Owners of SLK 55 AMG, Boxster S Sport Edition & Z4M's Please

[danyeates]

Hi,

I'm looking at several cars at the moment as I've just sold mine. I just can't decide! 3 that keep popping up are the SLK 55 AMG, Boxster S Sport Edition and the Z4M. Budget would be up to about £20,000. I am also looking at others as well.

Any owners of these cars share to give me their opinions and experiences please?

The car will be kept on the road and used throughout winter as a second car, hence why I've not opted for a Noble or TVR as I don't think they're going to be suitable.

It will be an evening and weekend car with the occasional long run to see family, approx 4 hours, so it must be a good long distance cruiser as well as an extreme weekend warrior!

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

[lordlee]

The Boxster S would be the best optiOn IMO. Excellent at Motorways or backroads and a far better steer that the other two.

[cheddar]

lordlee said:

The Boxster S would be the best optiOn IMO. Excellent at Motorways or backroads and a far better steer that the other two.

Default choice.

But they're also cramped, noisy, clinical, excessively long geared and need hammering to shine.

SLK's a bit one trick pony and poor at track work. Boredom awaits.

Z4M would be the wild (and my) choice. Not as fluid on give and take B roads as a Boxster and lacks the instant shove of the SLK but with the roof down, wind in your hair, the engine singing at nearly 8 thou and a dab of oppo on you'll be a happy chappy.

[lordlee]

It's not the default choice it's just a better and more capable car than the other two. Unless you are are 16+ stone I don't know how you find it cramped??

[Dakkon]

lordlee said:

It's not the default choice it's just a better and more capable car than the other two. Unless you are are 16+ stone I don't know how you find it cramped??

Really?, as soon as the other two get a sniff of a straight they would be gone.

[lordlee]

Edited by lordlee on Monday 29th August 08:05

[lordlee]

Straight line speed does not necessarily mean a capable car.

[996 sps]

Z4 M would be my choice.

[PHmember]

Assuming that you'd like to be able to take luggage with you when you go to see the family & also put the roof down at the same time then I'd have a VERY close look at the available boot space in the Merc with roof down.

BM isn't too bad for boot space, but you can get loads in the Boxster whether you have the roof up or down.

As an overall package (Maybe not the fastest in a straight line), I think the Boxster wins hands down.

[DanL]

Have been looking at all three myself recently... Boxster is without a doubt the most practical in terms of luggage space. Z4M boot is tiny (and smaller with the roof down), SLK better but not great once again if you want to drop the roof.

Z4M is certainly quick, but doesn't feel it particularly from behind the wheel - a bit like my S2000 in that respect, in that it needs some revs to get going. Boxster had better low down urge so far as I could tell, but the Z4M is faster on paper. Not tested an SLK so can't comment there.

[danyeates]

Thanks for your comments. I had had my heart set on the AMG for the noise and power, but I am getting tempted by the Boxster. I like the Z4M as it's so cheap in comparison.

Someone also said to look at the Maserati Gransport. Not convertible, but very special.

[alfa pint]

I had the same consideration when I replace the alfa next year. I've had convertibles since 1997, so I was looking at the same 3 cars plus a chimaera.

Merc - boot too small when hood's down. Nice interior.
BMW - dreadful ride. Not fond of the interior nor the looks.
Boxster - bland interior. Not a massive fan of the looks, but is the best to drive by some margin.
Chimaera - loved everything bar reliability and the slightly awkward hood and panel.

[FamilyDub]

CLK55 is bigger than the SLK55 - what about that if the AMG's are floating your boat?

[danyeates]

Not a fan of that era CLK for some reason. AMG doesn't look hardcore enough!

[MattyB_]

Despite being the better car, I dismissed the Boxster because they're bloody common - I like a bit of rarity in my cars.

The AMG is a bit wooly, but that engine in that small car, with the roof down is just intoxicating. Yes, the autobox doesn't help with the involvement, but its a great mini-GT car.

Watch the Top Gear comparison...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj2kv6-Vs_4

[danyeates]

Thanks, i hqve seen that. This decision is too hard!

Keep looking at TVRs but just feel nervous leaving it outside my house.

[Targarama]

Having a Porsche sat outside your house on the street is probably inviting envy scratches. I suggest driving all three cars and buying the one you prefer - it is your money, not ours.

Btw, I never thought the Z4 boot was that small, the SLK one is impossible with the steel roof down.

[milu]

I've had 4 Tvr models and currently have a Z4M.
Must say for sense of occasion the Tivs take some beating. A Chimaera passed me yesterday whilst I was cycling,sounded great an left me thinking back wistfully.
However the Z is a great car an the one I've kept for the longest.
It does sound good,goes very well(they are quick) and is easy to just get in an go.

Not that fussed on the Boxster myself( driven a couple of times) but the SLK appeals with that engine.

[Daniel1]

I think it depends what sort of weekend drivers car your after.

If youre the sort that likes to drive about enjoying the countryside - listening to the growl of a good engine, id give the SLK55 a serious look in simply because of the engine noise.

If youre the sort of person that gets up at 5am on a sunday to get out before the bikers, I would ignore the SLK55 and go for either the Z4M of the Boxster S.

But, as always, drive both and see which one you prefer. I personally preferred the Z4M, but that was down to a combination of the engine noise, looks and its "type" of handling.

[danyeates]

Just spoke to a dealer that has a Boxster S and an SLK AMG. Pretty much the second thing he said was "we don't do test drives". I didn't even ask for a test drive. I'm not going to spend over £20,000 without driving the car!