Aggro to MB sports cars?

[oscarisapc]

I am thinking of treating myself to a second hand SLK now the kids have flown the nest but what is putting me off is a story told by my son's wife's dad (not sure what relation that is to me - co-father in law?). He had an SLK dealer loan car for a few days and experienced a lot of aggression from people who clearly thought he was one of the overpaid rich to be driving an MB sports car. It is very similar to an incident that happened to me many years ago when I had a Porsche - an aged 924 with 130k on the clock but still a Porsche - and was coralled in a car park by some social levellers who felt that verbally abusing me and kicking my car would make us all more equal. I can ignore the testosterone competition at traffic lights but I am not keen on generating more problems in car parks or on the road with the hood down. Is this a common experience with SL/SLK ownership or have we just been unlucky?

 

[dresho]

I am thinking of treating myself to a second hand SLK now the kids have flown the nest but what is putting me off is a story told by my son's wife's dad (not sure what relation that is to me - co-father in law?). He had an SLK dealer loan car for a few days and experienced a lot of aggression from people who clearly thought he was one of the overpaid rich to be driving an MB sports car. It is very similar to an incident that happened to me many years ago when I had a Porsche - an aged 924 with 130k on the clock but still a Porsche - and was coralled in a car park by some social levellers who felt that verbally abusing me and kicking my car would make us all more equal. I can ignore the testosterone competition at traffic lights but I am not keen on generating more problems in car parks or on the road with the hood down. Is this a common experience with SL/SLK ownership or have we just been unlucky?

its always going to be a problem when you drive a nice car - what you need is an equaliser

How to keep an aggressive driver at a safe distance - YouTube

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I'd have thought that this was no longer an issue, nearly everybody has nice cars these days.

Then again, what do I know, I drive a BMW and when occasionally drive badly I get away with it as it's expected.

So, just get your car no-one really cares about it unless you live in a ghetto (see housing thread)

 

[wemorgan]

I echo what lewboy said. A SLK is a nice car but amoungst many cars on the road it doesn't shout out attention in my eyes. If you're still particularly concerned maybe consider a Volvo or a Saab, I suspect most people are neutral about those marques.

 

[BEJ]

Never had any trouble since I've had mine. Go for it, it's a nice car.

 

[Palfrem]

Her Ladyship has never reported any road related issues whilst driving her SLK (roof up or down) and on the few occasions I've had it, other being asked to suggest a hair related styling solution, no problems here either.

 

[oscarisapc]

It's not MB - just the SLK or SL

I have had nice MB's for over a decade but only saloons or estates. I have currently got a W203 320cdi which is very understated. I wouldn't have thought anything of getting an open top except for this bad experience anecdote mirroring what happened to me some time ago which made me wonder whether it was a common problem Thankfully, it appears not.

 

[eihtur]

So...one anecdote and you're running scared?

 

[ming]

Sl500
Elderly w230 private plate no problems at all

 

[John]

I've not had anything really in the 17 months I've had my car.

The worst-things I've had are someone shouting:

Boo' i'

...(or boot it in English) about 3 times at some traffic lights - which I duly ignored as he was obviously light in the brain department.

The other thing was I got stuck behind a car in lane 2, lane 1 was busy, and the car behind me decided it was my fault the car in front of me was driving slow and pulled ahead at the lights and slowed right down in front of me.

I just overtook the numpty and the problem disappeared!

 

[BTB 500]

Had the SL for 8 years - no problems so far

 

[Paul/]

I think in most urban areas, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, the apparent vulnerability of a stationery open-top of any description will make it a magnet for antisocial behaviour, even if “just” jeering and gesturing. But you’ll know your local times and places so can be prepared with top up for those hopefully rare cases. Then they’ll either not bother or even if they do, you can be convincingly oblivious to them.

Having said that, my wife’s had MX5s for years without incident, but that could be due to the weather around here preventing much open-top motoring…

 

[MOCAŠ]

I've been driving SLK (R170/R171) for ten years now, always with the top down unless it's raining/snowing, and have never once experienced any kind of unpleasantness. I have occasionally been asked whether I realise how cold it is while waiting at the traffic lights in sub-zero temperatures, and have also received quite a few compliments of the "nice car, mate" type.

 

[Doodle]

Same as Bill, never had any problems with the SL.

But then there may be *other* reasons for that

 

[GP801]

Have to say we have never had a problem with ours. My wifes only complaint is that its too noticeable. Its Fire Opal and everyone knows where she is as its the only one that colour round here.

 

[John]

Having said that, my wife’s had MX5s for years without incident, but that could be due to the weather around here preventing much open-top motoring…

Strangely, a lad where I work just bought one recently and has been called a '*****' twice with the top down.

Mind you, where he has driven through when that has happened is a sheethole so I guess a lot depends where you are.

Same as Bill, never had any problems with the SL.

But then there may be *other* reasons for that

Do you carry a Kalashnikov?

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I recently sold my bright red Porsche cabriolet, but had no problems with insults or anything of the kind - just lots of "nice motor mate" remarks. For a few years I worked for a prestige/sports car dealer so spent a massive amount of time driving around in lots of Porsches, BMWs and MB sports convertibles as well as the occasional Aston and Ferrari, again with no problems. I once drove a nearly new SL55 through Neasden (not the prettiest part of NW London) and despite my concerns received no more than a thumbs up (or at least, I think it was a thumb!).

The worst problems I ever had were in SLKs though. My wife is a hairdresser and I was often accused of borrowing her car! That's the only warning I can give you.

 

[John]

'*****'

It's a bit of a harsh swear filter in here.

...what you do to your finger when you catch a thorn and it sticks in and starts bleeding.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

It's a bit of a harsh swear filter in here.

...what you do to your finger when you catch a thorn and it sticks in and starts bleeding.

... and later when you're having a tetanus injection and the nurse tells you it'll just be a little one you take offence at first!

 

[Bosco]

It's a bit of a harsh swear filter in here.

...what you do to your finger when you catch a thorn and it sticks in and starts bleeding.

Suck it?