Mr. Mercedes' 911 GTS

[AndreB]

Very nice spec, congrats!
992 looks so good on chalk color, I also think the GTS is the best sportscar for the money, its fast, nimble and practical. Funny, before opening the forum I was configuring a GTS, haha

 

[Yaz]

It's time for the midlife crisis, huh Mohammed?
You've already had Mercedes and Porsches. Time for an Aston Martin or a Ferrari.

My vote goes to the Ferrari.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

It's time for the midlife crisis, huh Mohammed?
You've already had Mercedes and Porsches. Time for an Aston Martin or a Ferrari.

My vote goes to the Ferrari.

Watch this space lol.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thanks mate.

I went through a lengthy process to reach this decision.

Aston Martin - Undoubtedly stunning, the dealers demo will arrive at the end of October. Pricing has increased at least $100k over the DB11 though and further research revealed terrible resale values. There is one dealership in the state and the experience was not great in terms of service nor dealership quality. As such I ruled this car out without even seeing it. I'm not willing to take the risk with the whole experience.

Bentley Continental GT - Absolutely stunning craftsmanship and truly truly impressive finish. It drove with arrogance over whatever the road threw at it, though its no S in terms of ride and absolute NVH refinement. But then thats not the point. Despite some very sporty trim, paint, leather options etc. it is not an engaging car. It is also a bit too old for me in terms of style and character. A supposedly major facelift pending and a minimum loss of 50% over three years was the final nail in the coffin.

Lamborghini - Further research revealed to me the Huracan replacement would be imminent, but still 24 to 36 months before I could get one down under though. I decided to not even drive it nor consider the current vehicle given its age. I left the door open to leave a deposit for the Huracan replacement.

The very accommodating sales head did his absolute best to convince me into coming back for a Urus test drive, as I could likely have a custom order within 12 months. But I ultimately decided against an SUV. As well as they may drive, the seating position, character, body control etc, means they are not sports cars and I have reached the conclusion in my mind that an SUV should just be an SUV and not try to be anything else. Also I could always just ask my brother for his G63 or 300 series on weekends I felt like I wanted a change and a different experience or needed a more practical car to take my kids and nieces and nephew out together. My personal circumstances also mean I don't need a car as large daily and I ruled the Urus out without a test drive. Besides if I was buying the Urus I would also have to consider the cheaper and arguably superior Porsche Cayenne.

More to come...any particular questions let me know.

AMG GT - Mercedes Australia has no idea when this will launch locally. The SL we only just received after an initial 12 month delay from the original scheduled launch date. From what information we have available we know it's a heavy mofo, so it will not likely provide the same pure sports car experience that the 911 does. It will probably feel more like a meatier M4. A big GT. And I think ultimately that's not what I want. Everyone I have spoken to have also said that while the resale values are good, they are not 911 great.

Ferrari 296 - I test drove this car. Was blown away by the driving experience at the time, though I can barely recall it now as I was so overwhelmed trying to soak it all in, but I came away and put a deposit down for a 296 in 18 months time. Depending on how things pan out in the next 12 months (I have to lock specs 6 months before production), I may go ahead with the car or delay it for the 296 Successor (36 months). I know I won't be able to use a Ferrari daily as it's far too ostentatious and so would end up either keeping the 911 along side it or getting something else as a daily. It's a long way down the road though so I have time to think. Ferrari's have amazing resale values though which gives it a BIG one up over a Lambo, and from what I have read, watched and discussed with people, it's a more finessed driving experience compared to the more brutal lambos. Perhaps the Huracan successor will address that, but I think I would still go ahead with the 296 or it's successor.

Which brings me to the 911 GTS as my ultimate selection. I will write up a bit more about the 911 at a later date.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

 

[KiwiRob]

Ferrari v Aston is like Rolex v Lange, Ferrari is the flash Harry show offs car like a Rolex, the Aston is the more discrete choice those who know know, like the Lange.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Ferrari v Aston is like Rolex v Lange, Ferrari is the flash Harry show offs car like a Rolex, the Aston is the more discrete choice those who know know, like the Lange.

I get it, but I don't have money to just throw away and not worry about resale. Maybe a used DB12 might be a consideration.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

Ferrari v Aston is like Rolex v Lange, Ferrari is the flash Harry show offs car like a Rolex, the Aston is the more discrete choice those who know know, like the Lange.

Why not have both

 

[KiwiRob]

Why not have both

The Lange is something special....

 

[Yaz]

Why not an older Ferrari?
Saw a 458 on the road today and she still looks fine as the first day I seen one.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Is a moderator able to change the title of this thread for me?

'Mr. Mercedes' 911 GTS' or something along those lines.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Had the paint corrected, ceramic protection and tinted completed.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

A tasteful specification @Mr. Mercedes

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

@martinbo as per your request in the Taycan thread, I have experienced a few issues with the 911 in the last 5.5 months of ownership. I bought the vehicle with 5000km on the clock from the Dealerships Principal. I now have 13500km on the clock.

1. Buzzing sound from the drivers side door. I am convinced it is coming from the speaker housing, however it is very intermittent depending on road surface, engine revs and sometimes music. 2 service visits later they have not been able to resolve this despite the videos I have provided them.

2. Buzzing sound from around the drivers instrument cluster. Again it's very intermittent depending on road surface and engine revs. They have said they completed some sound deadening around the A/C vents located on top of the dash near the clock. It happens far less often, but it does still arise on occasion.

3. Navigation taking up to 8 minutes to load. They did a software update last week and I am keeping an eye on this.

4. Clunking noise from the front left suspension when going down kerbs or driving over ridges. This has been going on for since about November and the first visit I could get with a loan vehicle was last week.

5. A horrible buzzing/mechanical/static like noise when the front Axel lift was operated. This arose about 3 weeks ago. While with them for service the system failed completely and they say they are now awaiting parts ex Germany. They said they believe this issue and item 4 are related. When the work is done I will find out what parts were replaced.

The availability of loan vehicles from Porsche is extremely poor, however they have booked me in for mid March to have the car for 3-4 days so that they can tackle everything again at one time.

Despite these issues and despite the prevalence of sub par finishes in the cabin, average sound system and UI etc. I thoroughly enjoy driving the car. The engine howls, the steering is pin point accurate and the chassis is JUST comfortable enough for my daily use while proving to be an absolute riot to steer, to push, break the rear traction and drive like a tool really. I would describe the car as an unhinged Ballerina.

My M4 has still not sold in 5 months as it appears the market for these has tanked entirely so I have now put it with another dealership for sale. While driving there I could not believe how far removed the M4 is after the 911 GTS. The steering is light, indirect and inconsistent and the suspension compliance seems less forgiving to undulations and sharp ridges. As a luxury car though it is easily superior with far better noise suppression, sound system and UI and an interior that feels bullet proof solid and finely finished with the extended Merino Leather.

I now have an SL63 demo car for the next 2 days, which I will write about later, but it is an entirely different animal to the 911. I would say it's a body builder in a tuxedo. Pictures below. The colour is gorgeous in person and photos do not do it justice as it can appear to brown/gold.

 

[martinbo]

Thank you @Mr. Mercedes for the very interesting and informative write up. I’ll pen my thoughts a bit later.

 

[Big Sam]

Missed this thread. Massive congratulations on the 911 GTS. Such a desirable car. Can't think of much else I'd love to own one day (not going to happen).

One of my colleagues has recently took delivery of a 911 GTS in Speed Yellow, and he's promised to hand me the keys when we next see each other in work. If he doesn't, I'll remind him who trained him...

He did ask me the other day for advice on some issues that concur with yours, however, specifically noise around the instruments and a misaligned door.

 

[Centurion]

@martinbo as per your request in the Taycan thread, I have experienced a few issues with the 911 in the last 5.5 months of ownership. I bought the vehicle with 5000km on the clock from the Dealerships Principal. I now have 13500km on the clock.

1. Buzzing sound from the drivers side door. I am convinced it is coming from the speaker housing, however it is very intermittent depending on road surface, engine revs and sometimes music. 2 service visits later they have not been able to resolve this despite the videos I have provided them.

2. Buzzing sound from around the drivers instrument cluster. Again it's very intermittent depending on road surface and engine revs. They have said they completed some sound deadening around the A/C vents located on top of the dash near the clock. It happens far less often, but it does still arise on occasion.

3. Navigation taking up to 8 minutes to load. They did a software update last week and I am keeping an eye on this.

4. Clunking noise from the front left suspension when going down kerbs or driving over ridges. This has been going on for since about November and the first visit I could get with a loan vehicle was last week.

5. A horrible buzzing/mechanical/static like noise when the front Axel lift was operated. This arose about 3 weeks ago. While with them for service the system failed completely and they say they are now awaiting parts ex Germany. They said they believe this issue and item 4 are related. When the work is done I will find out what parts were replaced.

The availability of loan vehicles from Porsche is extremely poor, however they have booked me in for mid March to have the car for 3-4 days so that they can tackle everything again at one time.

Despite these issues and despite the prevalence of sub par finishes in the cabin, average sound system and UI etc. I thoroughly enjoy driving the car. The engine howls, the steering is pin point accurate and the chassis is JUST comfortable enough for my daily use while proving to be an absolute riot to steer, to push, break the rear traction and drive like a tool really. I would describe the car as an unhinged Ballerina.

My M4 has still not sold in 5 months as it appears the market for these has tanked entirely so I have now put it with another dealership for sale. While driving there I could not believe how far removed the M4 is after the 911 GTS. The steering is light, indirect and inconsistent and the suspension compliance seems less forgiving to undulations and sharp ridges. As a luxury car though it is easily superior with far better noise suppression, sound system and UI and an interior that feels bullet proof solid and finely finished with the extended Merino Leather.

I now have an SL63 demo car for the next 2 days, which I will write about later, but it is an entirely different animal to the 911. I would say it's a body builder in a tuxedo. Pictures below. The colour is gorgeous in person and photos do not do it justice as it can appear to brown/gold.

Those are unfortunate issues. How quickly does Porsche at your end of the world turn around repairs? Does 8min load time for navigation include CarPlay?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Those are unfortunate issues. How quickly does Porsche at your end of the world turn around repairs? Does 8min load time for navigation include CarPlay?

Booking in the car with the availability of a loan vehicle takes approximately 6 weeks, which is in my experience equivalent to BMW and about 2 weeks longer than Mercedes. Too long for all 3 brands IMO. Without a loan vehicle the wait is about 2.5 weeks.

The rest of the UI loads fine, including Android Auto. It's just the navigation menu that 'loads' continuously for extensive periods of time. The software update seems to have resolved the issue.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Missed this thread. Massive congratulations on the 911 GTS. Such a desirable car. Can't think of much else I'd love to own one day (not going to happen).

One of my colleagues has recently took delivery of a 911 GTS in Speed Yellow, and he's promised to hand me the keys when we next see each other in work. If he doesn't, I'll remind him who trained him...

He did ask me the other day for advice on some issues that concur with yours, however, specifically noise around the instruments and a misaligned door.

Thank you @Big Sam . I now truly appreciate why the 911 is such an icon and has such a large repeat purchase rate like the S class. If you want a genuinely sporty vehicle suitable for road use, it nails the brief IMO.

Brave colour choice for your mate. When I bought my car there was a similarly equipped Speed Yellow GTS with 2000km on the clock at the Ferrari dealership. 6 months later the car remains unsold, in a market that is clamouring for GTS availability.