Merc SLK Q's

[gannet]

I know this is a Z4 forum but... I also know some of you have/have had an SLK or have experience of both cars so...

My parents are thinking about getting an SLK and I was wondering if anyone could help with some questions/pointers?

1. Boot size, they have obviously seen the size of the Z4... What is the relative difference between the Z4 and the SLK - size as well as shape?
2. Anything to look out for when looking at examples?
3. Any must have options?
4. Which engine is the one the have - not generally for outright performance (their current car is a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8!)?
5. What is pricing like compared to the Z4?

That should do for now...

Apologies if I've picked the wrong section to post in - please feel free to move if required

Thanks in advance

 

[2dogs]

The SLk is a top car i have only one pointer for you do not buy one with a Manual gear box it a SOS
only get a Auto

Wondermike will be along soon he knows all you need to know.

 

[sp3ctre]

This belongs in the other marques section, which Wondermike frequents

Moved

 

[Wondermike]

I'm here

First Q - how much dosh do they want to spend, because that will affect everything else I tell you

 

[gannet]

I'm here

First Q - how much dosh do they want to spend, because that will affect everything else I tell you

Hi Wondermike

good first q... as little as possible :evil:

having just spoken with them 20-21.5k...

another question that I missed from the original post... seating position compared to the Z4 - reasoning behind is that my mother regularly takes my gran out and she is getting on a bit (91)! My mum will take her to try the car out, but any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Wondermike]

OK cheers, I'll answer all your questions then you'll be surprised...

1. Boot size, they have obviously seen the size of the Z4... What is the relative difference between the Z4 and the SLK - size as well as shape?

Not much in it, I would say that the SLK is bigger until you fold the roof down, then it's still big but you need to put the roof back up to get anything out of it.

2. Anything to look out for when looking at examples?

Nothing specific, usual things I suppose.

3. Any must have options?

Airscarf and leather are 100% must haves (plus with airscarf comes heated seats, they are linked), then come your other stuff like COMAND (satnav), CD changer, bigger wheels, etc. Auto is also vital, but see later on.

4. Which engine is the one the have - not generally for outright performance (their current car is a Vauxhall Vectra 1.8!)?

The smallest is the SLK200, which is a 1.8 Kompressor (supercharged 4 cylinder) with IIRC around 170bhp, then comes the 280 (which is a 3.0V6) with 230bhp and the 350 with 272bhp.

5. What is pricing like compared to the Z4?

Ah, the bad bit. They are quite a bit more than the equivalent Z4, I could have had an equivalent Z4 3.0Si for about £8k less than I ended up shelling out for mine, and although the SLK will always be worth more, I'm not convinced that it's worth the difference.

The problem with the smaller engined 200K is that it holds it's value quite well, and people then need to add quite a few options on top to get a decent spec, so the used values start to get closer to the larger engined cars that come with more kit as standard. The 200K also only ocmes with the old 5 speed auto which is OK but not half as good as the 280 or 350 with the 7 speed auto. Also, it tends to sap the power from the smaller engine a lot more, you really need some big lungs to have an auto box. Problem is, you really really need to have an auto in a Merc, so it's a bit of a Catch 22.



For £20-21k I'd go and buy a 3.0Si Z4 on an 06/56 plate with less than 10k miles on it instead

 

[Wondermike]

 

[Wondermike]

...seating position compared to the Z4 - reasoning behind is that my mother regularly takes my gran out and she is getting on a bit (91)! My mum will take her to try the car out, but any thoughts?

Forgot this one!

I would say the seating positions are pretty much identical, but I had electric seats in the Z4 and the SLK, so they might have more adjustment than manual seats. The SLK definitely has more legroom in it, I have quite long legs and in the Z4 I had the seat quite far back, but in the SLK if I was to put the seat fully back I couldn't even reach the pedals if I stretched.

Getting in and out - TBH not sure that either cars are ideal for your gran, but I suppose the SLK is probably easier to get in and out of - I had M seats in the Z4 and they seem to suck you back when you try and get out of the car.

The SLK350 comes with electric seats and steering wheel as standard, an option on all the other models.[/quote]

 

[gannet]

oh thanks wondermike

thats just what i was after

I have the M seat in mine too - know what you mean about them trying to suck you back in - are nice though

is there not a 230?

thanks again

 

[Wondermike]

Yep there is a 230 but the old shape and you'd easily get a new shape for the money you're talking. The old one is a different car altogether too.

 

[gannet]

ah ok, didnt realise that! they had an offer of previous gen SLK230 for 13.5 but i said no as its a different car and had no heated seats....

 

[sp3ctre]

Old to new SLK is night and day mate, it really is!

 

[Wondermike]

Yep agreed, same difference as Z3 is to Z4.

As another option, seeing as they're not speed demons, what about a recent MX-5 - seen a few bargains recently.

 

[gannet]

Thanks They have looked at the MX-5 and weren't impressed...

Assuming the details are correct is this a reasonable deal (I can seem to link direct to the car like you can with BMWs website!):

Vehicle Details
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: SLK200 KOMPRESSOR Roadster Auto

Colour: Iridium Silver Metallic
Trim: Leather Black

Year: 2004/04
Capacity: 1796 cc
Odometer: 16,265 Miles
Engine: Petrol

Style: Convertible
Transmission: Automatic

Price: GBP 20,995

Dealer Facilities
Financing Available
Delivery Available

Specification and Appointments

Central Door Locking
ABS
Power Steering
Immobiliser
Electric Windows

Additionals
Air Conditioning, Alarm, Heated Seats, CD Player, Parktronic, 17" Alloy Wheels, Driver and Passenger Memory Seats, High Capacity Battery, Interior Lighting Package, Interior Motion Sensor, Driver Memory Seat, Cupholder

 

[Wondermike]

I found it. It's a really nice car, but no airscarf, and IMHO 75% of buyers will discard any car without it unless it's really cheap. Airscarf is the signature sort of option on the R171 SLK, so people look for it.

 

[gannet]

didnt you say the airscarf was linked to heated seats though :?

Thanks

 

[Wondermike]

Yep but the other way, you can't have airscarf without heated seats, but you can have heated seats without airscarf

 

[gannet]

ah that makes sense, thanks

is the price a reasonable one?

 

[Wondermike]

With the current climate I'd try a low-ball offer of £19.5k and a max of £20k. It is a nice car and has electric seats which I think will make a big difference with your Gran getting in and out of it.

Tell your parents to make a really big deal out of the fact it doesn't have airscarf (you can bet the dealer would, if it was the other way round).

In fact, I'd be pretty certain of them getting it for £19.5k if they stick to their guns :guns:

 

[gannet]

Thanks for that wondermike Ill pass it on. They are off to see if my gran can get in/out tomorrow!

got my fingers crossed for them