Chicks' car?
SLK/R171: Is this a chick car???
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From: Mason Neck, VA
Is this a chick car???
dont get me wrong i really like the styling and would love to get the 55 model but is it larger in person than it looks in pics? If its as small as the 170, that i usually only see women driving, i'd have to pass. but like the atrocious new bmw roadster, the bmw is much bigger in person. so, not flamming, just want so reviews of what you all think. thanks.
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From: Sunny California
CLK320
Two sides to a coin
On one hand, I am buying it for the Mrs. But while test driving the car at the dealership, I saw more men pulling up in their older version SLKs than women. And they did not look like hairdressers either 
Guess it is what you make it out to be. By the way, I know of some people who consider the CLK (my ride) as a "girl" car. Go figure.
Guess it is what you make it out to be. By the way, I know of some people who consider the CLK (my ride) as a "girl" car. Go figure.
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From: Los Angeles, CA / Berlin, Germany
2005 MB SLK 55 AMG
Interesting - in Europe, and Germany in particular there isn't such a stigma about 'small' cars, which is maybe where this is coming from in the US. Fact is, in Europe the numbers for SLK 'sold' (that's not driven, so don't take this as the end-all number) for the 170 series (no figures for 171 yet) is 29% female, the rest male - so by that count, the vase majority or purchasers were male. The VW Golf for example is almost even, at 43% female.
I think you'll find most 'small' cars in the US considered 'chick cars' by some people. In Europe, if you'd drive up with a big Caddilac or even Full-size Chevy (of which the number sold are in the mere 3 digits a year!) you'd be considerd a lunatic. It's all in the eye of the beholder. :-)
I think you'll find most 'small' cars in the US considered 'chick cars' by some people. In Europe, if you'd drive up with a big Caddilac or even Full-size Chevy (of which the number sold are in the mere 3 digits a year!) you'd be considerd a lunatic. It's all in the eye of the beholder. :-)
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From: Sunny California
CLK320
Originally Posted by dosers
Interesting - in Europe, and Germany in particular there isn't such a stigma about 'small' cars, which is maybe where this is coming from in the US. Fact is, in Europe the numbers for SLK 'sold' (that's not driven, so don't take this as the end-all number) for the 170 series (no figures for 171 yet) is 29% female, the rest male - so by that count, the vase majority or purchasers were male. The VW Golf for example is almost even, at 43% female.
I think you'll find most 'small' cars in the US considered 'chick cars' by some people. In Europe, if you'd drive up with a big Caddilac or even Full-size Chevy (of which the number sold are in the mere 3 digits a year!) you'd be considerd a lunatic. It's all in the eye of the beholder. :-)
I think you'll find most 'small' cars in the US considered 'chick cars' by some people. In Europe, if you'd drive up with a big Caddilac or even Full-size Chevy (of which the number sold are in the mere 3 digits a year!) you'd be considerd a lunatic. It's all in the eye of the beholder. :-)
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: South Orange Co., CA
'03 W211 aka E-500
Generally, yes, I think it is a "girl's" car, but not as much as the Mini, VW Beetles, and a few other cars (like 3-series convertibles).
YMMV, IMHO, FWIW, My .02, Etc.
EDJ
YMMV, IMHO, FWIW, My .02, Etc.
EDJ
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Do you have size "issues" ?
The slk55 will be more masculine because it has the spoiler on the rear lid. The 350 is small but why it would be more feminine than a z4 or boxster is beyond my understanding. Just drive it hard and leave the gender issues behind.
The 350 is small but why it would be more feminine than a z4 or boxster is beyond my understanding. Just drive it hard and leave the gender issues behind.
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
The R170 was definitely a chicks car, and sadly, the R171 will most likely follow in its footsteps....women will want one because it's cute, small, and the top goes down....any car that carries those traits will be labeled a chick car, it's inevitable, it comes with the territory....even though, us car savvy people know that the R171 truly is not one, at all....we just have to accept it
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From: usa
Actually in my opinon the slk is a feminin car, i havent looked to much into the new one, but from the couple of glances ive seen of it it is more masculine. The new clk is very feminine, much smaller, less defined and statly looking - it reminds me of a C class with diffrent features, almost like an older sister would look. The old clk whit large rims was the most manly thing on the road, save a truck or escalde, i would really like to get a new clk but the styling throws me off, the old one looks much better...for a man alteast
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From: No specific place
SLK55 AMG
Originally Posted by akbro93704
The R170 was definitely a chicks car, and sadly, the R171 will most likely follow in its footsteps....women will want one because it's cute, small, and the top goes down....any car that carries those traits will be labeled a chick car, it's inevitable, it comes with the territory....even though, us car savvy people know that the R171 truly is not one, at all....we just have to accept it
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From: Pensacola, FL "Home of Ivan the Terrible"
05 SLK350; 00 Lexus GS400; 05 Corvette
After owing the SLK230 and test-driving the 350...
The SLK350 is not "feminine"... the size is larger, and I even have to move the seat forward to touch the pedals (NOT the case in the 230). The front end is modeled after the McLaren F1 race car...very macho. The interior is all new and very cool.
As a Navy Flight Surgeon and F-14 Tomcat bubba (just my macho credentials), this car rocks and is a BIG blast to drive (took it around a performance course)... handles very sweet (on par with my vette). It is officially a *Guy's* car!!
The SLK350 is not "feminine"... the size is larger, and I even have to move the seat forward to touch the pedals (NOT the case in the 230). The front end is modeled after the McLaren F1 race car...very macho. The interior is all new and very cool.
As a Navy Flight Surgeon and F-14 Tomcat bubba (just my macho credentials), this car rocks and is a BIG blast to drive (took it around a performance course)... handles very sweet (on par with my vette). It is officially a *Guy's* car!!
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From: Australia
Originally Posted by BklynBenz
i see mostly women driving slks here in ny, i think i can count the amount of times ive seen a dude driving an slk on one hand
I hardly think that SLK 55 is a girls car. I recently saw an SLK200 getting the 200K badge taken off to conceal the lack of power .... now that is a chick thing in Sydney.
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From: NYC
CL500
Originally Posted by miroj
So the moral of the story is that if you own an SLK and you are dude then dont lend it to your girlfriend because she will abscond to New York with your ride.
you got it
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R170 Is A Chick Car, but R171 is not, a lot of HP
Hello people, when did girls ever like a car that goes from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, 268 horsepower.
Why did mercedes make it 268 hp, why not 270 hp or at least make it 280 to 300. And make the AMG like 350 to 425 hp. They can do it. They put a V-8 in that car. Oh and When do girls like the 3.5 Liter V-6 and 5.5 Liter V-8. No girl likes cars that fast, actually some do, but those are the kick butt girls that are cool and are down to earth. Other girls are down to earth too, u don't have to like strong cars.
I am 16 years old. I am getting a SLK 350 Diamond Silver/Charcoal, AMG SPORTS PACKAGE(5 spoke chromed 17" rims, 10mm body lowered, gear shifting behind wheel, better brakes and suspension, spoiler, and front, side, and back body kits), Comfort Package(3 memory power seats, steering wheel memory, side mirror memory), Priemum Package(wireless drop top from laser cut key, air climate control, digital stuff, 3 door garage opener, and more), 6-dics cd player in glove box, and blue illuminated door sills that says SLK with two think blue lights lines on each side of it.
I know my car is a sweet, and I bet a lot of people are going to copy my idea. But you people should come up with ur own stuff. I think my car is coming in Oct. 2004.
I did not get entertaminet package because the sound system was already damn loud and base was good, even though there is no subwoofer in it. IF you want a subwoofer though, get the package. And I have no reason for the use of a big COMMAND screen thing.
Why did mercedes make it 268 hp, why not 270 hp or at least make it 280 to 300. And make the AMG like 350 to 425 hp. They can do it. They put a V-8 in that car. Oh and When do girls like the 3.5 Liter V-6 and 5.5 Liter V-8. No girl likes cars that fast, actually some do, but those are the kick butt girls that are cool and are down to earth. Other girls are down to earth too, u don't have to like strong cars.
I am 16 years old. I am getting a SLK 350 Diamond Silver/Charcoal, AMG SPORTS PACKAGE(5 spoke chromed 17" rims, 10mm body lowered, gear shifting behind wheel, better brakes and suspension, spoiler, and front, side, and back body kits), Comfort Package(3 memory power seats, steering wheel memory, side mirror memory), Priemum Package(wireless drop top from laser cut key, air climate control, digital stuff, 3 door garage opener, and more), 6-dics cd player in glove box, and blue illuminated door sills that says SLK with two think blue lights lines on each side of it.
I know my car is a sweet, and I bet a lot of people are going to copy my idea. But you people should come up with ur own stuff. I think my car is coming in Oct. 2004.
I did not get entertaminet package because the sound system was already damn loud and base was good, even though there is no subwoofer in it. IF you want a subwoofer though, get the package. And I have no reason for the use of a big COMMAND screen thing.
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From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
2005 SLK350
My salesman is 6'7 and had no trouble getting in/out or driving it. I'm 6'0 and have the seat three clicks north of all the way back.
My definition of a chick car:
1. Small
2. Slow (because chicks don't care!)
3. Cute
4. Cheap
For example, Miata, VW Beetle, MR2.
While the R171 meets the first criteria, it isn't that small. Even the trunk is big enough that my girlfriend and I spent the week at the beach and had plenty of space for everything we needed, and she doesn't exactly pack light. Even had enough room to close the cover and put the top down.
The car is definitely not slow, and I don't think it's cute. I think it's really more striking, more beautiful. It's reminiscent of the old Mercedes, when the women didn't know how to drive, and if they did their husbands wouldn't let them. I don't need to say anything about it being cheap.
While I'll be the first to admit that the old one was definitely a chick car, I really don't think this one is. Obviously, I'm biased... And for anyone that thinks it is a chick car, go right on thinking that. I can't hear you with the top down...
My definition of a chick car:
1. Small
2. Slow (because chicks don't care!)
3. Cute
4. Cheap
For example, Miata, VW Beetle, MR2.
While the R171 meets the first criteria, it isn't that small. Even the trunk is big enough that my girlfriend and I spent the week at the beach and had plenty of space for everything we needed, and she doesn't exactly pack light. Even had enough room to close the cover and put the top down.
The car is definitely not slow, and I don't think it's cute. I think it's really more striking, more beautiful. It's reminiscent of the old Mercedes, when the women didn't know how to drive, and if they did their husbands wouldn't let them. I don't need to say anything about it being cheap.
While I'll be the first to admit that the old one was definitely a chick car, I really don't think this one is. Obviously, I'm biased... And for anyone that thinks it is a chick car, go right on thinking that. I can't hear you with the top down...
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From: los angeles
2006 s2000
I like the way you think mick1.
Hi have a 98 SLK 230 and i took off the all the body text. But its not to hind the lack of power. I think it looks cleaner with out the body text. Also I figured if people know about the slk they would understand that it was a 98 and that there were no other engine option for that year.
Hi have a 98 SLK 230 and i took off the all the body text. But its not to hind the lack of power. I think it looks cleaner with out the body text. Also I figured if people know about the slk they would understand that it was a 98 and that there were no other engine option for that year.
