I bought a 2002 Mercedes SLK in black back in May, my first ever car. Although I've heard that some owners have their gripes with it and yes, the hairdresser jokes ensued but this is by far an absolutely superb car. Nothing, and I mean nothing beat the feeling of sitting in it for the first time, taking the roof off with the music up and going for a drive in the sunset. I'll always remember that, certainly one of my most favourite memories of my whole life.
@@stefantud300 I prefer the first gen SLK for its appearance. All three generations are very reliable vehicles and decent on fuel too. If you can nab a decent mileage model for under £5000 you've got a winner
Oh Matt I’m glad you like the car. My everyday driver is a disco sport but last year I retired and wanted something to enjoy on summers days . I always wanted a convertible so I bought a 2012 SLK . I’m afraid it’s only the humble 200 Blue Efficiency but with a top speed in excess of 140 mph it’s plenty fast enough for me . Put the 7 speed automatic in sports mode and the acceleration is thrilling. As you say the combination of hard top and convertible is so useable. I still love my Disco but on a Sunny day with the top down the SLK really puts a smile on my face . I hope to keep it until I’m too old to drive 👍
I have a 05 , 200 auto. I'm keeping it until I can't get in or out of it without too much of a struggle. If no one parks next to you & you can open the door fully & the roof is down , it's much easier.
Ditto. Retired. Done the 996 Carrera 4 cab. (frail), Jaguar XKR fixed head (expensive). Now on an '09 SLK300 with an E Pace daily drive. Just done 160 mile run on M6/A50 ... 36mpg! what's not to like.
We are on our second diesel one of these, and this is by far the fairest most accurate review I’ve come across. Thanks as always for your brilliant content.
Had one of these, a 13 plate in dark blue. Had the same spec as your one but with parking sensors. One of the very few cars I’ve had I actually miss. Was amazing on fuel, managed Paris to Glasgow on just under 3/4 of a tank. Found it to be surprisingly comfy and as you described, rode well considering how low it is and with 18inch wheels. Had a better Mercedes “waft” than the 57 plate C-Class it replaced. If I were to have another one, which I haven’t ruled out, it would without a doubt have to be the petrol 350.
NO FUCKING WAY!!! i have SLK 250, its 1.8l 204hp gasoline engine, i absolutely cant get low consumption, i thought i have some issue, but all the service checks never found a problem my avr city is 15-17l/100km, but in traffic and i like to overaccelerate slow city without traffic be like 11-14l/100km avr country road going 90-120kmph with occasional over accelerations is 9-11 and very lowest i can reach maybe 7-8l/100kmph when i really going slow once i was in very remote area with no gas stations on next 200km and running out of gas, i had to set 80kmph speed limiter and lowest i was able to have is 6.4l/100kmph - i guess in best conditions in vacuum with speed like 70kmph it can be down to 6l - but thats about it And you saying you drove from Paris to Glasgow (1100km) on 3/4 of tank, which is 45 liters, means avr 4.1l/100kmph how?????
@@ruahruah2154 looked at the photos I took. According to the trip computer on the car, I did 1113kms, that took 11hrs and 46 mins, an average speed of 94km/h and an average fuel consumption of 5.5l/100km
I had the petrol 350, class, best car, in my mind, that I've had. Only swapped it over last week for a 2 litre. My partner was a wreck anytime I went on the motorway with the 350 lol, so to allay his fears, I went down to a 2 lol.
I love the SLK. I had a 230 kompressor AUTO years ago. I got such a ribbing from my mates for driving a hairdresser car though. Love the more modern one like you have in the video.
A good-looking car and a comprehensive, fun review of a diesel convertible! Could make for a lovely roadtripper. Or early Sunday dashes to Caffeine & Machine. Thank you Matt.
I just bought a 2006 SLK 280. 3 litre engine. Full service history, everything works. No squeaks and rattles from the roof - your example might have a badly adjusted roof. No bluetooth streaming, but that was easily sorted. I just drove down to Spain. 2 days. Today I drove 1400km from Orleans and had a great drive. Comfortable, fast, quiet (but not like my Volvo or S Class.). I arrived with no backache and not feeling like a zombie. Fuel consumption at close to speed limits all the way was just under 35mpg. Twice as costly as my diesel S80 but more fun all the way. I bought a full sized suitcase. Computer bag and loads of other goodies. If I'd packed more carefully I could've had the roof down - but that's for tomorrow and the next couple of months. I wasn't planning to buy this, it was a spur of the moment thing and the price £4k, I couldn't turn down. I didn't even bother haggling. Apart from a few stone chips it looks almost new. The previous owners took good care of this thing. Early days, but I think that this is a car to be recommended. Not as a sports car but as a comfy car for long drives and as a lifestyle accessory. Is it wrong that even with the SL vibes, I prefer the older shape bonnet and front end? Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Had I seen this video before buying, my initial hesitancy might well have been removed.
Cheers Matt. Loved my 250d amg sport 2016 built in parking sensors and satnav. 9 speed auto , 70mph at 1400 revs regularly got over 60mpg and £30 a year road tax.
For some reason, I often hanker after a 55AMG - I think it’s because it’s the one of last of the mad AMG where it seems they just shoehorned a V8 into a small car for fun - a German hot rod.
I agree with you and tell my friends my 2013 is a "beefy v-8 shoehorned into a go-cart" so we're on the same page. Has a great V-8 sound with the H-pipe replaced by an X-pipe and rear cats removed. I will never sell this car. They are actually hard to find here in the states. I was patient and found one with low miles at a great price.
Picked up a 2014 250CDi AMG last April. The AMG spec is an option with 18” wheels, lowered & stiffened suspension and uprated brakes. Parking sensors and Airscarf are a must. So far been a great little car. Torque is comparable with SLK55 AMG so overtaking is great fun. Great for the miles up and down the motorway and fun in the Welsh hills. Really pleased with it and it’s appreciated in value. Cheers for another great review Matt.
Horse shit. Air scarf is not "a must" at all and is entirely superiorfluous - driven SLK's with and without in middle of winter. Standard spect without the scarf is fine with roof dropped all year down - just need heated seats with standard blower.
The best review of the diesel SLK I have ever seen, you hit every point and understood the car in a way that few do, I agree with everything you said. I have front & rear parking sensors, air scarf, heated seats, glass roof & the slightly larger screen you get with COMMAND Sat nav. These options help get the most out of the car if you can find an example that has them.
A fair and balanced review. Mine is a 2014 250 CDI AMG (Debadged) With Powder coated AMG wheels it lives outside and is used all year round. On long runs it's practical on town and local trips it's not a diva, when it rains you don't have to worry it will bite you when cornering and when the Suns out the roof is down. The comments are few and far between but when they are made the joys and ease of ownership and everyday use make them easy to shrug off. They don't get a lift with the roof down, their loss :-)
I had a brand new one from '12 - '14, with that engine and box. Was a bit course and loud but I liked it. Had a rumble with a Mégane RS 225 on the M54, he couldn't pass me or gain on me so that's how quick it was for a diesel. I would imagine losing the egr, dpf and a remap it would be properly quick. Oh and it ate rear tyres 😊
Great review bro, I always lusted over these in my late teens when these were new… But please.. Please never underestimate a 250CDI in any 2010-15 model, they are the best of both worlds despite being coarse and noisy on the start up. But in my opinion better than those Renault engines they use now. Being 1000% serious, if you remap one (they’re already pretty rapid for what they are) you’ll get about a 100nm torque gain and 40bhp gain… You won’t see this from BMW’s 2.0d engines… This (in the merc) will cut the 60 time to just about sub 6 in a small car, which is in my humble opinion, ridiculous… Not only that, but your fuel economy will be compatible to a hybrid if driven sensibly. In my e class I’ve got an average of 76mpg over 9 miles at 52mph on the M27 50mph restriction with proof… But again Matt, great review and good to see you succeeding as you so should🙏
I have an SLK 200 AMG 2012 and it’s a very classy economical and still turns heads suprisingly! It’s quick enough for fast overtaking . They are quicker than you think. The great thing is they have aged very well and will continue too
I've got the same model and have owned it for a couple of years of relatively trouble free motoring. The roof hinge cover return springs break. This is a common problem with the R172 and can be expensive to replace at a dealership. The air scarf and heated seats are terrific options... The cup holders were a £25 option when new!
I just sold my SLK250 2012 two days ago! Had a wonderful time with it but services at Mercedes were disappointing. Also, living in Switzerland, rear wheel drive isn't optimal for all year driving. Excellent review as always Matt.
One of my favourite car content on YT Matt! I'm looking forward for a Merc CLK coupe 2nd gen review from you. Always loved those cars. Keep up with the content mate.
Funny, yet unfair. You still gotta love Clarkson & his un-PC colleagues 😃 Those were the days when you could take the pi$$. Whithout some easily offended, humourless pr!ck trying to ruin your like 😃
Every model Mercedes from C class to M class from 2010 to 2014 was a real return to form. Solid, reliable and good looking in a tradtional Mercedes way. Just look at the C, E, S, M, SLK & SL from this era.....all still look great now and are holding up really well. Not to mention the SLS!
I've had the R171 and the R172 since new for 8 years now. The spec all depends on what was ordered. As you saying it isn't a sports car, that depends which model you have. Only problem I've had with both of them is the roof not opening. Good , reliable and fun car to drive.
Just bought 2012 SLK 55 AMG in May with just over 10,000 miles. I am a little lady so gave up on the V8 63 due size. I am very happy!! Better boot size that 3 litre. Had SLC diesel which would recommend for long distances. But the acceleration on this thing is great and the boot size is practical for UK Breaks. Pick whatever matches your lifestyle, plans and wants. I wanted a V8 after a lifetime of Sports or fast convertible cars. I didn’t even know this V8 existed and found the v v positive Clarkson write up after purchase - Phew!!!
I love my SLK, the roof is terrific and I am now 60 and not bothered about ultimate handling, I am 6'2" and I fit, I don't fit in an MX-5. Mine is petrol and sounds really good despite only being a 1.8
Reverse with the windows down to listen out for screams or broken glass & as funny as a floater in a swimming pool,Comedy genius.Your videos just get better and better.Thanks Matt,Keep up the fantastic work you do.J
That's one of the best car I've ever owned. Not a sports car at all, but an amazing cruiser to drive along countryside roads. Classy and not in your face as very few others. Loved every bit of it.
Great review, i have a 2006 SLK 350 V6, it's been a joy to own after 3 years of ownership, always gets admiring looks, even though it's an older model, like you say, it's all about the badge.
Great video, you are right about the Boxster, and definitely about every Mercedes- bought only for the badge, nothing else, it certainly isn't because of the reliability, or dealerships for the latter. Can you imagine who would buy an ML if it was a Kia?
Great review as always, would have been helpful to mention that 2016 model year (65 plate onwards) the 7 speed auto replaced with a 9 speeder. I have one and get 60mpg on a run at a steady 65 - 70 mph and road tax is only £30 a year....so good just gets better!!
Loved my r171 SLK 350. You said exactly what I used to tell folk….the slk isn’t a sports car, it’s a small convertible Mercedes. Great cars for everyday use. Great review. Cheers
thats the one I chose. stick shift. freakin awesome. may not be a sports car but mine 0-60s in 4.8 seconds fast enough to keep a mustang gt in its place
Love the SLK, my budget will only stretch to £5000 but I have found a nice looking SLK280 at £4490 with 69k on the clock and no advisories but the partial service history is scaring me lol - thanks for the review 👍
They’re really pretty bombproof. Very very easy to service. My OHs R171 hasn’t seen a garage for four years but it’s immaculate and perfectly maintained. There’s not much beyond a competent home mechanic, so that service history wouldn’t bother me at all. I assume you’re looking at an R171 - only biggie is rust where the wing joins the wheel arch - if it has this bubbling or evidence of a repair then walk away. The wings are (last time I looked) £438 plus vat each. No aftermarket available. Every single cheap used example I see has this rust. Back subframes rust too but Merc sometimes replace under rust warranty. Ours is swimming in waxoyl. I sound even more of a geek.
@@molluscturtle Cheers - it's a 2005 SLK280 with a 6 speed manual box, so I think it should be a R171 - I think I have to go take a look, the dealer is less than 10 miles away so the only excuse is the fear of future bills lol - as you can see I'm a crap car buyer :)
@@HighPeakAutos Cheers :) I always freak out when it comes to car buying especially on something that is a bit exotic, just got to go check it out I think :)
@@Kane856 Get underneath and look at the rear subframe - I have the exact same car, and a £1300 bill for replacing it! I wouldn't swap the car though, it is a sweet number all round.
My 280 only gives 34-35mpg at 80mph on a run. Driving across Europe is not cheap - but probably cheaper than flying, (and much more fun) so there is that!
Loved my SLK 250, had one on lease from 2013 - 15. Drove it round France and Italy and found it great fun and surprisingly practical. On the drove from the North-East to Portsmouth and managed 60mpg.
Slk 55AMG 2nd generation facelift. That's worth a go! Been one in the family for several years now and I've driven it. With no turbo and a big v8 it sounds incredible. I remember top gear testing it against a boxster and Jeremy loving it. It doesn't handle like a boxster, not even close, feels nose heavy a bit like a muscle car, interior looks very dated now with a laughable sat Nav but put your foot down and all is forgiven. As a weekend toy for not much cash it takes some beating.
Nice review. My 2015 250d is £30 road tax, pulls like a train and my 6ft 3 frame fits it. It's a second car that lives in the dry waiting for me. Fuel economy is frankly amazing and motorway travel really improves MPG figures. My one addition to the wagon was fitting a 'Smart top' enabling the roof to open remotely from the key and enabled rear quarter windows to be up when Mercedes said they shouldn't be. The 9 speed (not seven on mine) auto box is true a delight. I love the gear paddles and they turn the 250d into a sportier experience. Agree, I should have made sure mine had the Air Scarf option, but I don't miss it. I am not a track day person, just a 'lets drive on a sunny / cold / whatever day with the top down, so it moves rapidly enough for me. The suspension (mine has the sport pack) is a little harder than I would choose, but its fine. Just watch out for speed bumps as damage needs to be avoided. Radio is great (I like DAB and having a 6 disc CD player fitted. When buying, always look to see if the GPS / Satnav box is fitted / included (look in the glove compartment as it is removable). Agree the hairdresser comments crap can be a little wearing, but they are not informed and show a compete lack of knowledge about the capabilities of the SLK and its transition from earlier models to the R172 model. Headlight bulb changes sound a pain the backside but I haven't needed to do that yet. All in all mine is a keeper.
Yes, I think your comments are spot-on. It's a super comfortable cruiser that has lots of space, two seats, can drop the roof when you feel like it, keep the roof up when the weather is bad. The drive isn't actually that bad, when you enjoy the drive and don't try and set a track record. This isn't as smooth or quick as my CLK, or as nimble as any of the hondas I've had.... but it is the car I get into when it's just me and road🤷🏻♂🤷🏻♂
Saw one in Llanelli quite recently and it even looked pretty nice in an off white. I've driven petrol 200 and 230 supercharged mark 1 versions but this model is much more stylish.
I had one of the original 1998 230k models and it was brilliant, not it was for the roof that was the cool thing. I drove it for about 30k miles a year and it was a great car
Great review Matt. I bought one at the end of November last year. I absolutely love it. Same spec as the one you are reviewing. 250cdi Amg sport. Air Scarf, Heated Seats and I bought the Becker Sat Nav Module off ebay as it came with the Pre-Wiring in the glove box. They are quicker than you think as being the diesel you tend to drift along especially when I am listening to my classical music. Ideal having a 6 disc CD changer so I fill it up with my favourite discs. I must admit I haven't had the top down since I bought it as it hasn't stopped raining here in sunny Devon since I bought it. I love the car already, so can't wait for better weather. Kind regards. Mark B.
Bought a 2015 model with 9 speed automatic .Road Tax £30.Best car I ever bought and you CAN throw it around corners and it Sticks like shit.The rattle from the roof I found was the drivers seat being slammed right back causes it. I have no rattle at all now.
Spot on! The squeaking we initially experienced was the hard plastic seat back against the equally hard plastic trim behind it. I just pushed the seat right back & brought the seat back forward an inch. Problem solved! 😃
I've got one ! A late 2015 SLK 250D, so a diesel engine. The car was bought so I had a sports car that the missus could get in and out of, and also that was reasonably quiet when the hood was up. It is everything I wanted, (I also have a 2009 MG TF). Very comfortable ride, decent boot when the hood is up, (most of the time in the UK, of course !!!). £30 a year VED, 50 mpg, 9-speed automatic genarbox, etc etc. It is a really brilliant little car for those who have left their "wheel-spin to wheel-lock" days behind them. A car for the more mature owner who likes to drive in the fresh air when the weather is warm.
Bought my R171 2010 SLK200 petrol auto with 25k miles on it two years ago. This great review says everything I would say myself about the car. The metal roof may add a little extra weight and yes it squeaks at times, but it makes it feel reassuringly secure. I have rear sensors and airscarf and wouldn’t be without them. I’m sure other cars provide more thrills, but I’ve never been a racer and this supplies all the fun I need. The steering and handling are very solid and the car holds the road well. The styling is retro (analogue clock!) which I love, and yes I’ll admit a reason for buying it is the look of the long tapered bonnet with its sharp lines, especially on the R171. But isn’t it nice to have a car which makes you smile even when it’s just sitting on the drive? If I ever change it, I’d definitely be considering a well specced 2015/16 R172, not sure about the SLC though.
It’s a shame Mercedes’ didn’t do anything about the noise of the 2.1 diesel, my c class coupe sounds like an ice cream van in 1st & 2nd gear especially when it’s cold 😐 but plenty of torque plus it is quite on the motorway & excellent on fuel , great review as always Matt 🙌👍
I loved this, thanks for a fab upload! A mate of mine has an SLK 350 from 2008 which I nearly bought but was put off by the running costs and his is a stunner. He does about 300 (no that wasn't a mistype) miles a year in it and its a manual!! Its pristine so if anyone wants one let me know!
Sounds interesting. I don't know much about this car but was intrigued by Matt's review. I love the appearance. I've been considering an Audi TT. Is the upkeep really expensive for the SLK? How many miles has your mate's car done?
Hi Matt, Great video & a fair appraisal. We have the later SLC 250d with the 9 speed box & a few other improvements over the SLK. After decades on motorcycles & building/driving uber lightweight kit cars. Some of which would rival middleweight sports bikes. I switched to a 2.0 MX-5 for a couple of years. It was a lot slower than what I was used to. But still a cracking little car! Tail happy fun in the sun & equipped with a roof if/when it rained 😃 Then last year I decided to treat my wife to an SLC as an early 50th birthday gift. Pretty much everything you said in your review is true. They are a fantastic, luxurious GT car. But they most definitely are not a sports car in the same way a Boxster or even MX-5 is. Ours is quoted as 0-60mph in 6.4 & a top speed of 152mph. But anyone who knows anything about genuine sports cars. Knows that it takes way more than a set of figures like that. Light weight & agility is far more important. Having said that, I love ours for what it is. It would happily propel us too the south of France in a day. In total comfort whilst returning 50+mpg 😃 BTW... I advise anyone looking for an SLK/SLC who decides to join a forum called SLK World. To not share their thoughts on the car not being a "proper sports car" I did, & it upset some of the little darlings to such a degree, they banned me 🤣 My explanation that I love our SLC for what it is. And it was only my previous experience in "proper sports cars". That gave me cause to be realistic about the SLC. Didn't cut any ice at all with one particular micro penis administrator 😉 Apart from that individual & a few others, the forum is great. It's a mine of useful info. And 99% of the forum members are fantastic guys & girls 🙂
SLK world - run by that retired master sergeant who clearly is unable to let his old job go. US Merc forums are nuts! They won’t tolerate dissent, spend six months washing their cars with six buckets and woe-betide you if you don’t use Genuine MB oil or parts. Bonkers! Oh - and when they post pictures of the underneath of their cars … (their twenty year old ones are nicer than our year old examples).
@@molluscturtle The Master Sergeant big cheese is exactly as you say mate. But he isn't as bad as his underlings. He obviously used to be a bit of a geezer who could at one time command genuine authority. Maybe old age & a loss of actual authority is why he selects keyboard warrior/manginas as his underlings? 🤔 😉 I'm still in touch with several of the great guys from that forum. This summer I hope to have a face to face chat with the British micro penis Admin that banned me purely for my honest review of our SLC 😉
Back when we had saabs, I joined a Saab forum and quickly found out that,even though it a group of random people 99% of whom you will never meet there is a definite " click" between certain members. It didn't help that a few members sole ambition was to knock another Saab forum. However,keyboard personalities aside,they are a great way for getting to the bones of a particular models weak points.
I was choosing between one of these (350SLK) and a Boxster S. The MB won on looks and the Boxster on luggage space and badge snobbery. I chose the Boxster in the end and loved it, but I think I would have enjoyed owning one of these nearly as much.
I think the party piece of the SLK, outside of the SLK55 itself, is the folding metal hardtop. There's just something special about it, and it's a real shame they went with a cloth top for the latest SL.
Amazing contect man! I have an older version!! Love the car!! Its my everyday fun car, pushing it beyond its limits and squeezing every single bit of fun out of it! Feels as if its now an extension of my body when I drive with it!
I have a 1999 R170, 230 Kompressor which I use as a summer weekend car, Spent a small fortune on getting up to standard but I love it. I did a round trip to Norfolk in it last year and it didn't miss a beat. I have been using it as a daily the past 4 months and I am off now to pick it up from WMB in Sunderland where I have just had it serviced, My Brother has a R172 a totally different car to mine but they are really nice..
I have an SLK R171, which is my daily car. has 220.000 KM. I fu^king love it !!! If you want one go for it. Any time I drive it makes me smile, still the same sensation as in the first day, even after 3 years :)
I love my SLK250 CDI…..in sport mode you leave everyone behind with the light body. Great fun and…..if you drive sensibly, you get a great MPG. 56mpg on a fair distance drive. I love the Diesel engine, still get that “raspy” sound on the motorway or overtaking. LOVE IT!. 👍
When I see red seatbelts I'm always reminded of a Mini Metro Turbo . When I was in the trade I sold one to a 72 year old lady , the main reason for her purchase was that she'd fallen in love with the 'beautiful' red seatbelts .... She was thereafter known as " Turbo Gran "
My Sister has always had an SLK, one after the other for years. She started with an MGBT in win red, great looking car. I complained once about people always asking me to take people or stuff about as I always had estates, she said “that’s why I always have a sports car”. Haha, not daft. She lives in Bradbury funnily enough.
Hi Matt, I enjoyed the review of the SLK, I own a 2013 SLK 250cdi with 27k on the clock in grey. I agree with your point that this is not an all out sports car but its great cruiser. I’m not sure if this is a national arrangement but my local Mercedes dealer offer reduce servicing/parts costs for older cars, I’ve been informed that Mercedes are keen to keep their older cars on the road. My car is due a service in April so it will be interesting to see how that goes.
Unlike most manufacturers. Merc don't offer the far more realistically "fixed" priced servicing deals until year 7. Ford & other manufacturers realise that they are less likely to get away with their ridiculous priced servicing costs after year 3. Merc seem to think they can more than double that? Unfortunately, due to the delusional attitude towards "genuine dealer" servicing of several Merc owners, they are currently getting away with it 😏
I have one for about 8 years and love it. Best thing for manoeuvring and parking: install a camera, i have front and rear and i can park it way better than many utility cars without cameras. The original stereo accepts them (dedicated rear cam input and front as video aux-in), so no need to do much fiddling. About the maintenance, the car likes to throw some errors now and then, so yeah, you should be on top of it so the car does not surprise you. I'm on the second engine, but was due to mechanic error, meaning no extra cost for me. Overall, i use it daily and got so used to it that when going to another car, quickly miss its comfort (never thought to say something like this about a sporty car, but it really is comfortable).
That gap is because of the way the windscreen was made, it shouldn't overcome the safety pillars, so it looks that way when the top is up. Mine does not have that, instead it has two small rotating glass (windows) protections in the shape of the pillars. Each one in the back of its pillar, rotating to the middle to make the windscreen. Almost never use them in the extended form, don't find it too turbulent or windy because i use the rear quarter windows up.
I've a 2005 SLK350, owned since 2012....almost 10 years. The only issue was an Crankshaft Position Sensor, cost $35 and I was able to install in 1/2 hr. It's been the best car I've ever owned. It still looks quite new, people think I'm driving a $60k car and it still does 0-60 under 6s....so still great fun when the top is down!
After a petrol SL350 I had a SLC diesel. Despite my initial embarrassment the relief of the mileage offered by the diesel set me free for trips/touring with roof down even on the A1! The 3 litre petrol “SLC” I test drove after did confirm the acceleration difference. But regular trips from Devon to Essex filling up an SL350 were a bit heavy duty! The SLC Diesel use everyday and regular trips to Stamford, Devon et al demonstrated that the diesel was a good experiment. And weirdly I thought [but it may not be correct] that the SLC boot took loads of bags and cases even with the roof down. I still have a yen for a V8 in 2022 but those painful memories of filling up the SL350 very [too] regularly [I actually use my cars more than 10,000 miles p.a.] escape like teletubbies into my memory!
I really like this series of SLK. It looks great and will age very well. The hard top makes it a great all year round vehicle. With the 3.5 V6 or as an AMG 43, they go very well. A lot of fun… 🚗 💥 💨
Changed my wife’s 08 slk200 for a 17 slc300 amg with all the extras she absolutely loves it (she’s a hairdresser so it’s ok). It’s something I’m happy to drive as well especially in sport + mode sounds great and very quick! She likes a metal roof for the British climate and security! No other choices since the demise of the z4
I've owned an SLK r172 for around a year and a half now and I can confirm this is an honest, realistic and in-depth review. The only thing I have to add here is that the electric seats with memory and rear parking sensors are very common optionals that whoever ordered the specific car you were testing opted out of. And yet they opted into the sunroof and the airscarf, which are more expensive options lol. Also, no one has ever made a hair dresser joke to me, in fact the car is always well received as a cool car, which it is. In the end the SLK isn't a neck breaking porsche, but it is very comfortable, very manageable, great looking and fast enough sports car.
Hi, I have the slk 250 2014 as my daily car, I love it. It is sporty, elegant and very easy to use. In my opinion the best two seats convertible in this price range.
I have a 2017 SLC 43 AMG, which, for a high-performance car (360hp and 0-60 in 4.5 seconds), is really easy to live with. In Economy mode, with the roof up, it's comfortable and refined, but in Sports + mode with the roof down, it's a fire breathing dragon. It lives in my garage, and I only drive it when the sun is shining, and I've enjoyed every mile I've driven in it.
Thanks Matt for this review and for the recent C-220d coupé review . The 2nd generation 'McClaren' version was quite a looker ; I would possibly opt for a low mileage coupé with the newer 2.0ld 190hp unit though the SLC should be a fun everyday car to drive . These reviews gives this 65 year old a spring in his step . PS : does the sun ever come out in them Northern climes ??
You are the reason I spend many many hours perusing autotrader/eBay looking at cars I had no intention of looking at 🤦🏻♂️🤣🤣 excellent work as always, cheers Matt for another top notch review
That was the best review of an SLK I’ve seen. You got the machine bang on and what it is best at doing. I’ve had a 129 SL followed by 170 and 171 SLK. The 172 is a great all rounder. Your read on the OM651 engine was correct. I sell MB commercials and have seen Sprinters hit 600k miles on the same engine and gearbox.
I have the 2013 SLK 350 AMG in black with creme color seats and dark tinted windows. I thought about buying a newer version but my current SLK is fine. It has 69K miles and the body is in good condition and it gets its annual service and occasional detailing. I get compliments on my car all the time. People think it is newer than 2013. The only thing I added was a LED Mercedes emblem on the front. It looks really cool at night and riding through the fog. 😊
Only just found your series and enjoying it. I'm on my 4th Saab 9-3 convertible. Current one is one of the last ones they made. And as they don't make them anymore, I'm not sure what to get next - except that I like convertibles. How about a video on convertibles in general. From economy to luxury. I keep looking at the Merc E-class......
I’ve had 5 Saab convertibles - from the classic 900 to the NG 9-3 - and now have an E350 CDI coupe. You’ll appreciate the extra refinement of the Merc over the Saab (but I still have a hankering for a 900 Turbo convertible!)
@@rhysparker6504 thanks for the comment. It will probably be a E class when I do change. But I do love that Saab. If you've not seen the film Sideways, it's a road trip film featuring a 900 convertible. And a pretty funny film too.
@@andrewcarter7503 I have seen it - my first 900 convertible was a red one. I’ve spent a lot of time in California, but not much around Santa Barbara. Maybe I’ll get round to visiting the Hitching Post this summer (my g/f lives in LA and highly recommends it!)
Great little car. I have one in this exact spec. It’s a coupe, convertible and a GT all in one pretty little package. Very fast on the open road as opposed to the traffic light GP. Best thing about the diesels is the range. Drive sensibly on a good run you should get between 300-450 miles on a gentle continental cruise. My neighbour has one in the south of France and loves it. Comes and goes regularly to the Home Counties. Coupe on the way down with the bags, get rid of the bags at destination and get rid of the roof with that bronzed beauty sitting next to you on the riviera. What’s not to like?
