Should You Buy a MERCEDES SLK?

[@BENSTER489]

I bought a 2002 Mercedes SLK in black back in May, my first ever car. Although I've heard that some owners have their gripes with it and yes, the hairdresser jokes ensued but this is by far an absolutely superb car. Nothing, and I mean nothing beat the feeling of sitting in it for the first time, taking the roof off with the music up and going for a drive in the sunset. I'll always remember that, certainly one of my most favourite memories of my whole life.

[@stefantud300]

I'm looking at a 2005 SLK as my first car, what would you say?

[@BENSTER489]

@@stefantud300 I prefer the first gen SLK for its appearance. All three generations are very reliable vehicles and decent on fuel too. If you can nab a decent mileage model for under £5000 you've got a winner

[@stefantud300]

@@BENSTER489 Thanks a lot, really appreciated!

[@cjf3540]

I’ve got a 2006 with 218,000 miles. Drive it every day. Once a week I run it up to three digits, no major problems 😁😁

[@patrickmcnamara3879]

@@BENSTER489

[@stephenbibby8650]

Oh Matt I’m glad you like the car. My everyday driver is a disco sport but last year I retired and wanted something to enjoy on summers days . I always wanted a convertible so I bought a 2012 SLK . I’m afraid it’s only the humble 200 Blue Efficiency but with a top speed in excess of 140 mph it’s plenty fast enough for me . Put the 7 speed automatic in sports mode and the acceleration is thrilling. As you say the combination of hard top and convertible is so useable. I still love my Disco but on a Sunny day with the top down the SLK really puts a smile on my face . I hope to keep it until I’m too old to drive 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching! Good choice. They're good cars. Easy to use and own and you can still enjoy wind in your hair motoring

[@stevennorth6484]

I have a 05 , 200 auto. I'm keeping it until I can't get in or out of it without too much of a struggle. If no one parks next to you & you can open the door fully & the roof is down , it's much easier.

[@stevenmarshall3763]

Same here - Disco Sport for the hard yards, 2009 SLK 2look for the fun drives. Love them both.

[@k100wigg]

Ditto. Retired. Done the 996 Carrera 4 cab. (frail), Jaguar XKR fixed head (expensive). Now on an '09 SLK300 with an E Pace daily drive. Just done 160 mile run on M6/A50 ... 36mpg! what's not to like.

[@briandeluchi7062]

B

[@kaytee4863]

We are on our second diesel one of these, and this is by far the fairest most accurate review I’ve come across. Thanks as always for your brilliant content.

[@guyrichhill4910]

I just bought a diesel model, and was wildly worried - your comment of being on your 2nd one has made me feel much better.

[@kevinpegg7681]

Picked up a 2014 250CDi AMG last April. The AMG spec is an option with 18” wheels, lowered & stiffened suspension and uprated brakes. Parking sensors and Airscarf are a must. So far been a great little car. Torque is comparable with SLK55 AMG so overtaking is great fun. Great for the miles up and down the motorway and fun in the Welsh hills. Really pleased with it and it’s appreciated in value. Cheers for another great review Matt.

[@charliemopic470]

Horse shit. Air scarf is not "a must" at all and is entirely superiorfluous - driven SLK's with and without in middle of winter. Standard spect without the scarf is fine with roof dropped all year down - just need heated seats with standard blower.

[@MrRawUK]

I love the SLK. I had a 230 kompressor AUTO years ago. I got such a ribbing from my mates for driving a hairdresser car though. Love the more modern one like you have in the video.

[@scalecrawlnl]

A good-looking car and a comprehensive, fun review of a diesel convertible! Could make for a lovely roadtripper. Or early Sunday dashes to Caffeine & Machine. Thank you Matt.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Couldn't agree more! The tank range is impressive

[@alandavidson8717]

I had a brand new one from '12 - '14, with that engine and box. Was a bit course and loud but I liked it. Had a rumble with a Mégane RS 225 on the M54, he couldn't pass me or gain on me so that's how quick it was for a diesel. I would imagine losing the egr, dpf and a remap it would be properly quick. Oh and it ate rear tyres 😊

[@tombartley6228]

I've got the same model and have owned it for a couple of years of relatively trouble free motoring. The roof hinge cover return springs break. This is a common problem with the R172 and can be expensive to replace at a dealership. The air scarf and heated seats are terrific options... The cup holders were a £25 option when new!

[@davewatts7444]

This is for me a great car, if as you say spec it properly. The SLC version just beats this on interior, I love the gear changer its small a chunky

[@jeandavis7177]

Just bought 2012 SLK 55 AMG in May with just over 10,000 miles. I am a little lady so gave up on the V8 63 due size. I am very happy!! Better boot size that 3 litre. Had SLC diesel which would recommend for long distances. But the acceleration on this thing is great and the boot size is practical for UK Breaks. Pick whatever matches your lifestyle, plans and wants. I wanted a V8 after a lifetime of Sports or fast convertible cars. I didn’t even know this V8 existed and found the v v positive Clarkson write up after purchase - Phew!!!

[@oliversalmons7416]

Loved my r171 SLK 350. You said exactly what I used to tell folk….the slk isn’t a sports car, it’s a small convertible Mercedes. Great cars for everyday use. Great review. Cheers

[@giannagiavelli5098]

thats the one I chose. stick shift. freakin awesome. may not be a sports car but mine 0-60s in 4.8 seconds fast enough to keep a mustang gt in its place

[@oliversalmons7416]

@@giannagiavelli5098 yes, I guess I meant track focused. And yes, the 0-60 was very impressive. Great cars

[@giannagiavelli5098]

@@oliversalmons7416 I think its a GT. a nice cruiser thats great for drives and still has the punch when u need it. cornering? meh not really.

[@jasons2290]

Reverse with the windows down to listen out for screams or broken glass & as funny as a floater in a swimming pool,Comedy genius.Your videos just get better and better.Thanks Matt,Keep up the fantastic work you do.J

[@jakub.s938]

One of my favourite car content on YT Matt! I'm looking forward for a Merc CLK coupe 2nd gen review from you. Always loved those cars. Keep up with the content mate.

[@Kane856]

Love the SLK, my budget will only stretch to £5000 but I have found a nice looking SLK280 at £4490 with 69k on the clock and no advisories but the partial service history is scaring me lol - thanks for the review 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

I wouldn't worry about partial history. Just make sure when you buy it you give it a full service and service the auto box and you should be fine

[@molluscturtle]

They’re really pretty bombproof. Very very easy to service. My OHs R171 hasn’t seen a garage for four years but it’s immaculate and perfectly maintained. There’s not much beyond a competent home mechanic, so that service history wouldn’t bother me at all. I assume you’re looking at an R171 - only biggie is rust where the wing joins the wheel arch - if it has this bubbling or evidence of a repair then walk away. The wings are (last time I looked) £438 plus vat each. No aftermarket available. Every single cheap used example I see has this rust. Back subframes rust too but Merc sometimes replace under rust warranty. Ours is swimming in waxoyl. I sound even more of a geek.

[@Kane856]

@@molluscturtle Cheers - it's a 2005 SLK280 with a 6 speed manual box, so I think it should be a R171 - I think I have to go take a look, the dealer is less than 10 miles away so the only excuse is the fear of future bills lol - as you can see I'm a crap car buyer :)

[@Kane856]

@@HighPeakAutos Cheers :) I always freak out when it comes to car buying especially on something that is a bit exotic, just got to go check it out I think :)

[@gordysevenzero3244]

@@Kane856 Get underneath and look at the rear subframe - I have the exact same car, and a £1300 bill for replacing it! I wouldn't swap the car though, it is a sweet number all round.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Thanks Matt for tippy-toeing around saying those dreaded words 'daily driver'. I could tell it was a struggle, but well avoided.

[@54mgtf22]

Had the choice between an SLK200 and Porsche Boxster back in 2015. Bought the Boxster and it’s still a lovely car to drive.

[@HighPeakAutos]

The Boxster is way more special but the SLK is a bit easier to live with

[@paultasker7788]

Slk 55AMG 2nd generation facelift. That's worth a go! Been one in the family for several years now and I've driven it. With no turbo and a big v8 it sounds incredible. I remember top gear testing it against a boxster and Jeremy loving it. It doesn't handle like a boxster, not even close, feels nose heavy a bit like a muscle car, interior looks very dated now with a laughable sat Nav but put your foot down and all is forgiven. As a weekend toy for not much cash it takes some beating.

[@megapangolin1093]

Great video, you are right about the Boxster, and definitely about every Mercedes- bought only for the badge, nothing else, it certainly isn't because of the reliability, or dealerships for the latter. Can you imagine who would buy an ML if it was a Kia?

[@tommyolsen8224]

Miss our old SLK! We had one for 7 years ! Now we have A250, CLK and a Smart Forfour Brabus 😁

[@GENXGENZ]

I had one of the original 1998 230k models and it was brilliant, not it was for the roof that was the cool thing. I drove it for about 30k miles a year and it was a great car

[@colingroves335]

Great review, i have a 2006 SLK 350 V6, it's been a joy to own after 3 years of ownership, always gets admiring looks, even though it's an older model, like you say, it's all about the badge.

[@gamesrullzro8356]

I have an SLK R171, which is my daily car. has 220.000 KM. I fu^king love it !!! If you want one go for it. Any time I drive it makes me smile, still the same sensation as in the first day, even after 3 years :)

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Yes, I think your comments are spot-on. It's a super comfortable cruiser that has lots of space, two seats, can drop the roof when you feel like it, keep the roof up when the weather is bad. The drive isn't actually that bad, when you enjoy the drive and don't try and set a track record. This isn't as smooth or quick as my CLK, or as nimble as any of the hondas I've had.... but it is the car I get into when it's just me and road🤷🏻‍♂🤷🏻‍♂

[@kingrichardsvideos]

I have one for about 8 years and love it. Best thing for manoeuvring and parking: install a camera, i have front and rear and i can park it way better than many utility cars without cameras. The original stereo accepts them (dedicated rear cam input and front as video aux-in), so no need to do much fiddling. About the maintenance, the car likes to throw some errors now and then, so yeah, you should be on top of it so the car does not surprise you. I'm on the second engine, but was due to mechanic error, meaning no extra cost for me. Overall, i use it daily and got so used to it that when going to another car, quickly miss its comfort (never thought to say something like this about a sporty car, but it really is comfortable).

[@williamrex3066]

Why is there an opening between the roof and the rear windscreen?

[@kingrichardsvideos]

That gap is because of the way the windscreen was made, it shouldn't overcome the safety pillars, so it looks that way when the top is up. Mine does not have that, instead it has two small rotating glass (windows) protections in the shape of the pillars. Each one in the back of its pillar, rotating to the middle to make the windscreen. Almost never use them in the extended form, don't find it too turbulent or windy because i use the rear quarter windows up.

[@williamrex3066]

Thanks for the explanation

[@garethduckworth9896]

Your videos are the best way to kill a lunch break.

[@jeanr6948]

After a petrol SL350 I had a SLC diesel. Despite my initial embarrassment the relief of the mileage offered by the diesel set me free for trips/touring with roof down even on the A1! The 3 litre petrol “SLC” I test drove after did confirm the acceleration difference. But regular trips from Devon to Essex filling up an SL350 were a bit heavy duty! The SLC Diesel use everyday and regular trips to Stamford, Devon et al demonstrated that the diesel was a good experiment. And weirdly I thought [but it may not be correct] that the SLC boot took loads of bags and cases even with the roof down. I still have a yen for a V8 in 2022 but those painful memories of filling up the SL350 very [too] regularly [I actually use my cars more than 10,000 miles p.a.] escape like teletubbies into my memory!

[@niiardey]

Amazing contect man! I have an older version!! Love the car!! Its my everyday fun car, pushing it beyond its limits and squeezing every single bit of fun out of it! Feels as if its now an extension of my body when I drive with it!

[@Vince_uk]

I have a 1999 R170, 230 Kompressor which I use as a summer weekend car, Spent a small fortune on getting up to standard but I love it. I did a round trip to Norfolk in it last year and it didn't miss a beat. I have been using it as a daily the past 4 months and I am off now to pick it up from WMB in Sunderland where I have just had it serviced, My Brother has a R172 a totally different car to mine but they are really nice..

[@andrewwinter3722]

I have a slk 320 tucked up in the garage waiting for spring , cheap to run and reliable

[@ms-mv6so]

is it possible to drive it in winter ?

[@paratroopergirl4064]

I have the 2013 SLK 350 AMG in black with creme color seats and dark tinted windows. I thought about buying a newer version but my current SLK is fine. It has 69K miles and the body is in good condition and it gets its annual service and occasional detailing. I get compliments on my car all the time. People think it is newer than 2013. The only thing I added was a LED Mercedes emblem on the front. It looks really cool at night and riding through the fog. 😊

[@sgdtv1368]

Remember on TopGear when they called it the SLGAY, they’d get cancelled for that now 😂😂

[@HighPeakAutos]

Yes they definitely would haha

[@Dozer67]

Funny, yet unfair. You still gotta love Clarkson & his un-PC colleagues 😃 Those were the days when you could take the pi$$. Whithout some easily offended, humourless pr!ck trying to ruin your like 😃

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

They got cancelled for less

[@YorkshireTraveller]

And yet Clarkson owned one himself.

[@neilcusack9448]

@@YorkshireTraveller the biggest irony 😂

[@pobinr]

Anyone considering buying an SLK55 really ought to try an SL500 first. Far more car for the money. I'm glad I did & I'm glad I opted for the SL500. I just sold my Z3M roadster & replaced it with a low mileage R231 SL500 in hyacinth red with cream leather. It corners really well. Nice & flat hardly any body roll. No scuttle shake. I think Chris Harris knows his cars well & he loved the AMG63. Mine's not the AMG SL63 admittedly. But not much less power or performance. It's more than enough. In fact I'm in awe of it. The fact it takes an extra 200 or 300 milliseconds to reach the legal speed limit compared to the AMG is immaterial. 0-60 in 4.5s effortlessly is fine with me. It doesn't even feel like it's trying, there's so much torque. Sounds like I have 4 V twin superbike engines under the bonnet :-) I'm loving it to bits. I considered an SLK55. But they're almost as expensive. A great little V8 roadster, but less car for the money. Plus I'm 6 foot tall so it felt a little cramped TBH SLK55 £55k new. SL500 £85k new but only £3 or £4k more second hand for the SL. And it's an almost all aluminium engineering masterpiece with massive torque from 1800 RPM & higher spec than SLK. It's S class after all. Far more luxury & comfort, but still the performance of a fast sports car. When I test drove an Slk55 I felt the engine was special. When I drive my SL500 the whole car feels special. They're lot of car for the money at present. Third of the new price for car with low mileage ! 12:45

[@neilcusack9448]

That was the best review of an SLK I’ve seen. You got the machine bang on and what it is best at doing. I’ve had a 129 SL followed by 170 and 171 SLK. The 172 is a great all rounder. Your read on the OM651 engine was correct. I sell MB commercials and have seen Sprinters hit 600k miles on the same engine and gearbox.

[@richardoverton9599]

We've got a 2009 done about 50k probably worth about £5500. Great little car, great value. Review was spot on!

[@ursmalo3103]

I bought my SLK CDI in 2012 new and still love it. It's a very reliable and economic car, it even has the original batteries. The best thing for me is how it pulls uphill or if you overtake someone. So I think the diesel fits very well to this car, especially if you are more a cruiser than a racer.

[@topgearmad12]

My mum has one of these and she loves it. Although my only quarms is if you’re 6ft 2 with the seat inevitably all the way back, the seat will squeak as it rubs against the back

[@johnhyoutube]

Very sensible review, but with a caveat. I ordered a new SLC 180 in 2017, built to my exact spec and bought at a hefty discount. It was a lovely car, but for one deeply irritating problem that ultimately made me sell it last year. The last models of the SLC all came as standard with AMG sport suspension, which looked good, but it rode like a wheelbarrow on the lumpy crappy roads where I live. The bouncy stiff ride was totally out of keeping with the otherwise relaxed feel of the car, and it effectively ruined the car. A great shame as otherwise it was a great car. Buyers beware!

[@richardthomson203]

Hey John ! Have to agree with Matt on this one, my Boxster 987.2 was written off in June by Cotswold Porsche dealer ! Now replaced by a 2018 SLC. As an everyday car the Porsche is way too harsh and becomes annoying banging away on the roads. SLC is much more relaxing and with a 9speed box and ECU sport plus becomes a beast !! Hope all's well with you, funny who you meet on KZbin!! 👍

[@johnhyoutube]

@@richardthomson203 ... Hi Richard, since then I have now bought an SL400. Now that's a proper beast!

[@andreaporciello677]

Hi, I have the slk 250 2014 as my daily car, I love it. It is sporty, elegant and very easy to use. In my opinion the best two seats convertible in this price range.

[@chrisbrooks37]

Absolutely love the channel. So much useful information! You are always talking about premium fuel. Would be great to see a short video on what the difference is and why it’s worth the premium price. Thanks

[@stephenlane9168]

Great video Matt. The ride on the Z4 is so harsh it’s back breaking.

[@GarnockReviews]

Great review. I'd love something like this. I'm pushing 40 and not looking for something that you rattle over every bump on the road with. I didn't realize they had stopped making them but then I'm not a new Mercedes type of shopper. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@stevenclarke5606]

I’ve always really liked the SLK , I just love the idea of the folding roof

[@JSandATM]

I had a 2011 BMW Z4. It was fun but very rough, especially for the NY winters and potholes. The dash was also a christmas tree all year

[@neildallison4433]

Roof squeaks are easily fixed by treating all the roofs rubber seals with gummy pflege every 6 months. Works like magic, takes 5 minutes to do. You can thank me later. I own this exact car with all the desirable spec options, use it as a daily driver and I love it 👍

[@stueyboy1966]

I had a slk 250d as a company car when this model came out. Yes, the engine is a little gruff, make sure it has parktronic and air scarf, sat nav etc, but way more fun than a rep mobile and great mpg.. over 55 on a good run. It is not sporty though. Chuck it around the corners and you'll be next on the undertakers slab

[@teleris6971]

The MB SLK 350 R172 is the best car ever made: Perfect matching of price, maintenance- & insurance costs, taxes, fair fuel consumption, brandnamed high quality, handling, design, etc.. It let you looking like a successful clever person even if you are not a millionaire.

[@philbiker3]

The SLK is underappreciated. I love my 250 in the USA. It's not a "sports" car per se - more of what we in the states call a "GT" car. Still, they respond when you push it. I've had mine on a track (there were two other SLKs there, an AMG 55 and a 350) and to the "Tail Of The Dragon" multiple times and if you really push the car in the windy roads - it responds beautifully. Also - great point about a used Boxster with similar mileage / year being twice the price.

[@hirenpatel2966]

This could be a shout , small convertible like this. Another great video Matt!

[@cuneyt4313]

the SLK/SLC was and is still a dream car of mine🤧 i am utterly disappointed that i didn’t get one before everything wasn’t as shitty as nowadays

[@stanwoltynski4153]

floater in a swimming pool, only you'd think of that one in a car review.....My hero. Ta

[@antonychesters9803]

Had an SLK and a Boxster both as daily drivers and loved them both. The Merc is NOT a sports car but mine (a R170) was built like a tank. Both were very reliable and reasonable to run. I'd love another Boxster but not an SLK.

[@paulenderby7178]

Just picking my 2012 AMG Sport on Saturday. Thanks for the video, gave me confidence. And I’ll be able to trot out a good line when the jokes start

[@mickyday2008]

I’ve got one of these but a 2012 AMG 55. It’s crazy fast. Its got loads of extras including the IWC dashboard clock but no parking sensors for some reason. It would be interesting to see you review one. It’s the best one I’ve had. I’ve owned each shape, an R170 230 Kompressor and an R171 350 which were both very nice apart from both of them going rusty under the wheel arches which was very disappointing.

[@kingfisherphil]

Had the model before this, 280 and it was super for distances, most enjoyable and relaxing.......unlike MX5 which is like travelling in a cement mixer! But a lot more money.

[@zsb707]

That "cement mixer" is a true sports car ...

[@kingfisherphil]

I have had both and MX5 nice local run about but the SLK is in a different class. The MX5 for me was poor in terms of fuel economy compared to Merc and 150bhp is hair dresser stuff!

[@zsb707]

@@kingfisherphil Unfortunately you haven't understood anything about the true spirit of MX-5 ...

[@kingfisherphil]

@@zsb707 alas I fully inderstand it is an MG without all the faults, don't patronise .

[@christineayres7199]

My mate who is a manager at Sainsbury in Beaconsfield has one of these , he loves it but the problem he's having is the cost of maintaining it , costs him a few grand a year in repairs , as Mercedes dealers do charge an arm and leg for servicing.

I have one.. and i am happy with her... she is my daily driver...

[@carolcooks1208]

Hi Matt, try Gummi Pflege for the the squeaks. It may well be that the rubber seals need lubricated. Worked for my Boxster. Cheers Giles

[@heroicrockstar]

I have a 2003 R 171 2.3 KOMPRESSOR, I absolutely love it 👌

[@charlesmorgan8440]

I dissent a little from the assertion that the Boxsters have firm rides, I have had two S models from new (the first and the second) and yes, I don't put big wheels on (18s were standard which for me is big enough) and roads 20 years ago were a lot better, but I just remember two cars that rode and handled like little else of that size. The niche of the SLK you have summarised perfectly, but in Mercedes enthusiast days I do recall these being pumped out at £250 a month on leases by the thousand, and as I never liked the front end styling of the later SLs these did little for me then and now. But then I'm much more curmudgeonly than I used to be!

[@jeanr6948]

Forgot to say - love your reviews!

[@nicholaswatson3896]

A lovely, perfectly proportioned car.

[@ianbint2181]

Nice review thank you. Bought ours in late 2015 new and specced it well, (250d 9speed). Fast, economical and reliable, still have it over seven years and 80k miles later as you say, what else is there. Maybe save up and PX for a Fiesta? Maybe not. Just remember that the base spec car, even AMG line, (a £4k premium for leather, wheels, suspension and bodykit), is short of standard kit so check well what you are buying. Pan roof, air scarf, media interface, even headlamp washers and decent lights are all cost options. Lumbar support only comes with the £1000 electric seat option. As for the SLC - some improvements mainly to the media, but some compromises, like a C class steering wheel with incorrect buttons and demon tweeks bumpers - personal opinion 😀 Good advice re regular servicing and premium fuel, also 9g gearbox needs a specialist fluid and filter change at 77.5k miles, about £350 at an independent.

[@iandonkin6762]

I preferred the front end of the previous model, but otherwise what’s not to like? Very clever roof mechanism too and a nice cruiser on a sunny summer evening. Very fair video as always 👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@duncanidaho7494]

I agree the R171 looked better, Especially from the front.

[@stevejones1318]

I love my black R171 (with electrcally adjustable seats 😊). The vacuous dweebs who say that two seaters are hairdresser's cars have never driven one - if they had they'd shut it.

[@jstos3675]

Another excellent video. Very informative and concise, thank you. I am trying to decide between this car or the 2013-2015 BMW Z4, to buy as my next daily driver. I don't intend on racing it, I just want to drive a nice looking sports car that is as reliable as possible and won't become a money pit as far as repair/maintenance costs are concerned. I know, I know, German cars aren't exactly known for their reliability 😄.

[@Andrew-hh1pq]

Thanks for your excellent video, I own a 14 plate SLK and absolutely agree with everything you have said.

[@robc5955]

Ooo suits me sir, my kinda ‘sports’ car, comfy robust and quiet.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I saw this SLK-Klasse had a fake AMG badge. In reality, it’s a diesel SLK, doing 0-62 in 6.5 seconds (according to Parkers), although nephew Matt said 6.7 seconds.

[@MrFlyingguy]

a big problem here in UK, everyone puts AMG badges on 230's

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@MrFlyingguy Even one of the cars parked in my college’s car park has a fake AMG badge; it was a C-Klasse Coupe. It has the same engine as the SLK-Klasse that nephew Matt reviewed, but according to Parkers, it does 0-62 in 7 seconds dead.

[@Dozer67]

Ours is an AMG "line" As standard it has AMG wheels, suspension & body styling etc. In the same way Ford do the ST "line" but without the ST engines. Merc don't add an AMG badge to the boot lid but personally I think they should add "AMG Line" to differentiate those vehicles from the standard sport model.

[@leedstown]

Great video Matt, your getting good at reviewing!, I owned 3 early slk"s all 230K, a 1997, 2001 and 2002 all in silver this was around 16 years ago the front wings always rusted, typical of mercedes at the time

[@allanprits3484]

Apart from the rusty wings...anything else to worry about? I fancy either an early SLK or early 2.5 Boxster. Cheers mate

[@leedstown]

@@allanprits3484 most slk"s will have had the wings changed but I have seen some with rusty rear wheel arches too. I owned a 2001 boxster 2,5 in 2005, which was quicker than the slk but a very hard ride the slk is a much softer ride. Old boxsters are expensive when they go wrong I would recommend the slk and definitely a 230 kompressor over the 200.. Also go for a late 2001 onwards they have a sill kit painted in the cars colour pre 2001 no sill kit just usually painted black sills. Make sure the roof works perfect water can get into the boot and blow the board for the roof. The interior plastic below the dash between the seats is painted and usually the paint comes off and looks a mess. Exhausts can be expensive and I think they can have leaking shocks so try to get one with a long mot and check the advisorys.. Lower amount of owners the better

[@allanprits3484]

@@leedstown thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Yes IMS, rads etc...easy to get caught out and be in for a bundle. Will have to check both out.

[@wellybobs4403]

@@allanprits3484 no rust on the wings 2013

[@leedstown]

@@wellybobs4403 no Alan looking for a early slk

[@boomhsyy37663gdgdgdg]

Love this channel, addictive watch.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@davidr5250]

Living in Greater Manchester there are still a number of days in October when I can put the roof down

[@JohnLyle]

They look like great value! Damn you Matt, i'm looking again!

[@zzhughesd]

8:20 , first rainbow in the high peak , in a High-Peak-Auto's vid ?

[@SuperMauricem]

This car was the one my wife wanted and I wanted her to get the Z4 she rarely drives so really would of been my second car, I liked the car I liked once behind the wheel. As you mentioned extras are far and few between when shopping for one try to get the heated electric seats and the upgraded stereo- I would avoid the diesel.

[@ca9968]

I owned 2 SLK`s during my time in car sales in South Africa, both were "Weekend or Holidays at the coast" cars, I had an SLK 32 AMG that was pure driving terror, when you put the pedal down it felt like you`d been fired out of a slingshot, then I had an SLK55 AMG, that car was way too much fun, but very very thirsty for town driving, the drive from Johannesburg to the Natal South Coast in that car was pure driving heaven though...neither were great everyday cars and they were very expensive to fix when things went wrong but great toys for long drives in the African summer... Sadly, we never got any of the diesel models due to the pis* poor quality of the diesel on sale in South Africa...

[@vladimirart758]

Why not diesel to be convertible??? If they have good engine isolation and good inside isolation, WHY NOT??? Here you a example-SLK 2.0 d with hard roof!

[@gbphil]

Pardon? The diesel is the most powerful until you reach the petrol 350 and it has 500Nm of torque (class leading) so you can break the grip in most gears, it’s also 151mph although at 145, the front end lifts so becomes floaty. With all that torque.you can see off the rear tyres off within 15k miles.The 2016 models came with a 9 speed gearbox, it is pre-wired for Sat Nav if you buy a module off eBay.

[@jammyjim69]

Enjoyable review. Been looking at an slk for a while initially wanted a 2. 1 cdi as an every day driver then gravitated towards a 350. But as a x3 driver I'm now swaying towards a z4 3.0. Just wary of it being a bit to sporty for a daily 50 mile round trip to work.. Decisions!

[@lynnfisher4396]

We had a soft top Z4 the 3.0 litre auto. 53 plate 31000 miles in 2018, acceleration and engine note that tested your self control and hence a tad thirsty. The run flat tyres made the ride harsh. We swapped the original shocks for Koni adjustable which helped a bit. Many swap the run flats to normal tyres but we didn’t want to rely on an inflation kit. We sold that car to a specialist vintage dealer and bought a low mileage 2015 SLK 2.1 diesel with all the trimmings including the Airscarf. We used that car far more as it was more fun to drive, the torque for the diesel engine provided more than enough power for us and it was very economical. We missed the engine note from the BMW straight six but that was it. We tried a hard top Z4 but that didn’t have the character of the old one but still had the hard ride. If you are doing lots of miles, particularly on non motorway roads the SLK is the better car than either version of the Z4.

[@user-ys4xh6qv9h]

Great review! Always wanted one of these.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching!

[@SMDH.2204]

Pretty car, aged well. Would drive that today

[@darrenboblowe5252]

Ive just bought a 2013 based on this review ive been influenced 😎🤣🤣

[@bdsouza1977]

Good insight into comparable/better cars. Thank you.

[@borisbrain]

Perhaps it's a matter of confirmation bias, but I do love my SLK 250 CD and your video is bang-on the money. My only disappointment has been with the awful Becker Pilot satnav, though this was very recently fixed with an aftermarket CarPlay box which fits straight into the Becker slot. Happy happy.

[@samabrahams7687]

Nice review . The car is a joy for me a daily drive . i have the 250 on a 62 plate ... lets say i prefer the slk to the old corso i was driving before . Tbh its got style and yes it remind me of the sls without the exspensive price tag 😊👍

[@matthewrussell32]

If you live in LA I have a Mercedes SLK 350 for sale 80k miles…just throwing it out there

[@diablobarcelona]

Very nice motor!

[@antonywalker9730]

Love the rainbow 🌈 and that peek at your softer side Matt :-)

[@markrushton1516]

Love that roof. Great review of this model.

[@craig1553]

How often do you change the seat setting if your the main driver? Never? Only when you clean the interior? Unjustified waste of a good electric button 😄👍

[@eaglebeagle1408]

Go for the Petrol V6 and its fantastic

[@geofflethbridge2948]

You keep mentioning using premium fuel when in relation to a diesel, am I missing something? Only standard diesel available at most stations …love the videos though, better than watching a tv series

[@djwarren5081]

Well I've owned two Boxters, and a TT roadster. Now own a Z4. Don't really like top down motoring but keep buying them for some reason 🤔

[@nowgrownup]

Cause your a narcissistic poser

[@kikomacedo8529]

I have slk350 2005...special car...wonderful...I am from Brasil...

[@davidc4988]

Hi Matt, Cracking video again, very informative. Quick question, how would you rate this against a comparable TT? Thanks Dave.

[@threeamigos842]

What he doesn't mention is that with a simple remap the slk 250 jumps up to 251 bhp, and in a small 2 seater car that is plenty.

[@stephenparker5272]

Many people chip the diesel, goes to 241BHP and 550nm, makes it rapid...

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

My great grandmother is 98 years old and she’s younger than that Diesel engine 😂😂

[@domtomalin7868]

I honestly feel like the central screen that does not sit central in the dashboard is the most over looked thing in these cars. It’s the first thing I see.

[@markpirateuk]

I certainly agree that putting a diesel engine in a convertible is a bad idea, I for one would only buy the petrol version, preferably one with a bit of poke ☺

[@Dozer67]

Check out the performance figures. The later SLC uses 5 different engines/power outputs. The only one that comprehensively trounces the diesel is the 3.0 twin turbo V6 SLC43 AMG. The diesel comes in in 3rd place but it's incredibly close to being 2nd place. Then compare the mpg & £30 a year road tax of the diesel V's the SLC43. The only real downside of the diesel is no pops/crackles on the over-run like you get with the SLC43. Non of them are genuine sports cars like a Boxster or even an MX-5.

[@murrieteacher]

Nice car for cruising, but not very good on mountain roads. Perfect for Australia country roads, and our roads are terrible in comparison to the UK roads I have driven on.