I’ve just crossed three years with my 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, and frankly, I’m surprised it’s still in my quiver. As sharp and as fast as my black arrow is, it never was a forever car for me. But, I just can’t seem to find anything better for the price.
Can you suggest a better $65k sports car?
$65k—that is my best guess for the value of my 42k mile AMG GT S. For that money, I might be able to get into a Lotus Evora 400, BMW 1M, Porsche 991 911, or 981 Cayman GTS. These are all good choices—and ones that I’ve driven at one time or another—but none cover the bases as thoroughly as the AMG GT S.
The Evora lacks the AMG GT S’s breathtaking power. (Not to mention its extensive dealership support.) The Porsches don’t communicate steering texture as clearly as the AMG GT S and are annoyingly typical at car gatherings. And the BMW 1M lacks the AMG GT S’s exotic looks and its muscular powerplant.
The cars that look and feel more exotic than the AMG GT S cost quite a bit more, so I continue to hold the AMG GT S, sipping and savoring its budget exotic experience.
This year, my AMG GT S has done duty as an overpowered baby buggy, a photography model, and a mental health crutch.
On weekends, I took my stubborn two-year-old (“no nap!”) on midday drives so she’d fall asleep to the thrumming engine and whirring tires.
When the light or clouds were amazing, I’d grab my camera and head to scenic spots to shoot stills of the Mercedes. The challenge of the black Benz is one I’m still trying to master; graphite metallic paint doesn’t exactly pop out of the scenery! (Honestly, I’d prefer the car in a bright color like Solarbeam Yellow.)
And when I was overwhelmed and needed to wash away anxiety with adrenaline, I’d point the AMG GT S at Highway 1 and dust my worries on the coastal route’s delicious curves. In this pursuit, the AMG GT S never disappointed. And its cosmic blemishes allowed me to drive hard with a clear conscience.
The AMG GT S’s reliability has been impressive: no check engine lights or mechanical failures occurred in this year’s 1900 miles of driving. Standard maintenance included a $338 oil change and a $1,141 6-year service with transmission and differential fluid exchanges.
Wear items like brakes and tires pushed the out-of-pocket costs higher. The GT S got new brake pads for $965 and rear Girodisc rotors for $1,332. New front Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires ($973) and a four-wheel alignment ($236) were done simultaneously. The prices include installation at a premium Indy shop; if I was handy, I could have saved several hundred dollars on the brake work.
By doing my 6-year service and oil changes at the dealership, I got “free” drives in the GLA and GLB. My loaner experience over the last three years has built my respect for the Mercedes lineup but has not inspired any lust. The problem is twofold: I find regular Mercedes calming rather than exciting, and the bombastic AMGs that attract me are not part of the service fleet. In this regard, I had more fun with the BMW loaners from my E90 M3 era; BMW injects more sport into its entry-level models.
Will I keep the AMG for another year? I think so, as a hefty new home mortgage keeps me from stepping into the world of Audi R8s and 911 GT3s. It’s not a shame, though, as the AMG GT S is still outright awesome. There is something to be said for lust-worthy sports cars that aren’t too precious to enjoy!
Mike's Steering Column 