Mercedes-Benz slk 200 2003

[Wee Willie winkie]

I'm going to look at a 2003 slk 200 on Saturday. From photos it looks immaculate inside and out. Recently had the roof serviced. No advisories on last three MOTs.
The chap is asking 1600 quid and throwing in a full spare interior the original wheels (currently on AMG wheels) and a spare pair of headlights.

Interested in people's thoughts and what to look out for.

Cheers

[Ian-27xza]

These represent great value for money. I've had a 320 (2003) for the past 4 years, done 20,000 miles in it and it's now on 104,000 miles. Generally a very built car apart from the rust issues. I've not had any major issues with it but it is fully serviced by a reputable Mercedes independent.

The steering damper will fail over time, only a £50 part and worth replacing - this will provide a more direct steering feel, if it was previously worn, which it probably will be..

Small things - Mann fuel filter failure (bad batch a few years ago), steering damper, rocker cover gasket (v6 only), gearbox mounts replaced (cheap), corroded coolant pipe replaced (cheap), exhaust hanger replaced (very cheap) - that's about it!

These are prone to rust in the following areas:

1. Inside of front wings
2. Inside of rear wings
3. Above the bootlid handle, by the rear number plate lights
4. Leading edge of bonnet
5. Roof pillars

Check the roof operation a couple of times. These are generally super reliable but might cost a bit to put right if not.

A pretty good car for not much outlay.

[WJNB]

SLK's too often underrated, sneered at & misunderstood by those who have never owned or driven one.
For sure they are not pure sports cars but al fresco machines that double up as coupe's. The 200 hardly a fireball but it matters little on our congested & over-populated little island.
They do rust but so would many 17 year old cars in our wet salt laden country
Spares can be overpriced just because of the badge so seek out a good independent garage as they are just like any other car.
Roofs can be a pain but again it's not rocket science to put right.

[Wee Willie winkie]

Thanks chaps that's really helpful.

Not bothered about it being super fast. It's really a toy for going to shinty (a peculiar violent Highland sport) and teaching my son's to drive as my and my wife's cars are both autos.

I know a bizarre idea as opposed to the traditional Corsa but hay ho

[GTRene]

In the Netherlands there is a SLK race Cup...
also pretty cheap (relative) to make them that way yourself or via Biesheuvel autosport, also parts you can order, I believe its all SLK 230 pretty cool race cars, beats a BMW e36 for looks at least.

you could also make your SLK road car more sporty with some products, they now got a lot experience I think.

sadly all in Dutch, but with google translate or so can help.

https://www.slkcup.nl/

you can see here some member/racers and their SLK race cars.

https://www.slkcup.nl/slk-cup/deelnemers