Is the Mercedes-Benz SLK a good, reliable buy?

Is a 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 automatic generally a good buy in terms of reliability etc?

Emmet GALVIN (Dublin)

Feb 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Emmet,

It is, actually - one of the few mid-2000s Mercs you could say that about. The 200k engine is a solid old thing, although it does sound worryingly like a broken cement mixer when you accelerate hard. The complex folding roof mechanism is also pretty good, but be careful if the previous owner chose to leave the roof mostly up, as the electric motors can freeze in place if it's not exercised regularly.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe