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Old 10-22-2023 | 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Lucky Strike Jr
not sure on your budget, but the 13-16 SL550, ABC became an option. I look for the ones without it. Those have a 4.6L Twin Turbo V8 with 429hp. Car moves well.

However, I agree there is nothing like a SL55 AMG. I like the 07/08 best as there are a few changes over 03-06. ABC repair $ has come down quite a bit and I’ve never seen all struts go out at same time. Usually LF goes first. We get reman struts with warranty I think they are $600-700 if I remember correctly.
AGREE with above.
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Old 10-22-2023 | 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Jupiter Sunsation
Got a sawzall (or 25K)? Apparently there was a company that made Challenger convertibles for Dodge

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...challenger-15/
Thats a sacrilege. Talk about ruining a car!
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Old 10-22-2023 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Lucky Strike Jr
not sure on your budget, but the 13-16 SL550, ABC became an option. I look for the ones without it. Those have a 4.6L Twin Turbo V8 with 429hp. Car moves well.

However, I agree there is nothing like a SL55 AMG. I like the 07/08 best as there are a few changes over 03-06. ABC repair $ has come down quite a bit and I’ve never seen all struts go out at same time. Usually LF goes first. We get reman struts with warranty I think they are $600-700 if I remember correctly.
That’s not bad really price-wise. My limited experience with the ABC failure on the 2003 was related to the front struts and something with the steering pump. I think there was a B service as well as a leaking trans mount issue that made the dollar figures go up big time.That and also hydraulic top issues (had one of those pop up too - fortunately, it broke something trying to open versus trying to close). Those things have always added a measure of concern.

The SL55 has always caught my eye. Talking about it today with the Mrs, she seemed to really like the SL option, too, so that’s probably the direction.
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Old 10-22-2023 | 05:51 PM
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Just throwing it out here but I have enjoyed the S5 Audi Cabriolet that I have. just a thought, AWD makes for a good platform, and supercharged.
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Old 10-22-2023 | 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by TomZ
That’s not bad really price-wise. My limited experience with the ABC failure on the 2003 was related to the front struts and something with the steering pump. I think there was a B service as well as a leaking trans mount issue that made the dollar figures go up big time.That and also hydraulic top issues (had one of those pop up too - fortunately, it broke something trying to open versus trying to close). Those things have always added a measure of concern.

The SL55 has always caught my eye. Talking about it today with the Mrs, she seemed to really like the SL option, too, so that’s probably the direction.
I agree that the SL55 is complex (suspension, top, etc...) and I have had a few years of high maintenance costs...but when it's good, it's great.
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Old 10-22-2023 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by F14A water jet
I agree that the SL55 is complex (suspension, top, etc...) and I have had a few years of high maintenance costs...but when it's good, it's great.
It also depends on where you take it to service. If you have to go to the MB dealership, forget it. People need to find a good independent specialist and the repairs shouldn't kill you.
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Old 10-23-2023 | 12:14 AM
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I love my 09 C63AMG
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Old 10-23-2023 | 07:10 AM
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You definitely wouldn't regret a 911 Cab and the PDK is amazing.

A convertible on my short list is the LC500 vert. One of the most beautiful cars ever designed and extremely reliable. Has enough go to be fun and comfortable enough for cross country trips.
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Old 10-23-2023 | 07:50 AM
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Ummm....Boxster? Case closed.
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Old 10-23-2023 | 09:04 AM
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Originally Posted by techman
Ummm....Boxster? Case closed.
I like Boxster very much...I understand a couple of early years had some "weaknesses".
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