Want to buy 2003 SLK230 Kompressor - Opinions?
 

The wife wants this little red 2003 SLK230 Kompressor that is for sale locally a Starmark Warranty included, 35,000 miles. Nice condition.
I have never looked into SLKs. Is there a good year, a bad year or an engine or anything to steer away from when buying? She is not set on this one so I could do a different year or engine, although unless there is a strong reason, I want to keep her with the smaller 2.3 engine for gas milage and she has a lead foot.

Don't know much about the chassis, but the engine is pretty good. The basic M111 four-cylinder is durable, torquey and efficient. The supercharger/supercharger clutch is probably less durable than the engine, but depending on how hard it's driven it can last for 150k+ miles. Fuel economy should be around 20-ish in the city, and high 20s/low 30s highway. Power is not earth-shattering, but it's still more than adequate for everyday use and is helped by the low-end torque. Downsides include a less-refined (agrarian) exhaust and engine note, and more engine vibration than the V6 or V8.

2000-2006 are the darkest years for Mercedes Benz build quality and quality control, so if you must have one from that time envelope, only buy it as certified pre owned from a dealer, and get the longest, best, and most comprehensive factory warranty you can - chances are VERY good you will be making lots of claims on it.