The Unbelievable Journey of a Budget Mercedes-AMG GT: YouTuber's 5,000-Mile Adventure
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Chris Slix took his Temu-built Mercedes-AMG GT on an epic 5,000-mile journey across Europe, an adventure that was not just about the destinations, but also about the unexpected challenges he faced along the way. Slix, seeking a hair transplant in Turkey amidst concerns about the quality of procedures in the country, opted to embark on this long road trip in his newly assembled, budget-friendly AMG GT. After years of coping with hair loss, Slix felt this was his moment to take a chance. Fortunately, the hair transplant proved successful, but the real test lay ahead—returning home with a vehicle that was not your typical luxury supercar in terms of building quality and reliability.
As he drove through picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and countries such as Slovenia and Austria, Slix shared his thoughts on his Temu-built sports car. The AMG GT impressed him as a grand tourer, adept at providing a comfortable long-distance drive. Despite concerns about its creation from less expensive parts sourced through Temu, he seemed genuinely pleased with its performance. “It’s doing quite well,” Slix commented while mentioning minor aesthetic woes from the journey—like superficial scratches and dirt from long hours on the road. However, he also reflected that the experience was not void of challenges, as the car’s handling and performance generally held up.
Roads Worth Driving and Tension in the Journey
The drive took Slix along iconic routes, including renowned sections like the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania, famous for its stunning views and exhilarating turns. Yet, all was not serene. Early on in the trek back, he ran into a significant issue when his Mercedes-AMG GT began experiencing a gearbox malfunction, with the transmission slipping in and out of gear unexpectedly, leading to moments of panic. This recognized mechanical issue is quite common in 2016 models of the AMG GT. Delay and uncertainty accompanied this incident, as it raised questions about reliability and repair costs on such a treasured vehicle.
After painstakingly diagnosing the problem and having discussions with specialists while researching online, Slix found that many owners had faced the same issue. Each person seemed to suggest replacing the gearbox well before reaching the recommended mileage service, a decision that left Slix with more questions than answers. Contacting Mercedes-Benz for an estimate, he discovered that a replacement gearbox would cost a whopping £23,874 (around $30,300), surpassing the initial cost of his beloved build. This news was disheartening as it meant a large portion of his budget was now an investment in repairs rather than adventures.
Cost vs. Experience: The Temu-Built Dilemma
As the trip continued, Slix wrestled with the costs of fixing the gearbox in what he set out to be a budget build. Investing in a car built primarily from inexpensive parts sourced online, he found himself facing the very dilemma he aimed to avoid: the potential for exorbitant repair costs overshadowing the thrills of the actual driving experience. He became a bit of a detective during the journey, hoping to find creative, cost-effective solutions to avoid the prospect of potentially trading off his adventure for a hefty garage bill.
This situation didn't dampen Slix’s spirits completely, as the trip turned out to be filled with camaraderie with his co-travelers and the breathtaking views throughout Europe. The experience, as Slix joked, would make a riveting tale for his YouTube followers, and he assured them he’s documenting every detail for posterity. Even more passionately, he noted that the drive fostered a deeper connection with his craft—transforming a simple road trip into a memorable learn-how journey about cars, maintenance, and the realities of car ownership.
The Takeaway
This unexpected road trip testing a Temu-built AMG GT underscores the complexities of choosing budget builds versus driving experiences. Slix’s story provides invaluable insights and a vivid reminder that passion often comes with unexpected challenges, pushing the boundaries of reliability and budget considerations. For anyone curious about turning a luxury car into an affordable venture, Slix’s adventures are not just entertaining but serve as a cautionary tale—one filled with excitement, humor, and, yes, learning in the world of automotive performance.
Photos: Chris Slix, Chris Slix The 2nd