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That said, if this is to be a primary vehicle, it is not the most versatile choice.
The SLK's in particular have VERY limited storage space, and virtually NO ability to transport any items of size. (If it's bigger than a six pack, you're out of luck).
Therefor, versatility goes to the CLK. That said, SLK's are a "kick in the pants" to drive and have many smiles per gallon.
For a more mundane thought. 2001 on an SLK, is getting a bit long in the tooth. German cars in general, Mercedes Benz as a breed and sports cars in particular are VERY maintenance intensive (read as expensive). Seven to eight years is getting into an age where many expensive factors begin to appear. Things like timing belts, transmission maintenance, brakes, shocks etc.. On this class of vehicles these things get pricey rather quickly.
Just food for thought, I hope I helped.
Edit: forgot to add, of the two, I am most fond of the 350 engine. Very smooth and powerful with good response. generally a nice running powerplant. It will throw an occasional "puff" of smoke for some odd reason at random intervals, known only to itself. (not really a problem, but odd and totally random).
You did help, thank you. It would be a primary vehicle, though only for me and I don't do any shopping on my own. No biggie that it has no storage space. As long as I can throw a small over night bag in the front seat a couple times a month I'm good. I travel light.
Hadn't really thought of all the maintenance. Pretty crummy that something that expensive would have major expensive problems so soon. Poo!!
I don't have any first-hand experience with the SLK, but I've owned a CLK. I enjoyed my CLK and would recommend one to someone looking for that type of car. It was relatively fun to drive, comfortable and easy to live with.
Banger brings up a very valid point about maintenance concerns. SLK's don't have the greatest reputation for reliability, and an '01 is likely to get into your wallet sooner rather than later. I'd definitely take an '06 CLK over an '01 SLK. In fact, I'd probably take an '06 CLK over an '06 SLK.
I've owned two Benz vehicles, and the least I can say is RUN AWAY...especially on the 01.
I had an 01 S500. Times in the shop? 49 before it was bought back through the Lemon Law. It was replaced with a newer S430. Gorgeous car...in the shop almost 20 times. Tons of electrical problems, transmission leaks, steering problems. You name it, Mercedes-Benz had it. I thought it was just the S Class that was problematic until I joined a MB owners forum and was shocked by the complaints a good number of these owners have.
If you must buy one of these vehicles, make sure there is an extended warranty and DEMAND a VMI (vehicle maintenance info) report. Anything more than a few issues, you are going to be in store for a nightmare. These are truly terrible cars.
I would look at a SC Lexus before any German vehicle.
I'd only buy a new Mercedes. Go to the JD Power site for 'incidents per 100 new cars' and you'll see that they're going to require more than the average amount of time in the shop. Which is no big deal until you factor in the fact that Mercedes repairs/maintenance tend to be pricey. So I'd stick with something under warranty.
Personally, I wouldn't touch a brand new MB. They depreciate so badly that a lightly used model will almost always save the buyer a significant amount of money.
The CLK350 (as opposed to the 320, mind you) is a better car by orders of magnitude. Much better chassis and much better engine. If your budget will allow you to step up to the 350 over a 230, then do it without looking back. You might consider splitting the difference and look at an SLK350. (NOTE: make sure it's a SLK350 with the new body style and not a SLK 320 with the old body style.) The SLK350 with a manual gearbox in particular is a killer little machine.
My personal problems are that German cars are too expensive to maintain and generally unreliable when used, and depreciate too much when new. In either case, they cost a lot of money, but they are certainly nice to drive.
As long as the local MB dealer offers a loaner while your car is in the shop, I wouldn't be afraid of either, but I'd go with the SLK since its more fun to drive (imo) and will cost you less upfront. If you really need the extra room for hauling stuff on occasion, can you borrow a friend's car or SUV?
You know, owning one of these high-dollar cars is possible. Maintaining it is a bear! Research the cost of normal maintenance. These type of cars have $40 wiper blades, $175 oil change (including $25 filter), $1000 tire change, high-test gasoline... This goes for any luxury car, actually. You gotta pay to play!
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