TVR Tuscan V Merc SLK 55 AMG
Discussion
Thinking of selling my Tuscan and getting an SLK last time I sold a TVR I bought a Audi S4 Convertible which I loved then bought an M3 Convertible but felt it was too similar in a lot of ways (but very different) to my 540 what are everyone's thoughts (I would also probably sell the wife's Mini Cooper S)
The main reason being I never use the Tuscan (5000 miles 4 years) and it cost me a fortune to keep going, rebuilt engine, new slave cylinder, decat, new clutch etc etc etc
The main reason being I never use the Tuscan (5000 miles 4 years) and it cost me a fortune to keep going, rebuilt engine, new slave cylinder, decat, new clutch etc etc etc
Many people have gone TVR -> SLK55, no sure why but its actually quite a common move. As one PH'er once described it, 80% as mad, but 100% more reliable.
Ask around in the Merc subsection, might get some of the TVR converts to chip in.
Core things about SLK55s:
1. If it's pre '56 plate, front brakes are very expensive so make sure they're good
2. Warranties were considered essential, but only the 'proper' Merc one.
3. Engines are bulletproof, gearboxes are fairly solid if looked after, make sure the heated seats work as they're an expensive fix.
I've not driven a TVR, but I thought I'd provide an alternative view to the UK press' dim view of the SLK55, in that I really like them. I've driven a few on a number of occasions and have always enjoyed them. The driving position is also spot on, which is very rare these days. Interestingly, Best Motoring really rate them and regard it as a benchmark.
Going to take an slk for a test drive, FFG i think the when he said that is not still very reliable is because 100%more reliable is only twice as good which isnt brilliant, if I do deciede to sell mine I think it will struggle for anything else to go wrong for the bits I have had done on it, engine rebuilt, new slave cylinder, new clutch, decat and rechip, I suppose gearbox and diff are next and all above in 7000 miles
colinrob said:
Going to take an slk for a test drive, FFG i think the when he said that is not still very reliable is because 100%more reliable is only twice as good which isnt brilliant, if I do deciede to sell mine I think it will struggle for anything else to go wrong for the bits I have had done on it, engine rebuilt, new slave cylinder, new clutch, decat and rechip, I suppose gearbox and diff are next and all above in 7000 miles
Sounds like you've been unlucky. What were the 2 Chims like to keep the balance?FFG
A neighbour of mine has an SLK 55 as a summer car. I'm assuming it's not got the standard exhaust on it as it sounds fantastic. He's had some pretty special cars in the past (348, Escort Cosworth, M3) but really rates the 55. It's an "anything" car - it can do the pottering to the shops or comfy cruising down the motorway etc, or it can do the full on noisy sportscar thing.
northwest monkey said:
It's an "anything" car - it can do the pottering to the shops or comfy cruising down the motorway etc, or it can do the full on noisy sportscar thing.
I know we don't value his opinions on PH, but that's why Clarkson bought one - a car he could use every day but still have something a bit lairy when you want it.Krikkit said:
northwest monkey said:
It's an "anything" car - it can do the pottering to the shops or comfy cruising down the motorway etc, or it can do the full on noisy sportscar thing.
I know we don't value his opinions on PH, but that's why Clarkson bought one - a car he could use every day but still have something a bit lairy when you want it.And if you want to go faster, you can supercharge the SLK55:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/5897...
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/5897...
Old thread but I'm there and in a dilemma, on the verge of getting rid of my beautiful SLK55 (R172) 5.5 litre 420bhp..superb build quality, one touch convertible (or do it from the remote), ice cold air con when needed, every button works and will always work, the carpet will never come lose, the electrics will always work, on a run 4 cylinders shut down so you can enjoy 35mpg, floor it in Sport mode and there is some exhaust noise, its quicker than you realise and yes you can add a X-pipe if you want to be a bit anti-social...
BUT
It bores the hell out of me.
Its a bloody hairdressers car.
Its a woman's car.
Its very 'twee' for want of a better word.
It's very perfect and neat and tidy and wonderful like a designer handbag with little compartments and shiny bits.
So I've seen a Chimera 500 cat D going for a good price, its all very British in green with walnut and cream interior and its a mans car and shouts at people looking for a fight and if you were a homosexual when you drive it you would magically become straight for the duration. The facia is cracking, the seats are tired and cracking, the carpet has worked lose and the last 5 years has flown through MOT's with no advisories and its going to be a money pit for possible upgrades that will never end.
It has that magic that TVR's have, head says NO...heart says YES....it makes no sense...
Webuyanycar are offering £10K for my Messerschmitt tomorrow which is ridiculous, but I know there is a Spitfire waiting for me on tickover like Christine and I'm already checking how much an Irvin B3 flying jacket costs on Ebay.
It'll end in tears.
BUT
It bores the hell out of me.
Its a bloody hairdressers car.
Its a woman's car.
Its very 'twee' for want of a better word.
It's very perfect and neat and tidy and wonderful like a designer handbag with little compartments and shiny bits.
So I've seen a Chimera 500 cat D going for a good price, its all very British in green with walnut and cream interior and its a mans car and shouts at people looking for a fight and if you were a homosexual when you drive it you would magically become straight for the duration. The facia is cracking, the seats are tired and cracking, the carpet has worked lose and the last 5 years has flown through MOT's with no advisories and its going to be a money pit for possible upgrades that will never end.
It has that magic that TVR's have, head says NO...heart says YES....it makes no sense...
Webuyanycar are offering £10K for my Messerschmitt tomorrow which is ridiculous, but I know there is a Spitfire waiting for me on tickover like Christine and I'm already checking how much an Irvin B3 flying jacket costs on Ebay.
It'll end in tears.
You only live once. Buy a well looked after example, keep on top of maintenance, and they’re surprisingly reliable. They’re very simple things with not much to go wrong. The flakiness and bits that did go wrong back in the day from the factory will have been well sorted and fixed by now.
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