SLK230's getting a bad reputation?

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PerfectFinish1

New member
Hey everyone,



I'm a senior in high school.. and I told everyone freshman year that I would have an SLK230 by the time I graduate... and I think I'm going to do it. I'm probalby looking at a 99 or 2000. The price is dropping more and more lately, and I think in a month or two I'm finally ready to make the purchase. However, I keep hearing about how unreliable these cars are. I don't believe that will be TOO much of a problem if the car was well taken care of, and I continue to take care of it... or are these cars just total junk?



Performance-wise I have also heard that they are extremely slow. They're supercharged and not very heavy, so I was just curious about how they can possibly seem so slow? I understand that it will be a mid 15-second car or so according to the specs... but is the supercharger pulley upgradable or anything?



If nothing else, I guess it would make a nice car to detail :D
 
My cousin used to own one, and long term wise, the reliability isn't a problem. There might be small problems here and there, but there won't be anything major.



The reason for the price drop is that the new SLK is already out.



Yes, these cars are mighty slow. Like most mercedes, it is heavier than cars it's own size. Plus in the case of it being a hard top convertable adds a good amount of weight to it with all the motors and mechanisms.



It's a car to look cool in, but you will not be able to impress much people with it's performance. A grandma in a v6 camry can slaughter it.
 
This car makes the Audi TT feel "sporty" and that isn't saying much. I drove one 2 years ago and it had to be one of the most boring 2 seat convertibles I have driven.
 
Even with forced induction a 2.3L motor isn't an awful lot for a 3000lbs+ car. They're a sweet ride, a great boulevard cruiser rather than a sports car.



Keep in mind that any Mercedes is expensive to maintain and repair. So even one that has been well cared for and bulletproof reliable is going to be pricey to keep. As a minimum a car in the age range you're looking at will likely be due for some scheduled maintenance (nobody stays on top of the schedule if they know they'll be selling it soon).



Unfortunately, far too many owners (all cars not just MB) don't even bother with scheduled maintenance. A Mercedes that's been neglected or abused can be a huge money pit.





PC.
 
Corey Bit Spank said:
This car makes the Audi TT feel "sporty" and that isn't saying much. I drove one 2 years ago and it had to be one of the most boring 2 seat convertibles I have driven.
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Bingo. I finally drove one a few months ago, wondering why the automotive press slams it so hard. Well, it really isn't much to drive. There are some things about it I like, especially the very cool hardtop. But if driving is the main criteria, I'd say pass. I get more fun out my my BMW 330i, and that isn't saying too much! :(
 
Hmm well, I almost died in my TSi yesterday when racing a new M3, so now I'm really thinking of not getting so fast of a car. Thanks for the posts, I don't know too much about the car other than I like the hard-top convertable and I like that it's a benz.



What would you guys suggest? I'm looking for something with more of a luxury factor, that I can make shine nice and a cool crusing car. Vettes are nice... but not my thing... looking for something german. (Besides, insurance would be HORRIBLE for me) I'm considering a GS300 or something like that maybe... or a newer 3 series coupe.
 
European cars have among the worst reliability ratings. A used mercedes will cost a lot to mantain....just general maintanance. Perhaps a certified car with an extended warranty would mitigate some of the expense some but then you will pay top dollar. If you are looking for a flashy fun car....there is definately a better bang for the buck out there.
 
This is the issue: reliability. Mercedes is really getting it from these issues. In Europe, it was revealed today, the Mercedes registrations were down 16% versus up like 30+% for BMW. Even in Europe, the Benz name is suffering.



I have a hard time feeling sorry for them at the high prices they charge.
 
LouisanaJeeper said:
its a chick car





you would be MUCH better off with a used 99 vette or a older used M3
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I would have to attest to this statement. However, the new SLK's are real nice, retractable hard top, 3.5 litre engine.





If you're looking for a convertible there aren't that many out there for a younger person to buy, IMO, unless you have 30K to spend on a used M3 or S2000.



Also do realize that when you buy a Benz the labor cost for everything are expensive. min 120/hr for any work.
 
PerfectFinish1 said:
Hmm well, I almost died in my TSi yesterday when racing a new M3, so now I'm really thinking of not getting so fast of a car. Thanks for the posts, I don't know too much about the car other than I like the hard-top convertable and I like that it's a benz.



What would you guys suggest? I'm looking for something with more of a luxury factor, that I can make shine nice and a cool crusing car. Vettes are nice... but not my thing... looking for something german. (Besides, insurance would be HORRIBLE for me) I'm considering a GS300 or something like that maybe... or a newer 3 series coupe.
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I hate to say it, but this right here makes me think you don't need a "sporty" car. I'm glad you had a revelation about this. Maybe you should have gotten a ticket for the racing, instead of having a loud exhaust.



And I see you as a normal young American wanting a Benz because it's a Benz. Not necessarily the best thing, but as long as you like the car for the car.
 
PerfectFinish1 said:




What would you guys suggest? I'm looking for something with more of a luxury factor, that I can make shine nice and a cool crusing car. Vettes are nice... but not my thing... looking for something german. (Besides, insurance would be HORRIBLE for me) I'm considering a GS300 or something like that maybe... or a newer 3 series coupe.
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something german eh?! doesnt leave too much. want something a little unique or different, luxury and cruising, how about :



1/ mazda RX7 (maybe too ricey though)

2/ lincoln LS (neat little V8 in there!)

3/ Subaru wagon (w/ boxer, hatches are euro!)

4/ lexus sc 430 (two dr. coupe, seen prices lately...el cheapo!!)

5/ jag?? XKR!!

6/ volkswagen GTI

7/ audi A/S 8



any of these about 4 yr old range should be priced very fairly. just a list, nothing more....or wait, try to find a high miler Acura NSX that needs some TLC...that may be a sweet highschool ride!!
 
steck said:
something german eh?! doesnt leave too much. want something a little unique or different, luxury and cruising, how about :



1/ mazda RX7 (maybe too ricey though)

2/ lincoln LS (neat little V8 in there!)

3/ Subaru wagon (w/ boxer, hatches are euro!)

4/ lexus sc 430 (two dr. coupe, seen prices lately...el cheapo!!)

5/ jag?? XKR!!

6/ volkswagen GTI

7/ audi A/S 8



any of these about 4 yr old range should be priced very fairly. just a list, nothing more....or wait, try to find a high miler Acura NSX that needs some TLC...that may be a sweet highschool ride!!
Click to expand...



I didn't ever catch his budget. That'd be handy for us to know.



The RX7 is a great choice, but with the higher miles they're all accumulating, be sure to have an OS fund ready. The rotary used in the FD3S, IIRC, was known for blowing gaskets occasionally.



Lincoln LS to me is an old people's car, but some would say my SC400 is an old people's car as well.



Can't go wrong with Subaru!



I'm still seeing the SC430's sell for $30k at the lowest. Maybe I didn't look hard enough.



MMM, XKR!!!



I love Audi's.



All of these he mentioned are great ideas. Good luck with your hunt.
 
audi S4 is the only thing near his requirements and price range



i would get an s4 over a 330 or a SLK

1282003103415.jpg




about 20k for a 01
 
Thanks for the posts guys! I've seen SLKs for as cheap as 12k... but I regularly attend auctions, and hopefully i will be able to find a nice car through a dealer auction connection for cheaper. I'm looking to pay about $10-12k for something a bit more luxurious than what I have now.



I guess it's not so much that I want the name, but I like the style of most german cars over most american cars... especially when it comes to luxury. I've always kind of been more into imports than domestic cars. The Lincoln LS is a very nice car.. just not my style at all.



Also, just visited OSU, where I will probably be going to college... they no longer allow freshmen to have cars on campus. I'm going to find a way around that (I have to!)... but there is bumper to bumper traffic all around that area. I would much rather have a comfortable, nice looking, luxury car for that type of driving than a fast car.



Cars I'm currently looking at:

1998-2000 SLK230

2000 BMW 3-series coupe

1996-1998 Range Rover

Audi A4s (all)... the only S4 i can find in my price range is an ugly green one

1998 Lex GS300

1997-1999 Lex ES300

1998 BMW 5-series (maybe 6-speed?)

1998 BMW 7-series

^ I think it's too big, but it is in my price range so I thought I'd add it
 
dude, that BMW 7 series is calling you...be the big dog on the block.



i can picture it now, all black, 20% tint , nice 18's with lotsa lip.....maybe I should get one!!
 
New option... my friends dad has a 2001 Lex ES300 Platinum Edition - black on black, every option possible. He's way over the miles on his lease and he has to buy it for that reason. He will be trading it in towards a new car, and he will give it to me for whatever the dealership gives him as trade-in value. (Problaby about 11k.. the car is going for over 16k on eBay)



I like the car but everyone else says they are horrible performance-wise and just a cheap camry with lexus badges. I really like the car, though, so I may end up picking it up... if for nothing else, it is better financial decision. I'll drive it for a year or so then sell it for a more expensive car... and still probably make a thousand or two off of it. Plus I'm sure I'd get a HUGE break on the sales tax this way.
 
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