In the market for either a 2004 MB SL600 or 2002 911 TT. (both with about 50K miles) Which do you all think has the better reliability and lower repair cost?

I know that if I asked a MB forum I might get a different answer but wanted to see what this forum thought...Thanks!

 

Both are great cars just check the history, maintenance, etc... Airmatic can be a problem on the Benz but I have a 120K 06 E500 with zero issues. My 02 996TT only has the leaking spolier ram issue and it's only 1 of them and it barely seeps. Overall Porsches are uber reliable cars (not just the 911) and IMO in the long run less expensive to own/operate.

 

I have many friends and relatives who own MB (various models). There's a lot they like about their cars (and I agree with them on many aspects), but reliability has never been one of the characteristics they have claimed. Just saying....

 

MBZ are great cars. I was fortunate enough to owned the SL500, SL55 and E55 before I bought my turbo. I still miss them once out of the blue moon.

The E55 has 135K miles before I traded in - it had a major fuel leak from the fueling sending units....MBZ fixed it once under recall only...I had to forked out the money to replace the units the second time around....(it is a very common issue); Engine overheat at 135K... Rear air suspension went out at 75K miles...and one of the front went out at 120K miles; Plugs replaced at 60K miles because they were toasted (so much for 100K miles replacement)

SL55 has 46K miles - the 50K miles created a big hold in my pocket (this was at an indy shop - not the stealership...it would of cost more at the stealership)

Overall, AMGs engine is very reliable, great vehicle...but not the other minor compoments that are accompany with the car.

I hope this would help you with your next purchase. Good luck!

 

Our two primary cars are the 996TT and an E55 wagon. The E55 has had about 25K miles and the 996TT has about 30K since we bought them (now at 70K and 80K respectively).

The E55 has had MANY more issues -- so many that I wouldn't by an x55 without an extended warranty. The 996TT hasn't been perfect, but far less expensive.

But in the end, pick the car that gives you a thrill every time you drive it.

 

He's not looking at an AMG, he's looking at an SL600. Just sayin'.

Agree - MB's from early-mid 2000's vintage seem to have a lot more reliability issues. While the motor and tranny are pretty stout, the 2004 SL600 has the dreaded ABC suspension, that is major $$$ if (when) some part of it fails.

Both are terrific, torquey beasts... but my educated guess is that the '02 996TT will be more reliable than an '04 SL600. Since we're talking about one specific example vs. another specific example, it's impossible to say for certain.

 

comparing a TT 6 vs a TT v12, the 12 is always going to be more expensive to maintain and typically carry more complicated issues. PPI's and service historys will be your best friend.....

go with the 996

 

It's a crap shoot - you can always find cars on both ends of the scale (mint vs lemon). If you buy the right car, either one could work, but nobody can make any promises here even if you had the two candidates right in front of you.

 

My Porsche has been great (in fairness, it's not my dd). My 6 cyl MB E has needed quite a bit of indy work, and he's reasonable. My friend just got rid of a v12 MB lemon, that was only one year old. My next 4-door won't be a MB.

 

I've had both a series or AMG C class and Porsche 911 variants over the years. I've had more issues with the AMG's especially when new and all were covered underwarranty. Maintenance on the Porsche is higher (hence the phrase the Porsche Experience).

 

if its a concern you should look into an aftermarket warranty (fidelity would be my choice)