Originally Posted by JimFreeh

If you like what you now have, search out a last year of production, low mileage example to replace the SLK with.

While devotees may argue that the W123 or whatever was the best Mercedes made, it's not a current car and is not the best choice for a daily driver.

As mentioned the W202 C-class cars are known for being good cars. My daughter has one, a 2000 C230 Kompressor, and it's got 195K miles on it. My cousin previously owned it, so I've got a documented history, and the car has been a very low problem vehicle. My only gripe is the vibrating engine, but since you already have a 230, you know all about that.

Start going newer, and you dramatically increase the complexity. Double edged sword here, on one hand better mileage and power, on the other increased potential service costs.

Advice is hard to give, since you have not narrowed down your preferences, i.e.: power, economy, convertible, need to haul, etc.

Might also look at the classifieds in the MBCA Star magazine, you can find cherished cars there.

Jim