£15-£18k, is there a better 2 seater than SLK55 AMG?

£15-£18k, is there a better 2 seater than SLK55 AMG?

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Discussion

sharon1967

Original Poster:

42 posts

115 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
My other half is looking at a new 2 seater and looking to spend UP TO £18,000 (ideally closer to 15k).

It will be a daily driver so reliability and North on 20 MPG preferable. We tested an SLK55 AMG which was nice and obviously had an amazing sound. It is rare and that is a bonus too.

We like the SLK as it has the folding hardtop for added security. Convertible would be nice but not essential.

We tried a Z4M and found the clutch too heavy.

A Cayman or Boxster S (neither of which we have driven)would be gen 1 and we have seen various horror stories on here (although accept the problem probably isn't as bad as suggested)

Could the wise on here offer any further suggestions please?

Many thanks,

Sharon

Crusoe

4,072 posts

237 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
370Z roadster might be in that price bracket edit yes, for example http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
996 Porsche convertible, quite a few around and would leave some change for any bills.
MX5 smile

I went for a Z4M in that group, clutch shouldn't be that heavy (a bit heavier than a super mini but easy enough for most people so that one could have been on the way out) so might be worth trying another if that was all you didn't like. Not a car to be stuck in traffic with though.

Do your research and watch out for some of the large bills the SLK55 can throw up if you go for one of those.

Edited by Crusoe on Tuesday 28th April 11:31

Panthro

695 posts

224 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
I preferred the Z4 35i over the SLK. better media interface, DCT gearbox and more aesthetically pleasing. I also averaged 34mpg on long trips too.

I like the power delivery of the N54, but the V8 does sound amazing!

sharon1967

Original Poster:

42 posts

115 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Crusoe said:
MX5 smile

Edited by Crusoe on Tuesday 28th April 11:31
Was waiting for that - it's my current and recently purchased drive! smile

Jasandjules

70,474 posts

235 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.

Mike22233

822 posts

117 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.
Great if you like being broken down.

Tuvra

7,921 posts

231 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Its bigger brother?

Jasandjules

70,474 posts

235 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Mike22233 said:
Great if you like being broken down.
Well, I've owned Chimaeras for going on 18 years now. Not had that many problems. You?

If used daily they will be as reliable as most other cars.

Frenchda

1,320 posts

239 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Mike22233 said:
Jasandjules said:
TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.
Great if you like being broken down.
Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)

s m

23,504 posts

209 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Probably the best narrated video I have ever watched....... Troy Queef ...watch and learn .... cool

http://youtu.be/Gxkjwwd5cH0


...."..a racing diplomat is needed here, a mediator between the power of the engine and the strict rules of the electronics..."


daveco

4,225 posts

213 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Tuvra said:
Its bigger brother?
Isn't it beset with ABC suspension issues that cost a fortune to fix??

That said, it is far better looking than the SLK version. Probably the best looking Mercedes of the last 20 years imo.

s m

23,504 posts

209 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
"..... A powerful midget on 4 wheels encased in a bespoke suit of sheet metal......"

d3llams

121 posts

132 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
A nissan 370z convertible can be had for £16k http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n... Edit: i see this has already been mentioned.

Jaguar Xk's are getting into budget. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/j...

TVR Tuscan http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...

anonymous-user

60 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Frenchda said:
Mike22233 said:
Jasandjules said:
TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.
Great if you like being broken down.
Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)
It's an old hand built Birtish sports car. I would not want to use one as a daily!

WCZ

10,779 posts

200 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
"£15-£18k, is there a better 2 seater than SLK55 AMG?"

having previously owned one from new, no IMO

T1berious

2,365 posts

161 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Z4M + Gym Membership? I jest smile

with that budget I'm going to go left field and lotus.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

GroundEffect

13,864 posts

162 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
I'm looking at a 2-seater also with the similar vein.

I want an E92 M3 but also want another convert after I had a Z4M for 2 years...

but I do want a V8 too.

SLK55 would be lovely.


s m

23,504 posts

209 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
"..... The source of joy, a five and a half litre V8, the sound is amost deafening, six cylinder rivals like the Boxster and Z4 sound like a boys choir in comparison...."


"..... Fierce, fierce, .... It just won't stop!......"


cool


" ....it's like hanging a 60 inch plasma TV in a 10 square metre student bedsit..."

TVRJAS

2,391 posts

135 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
Frenchda said:
Mike22233 said:
Jasandjules said:
TVR Chimaera used every day will be great and below budget.
Great if you like being broken down.
Did you have a bad experience with yours?

(J&J beat me too it!)
Mike's been down the pub again listening to those rumors that will never die. smile

618 TVR's at Burghley house coming from all over the country and I got news of only one having a burst radiator. 617 others covering 1,000's of miles between them all happy as Larry.

No mention of what mileage OP's other half will be doing but if the daily drive involves city and the BMW Z4's clutch was heavy then I think she will find the clutch more of an issue than the reliability.

Just saying it as it is... Mines not to bad but I've sat in many that would be a nightmare and uncomfortable for a dainty female.

BigBen

11,808 posts

236 months

Tuesday 28th April 2015
quotequote all
daveco said:
Tuvra said:
Its bigger brother?
Isn't it beset with ABC suspension issues that cost a fortune to fix??

That said, it is far better looking than the SLK version. Probably the best looking Mercedes of the last 20 years imo.
Aftermarket bits for ABC are widely available now and come with lifetime guarantees so should not trouble you much. I have had my SL 55 for 3 years today and have spent less than £200 on the suspension (was all Arnot kit fitted by the previous owner)

Ben