SLK 55 R172 becoming a rare beast - future classic?

[BensZ4MC]

I have been the owner of a late 2012 Black SLK 55 for the last 2 years. £ for £ I dont think there is another car that delivers a bigger bang for your buck!

It's seems a lot of people think the same.. there are only 5 cars nationwide the Autotrader. No Black ones eithers. I still don't think the SLK 55 could ever become a classic or appreciate. What do you think?

My thoughts on why I love mine:
- hard to beat the V8 motor, the last naturally aspirated one ever to grace a Mercedes, probably!
- great noise when rumbling along in sport and at full tilt love the cracks on upshift
- fast and surprises a few peeps
- pulls hard from a standstill with no initial hesitation
- handling is good, Michelin PS4s have really made a significant difference
- great looking car, especially with 19" multi-spokes
- the boot is practical
- road tax is reasonable £300 pa
- monthly Mercedes service plan is good value
- not too flashy so I don't worry about parking it on the street in London
- hard top makes it secure and pano roof is great on the odd occasion you can't get the roof down
- did I mention the V8!!!
- good image, seen as a Petrol head's choice
- rare - 5 on autotrader! (64 - 981 Porsche Boxster S's)
- 2 cars in 1. Comfortable cruiser and a right little beast when needed!

[CraigV6]

I think that on looks and sound they are class leading.
They just aren’t that good / special / exciting to drive.

Edited by CraigV6 on Wednesday 14th August 07:28

Edited by CraigV6 on Wednesday 14th August 07:28

[BensZ4MC]

What do you mean by they aren’t special to drive?

[Mr lestat]

I’ve had mine a couple of months and absolutely love it. The gearbox can be a little bit slow and ponderous sometimes I can’t quite decide what gear it should be in it’s much better in sport mode rather than comfort.

[clarki]

Well, i'm biased because my 2015 car has been with me from new and I still absolutely adore it.

It is a car which to me does feel truly special to own/drive. I wouldn't say it was cutting edge to drive and the gearbox is fairly crap, but the engine makes up for this and so much more. Mine replaced a 981 Boxster S which i didn't like, sold within a year, great (better) car but nothing special about it IMO.

Only regret is that in nearly 4 years i've only been able to put 7k miles on her!! Never mind, she's not going anywhere soon so plenty of time to catch up.

Not really bother about future classic/value etc... every time you turn the key and hear it fire up...priceless.

[WJNB]

[quote=CraigV6]I think that on looks and sound they are class leading.
They just aren’t that good / special / exciting to drive.

Edited by CraigV6 on Wednesday 14th August 07:28

You have driven one extensively I assume.
Of course they are 'good' & a bit 'special i.e. not as common as a Boxster for example.
'Exciting to drive'? Depends upon your definition of exciting. If it means driving like a looney everywhere & cornering on two wheels then get real. It makes a lovely 'exciting' noise & given our narrow UK congested roads why look a prat in anything more powerful or expensive?
And yes I bought one in 2012 replaced a year ago with another.

[Mr M]

Off the main point of the post but i have a near perfect r171 2010. Feels very special indeed. I've owned a 55 since 2014 so im used to them.

[Mr M]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Yes i forgive mine for the heavy nose and not so pointy handling As you say,as it makes up for this in so many other ways.