What car for my wife?
Discussion
Hello,
I would like to replace my wife's 2000 model year SLK320 (70,000 miles, FSH etc):
Choice narrowed down to one of the following:
She would like an auto so:
SLK 32 (I think that is the one with the AMG "tweeks/kit")?
350 SLK
280 SLK
Boxster either 2.7 or 3.2
BMW Z3 3.0i
The BMW looks like good value?
Budget - always the deciding factor, so let me say up to £16,000.
She travels approx 3,000 miles per annum.
Space on driveway is tight, so small 2 seater is best option for now.
I have done usual "searches" on PH (brilliant site)and have recently started to frequent the PH pages on daily basis - very addictive!
Anyone have views/opinions/ideas/experieces of the above?
The car change is a surprise for her, so I had better get it right!
Thank you in advance.
Richard
I would like to replace my wife's 2000 model year SLK320 (70,000 miles, FSH etc):
Choice narrowed down to one of the following:
She would like an auto so:
SLK 32 (I think that is the one with the AMG "tweeks/kit")?
350 SLK
280 SLK
Boxster either 2.7 or 3.2
BMW Z3 3.0i
The BMW looks like good value?
Budget - always the deciding factor, so let me say up to £16,000.
She travels approx 3,000 miles per annum.
Space on driveway is tight, so small 2 seater is best option for now.
I have done usual "searches" on PH (brilliant site)and have recently started to frequent the PH pages on daily basis - very addictive!
Anyone have views/opinions/ideas/experieces of the above?
The car change is a surprise for her, so I had better get it right!
Thank you in advance.
Richard
doogz said:
RESSE said:
The car change is a surprise for her, so I had better get it right!
Why don't you ask her which one she'd prefer, maybe get her to test drive a couple of them?Instead of just buying her one?
Do you order for her in restaurants as well?
I also get the impression as long as car goes well/auto/silver and black leather she will be happy.
If not, change wife and keep car?
PS She is a "foody" so orders for both of us, but I put limit on £££s for wine.
I buy in this sector, so have driven several examples of all of the cars you mention.
SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
Justayellowbadge said:
SLK32 was the top of the previous SLK range.
I stand corrected then. I though it was the SLK350, and then the AMG was the 55? My confusion was because Mercs are normally named by knocking one nought off the cc (3500cc is the E,C,S,SLK etc 350), and the AMG versions by knocking two noughts off (55, 65 etc).
adycav said:
Is there anything particular that your good lady likes (or dislikes) about the SLK?
If she is happy with it another newer one may fit the bill.
Z4s do have noticeably harsher rides...
She likes the SLK (very much) as she has owned it for 4 1/2 years.If she is happy with it another newer one may fit the bill.
Z4s do have noticeably harsher rides...
I find the ride quite firm in the SLK.
I have done a few searches in the classifieds and the Z4s are coming out a few thousand cheaper.
Thanks for you input.
RobM77 said:
I buy in this sector, so have driven several examples of all of the cars you mention.
SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
Thanks Rob - great stuff.SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
I keep looking at these and think, all very, very good - maybe the SLK after all?
But then the Boxster and Z4 look stunning, and a few hours on internet today shows the Z4 a bit less ££££s than the other two.
Make your mind up husband, and test drive a few - she may let me drive the car after all!
RESSE said:
RobM77 said:
I buy in this sector, so have driven several examples of all of the cars you mention.
SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
Thanks Rob - great stuff.SLK: Fantastic car. Hugely comfortable, very slick automatic gearbox if you go for that option, lovely interior on the very latest models, nice and compact, good looking, superb folding roof and the air scarf option is probably a hit with women too (blows hot air around your neck). My only criticism of the car is that secondhand most have auto boxes, which I don't like, despite them being the best I've tried in any car; plus on standard suspension down a bumpy road the car can feel a bit heavy and underdamped (AMG suspension solves this), and you can tell the weight's high up on turn in to a corner. Just to clear up your confusion, the SLK55 is the AMG model (5.5 litre V8), and the SLK350, 200 etc are the normal models, but they are available with AMG kit on them (sold seperately - a bodykit doesn't mean it's got AMG suspension or brakes).
Z4: A better driver's car than the Mercedes, but not as smooth at the edges. The drivetrain can be quite clumsy and it's a difficult car to drive smoothly. The ride's also quite jiggly. Far better economy than the Merc though (30-40mpg out of the Z4 3.0 rather than 20-30 from the SLK350...), and much cheaper to buy.
Boxster S: Largely combines the positives from the SLK and Z4 and is probably the best sports car you can buy. I didn't get one because I was told the Z4 had a roof rack, which it later turned out it didn't, plus I find the driving position uncomfortable (the steering wheel doesn't adjust enough in reach for me).
All three are excellent cars, and for me to recommend one over the other I'd have to know your wife's preferences in more detail. Most women that I know are very bothered about image, and some won't touch a Porsche or BMW. My sister reacted in horror when I told her I was even test driving a Boxster!
The safe bet would be an SLK, but I'd go for the Boxster if she doesn't mind driving a Porsche.
I keep looking at these and think, all very, very good - maybe the SLK after all?
But then the Boxster and Z4 look stunning, and a few hours on internet today shows the Z4 a bit less ££££s than the other two.
Make your mind up husband, and test drive a few - she may let me drive the car after all!
You won't get that in the Merc and certainly not in the Porsche. I prefer the way the Z4 drives to the SLK, and in certain circumstances I prefer it to the Boxster two.Best to try them all - they all have a subtley different character.
RESSE: Very sorry; I completely missed your requirement for an auto! I've not tried an auto Z4, but I have driven other automatic BMWs and the automatic box was terrible. An auto Boxster would need to be a newer PDK car wouldn't it? Mercedes do autos so well that a new model SLK would be my top choice for an auto car of this type - no doubt at all.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1810856.htm
What about an early 996 Cabriolet Tiptronic?
I know you mentioned a two-seater (for space reasons) but they are no bigger than a Boxster (narrower actually).
What about an early 996 Cabriolet Tiptronic?
I know you mentioned a two-seater (for space reasons) but they are no bigger than a Boxster (narrower actually).
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