Guys,

I am currently considering an SLK and wanted to ask for your UNBIASED opinion on something.

First of all, I am considering an SLK280, as I cannot afford a 350 or 55 (not like I would go for this one, as I don't like autos, unfortunately). I also am not interested in a used car, since I need to lease and not many banks will lease a used vehicle.

And the fact that I can only afford a 280 is a shame, as performance is one of the main things I look for in a car. That, great handling and fun to drive in general. My current car is a Volvo S60R (for those who know what it is) and my previous one was an Audi S4. That should give you an idea of what I enjoy. The one thing I've never had is a small, fun, sporty coupe and that's what the SLK should give me.

I'm posting for two main reasons:

1) Based on this, I wanted you guys to tell me if you think this is the car for me. I think most people agree a Cayman or Z4 will outhandle a non-AMG SLK, but is the SLK so much behind? Also, does the SLK280 feel sluggish? Is it really fun to drive?

2) Is there anything I should be aware of before getting this car? I ask because it was only AFTER I got my Volvo that I started learning how quirky this car is and how many annoying litte problems it has by either reading in forums or experiencing them myself. A typical example is the very expensive, but overdone Four-C technology. A regular test-drive doesn't normally allow you to notice its problems, but one month later I was hating it.

Once again, please try and keep your opinions as UNBIASED as possible.

Thank you all in advance!

(I am posting this in 2 other MB forums, as I'd like to read as many opinions as possible.)

 

Honestly, only YOU can answer that question! I STRONGLY suggest you test drive, test drive, then test drive some more! To some the 280 will feel plenty fast, while to others...well...it won't. You have to find where it fits on your own scale of what's fast and what isn't.


Quirky...I can't think of anything in particular that has struck me as quirky about SLK's in general. They're not a large car, but then that's obvious and not something you would just discover later *L*. The car has a lot of features and learning the ins and outs of it can take awhile, but that would be the case with any premium car these days, electronic doodads being what they are. The car IS very solidly built and while early 2005 models had some teething problems (oil consumption, transmission issues), there's nothing really stands out now as being problematic with the car.

Again, I can't over emphasize testing it (along with comparable models) and getting a good feel for the car yourself. But then I spent a LONG time myself looking and testing before finally pulling the trigger, so nothing came as a surprise after the fact. Good luck with the hunt!

 

Drive it first. Your idea of purchasing an SLK 280 rather than a SLK 350 or AMG leads me to believe you are only concerned with the budget aspect. I could afford any of these but chose the SLK 280 because it was just what I wanted and fulfilled all my needs.
If you get the 280 but rather have an AMG or 350 you would be making a mistake in my opinion. Get a used version of what you really want.
I am thoroughly satisfied with my SLK 280. The only complaint is the lack of Bluetooth for my phone...


Harold
'07 Mars Red SLK 280

 

Interesting comment in this thread, post #8, when compared to the title in this thread: link.

 

Not sure what you mean. Please explain. Oh, unless you mean I'm finding a lease while still considering the car. Are they mutually exclusive? This listing is local and I only looked for local deals, so that I have the chance to see and drive before I even decide to get the car. I'm sure that's not what you meant.

 

hmm... since u use to drive an audi and a volvo,
u would most probly prefer a Z4 over SLK based on statistics.

 

Hmmm... Didn't know about those statistics, but I wonder why that is. Any idea?

 

dunno brother, just read it in an article.
so, what do u think about the z4?

 

The roadster is OK, the coupe is nice. Neither as nice as the SLK. The interior is very simple, but sort of works for me. Not as nice as the SLK. I do feel the materials of the Z4 interior are a small step up from the SLK. And the handling should be better. At least from what I read, as I have not driven either one. Is that what the article said us Audi owners would say?