Agree with most of that, especially getting in & out, but its easier if you can open door fully & the roof is down. I have same 1.8 engine with auto, which for me in the U.K. is powerful enough. Mines 15 years old too & nothing has gone wrong with it, except normal wer & tear.
I have same in France with low Km since 2014. I find it not noisy at all and, as a roadster, entry exist does not present a problem. I think now its a classic with still eye catching looks. Very reliable too
Great Review! The R171 really offers bang for one's buck! I think it's a pretty sporty car, especially with the manual transmission. Fuel consumption is ok as well (when cruising) and reliability is top-notch!!
Im planning to get an SLK200 aswell, similar pricing here in Serbia, and i heard it's pretty reliable. And about the low power output... For that money, paired with all the features and the targa top, it isnt half bad. For people wanting more power, there is the 250, 280, 320 and SL55. Another thing i love about it is that the front looks like the McLaren SLR. Hoping to get it asap.
I confirm it is all true apart from the rust, mine is the oldest 171 you can find and there is no rust at all. The most prime benefit is the ride and frame quality and of course you will not pay for expensive restorations or damages easily
My Slk 200 from 2010 don t have noise because I take care the rubbers from the windows. Also dont have any rust! I have a Kleemann power kit and is really fast!
That’s what the Kompressor is. Turbokomoressor. No need to spell it all together. Decision by Daimler. People often misconcept that it’s not turbocompressed because it only says kompressor
Kaip aš ir sakiau - pagal kainos ir kokybės santykį tai vienas geriausių variantų rinkoje (žinoma, mano subjektyvia nuomone). Jeigu ieškai pakankamai stilingo, vis dar neatsibodusio (nors jau senokai tas automobilis pagamintas) dizaino kabrioleto - tada rinkis SLK :)
Sorry, but I really dont know about maintenance costs. Honestly. Because I love this car and I dont care about his fuel consumption, maintenance and other. Truly, I dont remember, how much I usually spend for petrol, oil change and other expenses.
Maintenance cost for oil change etc just like other 200 class mercedes. I've owned one 2004 SLK 200 with 145.000kms and still has no problem at all until now.
I've had my 2004 350 Auto for over six years now. 141,000 miles. I like the reliability. I don't think that the build quality is brilliant. Economy is good. Power for a 3500cc car is adequate but you've got to rev it. It doesn't have big amounts of low end torque. Handling is good considering its more of a GT than a sports car. Refinement is average. Overall, I don't intend getting rid of it. Not even for a newer one.
I realise everyone's view is different, but I'm afraid I have got to take issue with a few points here. Noisy because the roof is in parts? Well how else is the retractable roof supposed to operate?? The Boxter and Z4 are the same. Engine not powerful enough? Well why did you buy this model? Why not the SLK 350 or the AMG 5.5?? The R171's performance is More than adequate for most roads these days. Elegant ladies struggling to get in and out ? Well how do they get on when they are in Monaco with their sugar daddy's McLaren F1? Ladies like to be seen in a car that gets attention - & the SLK certainly does that - as you say yourself. So I'm sure they will manage. And the front is too low? OMG - the styling is based in the Mercedes/McLaren SLR - It's meant to be low - it's what draws a lot of owners to the car in the first place. It's the first thing that got my attention. I've had one now for 4 years - & it's still perfect Sorry buddy but I'm afraid you're a bit off base here.
Thanks for your answer, bet you know, I didnt say, thats these things makes a lot of troubles for me. This video was made to help people to make decisions. Maybe they want to buy SLK, but they think, that this model is quite enough because of Mercedes brand name? Especially if they didnt drove model with a retractable roof before. And I have bought SLK200 just because I wanted to have convertible as soon as posible. And this one was in good condition. So I didnt want wait few months to get SLK300 or 350. And for conclusion - I drive this car 6 years and still getting a lot of pleasure!
@@monterodelgado2577 It is somewhat faster in a straight. It isnt really a fair comparison though since a Miata still falls into the Kei category, whereas the SLK is one chonky boi. Handlingwise it's up for preference, but do keep in mind that the wheelbase is longer.
If you check, the F1 safety car is an AMG, and has around 300-350 hp. Is not your 160 hp SLK. Buy A SLK 280 with a 6V 3l engine, and you will be pleased about performance, but you have to pay for gas.... Change the car.
How do you take care about your roof? I have r171 too and the top is nosy as hell- it crackles and creaks. What can I do about it? I heard that vaseline could solve this problem. Second thing - can I open the top in the winter? Won't it break up?
Hello, its Gary from my personal account :) I dont have any problems with noises from roof, it opens and closes quite silent, but I think, that you should buy some kinda specific oil or vaseline for that? Two years ago in winter time few times I was driving in the city without the roof, when it was about -3 C outside. Even in the winter time it opens and closes perfectly, but maybe it because it is in good condition? I think, that it should be no difference, what season outside, if mechanism works corectly.
Sad, but you can just listen to music from the radio or put CD disc. There is no possibility to connect to your phone neither via cable or bluetooth. Old car - that's the reason :)
Mano supratimu - vidutiniškai brangu :) Tarkime, alyvos keitimas servise su filtrais kainuoja apie 70 eur. Žinoma, kuro sąnaudos mieste, spėju, yra apie 10 - 11 litrų benzino, bet tai juk ne darbinis automobilis, o laisvalaikio. Koks gi ten skirtumas, ar ima 10, ar 15 litrų kuro, jei važinėji tik savaitgaliais? :)
Firstly let me pick you there mercedes common have rust issue front and rear sub frame from wing where the meet bumper these are all rust issues. Getting in and. You never been taught how get in and out if a car properly there is no need for the bum drop.
It seems that you didn’t encounter panel deterioration so far. You still have several years to enjoy this car and then its plastic degradation will drive you crazy. You will soon encounter the unavoidable issue just like what I suffered in my 2000 SLK R170. Remember you now have a very short time to enjoy this SLK R171.
@@FairladyS130 I see mostly men driving SL's, mostly women driving SLK's. Chick cars. I think some are taking me a little too seriously. Lol so be it. Might be the guys driving SLK's.
for fun open driving the 120KW engine is enough and the corrossion in the rear (aixle) happens but not always and you get courtesy treatment by MB (also years after the warranty expired). Yes, the car is quite "stiff" especially if you drive the "sport" suspension - nevertheless since the beginning the R171 belongs to the most reliable cars ever (with 911)
Hey, the Rost at the frame is knowen by mercedes Benz. In germany you can get a new frame for free from mercedes-benz. Last week i got a new frame for free for my mercedes slk r171, year2006 and 180.000 km. ask your mercedes-dealer for the changing in case of garanty
We had a 2015 SLK 250, IMO the finest car we've ever had, fantastic! The two features that we found SHOCKING BENEFICIAL were the Scarf Seats and the 4 Cylinder Engine. The Scarf Seats extended the "Top Down Season" considerably especially with the Heater on. I've driven both the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder and found the Four Cylinder better suited to my tastes. It has incredible power and the car felt much lighter and nimble, which we think influenced the Handling! The car we had was equipped with the Auto Transmission, which is alway a questionable option in a Sports Car, but we found it's performance surprising Lively! I attribute this primarily to the Pedal Shifting feature!
if the roof is not working, you take out those cups and detach the roof from the hooks that are in the windshield frame, By rotating the knobs under the cups.
I have a 2004 SLK 200 from my father. Great car for first car. Yes, it attracts a lot of attention on the street. I advise everyone to try or buy one of these. The car looks like a kart in the mountains, simply incredible. The roof, well... it's already given me some problems, I'm not going to lie, but I personally prefer it with a roof than a convertible.
Agree with most of that, especially getting in & out, but its easier if you can open door fully & the roof is down. I have same 1.8 engine with auto, which for me in the U.K. is powerful enough. Mines 15 years old too & nothing has gone wrong with it, except normal wer & tear.
It’s 180 bhp I think. For a 1.8 liter engine it’s good enough
I have same in France with low Km since 2014. I find it not noisy at all and, as a roadster, entry exist does not present a problem. I think now its a classic with still eye catching looks. Very reliable too
@@notgeorge7563 - There were two versions of the 1.8 SLK200 Kompressor. Most are 163hp, the last few before the R172 came out were increased to 184hp.
loved this video. Especially the end when we get to hear how the car sounds. This is the car I am buying.
Ours is 2008 1.8 Bought 2014 with just 28,000 miles on the clock. Breezed it’s mot today and it’s just a great second car. Love it!
Great Review!
The R171 really offers bang for one's buck! I think it's a pretty sporty car, especially with the manual transmission.
Fuel consumption is ok as well (when cruising) and reliability is top-notch!!
What can I say? Thank you :)
Excellent review, I've been looking into buying one myself and couldnt find any info, glad I came across this video.
I'm pleased thats this video was helpfull :)
Im planning to get an SLK200 aswell, similar pricing here in Serbia, and i heard it's pretty reliable. And about the low power output... For that money, paired with all the features and the targa top, it isnt half bad. For people wanting more power, there is the 250, 280, 320 and SL55. Another thing i love about it is that the front looks like the McLaren SLR. Hoping to get it asap.
Cujem da trosi brda, jedino me to brine oko kupovine
I have one like that and I wouldn’t say the engine is “too weak”. In my opinion is it ok and it gives you some good emotions on the road ...
More than adequate in town or autoroute specially now considering the price of petrol !
@@gordonski9310... and considering speed limitation !
Hvala - was looking for reviews before I go used car shopping!
I confirm it is all true apart from the rust, mine is the oldest 171 you can find and there is no rust at all.
The most prime benefit is the ride and frame quality and of course you will not pay for expensive restorations or damages easily
Gorgious and of Best Sport Mercedes .
My Slk 200 from 2010 don t have noise because I take care the rubbers from the windows.
Also dont have any rust!
I have a Kleemann power kit and is really fast!
Brilliant review man!
Mercedes have been known to beat the cost of replacing the rear subframe as the rusting is a known problem.
really nice video man!
I am disabled and I still manage to get in and out getting in is easier than getting out,I have a 350 and it’s plenty powerful for me
Good review, thanks!
your car has a very rare roof rack points on the A posts
My slk 200, 2008 pre face, 174.000km still going strog. But the last general maintaince was so expencive 900€
It hasn't turbocompressor, just compressor.
That’s what the Kompressor is. Turbokomoressor. No need to spell it all together. Decision by Daimler. People often misconcept that it’s not turbocompressed because it only says kompressor
I agree all of you~ From Seoul
Dėkui, ilgą laiką žiūrinejau kokio noriu automobilio tai šitas mane pakerėjo!🤩🤩🤩
Kaip aš ir sakiau - pagal kainos ir kokybės santykį tai vienas geriausių variantų rinkoje (žinoma, mano subjektyvia nuomone). Jeigu ieškai pakankamai stilingo, vis dar neatsibodusio (nors jau senokai tas automobilis pagamintas) dizaino kabrioleto - tada rinkis SLK :)
thanks for the review, can you maybe write something about the maintenance costs? my mom thinks about to buy a slk r171.
Sorry, but I really dont know about maintenance costs. Honestly. Because I love this car and I dont care about his fuel consumption, maintenance and other. Truly, I dont remember, how much I usually spend for petrol, oil change and other expenses.
Maintenance costs are on the average, in my opinion ! It's perfect for being a second car, but Not if you manage to use it everyday!!!
@@giedriuskadisa you dont remember much then? Frankly due to your status you deserve something better
Maintenance cost for oil change etc just like other 200 class mercedes. I've owned one 2004 SLK 200 with 145.000kms and still has no problem at all until now.
I've had my 2004 350 Auto for over six years now. 141,000 miles.
I like the reliability.
I don't think that the build quality is brilliant.
Economy is good.
Power for a 3500cc car is adequate but you've got to rev it. It doesn't have big amounts of low end torque.
Handling is good considering its more of a GT than a sports car.
Refinement is average.
Overall, I don't intend getting rid of it. Not even for a newer one.
“No man just 1.8.. damn sadness”. 😂😂
I realise everyone's view is different, but I'm afraid I have got to take issue with a few points here.
Noisy because the roof is in parts? Well how else is the retractable roof supposed to operate?? The Boxter and Z4 are the same.
Engine not powerful enough? Well why did you buy this model? Why not the SLK 350 or the AMG 5.5?? The R171's performance is More than adequate for most roads these days.
Elegant ladies struggling to get in and out ? Well how do they get on when they are in Monaco with their sugar daddy's McLaren F1? Ladies like to be seen in a car that gets attention - & the SLK certainly does that - as you say yourself. So I'm sure they will manage.
And the front is too low? OMG - the styling is based in the Mercedes/McLaren SLR - It's meant to be low - it's what draws a lot of owners to the car in the first place.
It's the first thing that got my attention. I've had one now for 4 years - & it's still perfect
Sorry buddy but I'm afraid you're a bit off base here.
Thanks for your answer, bet you know, I didnt say, thats these things makes a lot of troubles for me. This video was made to help people to make decisions. Maybe they want to buy SLK, but they think, that this model is quite enough because of Mercedes brand name? Especially if they didnt drove model with a retractable roof before. And I have bought SLK200 just because I wanted to have convertible as soon as posible. And this one was in good condition. So I didnt want wait few months to get SLK300 or 350. And for conclusion - I drive this car 6 years and still getting a lot of pleasure!
In terms of performance and maintenance costs, would it be better to spend a little more and get the 350?
How does the slk200 compare to a miata? I do prefer the looks and interior of the slk and hope its at least faster in a straight line.
@@monterodelgado2577 It is somewhat faster in a straight. It isnt really a fair comparison though since a Miata still falls into the Kei category, whereas the SLK is one chonky boi. Handlingwise it's up for preference, but do keep in mind that the wheelbase is longer.
I doubt if any elegant chick lady is going anywhere with this guy the way he presents himself here. Looks more like white van man
i got the slk 350, very powerful but i seldom really push it! slk 200 is powerful enough!
Use lanolin on the door and Window rubbers, it will stop the noises. Make rubber seal better
No need its in his vivid imagination. Actually its very quiet.
No no, use Gummi Pflege. It’s a product designed to care for the rubber seals.
nice description, good video!
Thinking about getting a slk in ny… advice?
If you check, the F1 safety car is an AMG, and has around 300-350 hp. Is not your 160 hp SLK.
Buy A SLK 280 with a 6V 3l engine, and you will be pleased about performance, but you have to pay for gas....
Change the car.
Expenses for gas doesnt scares me at all, because its not my everyday car now. And yes, AMG55 is in my plans. I hope, in near future :)
What about the cost of running it? Costs so much you can't afford new pants LOL
I press LIKE on your comment :D
the car in the video is not expensive to drive at all.
hello, does this car needs lots of maintenance or its just alright?
Hello. This model (SLK R171) is one of the most reliable cars in these years. So if you are planning to buy model like this - go for it!
AMG version has V8 , std more recent is Big V6 3.2 or similar
How do you take care about your roof? I have r171 too and the top is nosy as hell- it crackles and creaks. What can I do about it? I heard that vaseline could solve this problem. Second thing - can I open the top in the winter? Won't it break up?
Hello, its Gary from my personal account :) I dont have any problems with noises from roof, it opens and closes quite silent, but I think, that you should buy some kinda specific oil or vaseline for that? Two years ago in winter time few times I was driving in the city without the roof, when it was about -3 C outside. Even in the winter time it opens and closes perfectly, but maybe it because it is in good condition? I think, that it should be no difference, what season outside, if mechanism works corectly.
Thank you!!
Small adhesive felt pads as used on furniture stuck the the rubber stop in the boot compartment does the trick for squeaks etc
@@vicmorley906 Can you specify your soultion? Where can I buy this thing?
@@Jan-ni2ez I will take a picture or pictures tomorrow of pads and where to put them and buy them tomorrow
Hello, what is the consommation about the engine ?
Do more videos
Thanks, I'll try!
I have a question abut the radio can you connect it with your phone eoth a cable ?
Sad, but you can just listen to music from the radio or put CD disc. There is no possibility to connect to your phone neither via cable or bluetooth. Old car - that's the reason :)
Kompressor*
Not turbo-kompressor
dont expect a v8 from a 5k mercedes bro ; )
Ar brangu toki auto islaikyt?
Mano supratimu - vidutiniškai brangu :) Tarkime, alyvos keitimas servise su filtrais kainuoja apie 70 eur. Žinoma, kuro sąnaudos mieste, spėju, yra apie 10 - 11 litrų benzino, bet tai juk ne darbinis automobilis, o laisvalaikio. Koks gi ten skirtumas, ar ima 10, ar 15 litrų kuro, jei važinėji tik savaitgaliais? :)
@@drivewithgary1044 Aciu labai!!
yah attn cause u debadged that u have the wuss engine
He left the big giveaway compressor badge on the side. I've debadged my slk350 as well. Looks much better
5000 euro ???? in which coyntry? cayse in my coyntry the cheaper 2021 is 9000 euro...!
You can find in Serbia, for 5,6 k euros, 2004,2005 model
I was talking about Lithuania, there you can find few of them for around 5000 - 6000 eur.
I bet Mercedes value this review
buy a r172 250 cdi.. everything is better.
Firstly let me pick you there mercedes common have rust issue front and rear sub frame from wing where the meet bumper these are all rust issues.
Getting in and. You never been taught how get in and out if a car properly there is no need for the bum drop.
It seems that you didn’t encounter panel deterioration so far. You still have several years to enjoy this car and then its plastic degradation will drive you crazy.
You will soon encounter the unavoidable issue just like what I suffered in my 2000 SLK R170.
Remember you now have a very short time to enjoy this SLK R171.
These are chick cars.
Like Michelob Ultra Beer. Chicolob Ultra, for chicks.
How many opinions exists all over the world... AMG SLK55 is chick car too? :)
@@drivewithgary1044 LOL yes but faster.
What defines a chick car?
@@FairladyS130 I see mostly men driving SL's, mostly women driving SLK's.
Chick cars.
I think some are taking me a little too seriously. Lol so be it.
Might be the guys driving SLK's.
@@calvincooley1074 Chicks do like SLK for sure, mine is not a daily though, let's put it this way, it performance potential is being exploited.
for fun open driving the 120KW engine is enough and the corrossion in the rear (aixle) happens but not always and you get courtesy treatment by MB (also years after the warranty expired). Yes, the car is quite "stiff" especially if you drive the "sport" suspension - nevertheless since the beginning the R171 belongs to the most reliable cars ever (with 911)
Hey, the Rost at the frame is knowen by mercedes Benz. In germany you can get a new frame for free from mercedes-benz. Last week i got a new frame for free for my mercedes slk r171, year2006 and 180.000 km. ask your mercedes-dealer for the changing in case of garanty
that's interesting .. ive just bought a 2005 slk 200 here in UK .. I am hoping I could get the same help if needed
Thanks for the advice!
We had a 2015 SLK 250, IMO the finest car we've ever had, fantastic! The two features that we found SHOCKING BENEFICIAL were the Scarf Seats and the 4 Cylinder Engine. The Scarf Seats extended the "Top Down Season" considerably especially with the Heater on. I've driven both the 4 cylinder and the 6 cylinder and found the Four Cylinder better suited to my tastes. It has incredible power and the car felt much lighter and nimble, which we think influenced the Handling! The car we had was equipped with the Auto Transmission, which is alway a questionable option in a Sports Car, but we found it's performance surprising Lively! I attribute this primarily to the Pedal Shifting feature!
Great informative video, even with the downsides you listed I would still love to own this car someday.
Good contents for easy understanding about R171
Deserve this car, for the first???
163 or.184 HP?
163 HP, because its a old model, 2005 edition.
I love my r170, look after them and they are reliable and fast and stylish
i have the same!
very good car
Hi! What is that trim on upper A-pillar? Minute 0:50 . Thank you!
if the roof is not working, you take out those cups and detach the roof from the hooks that are in the windshield frame, By rotating the knobs under the cups.
@@razxvanrazbe803 Interesting. I do not have those on my facelift R171.
@@vladi2993 you have in front in the middle of the roof a round plastic cover, that do the same thing.
I have a 2004 SLK 200 from my father. Great car for first car. Yes, it attracts a lot of attention on the street. I advise everyone to try or buy one of these. The car looks like a kart in the mountains, simply incredible.
The roof, well... it's already given me some problems, I'm not going to lie, but I personally prefer it with a roof than a convertible.
I think the 1.8 slk 200 2013 its much better for the money you pay
You are reviewing a 17 year old used car. I don’t know what were you expecting?
very low front???
That's what he said?
@@soundscaperecordings1111 yes
I have to agree...I am having the subframe issue....arrrrhhhhhhhhh
I fully agree with your comments. Hate the same things as you 👌
I had tons of problems with slk. Don't buy it. Worst car ever
bro the way you got in the car, is the same way i gotta get into my nissan micra 1.3 LOL i laughed at that part ahahahhaha
Well the elegant lady thing isn’t a problem for me