Buying an SLK

[Steveatki]

Hi,

Now that I have decided to keep my 3yr old w203, I am thinking of buying an SLK for weekend use. I am thinking of a 1999 230K which seem to be available at appx £10k,

Has anyone any advice on what I should consider when buying?

TIA

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

No specific advice other than make sure the roof mechanism is working perfectly and well aligned. I'm sure somebody more knowledgable will be along soon!!

 

[pammy]

Look for all the usual signs that it's been well cared for. Service history, not necessarily main dealer, but MB specialist as a minimum. Wear and tear commensurate with age. Roof working as it should, nice and smooth. All the electrics working, depending what it has, try the heated seats etc.

Check paintwork is in good condition.

Check the tyres and pedals for even wear. Then check all the paperwork to make sure it is all consistent with the sales story and history being told and that it matches up.

When you drive it, if it's an auto the gear change should be smooth throughout and responsive on kickdown. If it has leather interior, check it's not cracked or splitting.

The engine bay should be clean and free from oil, water and or rust.

It should just feel right. If it doesn't - walk away.

hth

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm sure somebody more knowledgable will be along soon!!

Look for...

Bang on cue!!

 

[pammy]

Bang on cue!!

 

[Steveatki]

Thanks for that, what concerns me most is mileage. Most cars that are available have 70k miles or so. Unlike most sports cars these seem to be used all year round, not just when the sun (is supposed to) shines. At what mileage should I walk away, or is mileage not a concern for this car?

 

[pammy]

If it's been looked after then average milage is fine. It's a good engine and will do over 200k easily. I would be more worried about a very low mileage one tbh as they need and like to be used. So 70k on a 99 plate is fine - as long as the rest of it adds up.

If you have one in mind - post up the spec and we'll have a look, but look for leather and auto as a minimum.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

As Pammy said, a well used - but well maintained - car shouldn't be reason for concern. To be honest the oily bits beneath the bonnet are probably a strong point compared to the roof mechanism and other costly pitfalls that afflict most modern cars, ie catalysts, electronics, etc.

 

[tony2311]

check for rust on the boot lid handle as i have seen quiet a few with rust round that spot, i got a 2001 320 and it had rust on all 4 year arches boot lid and roof, all fix under warrentee, when i was looking for the slk, i find the face lift (indicators in door mirrior) and the smooth V6 worth paying a bit extra for, £10k should buy you a early face lift 320 with low miles after summer

 

[mw230slk]

check for rust on the boot lid handle as i have seen quiet a few with rust round that spot, i got a 2001 320 and it had rust on all 4 year arches boot lid and roof, all fix under warrentee, when i was looking for the slk, i find the face lift (indicators in door mirrior) and the smooth V6 worth paying a bit extra for, £10k should buy you a early face lift 320 with low miles after summer

Tony2311, did you have any trouble getting the rust remedial work done? Was it done by MB dealer and paid for by MB? I have the same (boot, all arches) on my 2001 slk and want to know the best way of approaching a dealer to get it sorted.

 

[R2e]

If it has an Eeyore in the back, walk away.............

 

[glojo]

check for rust on the boot lid handle as i have seen quiet a few with rust round that spot, i got a 2001 320 and it had rust on all 4 year arches boot lid and roof, all fix under warrentee, when i was looking for the slk, i find the face lift (indicators in door mirrior) and the smooth V6 worth paying a bit extra for, £10k should buy you a early face lift 320 with low miles after summer

If they are prone to rust issues then it might be worth considering only looking for cars with a full Mercedes-Benz main dealer service history. We have all read about folks being lucky and getting free goodwill repairs with this history but that is a gamble.

Good luck with the search
Regards
John

 

[gary350]

I have a 98 230K and there is no rust on it in fact I have never seen an SLK with rust apart from the wheels. The rear lock area mentioned would suggest it has been a badly fitted lock or keys that could be the cause.

gary