I recently sold my GS400 and have been looking for a replacement.

In the past month I've driven Mercedes CL500, S500, and CL55 (2001-2002), Lexus IS350 and 3rd Gen GS430, and a BMW M3, M5 and 745 (all 2002).

Conclusions follow:
-Mercedes are overpriced pieces of *****.
-The new IS350 is amazing, I wish I was 6" shorter (same with the M3)
-The new GS is a great car, if I'd driven it before the M5 I might have bought one
-I-Drive should be called I-Have to stop and figure this thing out
-The M5 was designed by people with adrenaline disfunctions

The only car I really liked was the M5 (liked being a huge understatement), I just feel like it's a lot of money for a now dated look. I don't want to spend $80k on a new one. Does anyone have any suggestions for a GS replacement? The only other thing I can think of is perhaps a boosted GS...

Thanks,
J.

 

The next car Im getting is a Lotus and then my GS will become a drag car. Only three more years at Auburn!

 

If this dicussion is open to ANY car, then shouldn't be on the Car Chat section?

 

Interesting, I was just looking at them on Ebay today, which model are you considering?

 

If you want an m5 there isnt much else out there that will make you happy. They are truly unlike anything else that I have ever driven and they will forever be one of my dream cars ESPECIALLY in that body style!

I mean, you could try some of the AMG mercedes models but they dont have the same feeling and are a lot more cushy. Audi rs6 would be another great option, they are super hard to find and probably more expensive, but they are a bit faster yet comparable in about every other aspect.

How tall are you that the IS350 is too small?! I'm 6'1 and they had more than enough head/leg room for me

 

The other non-Lexus makes you listed are going to cost you an arm and a leg to maintain. For instance, you may want to check out how much oil filters are for the M5. Probably can't get them at your local parts store. And I bet your local oil changing station will charge you a premium for a simple oil change. However, if maintenance costs are not an issue for you, then the M5 would be a great choice. I am not bashing BMW or the other European labels you mentioned. However, it is hard to argue the reliability of Lexus. If I were you, I would wait until Fall and test drive a brand new 2007 LS460h. I just saw it at the Minneapolis Auto Show and it is the bomb. Looks just like a 7-Series, but way nicer and better styling.....just my 2 cents.

 

what do you want to spend?
What are your needs/ 2 door 4 door
Torque vs. Horsepower?
Build quality vs. Recognition.
If your spending in excess of 40g's I would try and seach hard for a 2003 amg benz
It will take a lil more money, but its doable.
2002 cl55 is not the machine of the 2003

Lot of cars out now that can fit the bill.

cts-v
2000-01 m5
benz
supra

 

I'm looking for the best combination of luxury and performance I can get for $40k or close to that. I don't need 4 doors but want room. So far the only 2 door I've driven that was big enough was the CL.

Which AMG Benz are you referring to? The CL55 performs about even with the GS until 2003 and then the price goes up $20k or so.

I did think about a CTS-V, haven't driven one yet, I'm not much of a fan of post 1967 Cadillacs.

One thing that made me very partial to the M5 was the manual transmission. I wish more cars had that option It's so fun to be able to control that much HP!

 

I personally would go with the CL55... i LOVE that car

 

Well, you could buy TTurbopimp's car Is he selling it yet?

I totally agree with you on the CL: Don't need the 4 dr, but back seat is plenty, luxury performance BUT-BIG BUTT over $40k. Yeah, not until 2003 is where it's kompressed

iDrive is not that bad but it's easier with push buttons though.

So basically another car in the price range of $40k 'ish?

 

You still won't find a 2003-2006 CL55 for under 65k and the body style will be old in 6 months.

 

I'm a wee bit biased, but I would check out the 545/550

 

Do you want a 6speed? If so go with the M5. Auto, pick the CL55

 

I would think the CTS-V would be a nice fit, excellent car to drive. The interior isn't a Lexus, Or Benz. The car will run and can mod super easy. Some cts-v's are 24k to 30ish. The motor and drive train will not mess up on the v either.

The M5 is the ultimate driving machine, and you knew that, but with that comes maintence costs, and mods which are expensive. The torque isn't there as in the cts-v, but it makes up for it in overall performance.

Don't go for a 02 cl55 just due to motor not being the kompressor.

How about a dodge viper, very fun ride, and its a beast. seen some 2001 gts for bout 40k some higher and some lower of course. 1996-99 is the best viper internal's though, the 2000 on up went with non forged pistons.

 

Based on the cars you listed. I'd go with the M5 then the CL55 both are monsters even though they are "dated" .