What car would you buy in 2003?

"JR1" (type35bugatti) 02/10/2016 at 10:50 • Filed to: wwybw, what would you buy when

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Rules: The car had to be sold brand new in 2003.

I personally would buy the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. A lot of people seem to dislike this car and I am not really sure why. I can’t think of a cooler open top cruiser from the era. Sure others might be more luxurious but this had a throaty V8 and styling that looks awesome. The 280hp V8 makes it a great grand tourer.

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itschrome > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:53

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Cadillac STS

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:55

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As a GM guy... Mercury Marauder.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:56

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E39 M5

Old Red Wagon > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:56

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Terminator Cobra

TheHondaBro > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:56

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Uhh, duh.

mazda616 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:57

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I’d have to say a 2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1. I’ve always liked these.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:58

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It would be hard to pass up a Z06.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:58

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E46 330i ZHP

Closest thing we ever got to an E46 M3 sedan.

djmt1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 10:59

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Clio Cup 172

MPA > mazda616 02/10/2016 at 10:59

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‘03 Cobra, because supercharged V8

Vítor > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:00

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A blue, manual E46 M3 with black leather interior and silver aluminium trim

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:00

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R-34 GTR Nismo Z-Tune

‘Nuff said

tythegeek > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:00

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WRX

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:02

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A 2003 Maybach 62S . Second year of the big Maybach I think.

Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:02

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Realistically , pobably an IS300. It’s about as much car as I’d ever need, wrapped up in an understatedly handsome compact package.

If money were no object, then the Lamborghini jellybean. In yellow of course.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/10/2016 at 11:03

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My mom’s cousin had one of those. That thing was FAST. He took me out for a 15 minute ride and not once was he at/below the speed limit. At one point he was going 75 in a 40. I’ll never forget it. He eventually sold it, bought a CTS-V, sold that, and got a C7 Z06. Have yet to see that one.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:04

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Selected with my usual “Out of my way, poor person” mentality.

Nibby > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:09

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StingrayJake > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:09

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This might not qualify since it’s more of a body customization on any C5 than a true production car, but:

AAT’s customized 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition Corvette

I generally haven’t been a fan of many retro-styled Corvette body kits. I really disliked the C7-made-to-look-like-a-C2 body that was making the rounds on the internet a few months ago (around SEMA).

And yet this AAT body has appealed to me since the day I first saw it. They tastefully turned the C1's curves into a much sportier look. It almost looks natural compared to many bodykits that give away where they cheated to pull off the look on a newer chassis.

I wouldn’t call it a dream car, but it’s something I would definitely try to get in my garage if I suddenly had the means. There are production Corvettes I’d buy first, but this is definitely on my list. Plus, it’s fairly unique. I’m surrounded by C5s and C6s here. This would turn heads.

Now if this doesn’t meet your rules, I’d just stick with the factory 50th Anniversary edition. It had a nice paint job and will probably increase in value in the coming years.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > TheHondaBro 02/10/2016 at 11:10

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These things are mental. The sound from those side pipes is Ludacris.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:10

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If I had all of the moneys.

In the real world:

marshknute > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:13

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Ferrari 456M GT. Front-engine V12 2+2 grand tourer with a gated manual and pop-up headlights!

JR1 > itschrome 02/10/2016 at 11:16

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With night vision?

Your boy, BJR > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:16

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It’s a 2004, but still.

Birddog > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:16

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If it has to be a car I’ll go with a Mercury Marauder in Blue Pearl or maybe Silver Birch.

If I could have a truck it’d be an F-150 Lightning.

JR1 > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 02/10/2016 at 11:17

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One BMW I have never cared for

JR1 > Old Red Wagon 02/10/2016 at 11:17

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I like the exterior but I can’t get past the interior on those

JR1 > TheHondaBro 02/10/2016 at 11:18

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I want a 722 so I am picking the SLR a later year

JR1 > mazda616 02/10/2016 at 11:18

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Shaker hood and all I like it

DoYouEvenShift > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:18

2

JR1 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/10/2016 at 11:19

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Best color for that car too. Very nice choice

DoYouEvenShift > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:19

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Ive driven one of those. Awesome

JR1 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 02/10/2016 at 11:19

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Really? I wonder why no M3 sedan

JR1 > Vítor 02/10/2016 at 11:20

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Might be my favorite M

JR1 > tythegeek 02/10/2016 at 11:20

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I never cared for the bug eye

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 02/10/2016 at 11:21

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I would personally go for an S65 over a Maybach that year

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:21

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· The bearer of the 2003 international engine of the year of course:

JR1 > Short-throw Granny Shifter is 2 #blessed 2b stressed 02/10/2016 at 11:22

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I didn’t know that came out in 03. I thought it was 04

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/10/2016 at 11:23

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Was this the first year for the new Phantom?

JR1 > Nibby 02/10/2016 at 11:23

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Look a VW Phaeton. Seriously though this thing aged very well.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:24

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That’s why America is great. You like what you like I like what i like and no judgements can be thrown

JR1 > StingrayJake 02/10/2016 at 11:25

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No it meets the rules. And nice choice. I never would have thought of that. They do look pretty good.

JR1 > PotbellyJoe and 42 others 02/10/2016 at 11:25

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All the money! One of the best American super cars

JR1 > marshknute 02/10/2016 at 11:25

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Last year too if I remember correctly

JR1 > Your boy, BJR 02/10/2016 at 11:26

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I am sure you could have gotten that same car in 03. I always preferred the pearlescent white. How long until it gets repaired?

My bird IS the word > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:26

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Lamborghini gallardo spyder. I think the spyder was available in 03

JR1 > Birddog 02/10/2016 at 11:27

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Both great choices I always liked the Lightening

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:27

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Well the good news is that you don’t see the front end while driving. I had a bugeye for 7 years. When I bought it I planned on swapping to the new, at the time 2005 front end. After a few months the looks grew on me to the point that I didn’t completely hate it anymore. I do hate the toilet bowl/pignose front end still though.

JR1 > DoYouEvenShift 02/10/2016 at 11:27

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These are just awesome

Cherry_man1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:28

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Terminator Cobra.

JR1 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 02/10/2016 at 11:28

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Eats so much oil and gets such bad gas mileage. Yet it is a great car

JR1 > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet 02/10/2016 at 11:29

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Nope. It is also what makes the car culture great. Variety is the spice of life.

JR1 > My bird IS the word 02/10/2016 at 11:29

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I didn’t think they came out that early but if they did in choice. The Gallardo is excellent and the V10 sounds perfect.

Stapleface > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:30

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AMG SL55. Such a beautiful vehicle.

JR1 > Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition 02/10/2016 at 11:30

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Yeah if you can get over the looks. I imagine it is a very fun car to drive

JR1 > Cherry_man1 02/10/2016 at 11:30

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Never cared much for the interior

JR1 > Stapleface 02/10/2016 at 11:31

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My personal favorite SL. The looks are just perfect

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:33

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Indeed it was. That’s why I picked it.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:35

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I see it as a vintage British sports car, or an old motorcycle. Sure you have to wrench on it every now and then, sure it smells a bit and you get bad gas mileage, but hey, that’s part of the deal.
And I love it when future oppos gawk at it or when I get the occasional thumbs up.
TL;DR: worth it!

Land_Yacht_225 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:35

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2003 Mercedes-Benz S600 or S55 AMG. First year for both the M275 5.5L Bi-Turbo V12 and the M113 5.4 Kompressor.

What I wouldn’t give to own my car new, with a warranty, and not have a panic attack every time I go for the starter button. Or be able to smell 0W-40 cooking on the exhaust manifold from 25 feet away after shutting the car off.

kanadanmajava1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:37

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Renault Avantime. I actually have been checking out the ads semi seriously but I already spent my yearly “buy a car” budget on my BMW. Maybe in the next year.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/10/2016 at 11:39

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I still think you need to diversify your automotive portfolio my man. I am seeing a lot of black sedans. Next time I do this I expect something different!

Old Red Wagon > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:39

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Oh I completely understand, I had a 2002 Mustang GT. I love the exterior of the new edge Mustangs, the glorious sound they emit after installing an exhaust. But that interior, oh that interior. Cheap plastic everywhere you look and panel gaps that can almost fit one of my fingers. Fun car though and I loved that thing.

vondon302 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:39

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The interior is crap but that motor yee haw.

JR1 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 02/10/2016 at 11:40

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Totally worth it if you can live with the few minor draw backs. Don’t these rev to 9k?

Land_Yacht_225 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:41

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Ha ha! They didn’t make the S65 until 2006!

Which I consider to be pretty stupid. The W220 S65 only existed for the last year of production for that body style so...what was the point? Besides, the W221 S65 AMG looks MUCH better in my opinion.

JR1 > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 11:41

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That is the worst part about the old S class. But then once you drive it all is forgotten!

JR1 > kanadanmajava1 02/10/2016 at 11:42

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Coolest minivan ever. How much do these cost across the pond?

JR1 > Old Red Wagon 02/10/2016 at 11:42

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My 2000 S10 isn’t any better. But for the price of a Mustang I would expect more

not for canada - australian in disguise > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:43

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Too many great choices to make up my mind. The early 2000s were awesome for cars, the mid and late 2000s? Not so much.

JR1 > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 11:43

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Really? That is stupid. Especially considering it was on the CL65 in 2003 right?

shop-teacher > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/10/2016 at 11:44

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Yep. That’s the only choice for me in 2003.

MultiplaOrgasms > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:44

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Best Minivan ever + toughest and most dependable 2-seater convertible sports car for <£3.500

JR1 > not for canada - australian in disguise 02/10/2016 at 11:47

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That Accord looks a hell of a lot cooler than what we got stateside

JR1 > MultiplaOrgasms 02/10/2016 at 11:48

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Negative sir. The best Minivan is an Avantime

kanadanmajava1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:49

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I have been checking out French ads. The price range is 3000-10000€ (~3300-11100 USD). In Finland we have ~2 of these so buying locally is hard/expensive.

JR1 > kanadanmajava1 02/10/2016 at 11:52

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Well that price is still really good.

Your boy, BJR > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:53

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It's fixed, then going up for sale again tonight.

kanadanmajava1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:54

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I hope the availability and price situation remains in similar levels until I’m in the buying mode again.

JR1 > Your boy, BJR 02/10/2016 at 11:55

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Shit sorry man. I didn’t know it was actually going to go up for sale. Maybe you can find a good lease option on something desirable.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > JR1 02/10/2016 at 11:57

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Seeing as the prices have not really dropped a whole lot, an S2k would be a pretty sweet purchase. Buy it for like $32k in 2003, drive it for 10 years and like 60k miles. If you babied the car and took great care of it, and kept it stock you should be able to sell that for at least $20k if not more.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:00

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Not quite... The S65 didn’t come about until 2006, the last year of W220 production.

Fun fact, they actually made a W220 S63, with a naturally aspirated V12.

tythegeek > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:01

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You know what counters bug eye headlights? Turbo AWD wagon. Done.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 12:01

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The W221 S65 is still my dream car, in that lovely dark brown with the same interior leather my car has...yum

Land_Yacht_225 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:02

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I believe it was put in the CL starting in 2004...but in my cursory search of Cars.com I don’t see any for sale. And Edmunds.com only lists CL 65 AMGs starting in 2005, so I guess I would be more inclined to say that they were first sold in late ‘04 as ‘05 models.

Which I guess makes sense. People usually fail to realize how late the 65 engine came in the development cycle. When the W220 was facelifted, the M113 engine in the 55 AMG wasn’t changed essentially, except for the addition of the supercharger. The S600 however got an entirely new engine, swapping the comparatively terrible engineering disaster that was the M137 for the new M275 V12. Same goes for the CL-Class. The new Bi-Turbo V12s were vastly superior but I guess I have to believe that a new engine for the CL/S600 was a priority considering how upset owners were with the M137. They had to get the quintessential range-topper luxury model up, running, and reliable before they could turn their attention to boring and stroking the engine out and turning up the boost.

JR1 > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 02/10/2016 at 12:02

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I am amazed how well those have held value

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 02/10/2016 at 12:03

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Really? I would want the W220 then

JR1 > tythegeek 02/10/2016 at 12:03

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True statement

Your boy, BJR > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:05

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I'm getting a 2016 Cruze

JR1 > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 12:05

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So I guess the “facelift” S-Class was really when they got back to building quality and reliability.

JR1 > Your boy, BJR 02/10/2016 at 12:08

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One of my friends has those. They are really nice.

Land_Yacht_225 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 02/10/2016 at 12:09

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Fewer than 30 I believe, for 2001 only and sold exclusively to the European and Asian markets, if my knowledge of automotive oddities is correct?

MultiplaOrgasms > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:12

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Negative sir. the Avantime isn’t a Minivan.

Cherry_man1 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:13

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Eh, but the looks on the outside and the engine!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:17

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I have diverse taste in cars, but whenever I see these my mind just jumps to “what is objectively the best and most current car on sale at the time”. This is partially because if I didn’t, I’d have to sit and think through all the different cars that came out in 2003.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 12:18

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You’re right about 2004 being the first year for the Cl65. And I lol’d at this

“comparatively terrible engineering disaster that was the M137"

Land_Yacht_225 > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:18

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Think about it this way: the W140, the previous generation, was the last S-Class that Mercedes engineers were allowed to design with the ability to generally circumvent their budgetary restrictions.

With the W220, Mercedes was watching development costs like a hawk while attempting (and succeeding for the most part) to build the most technologically advanced car possible for the new millennium.

You try developing the worlds best luxury sedan with features like radar cruise control while corporate is breathing down your neck about the costs. You’d cheap out on the plastic on the the seat bases too.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225 02/10/2016 at 12:19

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Yep, 22 I believe for 2001 only. Same with the CL63

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1 02/10/2016 at 12:19

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What ?

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/10/2016 at 12:22

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Out of my way pleb