Hi, I've been interested in the SLK, but I've only found 2 models in my budget range, 2001 320 @ 144k miles and a 1999 230 @ 122k miles, is this just a bad move to make? What should be my primary concerns in inspecting these vehicles? I'm no car expert, but really drawn to thethe hard-top convertible, style and in my budget. Any other ideas of what I should look for (ie big ticket fixers that will break my budget) would be useful. Thanks!!

Oh, I haven't looked at either yet, but both are described as "well maintained"

 

other than the hard plastic interior parts due to the spray on vinyl coming off, the cars have proven to me to be very dependable. hopefully you will have service records to prove the "well maintained". check to see if the transmission fluid has been changed. operate the top a few times. check for oil leaks, especially around the valve covers on the 320. those leaks are not a problem to fix, but is an issue on those engines. I had a water pump go out on a 320, but even that was very easy to replace. seems to be a fairly well thought out engine. the powertrains are excellent on either car and I really love the cars.