Old slk or z3 - for wife
Discussion
I have a Z3 for myself and did plenty research before buying one so very familiar with them.
Now looking at an automatic 6cyl one for the wife for max 3k. Her requirements are not as PH as mine but she does like the sound of and grunt of mine so 1.9 models are out.
Got looking at SLKs and see that they are very good value now. A 230 kompessor should be lively but sound crap but a nice folding hard top and better interior will make up for it.
Thing is I do not know anything about how good or bad these cars are to keep on the road now they are over 10 years old.
The z3 is pretty cheap and reliable and the main niggles is tracking down water leaks. I am sure the SLK will leak a bit by now too but what of engine, gearbox and other major items reliability and repair bills?
Now looking at an automatic 6cyl one for the wife for max 3k. Her requirements are not as PH as mine but she does like the sound of and grunt of mine so 1.9 models are out.
Got looking at SLKs and see that they are very good value now. A 230 kompessor should be lively but sound crap but a nice folding hard top and better interior will make up for it.
Thing is I do not know anything about how good or bad these cars are to keep on the road now they are over 10 years old.
The z3 is pretty cheap and reliable and the main niggles is tracking down water leaks. I am sure the SLK will leak a bit by now too but what of engine, gearbox and other major items reliability and repair bills?
V8Triumph said:
Z3 2.8 should be a good call for £3k 
There are some around but plenty of dogs but takings time as non are selling at the moment. People think they have big bills and vey thirsty but they are just a ..2.8 that is found in millions of other cars. Body panels are another story though and a new bonnet means right off!As it is for the wife and she like autos only the SLK attracts and plenty of choice it seems but I wonder if they are more expensive and problematic than the rather bullet proof Z?
Anyone ran an old one?
Nikko 40691 said:
MX-5?
In the classified they around 2-2,5k which is too much for what they are compared with a z or SLK.Not interested in the drive or on the limit balance from 14inches and revving the nuts off a small engine in an auto for the wife thanks.
The hype seems to have drown the mx 5 prices up and better cars in my opinion like the z down which works for me.
Got my OH a 2000 SLK 230 Kompressor earlier in the year, It is a great car metal top makes it feel more like a coupe which is nice for motorway cruising, yeah it doesnt have the grumble of the straight 6 in the BMW but the slight charger whine and decent exhaust note make up for that IMHO
Had a 51 plate manual 6 speed SLK230 Komp for a little while, it was very quick indeed and sounded pretty sweet as it gained pace. It's not a male choice, but I wouldn't dismiss it because of that (it'a for the OH after all!). They are in no way a 'proper' Merc (the interiors look nice but in truth are a poor effort, and badly screwed together) but are a nicely balanced, rear drive roadster all the same. I have never had any issues with 4 cylinder petrol Mercedes, for longevity I think they should be every bit as good as the 6 cyl BMs. I had a niggly electrical issue with mine, a scan pointed to a faulty road wheel speed sensor which killed the dash display whilst you were on the move, which in turn prevented the roof from going back and forth. Took a Merc specialist and £200 to put right in the end. The problem? Water ingress, so yes, they do leak!
Nontheless, I really enjoyed the SLK. Makes sense to buy as late as possible, avoid the over priced early ones in naff colours!
Nontheless, I really enjoyed the SLK. Makes sense to buy as late as possible, avoid the over priced early ones in naff colours!
Edited by ajb85 on Friday 27th July 21:28
POORCARDEALER said:
Got wifey a 230 slk auto recently as a second car...love it, smooth auto box, leather heated seats etc, seems well screwed together....she did a 500 mile journey in it recently and got 39 mpg which was a bonus
You must have bought and sold a few over the years?Many come backs?
I see on honest John the list of issues are not that big but roof is more expensive if goes wrong compared with a Z3 and some gearbox issues on early ones
Look at my wife's car in my profile, we've taken our 230K SLK from 69,000 to 123,000 over four years. No real problems until recently, but I believe our cars problems are rare. Nevertheless my wife still loves it, it is very practical for what it is and our preferred replacement would be about £10k. We think the car still has a few years in her. We do about 10k a year in it at the moment.
My dad has just bought my mum a Z3 2.8 for a weekend/summer car and she loves it. handles like a go kart and still surprises a lot of cars considering its 14 years old. Needed a few little parts which my dad got from BMW and the parts were very reasonable, One problem is though the passenger wing mirror and came off previously and been glued on. Priced a new one up and your looking at £200 easily, That's if you can find one.
My mams needed a few little jobs (£50-80 in parts), paintwork isn't brilliant so its going in to my dad's mate for a few little touch ups and machine polish. By the time its all done should be a minter, Think he paid £2700 for it so it will stand him approx £300 when all done.
Really nice car for the money, Would definitely be my choice over an SLK prefer the wider body and the engine sounds gorgeous when giving it some stick.
My mams needed a few little jobs (£50-80 in parts), paintwork isn't brilliant so its going in to my dad's mate for a few little touch ups and machine polish. By the time its all done should be a minter, Think he paid £2700 for it so it will stand him approx £300 when all done.
Really nice car for the money, Would definitely be my choice over an SLK prefer the wider body and the engine sounds gorgeous when giving it some stick.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff