New Boy in Town
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1
From:
New Boy in Town
Hi 
, I'm contemplating a used SLK as a second/fun car, probably a 5/6 year old 230K (I'm retired...). I've had two Merc's before, in antiquity, also a few 2 seaters. Not having any experience of SLK's can some more experienced owners tell me any points to watch for, please. Is there anything - apart from the usual things to watch for on any used car - that I should check? Is the auto much more thirsty than the manual? It seems that there are far more autos for sale. I presently have a Passat V6 TDi Tiptronic which we love, so an auto isn't a problem. Our last 2 seater was a Mazda MX5 (Miata) and the ride was too firm and caused big problems in my back and hips. I take it I won't suffer similar problems with an SLK? Many thanks in anticipation. (We like cruising, not burning rubber, or is that obvious!)
Ed (near Loch Ness, Scotland)
, I'm contemplating a used SLK as a second/fun car, probably a 5/6 year old 230K (I'm retired...). I've had two Merc's before, in antiquity, also a few 2 seaters. Not having any experience of SLK's can some more experienced owners tell me any points to watch for, please. Is there anything - apart from the usual things to watch for on any used car - that I should check? Is the auto much more thirsty than the manual? It seems that there are far more autos for sale. I presently have a Passat V6 TDi Tiptronic which we love, so an auto isn't a problem. Our last 2 seater was a Mazda MX5 (Miata) and the ride was too firm and caused big problems in my back and hips. I take it I won't suffer similar problems with an SLK? Many thanks in anticipation. (We like cruising, not burning rubber, or is that obvious!)Ed (near Loch Ness, Scotland)
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,410
From:
RE: New Boy in Town
SLK is the car for you!
I own a 2001 320 SLK and its just what we wanted although the motoring press don't rate the old shape. We tried MG and Mazda (OK but poor ride, buffetting and shuttle shake!) and BMW Z3(Nice 6A engine but no vario roof and terrible tyre noise). The SLK was what we were looking for Smooth, Quiet, Solid, minimal wind rush. No wonder its got a reputation as a Girlie car..
Excellent points are the V6 engine (Smooth, economical 30 mpg, powerful and what a wonderful Tipauto box. NB Auto is MORE economical than the manual! Don't understand why but look at the figures)
VarioRoof and lack of wind buffeting even at 60mph. Heater is truely fantastic. Its so powerful you can enjoy going out in sub zero temps. Just the job for Scotland! Ride. Just like a normal saloon. The exhaust note is SUPERB. Normally inaudible but when climbing a hill or given 50% welly it suddenly comes to life. Just go and try it.
Worst point is the Steering. This is NOT a Sports car. Its a Tourer. It uses recirc ball rather than rack and pinion and is consequently less precise.... but this is not a problem unless you want to drive it like you are on a race track. It is in keeping with a lovely relaxed open top car. Excellent steering lock however. I find the seats superb (post face lift model) but since their is no lumbar control it depends on your shape / back.
Repairs/Service via an MB dealer are horrendously expensive so plan for this or suffer the consequences if it should go wrong. Mines done 80k miles and the only problem so far was solved for £0 by myself although the MB dealer was suggesting £500ish (Diagnosis and possible replacement of engine MAF) The SLK has more technology in it than you might think but it is sensibly hidden from the driver. It just works as you would want. Another surprise is that most MB's run on Mobil 1 oil which if bought through the MB dealer is £8/ltr= £130 for an oil change with filter on the 320. Good stuff however. Easily found for £4 on eBay.
Finally the boot is bigger than you would think with the roof in it.
Not sure how much reads across to the 230. The V6 should be OK for 300k miles with a bit of TLC!
If you want to know more contact me on asot53@dsl.pipex.com
I own a 2001 320 SLK and its just what we wanted although the motoring press don't rate the old shape. We tried MG and Mazda (OK but poor ride, buffetting and shuttle shake!) and BMW Z3(Nice 6A engine but no vario roof and terrible tyre noise). The SLK was what we were looking for Smooth, Quiet, Solid, minimal wind rush. No wonder its got a reputation as a Girlie car..
Excellent points are the V6 engine (Smooth, economical 30 mpg, powerful and what a wonderful Tipauto box. NB Auto is MORE economical than the manual! Don't understand why but look at the figures)
VarioRoof and lack of wind buffeting even at 60mph. Heater is truely fantastic. Its so powerful you can enjoy going out in sub zero temps. Just the job for Scotland! Ride. Just like a normal saloon. The exhaust note is SUPERB. Normally inaudible but when climbing a hill or given 50% welly it suddenly comes to life. Just go and try it.
Worst point is the Steering. This is NOT a Sports car. Its a Tourer. It uses recirc ball rather than rack and pinion and is consequently less precise.... but this is not a problem unless you want to drive it like you are on a race track. It is in keeping with a lovely relaxed open top car. Excellent steering lock however. I find the seats superb (post face lift model) but since their is no lumbar control it depends on your shape / back.
Repairs/Service via an MB dealer are horrendously expensive so plan for this or suffer the consequences if it should go wrong. Mines done 80k miles and the only problem so far was solved for £0 by myself although the MB dealer was suggesting £500ish (Diagnosis and possible replacement of engine MAF) The SLK has more technology in it than you might think but it is sensibly hidden from the driver. It just works as you would want. Another surprise is that most MB's run on Mobil 1 oil which if bought through the MB dealer is £8/ltr= £130 for an oil change with filter on the 320. Good stuff however. Easily found for £4 on eBay.
Finally the boot is bigger than you would think with the roof in it.
Not sure how much reads across to the 230. The V6 should be OK for 300k miles with a bit of TLC!
If you want to know more contact me on asot53@dsl.pipex.com
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