SLK 2012/13

[bitchstewie]

I have a Freelander 2 right now and prior to that I had a Boxster which was a fantastic car that I very much regret getting rid of, but you know how it is when you get that itch.

I have the itch again but I admit to being totally indecisive about what I actually want (I think half the fun is in the looking but that's a different story).

Anyway, the 2012/13 SLK has caught my eye as there seem to be lots of low mileage ones at dealers @ £20K or so.

What do I need to know?

[nike 5]

I have the older model (R171), so can not give any advice on what you want to buy (model R172)
Sure others will respond.

Suggest also asking on http://www.slkworld.com/forumindex.php

[CaptainRAVE]

I had a choice between the newer R172 and slightly older R171. I chose the R171 (the 55), just looks much better in my opinion. Everyone over at SLKworld will be able to help you more.

[anonymous-user]

We bought a new 350SLK 3 months ago. Overall, we thought it better than the Z4 which we were also looking at. The Boxster is a better drive all round but for us Porsches are too fragile and needlessly expensive to run. The SLK is mainly used by my wife and she prefers it's looks.

It's an easy, if not too thrilling, drive and can move a bit when it's pushed. Nice noise under acceleration, reasonably economical. Handles OK, except that the steering is a little dead. We tested a 250 but preferred the low down power of the V6.

Crappy lights if not xenon, reasonable standard sound system and the Comand Satnav is fine. Boot space is OK except when you need the roof down, when it's tight if that's a consideration.

[bitchstewie]

REALIST123 said:

We bought a new 350SLK 3 months ago. Overall, we thought it better than the Z4 which we were also looking at. The Boxster is a better drive all round but for us Porsches are too fragile and needlessly expensive to run. The SLK is mainly used by my wife and she prefers it's looks.

Thanks, I'd only be looking at the 200 or 250 (I think) - mix of fuel economy and "good enough" for the daily commute and the odd bit of fun.

My Boxster was the best car I've ever had, and I think anyone would say they're a better drivers car but I've been there and done that and I simply won't run to the cost of a new Boxster (if I say it enough I'll convince myself ) and getting another 987 would just make me feel sick at having spent a lot on 2 "cost of changes" to end up where I was, with the previous model wishing I had a new one, IYSWIM.

[anonymous-user]

bhstewie said:

REALIST123 said:

We bought a new 350SLK 3 months ago. Overall, we thought it better than the Z4 which we were also looking at. The Boxster is a better drive all round but for us Porsches are too fragile and needlessly expensive to run. The SLK is mainly used by my wife and she prefers it's looks.

Thanks, I'd only be looking at the 200 or 250 (I think) - mix of fuel economy and "good enough" for the daily commute and the odd bit of fun.

My Boxster was the best car I've ever had, and I think anyone would say they're a better drivers car but I've been there and done that and I simply won't run to the cost of a new Boxster (if I say it enough I'll convince myself ) and getting another 987 would just make me feel sick at having spent a lot on 2 "cost of changes" to end up where I was, with the previous model wishing I had a new one, IYSWIM.

I do see what you mean. I sold my 7 year old 997S earlier this year. Great car but I wasn't using it much, wanted something I could be a little less precious about so got rid of it and bought a Caterham R400.

The cost to get a 991 or new Boxster wasn't worth it for me, given how hard it is to use the performance unless you go on track, where they really aren't that at home, and another 987/997 held no appeal.

The MB, which we got a good deal on, is fine for the road and doesn't seem to generate the same feeling Porsches do, either from the owner or others. Were much less precious about it and I think the Caterham will give me all the adrenalin boosts I need, once it's built.