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Is buying a USED Mercedes-Benz SLK a BAD IDEA in 2026?

ReDriven

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The Mercedes-Benz SLK looks like the bargain alternative to a Mazda MX-5, but is it? We dig into what it's actually like to own and drive one, what they cost to buy and run, and get our resident mechanic Jim to run through everything that goes wrong across the four, six and eight cylinder versions.

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Skip ahead:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - What's it like to drive?
02:38 - Roof, visibility & practicality
04:54 - Interior comfort & storage
07:14 - Equipment & infotainment
09:05 - What do they cost?
10:18 - Running costs & parts
12:31 - Suspension & interior issues
13:34 - Seals, electronics & corrosion
19:08 - Engine & transmission problems
23:44 - Should you buy one?

#MercedesBenz #SLK #SLK55 #AMG #UsedCars #CarReview #ReDriven #Roadster #Convertible #BuyersGuide

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
The advice provided in these videos is general advice only.

It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. ReDriven and its presenters are not financial advisers, always seek professional advice before acting on any of the information in these videos.

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20 Comments

@brainsmatter7067 2 months ago

“How ya doin’?” - Jim 😂😂😂

@mynameis441 2 months ago

"Infotainment no longer being informative or entertaining", good one Adam

@HUMBERTOCURSOSCCPM 2 months ago

Greetings from Mexico! I own a 2009 SLK in excellent, completely original condition, and I am very satisfied and happy with it. As of today, I have decided to leave it as an inheritance for one of my grandchildren. This vehicle is not just a car; it's a toy for adults with a certain degree of financial freedom. I certainly recommend it to anyone who loves Mercedes. See you later, Jim.

@pugandparrot8798 1 month ago

I’ve got the 2005 5.5 amg and she’s a beast

@pb0xAF09 2 months ago

I bought a 2005 SLK350 in 2012 for $19k and owned it for 12 years, it was extremely reliable and probably the best car I've owned. Then I sold it for $7k, so it cost me very little for a load of sun fun. In 2024 I sold it, only because it was almost 20 years old and there's a lot of plastic, so I expected things to begin to be a problem. It was time for something new. That said, if you find a unicorn low mileage one, in mint condition, it's a great car.

@madeinengland1296 2 months ago

And yet plenty of people own older models with none of these problems.

@krokkas 2 months ago

06:30 - bluetooth adapter to connect your phone to the car for hands free calling. No music, though.

@robstephen4326 2 months ago

I LOVE how comfortable Jim is getting in front of the camera. "...how you doin?" fucking FLOORED me.

@MrBenHaynes 2 months ago

Very well, Jim. Thanks for asking.
Wow, you really earned your keep on this review.
Basically, the three pronged suppository is a pain in the arse!
Oh Lord, please don't buy me, a Mercedes Benz.

@lorislukic5016 2 months ago

My father in law bought the last gen SLK 200 for his wife as a toy car.
It had the full package but also over 200k km.
Well, the car is and was in excellent condition and with good maintenance it serves her very well.

@chrisadams6595 2 months ago

Absolutely brilliant car bought my brothers slk350 2010. Has 305bhp performance engine option.
The engine revs to 7,200 rpm .
As quick as a 911'with a perfect engine , no bore scoring or IMS . fantastic

@vladi2993 2 months ago (edited)

Hi! Nice video, but honestly a bit misleading. I want to point out some things, especially for future owners. In terms of practicability, this car is actually the most spacious, including the boot, headroom and overall storage space among all the roadsters you can think of in this price range. The boot can fit an adult with the top down. 😂
The problems mentioned here are real, but they are not as common as the video appears to suggest. The interior noises can be easily solved with maintenance of seals and by spraying various roof components with the appropriate types of grease.
The sound system is actually great, even on base models. Yes, if you listen to the radio it is not phenomenal. It actually has nine speakers in the base version, and paired with an OEM multimedia interface or iPod kit it is quite nice-way nicer than you might expect.
Overall, I strongly recommend a facelifted version with sport suspension option. It’s one of the best choices for both sporty and relaxed driving.

@thollenbeck 2 months ago

The M272 engine pulls like a champ, and the ride can be dialed in with some upgrades. If you can do your own maintenance, it will drastically reduce your cost. I've calculated the hours of maintenance since Feb, and it’s around 25-26 hours, so roughly $9,000 has been saved by turning my own wrench.

@SusanIlic 1 month ago

I’ve own a r172 Slk 55amg with the power upgrade, easy to spot as it has an IWC clock on the top of dash. I would never sell it as it makes me smile every time I start up and put my foot down and listen to the roar

@CarsFromOz 2 months ago

Adam for the next James Bond. John Cadogan as the intelligent villain, and Jim as the bartender dispensing not just martinis but good advice.

@Martin-b3k1x 2 months ago

If you own an old Merc you don’t go to a Merc dealership to get mechanicals done.

@zahemi914 12 hours ago (edited)

I used to fancy this model but now, I rather take 2012-2014 MX5, cheaper & easier to own & maintain

@stuartr8356 2 months ago

I work in the transport industry & a colleague went to a suburban Merc dealership around 2019. He told me the workshop had to process $1 million aud per month!
When my wife had a C200 about the same time & asked them to check the wheels as she'd hit a pothole, they quoted $4k to replace two wheels despite no wobbles nor air loss. I told my wife I'd take the wheels and have them X-rayed at work (got the idea from an old BMW print ad; we have no such ability). They changed their tune & suddenly the wheels were fine...
If you get an SLK, like the guys say, get a proper specialist, don't go to the dealer!

@andybowie8590 2 months ago

Ive had my second slk 171 for a few years and was thinking of selling but after watching this i think I'll keep it. Its still a nice looking car and with a modern stereo and a good original spec you could use it every day although mine is a weekend car. It's worth pointing out to anyone thinking of buying one that if the roof does stop working there's a pressure release valve in the back of the storage compartment, you use an Allen key to turn it and it allows manual closing of the roof, the same allen key can then be used to latch the front of the roof to the top of the windscreen though the removable plastic cap in the headliner.