2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
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Used SLK-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz SLK-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class types
- Convertible
- SLK32 AMG
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Retractable hardtop, confident handling, blistering performance from the SLK32 AMG, quiet and composed freeway cruiser.
Cons
- Steering lacks feedback, big blind spots when top is up, no manual gearbox for the top performance model.
What’s new
There are no changes for this year. A revamped SLK is set to debut for 2004.
Edmunds says
A fun-to-drive roadster that combines the safety and security of a hardtop, the wind-in-your-hair fun of a convertible and the European-brand cachet of a Mercedes' all-in-one attractively styled package.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Roadster (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$270/mo for SLK-Class SLK230
SLK-Class SLK230
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
5 star(93%)
4 star(5%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
57 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Fun Coupe or Convertible
Patrick, 09/10/2010
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK320 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
I did have a 98 230 SLK with 4k but was totaled by a drunk driver. I purchased a 06 Chrysler Crossfire, thinking I would have the same experience and save money. No comparing. The SLK series Mercedes is one of the coolest convertible roadsters on the market. Performance, looks, roadster feel, with more class than most roadsters. I sold the Chrysler right away and began searching to … replace the 230 with a newer 320 with no regret.
5 out of 5 stars
Sporty, fun, fast and power to spare!
SMarciano1, 03/23/2004
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK320 2dr Roadster (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
I find my 2003 SLK-320 always fun to
drive. It's a sporty and a real head
turner going down the road. If the sun
is out, the top is down. Or 25 seconds
later it can be a hardtop again. You'll
need to watch the speedometer because
it is truly effortless to get to and
exceed highway speeds. I love the
throaty sound when I step on the gas.
The motor eagerly responds at all …
speeds with ease. Comfortable seats and
ride with plenty of legroom. Almost
intuitive handling in turns, curves
and "other" manuvers. The cockpit has
well laid out gauges and controls. I've
had no problems to date.
5 out of 5 stars
Fast, Fun Car
Jim in AV, Ca, 03/24/2006
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Roadster (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)
I love the handling of this car! The acceleration is more than adequate, as the car gets off the line quickly, and it accelerates hard. With the AMG Sport package, the interior is very pleasing with the machined metal inserts. At 80 MPH cruising speed across Nebraska, the gas mileage was 28. The cockpit is roomy enough, and every control is close at hand. So nice to have a … convertible hard top, also, although the trunk capacity is limited with the top down. Big enough for an ice chest, though.
5 out of 5 stars
Long term love (2009-2017)
Kevin, 01/28/2017
2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK230 Kompressor 2dr Roadster (2.3L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Purchased in 2009 when I graduated highschool this was my first car ownership experience. When I got this I was looking at Honda S2000's but my parents had an affinity towards Mercedes-Benz so we agreed on this as a nice compromise. Owning this car through the past 8 years has been a pleasure. Here is some of my experiences. 1) first car accident( rear-ended at red light) no visible … damage but the Honda Civic was almost totaled by her insurance. 2) Repairs- cost $2,500 over 8 year term. So $312.50 average a year. This was mainly because I did a complete overhaul 3 years ago replacing all worn parts(suspension, motor mounts, drilled and slotted rotors and new pads, spark plugs, mass air flow, etc) before I started working in finance. Now i am in my final semester in my dual-masters program and in a few months I will tell my car goodbye and sell her for $5-6k with 155k mi. Note: I purchased this in 2009 for $10,500 so my total costs excluding the $75 oil changes was about $1k a year when you factor in my purchase price and resale value, not bad right? haha I must also include that during my past 3 years of ownership that this car doesn't pass NC inspection due to the MAF sensor. Oil gets caught up in this because after the car is around 12 years old the supercharger spits oil into the MAF. The next major issue is that the hydraulic powered hardtop's seals go bad after around 10 years in age and they leak into the headliner, I fix this by completely draining out the fluid for $25. I passed inspection by getting a exemption permit each year. Now I will move on and purchase a Porsche Cayman S or 2013 Porsche 911. Although if you do sit in this slk you will see a strong resemblance between this and the 2007-2012 cayman interior. This car holds a special place in my heart, we went through undergraduate, corporate life and now graduate school together. I hope my experience shows you that Mercedes ownership is not expensive as one might expect.
2003 SLK-Class Highlights
Convertible
SLK230
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $39,600 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $270/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SLK-Class include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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