many cars in my budget figure.
I chose the SL63 over an Aston Martin soft-top and an Audi R8.
After I've decided which car I prefer I then go into the research phase posting on owners forums to see if I'm buying a lemon.
I hasten to add I have done this every year for the last 5 years, I like a change.

 

[Deleted member 11979]

Jaguar XKR-S or Maserati Grancabrio.

The Maserati, the newer the Mercedes the less special it is

I await a flogging

 

[gramey]

There's an old saying, don't knock it until you've tried it, so perhaps consider putting preconceived ideas aside and try the Maserati, you may be surprised?

 

[mat8n]

2010 (10) MERCEDES-BENZ SL PETROL Convertible 6.2 SL63 AMG 2DR Automatic For Sale in Preston - Amari Super Cars GB

Thinking of this one?

Not feeling the Grancabrio, and these are becoming a nice price!

 

[C240Sport97]

I love my SL400 R231.

having said that the R230 SL63 is wonderful with that NA 6.2 engine. Drove one and so very nearly bought it. plenty quick and sounds sensational.

R231 SL63 is bonkers quick and are quite cheap now -- around £55k.

 

[E55BOF]

Not doing a Jaaaag!

Why?

 

[mat8n]

The xk is an old mans car and very dated. The f type is to small for me, I physically don't fit in one, and they loose a lot of money!

 

[BaldGuy]

I can help here......

I always vowed that my ML63 was an awesome car... quick, all the creature comforts as most option boxes ticked and then I sold it to Olly (PCS) and missed "that" V8
I went onto a 911 C4s..... then onto a C4s Cab.....a break for a bit... then onto a Gallardo Spyder.... to a Huracan.... back to a seriously modified 911 Turbo.... after 3 911's and 2 mad cars in a different league in the space of 7 odd years and a few back surgerys I went on the look for my next toy.... I tried Bentley GTC, R8 V10, Jag F Type R and looked at Maserati but nothing could come anywhere near what I have now....

My 2013 R231 SL63 Bi Turbo has 20k miles on it now and again nearly every option ticked, it has the typical AMG V8 Bi Turbo sound, I can have my heated seats on whilst also being cooled and massaged not to forget my neck keeps warm too.... The interior is a lovely place to be and for me its everything I need, goes well... looks good and does everything I need.... You simply cant beat an AMG!!

 

[Londonscottish]

A few years ago we were thinking of moving out of the city so I explained that that meant I was getting something interesting as a third car.

I narrowed it down to an SL55 or XKR.

Heart said Merc (biblical soundtrack) head said XKR (not so much bork).