Discussion
I have a very reliable cheap to run car (2014 Honda Civic Diesel), and am bored.
My wife doesn't think I should get a second car but to replace the car we have.
I have a V8 itch to scratch (while I still can) and have been looking at Mercedes V8.
I probably won't be bored after running one of these for a couple of years but am considering an older C55 or a slightly younger C63.
Does anyone have an opinion on the 2005ish C55 v 2012ish C63
I have been looking (for example) at these:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-C63-saloon/123...
Would would reliability and running costs stack up for them ? ... compared to each other ... not the Civic ... I know that answer
I know if I am worried about running costs ... look elsewhere
My wife doesn't think I should get a second car but to replace the car we have.
I have a V8 itch to scratch (while I still can) and have been looking at Mercedes V8.
I probably won't be bored after running one of these for a couple of years but am considering an older C55 or a slightly younger C63.
Does anyone have an opinion on the 2005ish C55 v 2012ish C63
I have been looking (for example) at these:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-C63-saloon/123...
Would would reliability and running costs stack up for them ? ... compared to each other ... not the Civic ... I know that answer
I know if I am worried about running costs ... look elsewhere
Edited by FarmerPalmerToo on Saturday 15th June 08:44
I had a 2011 C63 estate...single best engine I’ve ever owned. If I was searching again I’d get the facelift which I think was 2012 onwards as the media system and gearbox are a bit better even though I don’t like the looks as much.
However, price up a set of tyres and front disc and pads...if you’re happy you can manage that you should be fine. I was doing 80 miles a day and filling up every fourth day. You could watch the fuel gauge move even trundling along at 70.
If you’re not doing many miles it’s great...otherwise everything become expensive. 8 spark plugs, lots more oil etc and it all adds up.
People will mention things like power pack and LSD...frankly it’s not a car I’d be getting out of shape on the road so I’d argue they’re not necessary.
Do the figures and make sure you’re happy with them before you test drive because the sound is like the calling of the sirens. It will smash all common sense out of your head as you hand your account details over to the dealer and start a readers car thread on here.
However, price up a set of tyres and front disc and pads...if you’re happy you can manage that you should be fine. I was doing 80 miles a day and filling up every fourth day. You could watch the fuel gauge move even trundling along at 70.
If you’re not doing many miles it’s great...otherwise everything become expensive. 8 spark plugs, lots more oil etc and it all adds up.
People will mention things like power pack and LSD...frankly it’s not a car I’d be getting out of shape on the road so I’d argue they’re not necessary.
Do the figures and make sure you’re happy with them before you test drive because the sound is like the calling of the sirens. It will smash all common sense out of your head as you hand your account details over to the dealer and start a readers car thread on here.
The C55 is subtle to the point of anonymity, which can be a good thing.
It’s way down on power compared to the 6.3, and doesn’t have the same positivity to the steering.
Having said that, you’d be disappointed with neither car, providing you bought well in the first place.
Consumables for the non-PPP C63 are very reasonable, and whilst it’s not going to win an economy prize, the mpg is actually pretty impressive given the size of the engine and performance. My 2013 car (10% better on fuel than the early car seemingly) easily shows 27 on the motorway and 23/4 on my shortish commute.
Look on AutoScout24 at the prices our European neighbours are having to pay for these cars, and buy one while you still can.
It’s way down on power compared to the 6.3, and doesn’t have the same positivity to the steering.
Having said that, you’d be disappointed with neither car, providing you bought well in the first place.
Consumables for the non-PPP C63 are very reasonable, and whilst it’s not going to win an economy prize, the mpg is actually pretty impressive given the size of the engine and performance. My 2013 car (10% better on fuel than the early car seemingly) easily shows 27 on the motorway and 23/4 on my shortish commute.
Look on AutoScout24 at the prices our European neighbours are having to pay for these cars, and buy one while you still can.
FarmerPalmerToo said:
This one has been for sale for a while. I think its come down a little bit.noodleman said:
Conversely my 2013 will not easily do 27 on the motorway. The fuel economy is impressive; I’m averaging 20 since I bought it and drive it as intended quite regularly but whilst it will do 27 on the motorway, you really have to nurse it. I didn’t buy it to do that.
You just have to sit at 70! There’s no trick to it. hondafanatic said:
If I was searching again I’d get the facelift which I think was 2012 onwards as the media system and gearbox are a bit better even though I don’t like the looks as much.
Facelift started in 2011. I have an 11 plate facelift in my drive. I don't there are very many though. Mine was registered late July 2011. We have a c55 estate, my wife uses it as her daily. Broadly a decent car, engine is very understressed and goes a bit if you want it to. Fuel consumption is about 21 around town and maybe 26 on a run.
The facelift 203 are slightly better on rust than the older ones but ours has had work to the rear arches. Boot is a decent size and its a lot more pointy than the e class but the ride is not quite as good as it doesn't have air suspension.
As a very under the radar car its brilliant. I've always liked the shape and when this came up and inspected well it seemed a no brainer for the money.
The c55 estate linked belongs to a MB forumite. It sounds a cracking car in from Japan with all the communication bits sorted out. Generally it seems they have fewer corrosion issues than UK cars.
C63 are coming down in price now. Much more powerful and in the newer shape. I imagine its very usable for day to day stuff in a similar way.
The facelift 203 are slightly better on rust than the older ones but ours has had work to the rear arches. Boot is a decent size and its a lot more pointy than the e class but the ride is not quite as good as it doesn't have air suspension.
As a very under the radar car its brilliant. I've always liked the shape and when this came up and inspected well it seemed a no brainer for the money.
The c55 estate linked belongs to a MB forumite. It sounds a cracking car in from Japan with all the communication bits sorted out. Generally it seems they have fewer corrosion issues than UK cars.
C63 are coming down in price now. Much more powerful and in the newer shape. I imagine its very usable for day to day stuff in a similar way.
MickyveloceClassic said:
The C55 is subtle to the point of anonymity, which can be a good thing.
This. Arguably the last of the super-subtle AMG's It would sail under the radar for 99% of the population. To most people it will just be "an old Merc", 11.2 to 100 isn't shabby. The leftfield choice.The 63's are amazing & significantly quicker but the bodywork is much more obvious as is the soundtrack.
I bought a Jap imported e39 4 years ago. The condition under the bonnet and under the car was amazing. The outer body let it down as it was sun damaged. Also what some people might not think about were things like the window rubbers which all looked perished.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
recently swapped my 2011 facelift C63 saloon for a 2013 C63 coupe. Both average around 21mpg with up to 27 on a run. Just drove 170 miles 2 days back in mixed conditions and got 24.5 but as said previously you don’t buy these for economy.
Utterly wonderful sounded amazing going through the A3 hind head tunnel 😀😀
Running costs reasonable. I have had plenty of positive comments on the car. Mine is silver with black 19” rims and carbon package
Do it! When your driving an electric car in 10 years you will be sorry you didn’t !
Utterly wonderful sounded amazing going through the A3 hind head tunnel 😀😀
Running costs reasonable. I have had plenty of positive comments on the car. Mine is silver with black 19” rims and carbon package
Do it! When your driving an electric car in 10 years you will be sorry you didn’t !
stevie777777 said:
recently swapped my 2011 facelift C63 saloon for a 2013 C63 coupe. Both average around 21mpg with up to 27 on a run. Just drove 170 miles 2 days back in mixed conditions and got 24.5 but as said previously you don’t buy these for economy.
Utterly wonderful sounded amazing going through the A3 hind head tunnel ????
Running costs reasonable. I have had plenty of positive comments on the car. Mine is silver with black 19” rims and carbon package
Do it! When your driving an electric car in 10 years you will be sorry you didn’t !
Do you know why the C63 has less power than the E63 same engine. Utterly wonderful sounded amazing going through the A3 hind head tunnel ????
Running costs reasonable. I have had plenty of positive comments on the car. Mine is silver with black 19” rims and carbon package
Do it! When your driving an electric car in 10 years you will be sorry you didn’t !
Do you have to fit headers - is that special downpipes?
I wonder if the C55 is more a future classic but then again E46 M3 sold in vast numbers but is a massively better car than the E36 with near identical power per tonne
evojam said:
ATM said:
This one has been for sale for a while. I think its come down a little bit.
Been on ebay a few times to..Both great cars in there own right but quite different in terms of character,best to try and view and drive both if possible to see which model fits the bill for you.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff