Item: Used Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 - 2004
Author: Steve Huntingford

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Sports

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<p>The Mercedes SLK offers solid build quality in a sleek roadster</p>


Used Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 - 2004

<p>SLK prices may be dropping into very affordable territory nowadays, but they still require careful specialist attention.</p>

<p>Franchised Mercedes dealers have some of the highest labour charges of any manufacturer, but they're worth paying for, as a fully stamped service book will help protect residual values. That said, there are plenty of independent specialists who can do just as good a job at notably cheaper prices, but any repair on an SLK is likely to set you back more than on most other convertibles.</p>

<p>Insurance and fuel economy follow the same rule: no SLK is cheap, but the smaller the engine, the more affordable it is. The 320 returns 26mpg and the 200K 29mpg, for example. However, all SLKs need high-quality, pricey, tyres to maintain their handling and comfort.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


The Mercedes SLK offers solid build quality in a sleek roadster package, but rust can be a bit of an issue on early examples


<p>All of the standard models make sound buys, but as the SLK is more of a cruiser we'd err towards the 161bhp 2.0-litre supercharged model. It has more than enough power to keep up with most hot hatches, yet is cheaper to insure and more frugal than other SLKs.</p>

<p>A face-lift in early 2000 brought better-looking bumpers, an upgraded interior and indicator repeaters in the door mirrors. At the same time, the 3.2-litre V6 and the supercharged 2.0-litre were introduced alongside the 230K with its 2.3-litre supercharged motor. But, whichever model you choose, go for an automatic gearbox, as the manual has a notchy, reluctant action.</p>

<p>Fastest of the bunch is the SLK32 AMG with its supercharged 3.2 V6 producing 354bhp and capable of 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds. It's rare and never really looked - or drove - much better than the lesser models, so there's no point in tracking one down.</p>

<p><strong>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a></strong></p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> <p>Practicality is not essential but nice to have</p> </li></ul>

<p>Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.</p>

<p>The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.</p>

<p>There are some essentials when buying an SLK that will help you sell the car easily later in its life. For starters, insist on a leather interior and seek out a more traditional Mercedes colour - yellow might sound good when you buy, but others may not think so when you try to sell.</p>

<p>An automatic gearbox is also desirable because the SLK's manual gearboxes were nowhere near as slick as those in BMW rivals. A full service history from franchised or specialists is also a must, as neglecting the 9000-mile service intervals can wreak havoc with superchargers that need clean oil to work efficiently.</p>

<p>Otherwise, reliability is generally very good on SLKs, but check the roof works quickly and smoothly, as its electrics can play up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rust is the biggest concern with the SLK. It usually starts from the wheel arches, so check for any bubbling paint around all four arches for any signs of corrosion. However, even if the vehicle you're looking at doesn't have any obvious signs of rot, there could be plenty hiding below the surface. One such rust trap hides behind the front wings,&nbsp;but you can&nbsp;inspect the area by unclipping the indicator lamps and taking a peak. Rear subframes also rot, though, this can be hard to spot if you can't get underneath the car, so check the MOT history of the example you're looking at and see if it is mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


<p>Prepare to be the centre of attention when driving a Mercedes SLK, as even now its balletically folding metal roof draws a crowd. The clever scissor action turns the SLK from snug, sleek coupe into svelte roadster in less than half a minute. The only downside is that the boot capacity is seriously reduced when the roof is folded.</p>

<p>The interior was a major step forward for Mercedes and it mirrors the exterior's attractive lines. Comfort is high on the agenda and there's little wind buffeting when the roof is lowered. However, taller drivers may find the cabin a little tight for headroom when the roof is up.</p>

<p>The SLK is definitely a roadster rather than a sports car. The ride is firm enough to keep roll in check but sufficiently supple for long journeys to be enjoyed. However, the handling and steering don't match the class best.</p>

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>


Used Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 - 2004 review

Best electric cars - our 2022 award winners revealed

Nissan Qashqai

Audi A3

BMW 1 series

Mini Hatchback

Audi Q2

Hyundai Tucson

Toyota Yaris Cross 

New car deals >>

site ribbon config

Looking for alternatives to the used Mercedes SLK 1996 - 2004? The expert What Car? review team guide you through some great options.

New car deals >>

Used Mercedes-Benz SLK 1996 - 2004 review

Mercedes-Benz SLK SLK230 230 KOMPRESSOR AUTO ( 1 OWNER - LOW MILES) Used Cars

Mercedes-Benz SLK 3.2 SLK32 AMG 2dr

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes SLK sports?

What Car? has a buying service

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information