Hello all...

I'm thinking of buying a 2001 SLK 320 with only 10,000 miles on it... for 21,000 from a MB dealer. I'm assuming that's a good deal, but let me know if I'm off there. My question is this...

- Is that such a great deal I should jump on it. 10K is great but also scares me, like, was it always in the shop or someone's pet car? Carfax gives it a thumbs up.

- My big question is this: I'm buying an extended warranty, but how is the reliability in general? From what I've read most owners give it 4 stars out of 5. Are the hard top roof and brake light really nuinsances like I've read?

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated! I currently drive a '79 MGB roaster, so updating to the 21st century has me pretty excited. Thanks!

Tom

 

IMHO an extremely robust vehicle BUT its no Sport car.
The hood only gives problems if it has been "messed about with" following a rear end shunt etc.
The rear brake light cluster is just annoying. low cost to fix and on recall in the USA.
Engine is good for 200k miles + with little maintenance except MAF which is basically a consumable.

Cars like to be used rather than stored/low mileage but so long as the oil has been changed every two years (to avoid engine corrosion) and other maintenance like new brake fluid / antifreeze (ensure correct spec and done by MB) everything will be fine.

The SLK's weak spot is its steering feel. Recirc ball vs rack and pinion. However it is an excellent everyday car especially if the roof can be put down in good weather. We love ours since everything is so refined. Smooth engine, smooth auto trans, lovely hood (single shot control is a nice addition), easy access, low cost of ownership, smooth ride (on 60% tyres) etc etc.

It just does what it is supposed to do with NO TROUBLE. IMHO The 6 is vastly more refined than the 4 compressor but performance is about the same.

depends what you are looking for. As I say this is NOT a Sport car.

Go on. Enjoy.

 

It gets great mileage, is dependable, and most of all, FUN! If garage kept. jump on it.

 

Question--I do not have the owner's book for my 1999 slk--question--where is the remote trunk release??

 

Sounds like a great deal, 10K, it's like new. Extended warranties are just a bet that you will have more repair bills than the warranty costs. It's a suckers bet because the warranty companies usually only pay out a fraction of the costs. Most people don't have a problem with the roof. Many problems you can fix yourself like cleaning a MAF. The 3.2L is a sturdy engine, shouldn't give you any problems for a long, long time.

 

Under the lip above the number (licence) plate on the boot (trunk)...unless yours is different in the USA.
Stuart

 

Thanks for the info, but isn't there one in the cabin of the car??

 

No.
Why.
Its absolutely intuitive to curl your fingers around the lip as you open the trunk lid.
in addition the trunk opens both from the rear as well as the front to allow the roof to stow.
Stuart.

 

the only way on mine, is to push in on the manual trunk lock to the right of the licence plate.. It's a button as well as a lock.. Push in with right hand and lift with left. Of course it has to be unlocked first.

 

Thanks to everyone who posted advice...I bought it! Runs great and it already puts a huge smile on my face everytime I drive it. I love the color the most. haha. See below...

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