1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK Review - Is the SLK230 n MX5 beater? An overview of the R170

Geoff Buys Cars reviews the R170 shape Mercedes-Benz SLK, and asks all of the important questions that no other motoring journalist would dare.

[@billyehh]

I had a 1989 Miata as it was known then. Real basic. No power steering and no power brakes. Light and nimble with a 1.6 litre 4banger it was so much fun. It lasted until 2007 when my mechanic said never put another dime into it. I found a 2003 320 SLK with a 6 speed standard transmission off lease. Besides being a standard it also has wood paneling on the dash and doors. Looks real good. I store it every winter so rust is not a problem. Loved the old Miata, but at 77 years old I needed something a little bigger. I feel that I have gone from a true sports car to a small Grand Touring car and at my age it still puts a smile on my face.

[@itsink6754]

Wow, is it manual? Iv been loooking for a manual version

[@billyehh]

@@itsink6754 Yes it took me 18 months to find a manual version. Even back then most were automatics. The SLK 230 featured a supercharged 4 banger with a 5 speed manual. The SLK 320 has a normally aspirated V6 with a 6 speed manual. I have seen the occasional one for sale with a manual transmission up until about 2012, but there are not very many.

[@millymillions]

A true car enthusiast, respect!

[@Fernandwinnie]

All these years on and they still look great.

[@tad_cryptic]

I have a manual SLK 320 and I freaking love it! Personally I think it looks better as a coupe. So I keep the top up for the most part.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

You are right, with the roof on, it's the best looking of any 2 seat convertibles!

[@creativeslink]

I have a 2001 black roof up but both front and tiny triangle rear windows down. The look is tremendous.

[@kudynski]

@@GeoffBuysCars R129?

[@GeoffBuysCars]

@@kudynski R129 doesn't count as it's a removable roof. Plus for me, it's not a roadster, it's a tourer... You can't throw an R129 around and that's the whole point with a convertible. I'll take an R107 but gimme a rusty one with holes in that I can drive every day not some £50k restored or perfect thing, they're over hyped, and that's partly my fault, as in a previous life I got paid fairly well to over hype them ha ha

[@kudynski]

@@GeoffBuysCars I bought (put a deposit down) a 23k mile SLK32. Going to see it tomorrow and figure out the right price. I know the tires have just over 7+ years on them. Probably getting a PPI. Thoughts?

[@mariannadawson1925]

I have a 1999 slk230 kompressor sport. I absolutely love it. It's a 5 speed manual. Absolute blast

[@freemenofengland2880]

I have one also. A 2.0 manual in metallic black with full red leather interior, heated seats, air con, 17 inch wheels, a real joy to drive effortlessly.

[@danmason6116]

My son has the same car he bought it for 1800 and it had 87k miles on it 3 owner and it is absolutely a blast to drive

[@lancefunair1025]

the 'K' is for Short. Great vid. Love R170's! And I LOVE my SLK 32.

[@ExoticsLair]

Love the presentation for the video !

[@GeoffBuysCars]

thank you!

[@turbosack695]

EXOTIC??!!!, WHAT R U DOING HERE???

[@jasonmarsden818]

Brilliant no nonsense and fun review, well presented. I'll be watching more 👍

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Thanks so much! Check out the Jag videos, also the Volvo C70 Convertible (turquoise), Nissan Juke and Volvo 480 are very much in this style :)

[@bond0666]

From year 2000, the slk r170 was built in Germany, so body was better quality, early cars were made in Spain with cheap metal

[@mr.rellik1090]

Great to know!

[@alpanian]

My parents bought a yellow one when it launched, because my mom loved the advert. Black interior, carbon look, it has less than 40k Km, and garaged it's whole life. Absolutely love it. Hope they'll let me have it one day.

[@shelbyrichardson214]

Thanks! I just bought an slk 230 komptessor n was looking for info on it. Video helped. I love my car!

[@802726504]

We've had a bright red 2001 SLK 2.3 Kompressor 6 speed manual since 2007. Our previous car was a MGF, which I liked a lot, but my wife wanted air conditioning to avoid steaming up during the winter (the car, not my wife), so we got the SLK. It's been ultra reliable mechanically, but there have been some electrical issues with the immobiliser, alarm and roof. However, I disabled the alarm (which seemed to go off for no apparent reason) and no troubles since, so I suspect there was some sort of connection between the three, but I don't know for sure. You are correct about rust. I had the rear wheel arches and tail light corrosion done under the Mercedes 30 year warranty. This required main dealer stamps in the service record, but became too expensive when labour charges went well above £100/hour. There is some corrosion in the front wings, by the headlights, but one has been recently replaced courtesy of a Transit trying to occupy the same lane as me. His insurance gave me £1900 cash (they wanted to write the car off, but I refused) and the wing cost me £650 for an as new repair. An obliging collision on the other side would be welcome! I am now retired and we don't really need two cars. So we use the SLK as a second car, mainly for fun and touring during the summer, but dry winter days see the roof folded down, heater on (excellent, by the way) for a trip out across Dartmoor or along the coast. Insurance for me is cheap on a limited mileage, fully comp policy and fuel economy ranges between about 20 mpg around town to 35 mpg ish on a longer run - acceleration is strong from the supercharged engine from low revs and is great fun on winding B roads. I like the Z4 and MX5, but I think I will keep my SLK a bit longer.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Great comment, the SLK is certainly easy to live with and a lot more refined than an MGF. I used to run around in an MGF with no carpets and a 52mm throttle body a loud exhaust and the suspension on the lowest setting.... but these days i'd take an SLK!

[@gdsandkes]

Enjoyed your video, I have a 1998 SLK 230 and love the retractable hardtop and the low revving engine with its muted exhaust note, able to growl when punched. the dash though is crap and falling apart and the ride suspension is like a cart. I only wish that Volvo would make a modern version of their P1800 (which I used to own), with a retractable hardtop.

[@DolaryOfficial]

Love your stuff Geoff! I got myself an slk a couple years ago to deal with the midlife crisis early and always dreaming of an old merc of sorts. I find it to fit like a glove, like most mercs do over time, you just make them yours, but also like you said, I find the engine perfect, M111 is a classic after all, from the original and considered by some the best C class. It's joy to drive on a daily basis. Humps on the bonnet resemble those on the gulfwing, and you get the roof, almost like a sideways doors reference. Indeed whats not to like!

[@briantaylor7921]

Brilliant video. Was umming and ahhing over the SLK vs MX5. Test drove a 280 SLK and it left me a bit cold. Just felt a bit heavy and lethargic. Then I jumped in an MX5 and that was it. Problem is, I want a post 2006 with a folding hard top, and they cost more. Better start saving....

[@LastOnSunday]

I have to have an automatic gearbox & have been looking at late Mk1 Eunos MX5, JDM imports are the only automatics. I always worry that the auto box would to much for the 1.8l engine. The SLK 230 or the Z3 2.3/2.5 seem much more capable with an auto, but is there any other options?

[@davidgoddard5532]

I bought a 1997 SLK230 R170 a couple of years ago for £600! I’ve treated a few rust patches, took front wings off, treated underbody rust etc. A joy to drive but is now emitting too much CO2 despite changing to catalytic exhaust. Don’t think the air filter is the problem as it’s fairly new. How do you tweak the mixture to make it run leaner?

[@brummy773]

Hi i have a 320 auto in silver had it for years great to drive only problem is the dreaded rust and and the repair costs fortunately these don't happen to often

[@kevinjekyll1521]

I have a SLK 350 171, I love the way it looks, much heavier feeling than the MX5, I guess the Clarkson term was cheap and cheerful, rather than over engineered German weight. The only MX5 I would consider would be the pop up head light 1800, with the hard top option. Keep up the content, so many cars, so little time to drive them all...

[@jeansandmyshirt]

hey I really like this small car design. theres one for sale 1999 slk230. 136k miles. what problems should i look for? are they expensive to maintain? thanks man.

[@Wetthewhistle]

Brilliant video 👍🏻

[@jasoncozza5395]

Love the video and the SLK

[@vikinginspace4881]

Good video mate! I had to subscribe when I read the Hunter S Thompson quote at the end. Still gonna buy an SLK over MX-5 though! 😂 it just looks too good

[@CarlosSolisProductions]

I love mine. SLK rocks!!

[@KnightPassions]

How safe is it to drive in the winter or rain, because it's a rear wheel car.

[@leerobinson3135]

4:48 fcuking brilliant

[@matthewbutler5498]

Would you buy one to sell in the summer?

[@Bodgemiester]

Just took mine on a grand tour of Europe down to Rome. Never missed a beat

[@davidglover3743]

Generic comment about how Very not GAY this car is

[@lifetree4623]

Nicely done Geoff. You're a funny guy. A fun guy. A fungi?

[@GeoffBuysCars]

But no mushrooms were consumed. And thank you!

[@waynedome148]

That's a cool color for a slk, never seen that before, mine is silver.

[@ComeJesusChrist]

I bought a supercharged SLK from my neighbour as it was cheap and I cannot say no to a rusty old Merc (which is why he asked me). I always found these small convertibles/roadsters too camp, but I have to admit that the SLK is a lovely car and they make a lot of sense, considering the folding hard top. I wouldn’t pay £4-5k for one, unless it’s the 55 AMG, but as cheap all-season runarounds, they are brilliant. The BMW is a pretty car, but it’s too small. The Mazda MX5 is the sort of car that I wouldn’t want to be associated with. I’m not in my twenties, I’m not a woman or a short, insecure British man with an annoying cheerful demeanour. I’ve had a classic SL and I may upgrade for an SL500, but then the issue is the CL500, CLK500 and any decent 6-8 cylinder E-class or CLS models. May as well, just accept that you can buy an absolute bargain of a car for less than £2k and enjoy while the market doesn’t push up the prices even more!

[@evokki0075]

Just bought -97 CLK, I like it better. SLK is nice, bit i feel the quality is much better in the CLK, and being a little bit larger, it feels more home at highways too.

[@TheZyonig]

Best two seater roadster? Boxster? Though you won't get one for £1850...

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Always found the Boxster was a bit too... I dunno. Grown up? Serious? Like it was an adult playing football in a kids tournament... Good at what it does, but a bit wrong

[@TheZyonig]

@@GeoffBuysCars I like them. I've got two mates that have em and they're always miles ahead when we're off on the nc500, great fun.

[@ivanrodic2704]

Hm... The way You put it at The end, I'm dodging all and keeping my 98' Puma 1.7 which compared to an mx5 2003 (and also 98') I've driven extensively is so much better and enjoyable to drive, so much sportier, direct, planted and allways gives a 😊. If You like cars for driving as I do. MX5 that You call best is like soft slow pillow compared to a a Puma (much more engaging if You really want to throw it arround with razor sharp control, feel and feedback).

[@JohnBobRoger]

Great blow down on the little roadster matey.....don't change a thing about the way ya deliver....: )

[@STEPHxCA]

Great vid, I personally just want a personal vehicle so I don’t have to use my work one all the time for tax purposes, saw one for sale for 3.3k and I’m continuing my research before I test it and inspect it.

[@ChrisCarClips]

I just got a slk 230, but manual 5 speed. Shifting gears in this car is proper fun, and it doesn't feel at all mushy like it does in other Mercs. I actually think its a really good car to drive, and I'm not sure if would have the z3 over it, but then again I'm in Spain and rust isn't that much of a problem here. In fact, mine only has a little bit of clearcoat damage on the bonnet

[@GeoffBuysCars]

I’d like to try a manual SLK, pretty rare here

[@juanluisjuan5967]

mi slk 98 es una chulada es un verdadero placer manejarlo descapotado cuando puedo y con el equipo de sonido que le instale llama las miradas a don de quiera que voy pasando slk es muy bueno bonito

[@kila_whale]

Mate, love this review. Have you ever considered of doing stand up comedy? 😂😂😂

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Thanks so much! ha ha.

[@kila_whale]

@@GeoffBuysCars BTW, MR2 is a better car than MX-5 😎

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Good video, I've got Mx5 nb and nc, just got a slk 200 compressor and tbh I like it a lot, its definitely faster than a Mx5, feels more like a fast German bomber than a fighter plane, but its OK.

[@c0ldcity]

Brilliant analogy! Always felt like the pilot of a small aircraft in my MX5 NB. Something about the windscreen geometry and the wipers I think.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@c0ldcity yes bud, I know what you mean

[@berndk.9741]

A soft top wouldn't work for us because we go on road trips all over Europe a lot and there's places where a soft top would be too inviting to get cut up, the car stolen or at least something stolen from inside. We bought our first SLK (2001, 230K/R170, A/T) in 2020 to take it on road trips. We subsequently took it (or it took us) to Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, etc... Compared to our other cars, the SLK is ridiciulously cheap to mantain and operate. The trunk is rather small with the roof down but good enough for two people who know how to pack tightly. The 4-banger engine can be a bid annoying if you're used to nothing else but 6- and 8-cylinder engines, but it packs enough power for the little bugger and its two occupants. With the roof up the noise is just like what a coupe or sedan would expose you to. A huge advantage over a cloth top... Long distances are no issue whatsoever. I'd recommend a car with cruise control, Xenon headlights and automatic transmission for those long road-trips. If you're looking for a small roadster to throw around curves in yor vicinity then you might look for somethin else. But the SLK is just perfect for those road trips down to southern France, Italy or elswhere with your partner and little luggage. Due to it's size, the SLK can be parked anywhere, makes it through narrow roads and streets in some of those southern villages and streets and even those tight underground garages in downtown Paris' hotels won't become a challenge. Since rust took us apart from our first SLK, we've just purchased another one - again a 2001 230K/R170, but with less Km on the clock and hardly any rust. Again we'll take this one on road trips until it falls apart. Chances are, we'll get us another one after that...

[@coolcruisingautophotograph1735]

Hey Geoff, I have just bought a 2000 Slk230 with under 60k miles on it...I don't want a boy racer MX5.. cheers

[@Cheeky-fingers]

Everything you said is correct. Only thing is rust also plagues Z3's of the late 90's early to mid 2000's. The MX5 is a cracking car but feels.like the metal is as thick as a bake bean can. It is more of a track day car with a loyal community following. For me it's the SLK as I use it all year round and the hard top makes it bearable in our long cold winters. I have owned all 3 roadsters and the SLK just does it for me.

[@seanboundy8365]

The reason for not having a 1 touch up is for safety reasons. Either get sued for a window choking someone to death who thought it was best to test it as a guillotine, Or, add a safety sensor to allow the window to stop when it detects pressure... they decided to avoid both options for a conveniently cheaper idea, Conveniently Down, Responsibility Up button.

[@malcolm8339]

It's Called Calypso Green for the USA market. Only made in 1999. The wife had one for years which prompted me to buy an 01 320 which I still have at 198,000 miles. The V6 is the better set up.

[@ronhiggins4549]

i think the slk is more of a touring sport rather than a pure roadster,so not really a apples to apples comparison with the miata in or BMW , more like a smaller SL

[@juggingsideways921]

As someone who’s driven all 3(z3,mx5 an slk) I can say personally the mx5 is garbage for current prices, the z3 is ugly asl plus mechanical issues, the slk is a real Mercedes w it’s quirks and engineering. None of these cars are fast but as far as style and handling the manual slk is the best out of the 3. This just my opinion tho. Good content bro.

[@gsk5161]

Great color!! BTW, MR2 Spyder is better than all 3 IMO!

[@quentin818]

Wrong, I have the 320 manual, it’s a beast, the sound it addictive, hitting the redline going trough the gears, I love it

[@GeoffBuysCars]

I need to try a manual....

[@abramo351ierardo7]

Could not agree with you more brother it is exactly what I did

[@rjl837]

Geoff your great

[@kevinbannister2356]

Despite the remarks about the Mazda MX5 being the car of choice, I do like the Hard top to roadster conversion in 20 seconds. that is what the SLK is realy all about. Just like to also mention that Alfa Romeo were the top convertible makers with their Spider that lasted 4 decades of production before Fiat took over & killed them off.

[@GentilsGarage]

The only thing these cars lacked compared to others of the same segment was a nice exhaust note from the 4 pots. An MX5 or MGF have a much nicer engine when reviving.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

mine is a bit throaty!

[@FunAllDayLong4353]

A Magnaflow exhaust really makes it roar.

[@govertvanamerongen5902]

True and with an aftermarket exhaust you are in business...

[@sowhat1027]

great car

[@TheJamesvgnr]

Personal angle against preferring an MX5 to an SLK-I'm 6ft4. There's no chance I'll fit into the Mazda! :(

[@kila_whale]

Try Toyota MR2 MK3

[@billyehh]

Yeah. the comfortable limit is about 6ft1.

[@joeyoung6429]

Slk or mx5?

[@user-jl3jl8lk2q]

I have a Fiat Barchetta in pretty much the same colour. It needs a restoration now but in its prime it was a fantastic car. Okay, it's FWD and snobs will say that means it isn't a roadster, but it is, so there!

[@samuelstokes7987]

Adding a comment to even out the allegations floating about. Can't have our Geoff told off now

[@vashawnlife]

I own two slk 230 I fix them on my KZbin channel. I love these cars

[@yellowsatan]

Is this car for sale? Please message me :)

[@jeffreywarrensmith581]

Agreed I do not like silver or black cars either and also think they are a bit boring. if you have such an outstanding shaped car why dilute it?

[@kbrickell4732]

i touch up for the windows is to do with regulations.

[@chmartin444]

I've been offered a white one for a grand with a few rust spots.

[@zayan0013]

I test drove a 23 mx-5 amd I didn't enjoy the ride at all. The worst part was the 'false floor' pedal.

[@MrEogin21]

The ultimate affordable roadster is surely the early Boxter 986, in a different league to MX5 and SLK etc. Buy a good cheap one and there's nothing else like them; pulls and corner like a train and ultimately it's, well, a Porsche not a Mazda!!

[@ewenbrooke9976]

Lol, nice one...i know the feeling when your idea of something doesn't match the reality....I bought an Alfa Brera SV 3.2 v6 from Manheim once and decided to put it up for sale by the time I got back. Spent the next 2 weeks sorting bits out and hoping id love it like the other Alfas but it just didn't feel right. Big old heavy GM lump. Sometimes it just doesn't stack up. I have to say I'd prefer the later SLK and it needs some fetling to really enjoy it. Nice job... Let's see some Alfas !!

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Find me a good cheap 156.... Love your comment!

[@ianmuir3640]

I had one great wee car supercharged

[@DMStarFlash]

I hope Jimmy's sent you some free drinks

[@kbrickell4732]

1 touch up is due to regulations so you dont get you head stuck between the window and the roof.

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Had a 2nd gen mazda mx5 for a while. The ride and build and feeling of quality was quite bad, engine was dull the whole car felt like it was made from a beer can. Still have a 2003 200k slk manual, since maybe 2004, which says it all. Around here you don’t even see z3s or mx5s anymore, but there are 5 1st gen slks in my town💪👌

[@raybarrett5422]

Right when you said the mx5 is the best thats when i knew nothing you said mattered lol

[@cockshoemagoo2]

L0l 12k for a miata 6 for the z3 and I can get a slk for 2-3 CAD

[@DADDA]

You can actually go wrong with a MX 5. Im too damn tall for it, really wish I could fit.

[@nicksundby]

Please play that jingle more - there was only 30 times in this video, 50 or 60 would be better

[@torevenheim9607]

Thing is you get comfort, a coupe, a cab for no money, with Bmw and Mazda you do not. Interior is bad, but rest is good quality

[@joepicart5345]

The k is for compact like K car

[@haraldhaegermann5322]

SLK means in english : very light + short...

[@Bodgemiester]

K stands for kompact

[@AmericanConstellation]

Honda 2000....?

[@bobbysworldrox]

Disagree with your assessment about choosing the Z3 over slk 230. I think your mistake was getting one that's automatic. I have an 03 slk 230 6 speed manual. You feel the power in your hands . Z3 is much slower an rag tops are prone to leak an age poorly over time. One thing I will concede is it doesn't exactly feel like a roadster but that's very subjective as to what a roadster is supposed to be. You can claim it's a Mazda mx5 an I'll come back at you an say last gen MR2 mid engine is the true definition of a roadster. We can circle jerk all day long on that subject . Lastly get better tires an wheels.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

That's a good comment, here in the UK its not easy finding the 6 speed manuals though, I've tried them a few times and it's the build quality that sways me to z3 over SLK. I always got the feeling with the SLK that it was... delicate, somehow!

[@negropolis4042]

Is hard to find slk 230 6speed

[@Jimakos_busa89]

@@GeoffBuysCars z3 is beautifull car none can argue with that,but you feel that you are in a wagon with wheels!very very small very low and not comfortable at all when you driving it or if you want to put somewhere your coffee bag etc..plus fabric roof so not good safety.Finally you have to purchase a z3 above 2.8cc(192HP) and only then you can feel the power of the engine something that doesnt happen on the slk where you can buy 2.0 litre kompressor with 192 HP or 163.The last thing i am with you is the build quality

[@GeoffBuysCars]

@@Jimakos_busa89 I've had a 2.8 Z3 and I'd always choose a Z3 over an SLK but for every day, all year use I'd have an MX5 with the metal folding roof!

[@Jimakos_busa89]

@@GeoffBuysCars ok that’s your opinion and I don’t argue with that but I think overall slk was a better car in every way!Only one reason to buy a z3 is the feel of more freedom cause your body was more exposed to the nature.

[@luketussey6366]

i’ve got a yellow 32 amg i hate the color

[@mikie47]

Just bought a 1998 with only 29,000 at auction for US8,000. Bargain

[@CarlosSolisProductions]

K = Kompact

[@curtisducati]

My slk is a great everyday car , 100 times better than an MX5 handbag

[@ryanfraley7113]

Funny how channels like this that did fun and neat review of old cars sold out to the algorithm and sold out to get engagement. Total lack of integrity.

[@monkey555500]

if you wanted an mx-5 you wouldnt want an slk.....far too small looking the mx-5 in my view dont like them..merc all day for me..

[@erizfolkz31]

If you're going to buy a SLK just get a Chrysler Crossfire. 😂

[@classiccarrebuilds2771]

A real mans car..just a man who is in touch with his LGBGQ and female side possibly...

[@AP-hp4yo]

SLGAY 😂

[@Canadian_Gamer]

You've got to be kidding me... Miatas are trash bud!

[@ChrisCarClips]

A reason to have an SLK over an MX5 is if you're massive and don't fit in the MX5 😂😂

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Yes, absolutely!! I’m 5,9 ish and I was pushing the limit of a mk3 mx5

[@SeatLeonMK2]

thing beats more than a miata

[@mindbodyandsoul604]

Doesnt feel like a guy should drive em

[@jeremybickford3179]

the only good mx5 are new ones the old ones are junk

[@billyehh]

Rubbish. The original was a small British style roadster that would actually start in the rain. Very basic but cheap and fun. I had a 1962 Austen Healey Sprite in university with a mechano style roof that would take almost 10 minutes to assemble. With that and the side curtains, the weak heater never had a chance to keep you warm in a Canadian Winter.

[@12masterr]

Is not better, is way way better, from every point of view. Gayness is in your mind! Lol. Imagine if I will have to decide what to buy based in what other people think!

[@juniorlewalski4393]

Lmao SLgay 😂😂😂😂😂

[@henkvanderwaard1761]

mazda M5. ...with a Ford Focus engine?? ......snorrr snorrr snorrrr no character.

[@henkvanderwaard1761]

I had a Z3 with a straight 6, got an SLK 280 now with a lovely V6. My everyday car work horse is a Mazda 6 diesel, and here is the difference. Do I need to say more??

[@LacayoDe]

Completely disagree the BMW has a shit roof making the SLK a better buy 100% specially if you live in rainy countries like mine . Eveytime it rains in an BMW Z3 you feel like a tornado 🌪 .. and the Mazda ? I see like 26 a day here in the Netherlands I am definitely not gonna be like everyone. Also the SLK has more luxurious extras the automatic SLK is better than the 99 Masda MX5 . The automatic masda is shit . My SLK also has very nice things such as the speed limiter , cruise control and even heated seats . The problem so that there are so many destroyed SLKs out there .

[@GeoffBuysCars]

You are 100% correct about the roof, I meant the way the cars drive and engage. If it's a roof challenge, the SLK wins by a MILE!

[@LacayoDe]

@@GeoffBuysCars i agree with everything else you said ! I am from Costa Rica .. If I was living there I would get the Mazda 100% .. but here in the Netherlands no way Jose ! The cheapest Mazda with a hard top here cost around 11-13k is from the model 2007 and up . I paid for my SLK 230 ..3k with absolutely perfect paint inside . And full extras including the seat heaters that I love , blue color , beige and black interior . Another thing is the Mercedes looks way more expensive I frequently caught people taking pictures of it .. it draws more attention that my Mustang Mach E which is find absolutely ridiculous.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

@@LacayoDe Great comment! I've spent time in Costa Rica surfing, would love to return one day. There's a Facebook group for Geoff Buys Cars too if you want to join :-)

[@GentilsGarage]

Wait until you own an MGF and you’ll see a new definition of water leak.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

@@GentilsGarage i owned one for ages, but to be fair, the previous owner had replaced the head gasket, cooling system and all the pipes underneath the car...