Drat..

[gaz_l]

Greetings, citizens.

For the last couple of months, I've been looking to buy an SLK32. Done my homework, and been keeping an eye on the usual places. They're a rare car, but there is a steady supply - one disappears off the radar and another one pops up.

Anyway, one came up this week that was only 30 miles away from me and ticked all the boxes - only 2 owners, low mileage, FMBSH and sensibly priced. Job's a good 'un, thinks I. Rang the dealer today, he said it was still available. Went to look at it, but another couple had got there first and were poring over it so we had to hang around and wait for them to push off. The salesman said they were interested but not prepared to commit there and then, therefore it was ours if we wanted it. So, off we go for a test drive and guess what......?

I didn't like it.

I'm gutted - I thought it would be the ideal package but as soon as I'd done the first mile I knew it wasn't for me. Drat, damn and blast. All those hours wasted searching to no avail.

Back to the drawing board...

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Howard]

Clk 55 ?

 

[crockers]

What didn't you like? Knowing that people can suggest alternatives that tick the boxes like Howard's suggestion.

 

[jaymanek]

let me guess, it felt like a go cart...

If you are used to bigger Mercedes, a SLK 32 is not for you..

 

[Carrotchomper]

I saw a gorgeous one at Sainsbury's in Bristol today. The driver obviously had the same idea as it was parked at the opposite end of the car park from the chav hordes. I parked carefully next to it and commented favourably.

Try a CLK 55!

 

[gaz_l]

There were a combination of things that put me off. It wasn't anywhere near as comfortable as I was expecting - my old C43 was the most comfortable car I've ever owned but the seats in the SLK didn't suit me at all. My Mrs. said she didn't like them either. Also, the quality of the cabin didn't feel as "special" as I thought it would. Again, comparing it to C43's cabin - it wasn't anywhere near as nice a place to be.

I also wasn't impressed with the noise it made - the exhaust was quite loud and drony at town speeds and what little you could hear at speed over the wind noise was thrashy supercharger whine, rather than the epic soundtrack of the V8 in the C43. And finally - it just didn't seem as quick as I was expecting. I must be getting jaded if 354 horsepower doesn't light my fire any more! Actually, I think it was more to do with the power delivery - it seemed very linear with no big shove in the back. Don't get me wrong, it's a very quick car - licence losing speeds available at a few seconds notice - but it wasn't enough to make me reach for my wallet. I didn't get a chance to fling around on any twisty stuff, but the salesman said to me - after I'd told him I wouldn't be buying it - that they're not brilliant in the handling stakes either.

So, what next? Howard, I think you could be onto something - a CLK has already crossed my mind. I fancied a convertible for the summer, hence looking at SLKs, but don't want a fabric roofed one so the CLK cabrio is out. A 208 CLK55 is within my budget, or possibly a 209 CLK500. There are a few of both knocking around at reasonable money at the moment, I'm guessing people are still wary of 5L+ motors at the moment. But for my money, I think a nice big thirsty V8 is the way to go - and I want that noise back!!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[gaz_l]

let me guess, it felt like a go cart...

If you are used to bigger Mercedes, a SLK 32 is not for you..

I'm fine with go-cart! One of my colleagues has just bought an MX-5 - cue hairdressing gags all round. But to be fair, it really does go round corners well.. maybe if it had a turbo the size of a dustbin shoved on I'd consider it!

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[BTB 500]

I also wasn't impressed with the noise it made

You need an SLK55 for that, but they are still fairly pricey.

 

[gaz_l]

You need an SLK55 for that, but they are still fairly pricey.

Over my budget, I'm afraid. Half reasonable ones start at £25K - double what the 32 was. Then again, I did buy a lottery ticket earlier

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Deleted member 6183]

Did you have the roof up?

My Mrs uses our SLK and I really don't like driving it with the roof up, it's a seriously small car and I'm a semi-seriously big bloke and just don't seem to fit.

However, once the sun comes out and I can use it with the roof down I love it.

Ad a daily driver - no good for me but getting the papers on a really nice Sunday morning - flippin' brilliant!

 

[gaz_l]

No, had the roof down as the whole convertible thing was what I was hoping to buy into. Agreed, the car is compact and bijou, but then so are we - I'm 5'7" and SWMBO is only 5'0" and neither of us is claustrophobic. Don't think having the lid up would be a problem.

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[st4]

A CL500 coupe, W140 or 215. S class 220 500 or even a 55 would be in reach of the OPs budget. A 129 SL500 would also be special.