SLK/R170: Looking at getting a pre-owned SLK. Any tips?
#1
Looking at getting a pre-owned SLK. Any tips?
Am thinking about getting a first gen SLK230. What are the things to look out for? Is the retractable top a problem? Is it a lemon?
There are those that say that maintaining one (1997-2000+) model will be expensive. Are there any feeback out there from existing or previous owners? Or someone who has gotten one used as well?
Your 2 cents and more will be tremendously appreciated.
Should I not even bother and simply go for a an older SL (like a 450SL from the 70s)? Am looking for a roadster with some attitude and fun factor. Yet wouldn't be problem prone.
There are those that say that maintaining one (1997-2000+) model will be expensive. Are there any feeback out there from existing or previous owners? Or someone who has gotten one used as well?
Your 2 cents and more will be tremendously appreciated.
Should I not even bother and simply go for a an older SL (like a 450SL from the 70s)? Am looking for a roadster with some attitude and fun factor. Yet wouldn't be problem prone.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
The older SLs from the 70s are not that fun to drive and as far as costs go, parts are harder to find as well. The SLK is a good fun car that doesn't have to cost a lot. Do a search on this forum to see what everyone is saying about them.
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Like any german car, they will never be as reliable as an american or asian car. The biggest downfall to german cars seems to be bosch/siemens electronics. As far as expensive, it depends on you, your mechanic or your dealer. If you can fix a lot yourself then it's cheap to own, dealer makes it very expensive to own and a good honest independant is somewhere in between. Seems that people with the SLK320's have fewer problems than us with SLK230's if that helps.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Late in the turn of century, in the year 2000, aka Y2K, MB made significant changes to the SLK, different engine management, different bumpers/side skirts, light in the mirrors. Many have marked it as a turning point in MB history. They refer to is as "the facelift".
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Also with all models, the body styles are updated without going to a whole new model. Half way through the production life of each model, the look of the car is given a "facelift" to make it more attractive until it is replaced with a whole new body style.