Mercedes-Benz SLK

[DaveM]

I know that there are a few car buffs in here, so this one is for you.


Whenever I get a chance, I like to stop by the local exotic auto dealer just to see what's new. Yesterday, I had an opportunity to make a quick visit to a Mercedes-Benz dealer and I think that I found the best value in a semi-exotic convertable this year, the 2005 SLK!


The SLK350 features a new 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, more precise 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, and an available sport suspension. The SLK55 AMG is powered by a 355-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and AMG suspension.


In the era of 30- 90K convertables, the SLK with an Invoice price range of $43 to $56K appears to be a helluva deal don't you think?


http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c450912a.jpg

[advantage]

Be careful. Mercedes has some quality problems. My mom bought a1999 SLK. Every summer when she turned on the air conditioner.... nothing. Since it was under warranty, the dealership (or Mercedes) just charged it with Freon.


This summer (now that the warranty is over), she took it to the dealer and instead of just charging it with Freon, they decided to find the leak and fix it. She had to threaten to sue in order to avoid the $1,500 bill they tried to get her to pay. Why didn't they fix the leak when it was a warranty repair?

[clivew]

Great car - specially if you want to pose.


The seals may have been faulty to start with.


There are always problems with service personnel. Auto air conseals dry out through lack of use over extended periods of more than 6 mths. Although usually, this only happens when the car is a few years old. When the seals "dry out" they shrink, harden and leak.


Solution is to run air con every couple of months for about 2 or 3 minutes, the refrigerant circulates and absorbs in the seals keeping them well saturated and swollen. No more leaks.

[HelpMePlz]

unfortunately .. after the sales tax here of 200%-300%, the SLK would be $80k - $100k :(

[RxRob]

unfortunately .. after the sales tax here of 200%-300%, the SLK would be $80k - $100k :(


Which country chargesit's citizens 300% tax??? smileys/smiley3.gif


Wow!

[HeadCracker]

Dave , you have nice taste. Looks like a fairly good deal. Great car for reliability and resale no issue. The only thing to be careful of, since you are in the same State as me, is the heat on the convertabile top, so garage kept is the ONLY ticket for a conv. The other would be gas mileage, big motor, big gas bill.


Other than that, Germans sure make a good car.

[clivew]

unfortunately .. after the sales tax here of 200%-300%, the SLK would be $80k - $100k :(


Which country chargesit's citizens 300% tax??? smileys/smiley3.gif


Wow!








Singapore and Hong Kong used to - dont know now with Chinese control. Idea is to not have large luxury cars. Other than the very wealthy you are encouraged to take to the very good public transport system.

[kurkapan]

My neighbour has slk55 amg and this is one of the best cars I've seen ever...smileys/smiley16.gif

[Steve]

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You guys in the US have a good deal there, cheap car! Here in the uk about 50% more..except mercs are slowwwwwwwww, and ok for over 50's. Buy an Alfa same price twice the performance. ( I don't think US imports alfa's, something to do with emmissions?..not sure on that...but an alfa 3.2 v6 would wipe the floor with that oldie merc, and a little cheaper smileys/smiley17.gif

[Steve]

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OOps forgot to mention, the merc may be more reliable in a straight line -;)

[RX-MEX.COM]

DaveM,


I think that the SLK350 is a great purchase and blows the competition away.


What other cars are in the same class that you can choose from ?


Z3 ?


Boxter?


TT ?


Lexus SC430?


I have a friend that purchased a Boxter and believe it or not he managed to blow the tranny. It was under warranty and Porsche had to change it for him even though he looked like an idiot when he told them what happened.


And I have another friend that purchased the Lexus, which I believe would be the closes competitor of the SLK 350.


Regards and I hope you get it soon.


Andre