Are they too expensive to run

[1FORMERCEDES]

Hi there,

I am thinking about buying a Mercedes SLK 1998 ish, but I am only 23 years old. My boyfriends view is that he will be the one forking out for the extremely expensive repairs.

So, my question is, is a Mercedes expensive to run? This is from a normal persons point of view, not from a hugely rich persons point of view. I'm training to be a solicitor so my pay is pretty crappy at the moment.

What do you think?

Thanks.

 

[stumpy]

Hi and welcome. My friend has a 99 SLK 230K and has not spent much running it. Just routine servicing at an indie. If bought well I think they are a sound purchase. More of an issue may be insurance. Mind you, 23 was so long ago for me maybe its different now

 

[PaulMdx]

I can't speak from experience of having mine long, but in terms of petrol and insurance, they're not particularly cheap. Not to mention next year road tax will be £415. *

It will almost certainly be a step down in terms of luxury, but what I would recommend is an MX-5, which are exceptionally reliable and have possibly the highest customer satisfaction of any car.

It's a bit odd to be owning an SLK and raving about an MX-5, but it's worth considering with the difference in cost. The Reliability Index site will give you the average cost of repair as well as relative reliability. (The SLK comes in at #25 btw, which is still very good.)

Here's my review of my MX-5:

http://www.carsurvey.org/review_110114.html

Edit: * on the SLK 230K at least, but sure about the 200.

 

[gary350]

Still got my 1998 SLK230K has about 36K miles on it the only problem was a duff PSE which was more than likely my own fault by power washing it. Its not to bad on MPG about 34 on a run less around town. I sold my SLK350 2 weeks ago kept the R170 because I always thought the shape to be better. No rust apart from small marks on the alloys. Look for a good independant for servicing and save loads of dosh.

gary

 

[1FORMERCEDES]

Thank you very much for some sound advice, I will look into the MX5 and see........

 

[A210AMG]

Hello


I have owned two MX5's loved them and cost very little to run, My dad had a SLK from new in 1988 and sold it last year, his only needed tyres and servicing when he sold it, it still looked great did 30mpg on a run and still went well.

What do you own now? as a comparison.


Expensive is all relative, you could buy a brand new Fiesta £8,000 and £125 a year tax but lose FAR more in depreciation.

A £8000 Slk on say 70K will now lose very little and yes the tax is a little more but overall costs of ownership I doubt much in it.

Feel good factor of the SLK would win for me every time.

If you can put away £100 a month or so for servicing and repairs just in case and then if anything does need doing its not a huge hit. Find a good indy (independant mercedes garage) and go for it !!

 

[1FORMERCEDES]

Thanks again!

So what should I be paying for a 1998/97 SLK with 70k on the clock?
Thanks

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

My dads last year sold for £8000, looked great, black, AMG upgraded alloys, Auto cruise, two tone leather, upgraded CD, heated seats. Still looked smart.

Best bet to look in autotrader and pistion heads..

Pleanty on here, quick look found this one

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/446862.htm


Or £8K on an MX5..


(a 1.6...but cheaper insurance..and newish with low miles)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/482445.htm

1.8 one..

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/476726.htm


In all honestly the mazda will be cheaper, and either would be great fun. I loved our MX5's we had a MK1 and Mk2.5 (last of the old shape).

This looks a good buy however a MK2 but little difference bewteen MK2 and 2.5 and low miles

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/476366.htm


Now that cheap smile per £

 

[stumpy]

The one big difference with the SLK is the roof though. My friend is a stewardess and the car is parked up for long spells in airport car parks. One of the reasons I put her in an SLK rather than a Z3 was the extra security of a solid roof. A knife through a canvas roof is enough to spoil anyones day.

 

[PaulMdx]

@stumpy: The roof was ultimately the reason I upgraded my MX-5 to an SLK. I wasn't hugely worried about security, but road noise was certainly a factor.

I'm torn which I would recommend as I love both cars. It really comes down to the money.. I would definitely make a list of yearly cost for insurance, petrol, tax, etc, and try see which you can afford. Bear in mind you can spend a lot less than £8k on an MX-5 and still have a very good car. £8k on an SLK is near enough the bottom of the market.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Thank you very much for some sound advice, I will look into the MX5 and see........

Before you do that - check out the previously quoted VED at £400+ My S-Class is 1998 and I only pay £185, due to it's age.

NOTHING compares with looking down at the 'bomb sight' as you whaft along

SOUL - something that cars made in the Far East, don't have. And never will.

 

[Phil D]

I may be wrong but I think the £415 tax is the "showroom tax" applicable to new cars in their 1st year. That said I would be very wary of trying to run a car like this on a tight budget and while (relatively) soulless it may be, the Mazda would almost certainly be a whole heap cheaper to run. You'll have plenty of time for a merc when you qualify

 

[PaulMdx]

@Jez: I stand potentially corrected on the £400+ road tax. I was thinking of newer SLKs, my apologies.

Not sure I agree about the soul though.

 

[RoyDavis]

Im 23 aswell and bought a 2001 C320 about 4 months ago, its a bit juicy but i only really drive it at the weekends and a few evenings so the petrol cost isnt so bad, servicing and parts can be expensive i guess, ive yet to find out really. My insurance was £900 fully comp with 4 years no claims which i think is quite good really so im guessing for a girl and a smaller engine slk the insurance wouldnt be too bad!

 

[A210AMG]

Jez...


Sorry don't agree "SOUL - something that cars made in the Far East, don't have. And never will"


if there were no MX5 a sports car for the 'ordinary' people then many manu so called sports cars would not be here now.

I like mercs don't get me wrong and my dad had an SLK but on an Alpine road the mx5 would walk all over it. compared its too grown up and sensible...have you ever driven an MX5 ? superb gearbox just a flick of the rist to change. Quickest roof of them all two catches and throw it back.

£ per Smile the MX5 is still a great car.


My old MX5, 1.8iS with some mods

 

[JEZ.S320L]

A210AMG.

I'm not saying that the MX5 isn't a good car. It's just that all Far East cars, seem to lack that ....................... errm, certain something. Yes, I have both been in, and driven an assortment of FE cars (friends, relatives, colleagues etc) and whilst 'nice', they didn't encourage me to go out and actually buy one. In the same way that designer clothes are 'nice' - but I wouldn't buy.

Cars are always a choice. We always think we have chosen well. Sometimes we suceed, sometimes we fail. But - and here is the crunch - neither MB's have disappointed me, and both have character, or soul.

 

[Phil D]

A210AMG.

I'm not saying that the MX5 isn't a good car. It's just that all Far East cars, seem to lack that ....................... errm, certain something. Yes, I have both been in, and driven an assortment of FE cars (friends, relatives, colleagues etc) and whilst 'nice', they didn't encourage me to go out and actually buy one. In the same way that designer clothes are 'nice' - but I wouldn't buy.

Cars are always a choice. We always think we have chosen well. Sometimes we suceed, sometimes we fail. But - and here is the crunch - neither MB's have disappointed me, and both have character, or soul.

Lucky you!
My 203 wasn't half the car my previous 202 was, will I buy another ? - don't know & that is not said lightly, but I'm not going into the next one with the same blind (misplaced) faith, that's for sure

 

[1FORMERCEDES]

Hi,

You have all been very very helpful, thank you so much!!

I have to say that having now read through all of your posts and having looked at some MX5's on autotrader and pistonheads, it is with regret that I think I am going to go for the MX-5. Mainly due to running costs and value for money and my non-mercedes type salary!

Once I am qualified I will be up with the best of you......thanks again for your advice!

 

[A210AMG]

Regret............


No CHANCE the MK2 or 2.5 is a betters drivers car than the merc.

Ok the merc has the 'badge' if your into that and anyway its something to aim for once fully qualified.

There are some great MX5 forums and owners clubs


Enjoy the car

 

[PaulMdx]

No CHANCE the MK2 or 2.5 is a betters drivers car than the merc.

Took me a few reads there.. I assume you mean:

No CHANCE; the MK2 or 2.5 is a betters drivers car than the merc.

?

@1FORMERCEDES: Good choice. Enjoy your new car!