rocks55

Hi All...
This is my first post butI've been lurking around the forum for quite awhile. My dad, who turns 81 this fall, is looking for something sporty to buy and I've come across a 2005 SLK350, Iridium Silver, black leather, auto climate control, heated seats, multi-spoke 17" wheels, 20,000 miles. It's on a used car dealer lot for $40,000 and was purchased at an auction in Milwaukee, Wis., which makes me somewhat leary. I had them run a CarFax and will also run the Vin# when we get to the dealer later today to take a test drive. In-service date was March, 2005.

Car lots or closed here on Sundays but I did take a quick look at it and it looked good from what I could see.

My dad is in excellent health and has owned a number of sports cars and is also thinking about a new C-6 Corvette convertible but I think the Benz is a better fit for him...plus he's had a couple of Benz's before.

My question is this...assuming everything checks out, what's the car worth.
I'm thniking around offering $33-35,000. What say you all.

By the way, I picked up a very nice loaded 2006 CLS55 AMG over Memorial Day for myself with warranty out to 2012 and am loving it. Traded in an 05 E55.

thanks in advance for any replies

Duo-Art

Welcome to the group. The car that you describe is identical to mine except that I have 9,000 miles on it. Similar cars have been advertised in the Chicago newspapers by dealers in the $37,000 to $42,000 range. Be very careful of used car dealers. I'd rather buy a used car from a Mercedes dealer who can service it for me. The 2005's in the US came with a 4 year warranty so you might be OK if there are any problems. Some early 2005 SLK 350's had severe oil usage problems. Make sure that the one you are considering isn't one of those cars.

Additional information: I just spotted a 2005 SLK 350 in the newspaper (dealer) for $39,500.

White Rabbit

My father, who is 81 now and in good health, has problems getting in and out of my SLK. Once he's actually in it, he's comfortable. His regular ride is a Lincoln LS.

rocks55

Thanks for the input. Decided to pass on the car. Just wasn't comfortable with buying off a used car lot. Time to go and see my Benz dealer.

Roadscum

Hi guys, I'm also in the market for a used '05 SLK350. How would one determine if a particular car consumed alot of oil???? Your thoughts....

Also does anyone have input for me on their experience with M-B of San Fransico. I live in Florida and have been in discussdion with them on a Certified Used car. The problem is if I go to Califormai to purchase they claim I have to pay local sales tax... is this correct? The option is to have it shipped here, I'm not comfy buying a car that I've not seen or driven..

What do you think?

-1-

Yup, solid philosophy, don't do it. I found two used SLKs on eBay, arranged the deals over the phone, BUT, picked up in person. I would highly recommend a used SLK. Most are low mileage and well maintained. Plenty of great deals on used SLKs. Not to offend anyone, but I would pass on any 2005 SLK 350 unless I could verify that it didn't have the oil consumption issue. Good luck in your search and your negotiating skills.

Roadscum

I've seen comments here from owners of '05 SLK 350's without oil consumption problems so it's clear they all do not have the problem. When the problem does exist just how severe can it be?? Not as bad as my first car I hope, 4 Ford Conv., 300 miles to the quart....

Duo-Art

I have an early 2005 SLK 350. It used 1 quart of oil the first 1,200 miles and no measurable oil the next 7,500 miles.

MDLSLK55

I live in PA and have yet to buy/lease a car in-state. You always pay tax according to the state the car is titled/registered in, not purchased...I can't imagine CA is different.

Shinigami

M (BMW) would tell their owners it was normal for their cars to burn a quart of oil every thousand miles. Ferrari's and Lamborghini's were worse...

I heard people having to top up their oil with a quart every few thousand miles with the 350's that were consuming too much of it, but it was a problem which was either due to faulty manufacturing in the first year models, or poor break-in procedure. If the second hand model you're seeking was a late 2005 or a 2006 model, then it's probably free of this problem.

RoadkingHI

I have an 05, got it in November of 05 and no oil use problems, not much milage but from what I have seen on this and other sites it was with the earlier models and showed up early. Just in case I drive it "hard" while in warranty... at least that is the reason I give the wife for my hot-rodding

-1-

The oil consumption problem only affected some the early 2005 SLKs. Definitely not all. I don't have a 2005 SLK 350 so I was never affected. Oil consumption problem was severe enough that some received new engines. I wouldn't want a car that the engine was replaced.

Roadscum

Thanks to all of you for your input. Looks like I'll go for an '05, only 8500 miles and 'Mercedes Cerfified Used'. How bad can it be.....