Mercedes SLK vs MX5 The Better Value Roadster? Why you Should buy one Instead of a Mazda Miata.

Is Miata always the answer? Bob's just bought a Mercedes SLK 200 Kompressor and is convinced it's a better roadster than a Mazda MX5. Meanwhile, Ratchet is less convinced!
Does the R170 Mercedes SLK offer the best value 90s roadster you can buy today? Join us as we take a look at this folding roof convertible and take it for a spectacular test drive.
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▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
00:47 - The affordable roadster
03:07 - The R170 SLK
05:43 - Varioroof
06:45 - Kompressor
08:11 - Test Drive
14:57 - Ownership
16:48 - The Verdict
18:51 - Outro
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▬ Cars featured in this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
R170 Mercedes SLK Kompressor, Mazda MX5, Eunos Roadster, Mazda Miata, Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3, Honda CRX Del Sol, Fiat Barchette, MG MGF

[@curtisducati]

SLK's are 100 times better than an MX5 doing 20 mpg , my SLK will do 38 with 18inch alloy wheels

[@peterbonnez]

Exactly the same as my 1.8 NB NX-5.

[@countluke2334]

Just got myself one for less than £2,500. I already love it. 1999 230 Kompressor

[@peter455sd]

The SLK is the coolest car Mercedes ever made,anybody that have one absolutely loves it,any year,any color,any model

[@lightice444]

I had the original slk 230 kompressor and loved it, apart from roof issues. About 20 years has passed and I've just bought myself a slk 171 280 V6, it's a great car with a great exhaust note.

[@georgeplayingguitar]

11:57 Bob is saying his final prayers. Ratchet is on the morning commute. 😂😂 Really well put together piece of film as always. The drone shots were ace.

[@jayblack9871]

The Bell confirms, we need more Ratchet. Patiently awaiting an upgraded exhaust video.

[@bnastali]

Have loved my SLK230 for 10 1/2 years!

[@unkelartgarf3792]

No rusty arches.... you bought a good 'un! (As did I 5 years ago - my black 2001 230K manual minter is my profile pic). Good examples, without rust, are getting so rare yet are *still* cheap. Overlooked is the word! Grab one while you can and *keep* it, people!

[@Fernandwinnie]

The SLK was years ahead of its time and still gets admiring glances….it’s looks will never age and watch values rocket.

[@Cheeky-fingers]

Had both. I have gone back to the SLK 230 auto as its a better car imo. Better roof, more luggage space and more comfortable. The MX5 is a lovely car but Mercedes designed a better road car.

[@c0ldcity]

intro --> instant sub

[@mr.rellik1090]

I agree with her about the exhaust, that's why I upgraded mine. Sounds mean AF now. 👍👍 (2003 SLK 32 AMG)

[@danmccarthy4700]

I had a complicated 9-year relationship with a 2001 SLK230 I named 'Heinz' because it was German and red like ketchup. When it worked, it was amazing... but there were many days where I wondered if I should've gotten a Miata instead because I guarantee a Miata wouldn't have given me the electrical problems I had with the SLK.

[@knight6757]

So true...being a BENZ a reputable brand ..unfortunately they are full of issues!😔 I hve SLK 320 Japanese specs 2001 R170 475 V6 ..hardly used it didn' t even drive a thousand kms. I feel seriously ill n had to undergo major surgeries...got in the vehicle used...2016.. and parked in year 2019......one fne day the office guys call me and claim its not shifting from park nor does the engine crank! Piggy banked the vehicle n now parked at my home garage....until i get fit so l can work on it myself ..i hve Toyota Mk ll 6 cyl straight of 1993 n its damn alright todate!

[@knight6757]

Lol buying A BENZ expecting trouble free drive with it....but its damn otherwise !... 😥

[@SvenvanHert]

Next Video please! Greetings from Hamburg!

[@Cheeky-fingers]

SLK over the MX5 any day. It doesn't handle as well or have quite the 2 seater sports feel of the MX5. However it is way more powerful, more refined, far more solid and the roof is a work of art. It is the most practical out of the two as a daily driver.

[@droge192]

Loving the Del Boy look! Not sure why you're referring to the MX-5 as the "Miata" being fine Brits! (Canadian here BTW)

[@GordonBeckles]

Fellow Canadian here... 😉 ...I referred to it as an MX-5 for the first few years... 😏 ..but after having to explain myself for a decade... 😁 ...I started calling it a "Miata" too.😆

[@monkey555500]

yes lovely car...ive had my 230k 6 years now..just drive it on dry days...anything thats needed fixing has been easy fixes...c class running gear so pretty cheap to keep in tip top condition...deffo a future classic..prices in the doldrums for a few years now so it is the time to buy....

[@monkey555500]

oh press the button on the bonnet strut and it will go 90 degrees..a cool thing

[@strangeknight3751]

I've got exactly the same one, even down to the colour and 6 speed manual, 👍

[@johnyonge9911]

Me too!

[@Donnirocks1]

Had the 230k and it was amazing. It was only when the roof become troublesome and after several fixes I moved on. But would get another one day.

[@curtisducati]

Strange ? Had 2 SLK's 20 years and never had a problem !

[@stephaniestrahan9643]

Sehr stylisch! *tappen* *tappen*

[@villagernumber9233]

Even though the SLK doesn't really measure up to its competitors like the BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxter I would still pick the SLK!!

[@jorgetapon8321]

I can,t understand very well ,(i.m fron Spain ) But you are lovley people .

[@Motorhaus]

I'm sure your English is better than our Spanish! Thank you for the kind words!

[@bigpapaporsche1]

I am thinking about either a 2005 SLK (R170) or the Miata. I've looked at four SLK this week alone and have come to the following conclusions. Note, I had a 2015 SLk 250 which I think was one of the finest cars I have ever owned, including several 911/BMW etc. Sadly I have come to conclusion that the R170's, and I am only considering the 4 Cylinders, are simply a full generation behind the equivalent Miata. They seem stale/out of date with the Miata (NC Models) of the same years. Additionally, in the USA, the populations of Miata's seem to out number the SLK by a huge number. IMO, this directly translates into fewer SLK's to buy while also affecting the ease of resale and lower price. You know, Supply and Demand!

[@niewiemniemampomysu163]

r170 were not produced during the NC mx5 generation. thats why they "seem out of date" for you. Weird to compare an r170 to the NC miata, totally different timeline

[@mr.rellik1090]

That's the reason I bought my SLK 32 AMG, I never see another one here in Michigan. I like that. Miatas are everywhere.

[@dave.harmon]

Right fucking great, that were

[@dwarfyh32]

Thought you might have gone for a 986 Boxster S

[@Motorhaus]

This SLK was a stop-gap car while I was waiting for insurance money to come through. Sadly I didn’t have the cash available to get into a Boxster. Stay tuned though for a new car reveal, you won’t be disappointed!

[@curtisducati]

@@Motorhaus Your floating SLK needs 18 inch alloy wheels with 40 profile tyres , mine handles like a TVR , Have a stunning mint condition SLK with £20,000 spent on her !

[@Motorhaus]

@@curtisducati - Interestingly enough my SLK had a set of 18” wheels fitted when I bought it. I thought the ride quality was awful on them so sold them as soon as possible!

[@mariobb9988]

Was always better and will always be.

[@johnyonge9911]

A bit over-acted but the video was well made overall.

[@andrewpreston4127]

"...... Mercedes brought a few novelties to the table...". They certainly did. A new, exciting form of quickrust metal, that made Lancias of the 1980's look like paragons of longevity, and almost equal to MX5's ability to dissolve to nothingness.

[@GeekCereal]

More hopes and dreams? more Ratchet? Can confirm.

[@kevinhatch8723]

Rear wheel has 6 spokes front wheel has 7

[@Motorhaus]

Well spotted! The front wheels are, incorrectly, off a pre-facelift SLK, whereas the rears are the post facelift wheels. I'm currently trying to find a set of matching front wheels after having a pair stolen!

[@petercollingwood522]

What's the bizarre fixation with MX5's? Horrible uncomforatble midgetmobiles.

[@peterbonnez]

Not for me, 25 years owned and loving every second. Sprinting it this weekend.

[@petercollingwood522]

@@peterbonnez To each their own. Enjoy.

[@KeithJenkinsvideos]

You are driving on the wrong side of the road, that's why pedals are wierd

[@ComeJesusChrist]

It is an ugly car with some charm, I always disliked them. I just bought one, a 200 Kompressor with the six speed manual box, in silver. This is my eleventh (?), twelfth (?) or thirteenth Mercedes and my first one was a 1983 SL280. I'm really impressed and as a long-time fan of the Kompressor, I am not disappointed at all.the

[@younessahraoui4259]

Enjoy the car, i jist bouth a 2001 200 Kompressor. And im amazed, i have a bmw salon buth im switchen to a w212. Im hooked

[@louisrivadeneira7896]

That patent for forced induction was in 1937 for hitlers car...no lie😮. Also, was 2 plugs per cylinder for " reliability"

[@scottpeter5704]

"loud exhausts"... what a 2.wat