Pick one: BMW Z8 or Audi R8 or Mercedes SLS | FerrariChat

Pick one: BMW Z8 or Audi R8 or Mercedes SLS

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by Scott Broder, Feb 15, 2020.

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  1. Scott Broder

    Scott Broder Rookie

    Feb 15, 2020
    6
    Full Name:
    Scott Broder
    I need a new car. I've got a 2012 Toyota Tundra for really crappy jobs and weather, but I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts on a semi-DD that I'd drive between 5-10k miles per year. I'd drive it in the rain, but not snow. I'd spend up to $150k. I'm not a reckless driver (don't floor it in a tunnel to hear the exhaust) or do track, but who doesn't like 0-60? I drive 5 hrs from Seattle to Montana almost once per month, otherwise, it's Home Depot and the gym, plus on weekends around the lake with the wife. We're both 55 which means GT, easy in/out and responsible driving. Plus my Old School preference is 3rd pedal, but a dual-clutch 7-speed trans axel wouldn't suck even though I'd probably leave it in auto most of the time. My considerations are (other than awsome fun):

    1. Maintenance cost/repairs (I think all the cars are pretty dependable)
    2. Depreciation potential (where is it on the curve)
    3. Appreciation potential (I am not expecting to make money)
    4. Cost to purchase (superseded by #3 and #4)

    Audi R8 v10 w/ 6-speed manual, mid-engine (in the rear) AWD, coupe
    MSRP $160/Now $100


    BMW Z8 v8 5-speed manual, front-engine (behind the wheels), RWD, convert
    MSRP $130/Now $150


    MB SLS v8 twin-turbo 7-speed dual-clutch auto-manual, front-engine (behind the wheels), RWD, convert
    MSRP $200/Now $140


    Thoughts?
     
  2. BMW.SauberF1Team

    BMW.SauberF1Team F1 World Champ

    Dec 4, 2004
    14,244
    SLS convertible has little upside in appreciation imo, but I think the SLS coupe is more comparable to the Z8 in that regard. The Z8 is what I would call an E39 M5 with an inferior chassis. The Z8 chassis had issues with their design and construction that had to be fixed after the fact so I wouldn't plan on driving it as much as you're stating. Plus the S62 motor with its VANOS is not bulletproof. It's more of a collector car to leave in the garage.

    SLS convertible is a better choice imo. It's not a twin turbo btw unless the one you're looking at is modified.

    I never liked Audi R8s so I have nothing to say about them really.
     
  3. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 20, 2003
    16,601
    Pittsburgh, PA
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    Matt F
    Z8 is the one to appreciate in value.

    Can you get a good one for $150k?

    Matt
     
  4. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    3,797
    Gladwyne PA
    Full Name:
    Morrie
    R8, no unless you are planning to turn it into RWD, I would not take one for free. Z8 nope (see above I agree), SLS nope, the AMG GTS (though not really a good GT car) is 100 times better car. I would go with a 911, great to drive, reliable (3 pedal) or maybe an AM, or a Calf. The M8 or 850i can be had below your number, and will have a warranty. I just bought i8 number 2 and it is a great GT car, and modified it can be a bit more than that.
     
  5. Scott Broder

    Scott Broder Rookie

    Feb 15, 2020
    6
    Full Name:
    Scott Broder
    There are several available with under 30k, some under 20k complete and in great shape, missing only the coffee table book. Some people think these are still worth $175-225 but these are not selling. At one point these were all pushing $250-300k. Examples with under 10k and in colors other than black or silver fetch more. I think $150 for a black or silver is reasonable.
     
  6. NürScud

    NürScud F1 Veteran

    Nov 3, 2012
    7,273
    I would say Z8.
     
  7. Scott Broder

    Scott Broder Rookie

    Feb 15, 2020
    6
    Full Name:
    Scott Broder
    Yea, but why?
     
  8. boxerman

    boxerman F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    May 27, 2004
    18,659
    FL
    Full Name:
    Sean
    z8 is a manual that was part of your more ideal criteria.
    R8 can be had in manual, its probably the most usebale mostly depreciated.
    SLS like z8 is a collectable, the 6.3 Na v8 (actualy a 6.2 but who's nictpicking) is one of the great modern motors.

    The Z8 and sls wont work great in inclement weather, theyre both "collectable" mileage will depreciate them.
    The R8 can be bought in v8 and stick for around 100k.

    If you want an all around car, and exotic thats not a 911 then R8. R8 is a gallardo.
    If you want the most viceral least comfortable of the lot then its the z8.
    If you want a mercdes that looks exotic then its the SLS. Not sure how easy ingress and egress is with a gullwing.

    Sounds like a stick R8 ticks all the boxes unless you want a convertible, they make vert though. SLS comes in a covertible too.

    Z8 will require the most specialist care, its pretty old and things wear with time reagardless of mileage, most dealers are not really up to it.

    Why not just get a new AMG convertible merc? or a 911 targa GTS will tick every box, It works its new it can be had with a stick the top up its a hardtop coupe. and can be an open air car.

    Any older car will have needs as miles go up.
     
    Isobel likes this.
  9. JOEA2

    JOEA2 Formula 3

    Feb 2, 2006
    1,160
    Staten Island, N.Y./ Sea Girt,N.J.
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    Joe A
    I have a Z8 with 58,000 miles. It used to be my daily driver and I have never had an issue. My license plate says it all LUVMY Z8!

    Joe
     
    nicholasn, Boomhauer and bmwracer like this.
  10. anunakki

    anunakki Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2005
    72,506
    Las Vegas Nevada
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    Jerry
    Z8. Best looking modern car
     
  11. tbuff

    tbuff Formula Junior

    May 15, 2005
    681
    I know, I know, but...how about C8?

    Cheaper, faster and warranty. Won't lose a ton in depreciation v repairs for the others depending on how it's ordered, will be super comfortable, and fast as stink.
     
  12. nicholasn

    nicholasn Formula 3

    Nov 7, 2013
    2,232
    North Carolina
    Full Name:
    Nicholas
    R8 V10 is really the no-brainer here. It's comfortable, gorgeous, sounds even better than it looks, and is near the bottom of its depreciation curve. I've heard that the V10 (shared with the Gallardo) is pretty bulletproof considering what it is, and of course the gated manual is awesome.

    Never really been a fan of the Z8. Of the three, it would be the ballsiest to have as a semi-dd due to the rising values. I've only seen one on the road in the past five years (Lambos are a weekly sighting where I live for reference), and they hardly ever seem to pop up for sale, so might be kind of hard to find.

    Not a fan of the SLS either. The gullwing doors aren't going to help ingress/egress.

    This is a bit out of left field, but have you looked at an Aston Martin DBS or V12 Vantage? Those are more traditional GT cars, and were offered with manuals. Timeless looks as well. If you wanted something a little sportier, a Lotus Evora 400 is an insanely undervalued car. Won't be as luxurious as the Astons, but has a Toyota V6, the best steering feel and handling ever, and really exotic looks. A 997 (Mk I or II) Porsche 911 GT3 might also be worth a look given your budget and wants, but it will certainly be more hardcore than the GT-focused cars.
     
  13. JOEA2

    JOEA2 Formula 3

    Feb 2, 2006
    1,160
    Staten Island, N.Y./ Sea Girt,N.J.
    Full Name:
    Joe A
    I have an R8 V10, manual. It is a great Car, but not exciting. I'll stick with the Z 8.

    Joe
     

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