Advice please

[Johnedg]

Ok so here is my request for advice. I want to buy an open topped car with a bit of grunt but my financial adviser has restricted me to around 10K. Initially I started looking at XK8's from the Jaguar stable but anything around that money seems to be a rust trap and whiltst I am quite handy and will have a go at things I dont have the experience or kit to take lumps out of wings and replace large pieces of bodywork. I looked at one yesterday and it was priced at just under 11k but needed probably 5k spending on it.

I have considered the Nissan Z350 but my wife wasn't interested. Even the convertible Chrysler seems a decent buy but when I showed her an SLK she seemed to bite so here goes.

Which SLK is going to put a smile on my face? I have read about balance shafts and so on so taking all of those things into consideration what should I be looking at. The 280 seems good but the 350 has more punch so over to you guys who are the experts and I know that this becomes a personal choice but seeking advice and getting other opinions is part of the fun

 

[markjay]

Since you are looking for a car 'with some grunt' you'll probably avoid the 1.8L cars anyway, which is good (because the 4-Cyl 1.8L M271 engine is prone to premature timing gear failure).

 

[Flyinspanner]

SLK350
SLK500
SLK55amg

They should all deliver the grunt.

 

[Smart320]

SLK 55 AMG

 

[Johnedg]

Thank you. Are these achievable within my financial advisers pricing limits and can I expect to need a workshop manual and bucket loads of rust inhibitor

 

[Ted]

Mercedes SLK 250 AMG | eBay

May be worth a look.
Despite those who haven’t tried it, I love the torque and power of the diesel engine.
Up to 70 mpg too...

 

[Johnedg]

Not considered another diesel so do they have a different title such as D

 

[Ted]

the slk diesel is badged 250 cdi

road tax on those earlier ones is around £30 per year iirc. definitely worth a drive - they drive nothing like you would expect.

 

[Ted]

Also check for roof delamination on the earlier ones. Most were fixed but some may have got through.

 

[Denis O]

Get a new financial adviser who believes an SL55 is the way to go.

Job, jobbed.

 

[Darrell]

I’d tell your FA that I’m old enough to make my owns decisions.

 

[Mr. B]

I’d tell your FA that I’m old enough to make my owns decisions.

Yes but she’s very attractive

 

[Abb]

I would buy this:

CLK55 AMG Convertible facelift, Designo paint etc

and then treat her to weekend away and still have change!

 

[dmb007]

Welcome John

Have you considered the E Class convertible.

Auto Trader logo

I had 3 MX5s and loved them., but, I had problems with my right hip and decided to try an SLK.

In my opinion room wise it did not work.

Saw a 2011 E350 CDI test drove and bought. Months later drove to Lake Garda and it was a dream.

I now have a E400 Cab.

My wife had a 2004 CLK320 Cab.

Although all 3 are classed as 4 seaters the reality is children and small adults would be comfortable and I rarely have more than 2 in it.

The diesel was smooth and to me had enough grunt. The CLK had even more power and the noise to go with it.

The E400 is a 65 plate and is swift enough for me and as more toys,but, i would consider the E350 next time.

The E400 power is ample and at times,dare I say, just too much in todays climate and speed restricted roads.

Regards
David

 

[horatio]

Thank you. Are these achievable within my financial advisers pricing limits and can I expect to need a workshop manual and bucket loads of rust inhibitor

Should be ok with an '03>. Maybe some bubbling on the rear arch lips. An XK would be a brave purchase, they can look very smart at first glance but rotten like a 70's Lancia underneath. Don't even consider one without getting it up on a ramp first.

 

[flowrider]

A Mercedes convertible for under £10k with style, on road presence and grunt, it's got to be an SL!

 

[markjay]

In London pre-Euro6 Diesels are dead....

Coming soon to a town near you.

 

[Monkeylegend]

A Mercedes convertible for under £10k with style, on road presence and grunt, it's got to be an SL!

This