Incredibly I was driving by an SLK AMG the other day and thought...wow...that's a really gay looking car. No joke. Sorry man.

 

Well despite what people think about the Merc trade in isn’t worth it. Plus having multiple cars makes driving the ones that have been sitting awhile a new experience again. Maybe put electric exhaust cutouts or something on it so people on the forum will quit *****ing, or at least when people try to say something to you can flip a switch and rev it until you cant hear them talking anymore. I guess just think of it as there are some people that only have the possibility of owning one car and there aren’t many options for them. Consider yourself lucky to even be considering another. When did you graduate from the UW?

 

Keep the SLK and stop caring about what other people think.

 

996 for SLK hands down.

 

Why not go with something nice but more modest like a Cayman S (yes, I know what it rhymes with) and then go w/ the 997TT in a couple years? No need to extend yourself financially just to get out of the Merc.

 

hmm... if somebody tell you that you look cute, you gonna run out and get a plastic surgery?

and what if somebody tells you that 997 is cute the day after you buy it, would you trade it in again?

 

Got for it. You can always make more money..

Hell my CPA is telling me to keep my investment money(car down payment money) and finance the entire thing. I told him why - he said why not. End of story. I listen to him for some odd reason.

If you can get a rate of 6-7% and can make 10-15% returns on lets say 50K-80K then make the money. It will even out

Believe me when I say that it took a lot of wrestling of the idea of not putting all the money I wanted to put down to hardly anything. As I said my CPA is stubborn....

Good luck in your decision..I think the smile on your face in the 997 TT will make the pain go away.

 

Oooh, it's on now!!

As for the original question - go for it. What kind of a man drives around in an SLK anyway!

 

The key (and I haven't followed my rule very well) is to just get the 997TT, but hang onto it to ride out the initial depreciation. If you are anything like me, once you get that bug for a certain car, it's over. Remember, you can always go into personal injury law if you need to pay if off quick...

 

Start with a 996TT and then move into a 997TT. A TT with an X50 should do the trick!

 

Thanks for all the great (and humorous) feedback. Couple things:

1. Need to Upgrade Significantly.

I’m hesitant to get anything but a BIG upgrade. I can buy a very nice 2006 Carerra S for a dang good price (friend selling), but honestly, I don’t consider that a huge upgrade on what I have now. I went from a used Honda Accord to an Infiniti G35 Coupe (nice upgrade). I went for a G35 to a SLK55 AMG (nice upgrade). I don’t think I want to go from AMG Benz to a Carerra. Don’t get me wrong, a great car, but if I’m going to take a hit financially, I want to make sure I’m REALLY happy with the purchase.

Finally, the goal with the TT purchase is to eliminate my desire for a new car (which won’t completely go away, but I ain’t buying a Ferrari unless I win the lotto or the company I work for sells or goes public). I guarantee that if I buy a Carerra or Cayman, I’ll be thinking about the turbo within 2 weeks.

2. The Finances.

I’m pretty smart with my money (expensive cars notwithstanding). I own the cheapest house on my block (live in South Seattle with water view – double digit % annual appreciation), and I have a mortgage that I can pay even if I was serving coffee at Starbucks. No credit card debt, and a student loan at 3%. No kids (and probably none for next 3 years) and I don’t travel much. GF is low maintenance (i.e., no diamonds or shopping sprees). I put away 10% of my take home every month.

Was thinking about trading in the Benz (Barrier owns Porsche and Benz dealerships), paying about $40-$60K in cash and financing the rest? Not quite sure yet though, still brainstorming as I can usually get 9-10% on my stock portfolio, but hey, it is the stock market, so nothing is guaranteed. I have the cash to buy the car outright with a trade in, but I don't think I can stomach putting that much cash into a depreciating asset. I'm also 35 and have decent earning power (but not, "I own a business" earning power).

3. The SLK (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2116750)

I know people are joking, so I take no offense to the “it is a girl car� jokes. The car has been really good to me however, and it still gets oohs and awes everywhere I go. Driving topless on a summer day at Alki Beach is a real treat. Plus, basically nothing can beat me on the road (yet to lose the race, but admittedly have not gone against top competition). I will miss the car, but I do not regret buying it. $70K for an AMG Benz brand new? That is a GREAT deal no matter how you think about it.

 

huskylawyer, very nice 55.

Is that Caspian blue?, looks superb with the two tone black and grey. I have a Designo Mocha Black over two tone Black/Red with Designo Tamo anthratice wood.

 

I know what you mean about needing to go for a big upgrade. I went from a Boxster S to a 997 TT. I had no interest in a 997 base or S. I've driven them and, honestly, I liked the Boxster S every bit as much. The 997 is more substantial than the Boxster S, but the Boxster drives so great and is totally fun. The Turbo is a different kettle of fish altogether and a great step up. I've had it only a few days and I love it.

 

i dont really think its a wise decision to buy a turbo if your making 200k a year....but hell if you really want the car get it!.....if i were in your shoes id get a Z06....looks dammn mean

 

With a 60K down payment - a person with as little debt as he says he has and financing 70K lets say - its nothing for someone at 150K to handle.

I would put less down and invest and take the chances on the returns. Keep the car for 3 years and if you get an itch then do something about it. I am sure you can wait for 3 years to get rid of it.

I plan on keeping it for at least 3 years ( will be a first but I am determined!)..