slk 230

[just-n-time]

Just-n-time here,I would like to ask If any one has news good or bad on the slk230,I am looking at a 2002 with 76000+ miles for around 22,000.Any info would be a great help,Thanks,jnt

[page62]

It's about time somebody asked an SLK question around here...

Woo! That's a lot of miles in a short time. Somebody must've been using it as a commuter.

Quite frankly, that price is "retail". Private Party values are more realistic, even if you're buying from a dealer. Here's what kbb.com says about this car:

Condition Value
Excellent $19,480
Good $18,170
Fair $16,505

Aside from that, make sure the roof operates properly -- try it a couple of times -- and that's about it. Aside from a clean bill of health from a mechanic, of course. (Disclaimer: I don't follow my own advice about the mechanic stuff. But I do know a thing or two about cars.)

All that said, I should mention that I had an opportunity to buy an '01 SLK320 from a local MB dealer last December for $19,500. No kidding!!!

What's the catch? It had 67K miles, which I foolishly thought was high at the time. I hesitated...and ended up buying the same car from the local Porsche dealer -- to whom it had been wholesaled -- for $20K. But at least it had a brake job and an oil change by then.

Bottom line: As a high-mileage SLK buyer, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. But the asking price seems high. Get back in there and negotiate a better price!!!

[just-n-time]

thank you for your rapid reply, Perhaps they knew there price is high a phone call in between notes revealed the seller is very interested in saying good buy to this unit,better have it checked out.Or perhaps they need the flow happens to alot of us.Thanks jnt

[jjrodger]

Dealers need to turn around stock and typically have at least 20% to 25% in the sticker price.

My mother has been running SLK230s for ten years now, the most recent since January 2000. It has about 90k miles on it and is like new. It has been an extremely reliable car. The only major expense was a new catalyst (to be expected) and a new exhaust rear section.

I guess the killer would be the roof mechanism. Check it works (several times) and look very carefully for accident damage, especially to the rear end.

The 4-cylinder is very robust. The electronics are very simple. The painted plastic interior trim can wear somewhat. The wheels tarnish easily.

Price seems high.

[just-n-time]

Originally Posted by jjrodger

Dealers need to turn around stock and typically have at least 20% to 25% in the sticker price.

My mother has been running SLK230s for ten years now, the most recent since January 2000. It has about 90k miles on it and is like new. It has been an extremely reliable car. The only major expense was a new catalyst (to be expected) and a new exhaust rear section.

I guess the killer would be the roof mechanism. Check it works (several times) and look very carefully for accident damage, especially to the rear end.

The 4-cylinder is very robust. The electronics are very simple. The painted plastic interior trim can wear somewhat. The wheels tarnish easily.

Price seems high.

Thank you gang for the input,My needs have been met. I was suspicious and we have renegotiated the price,and it looks like 14,500 is acceptable,Now I need to look real close for Impact damage,Thanks all,j-n-t