Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible Consumer Reviews
27 MPG in town
This car actually gets 27 mpg in town rather than Edmunds 19 mpg statistic. It's a joy to drive and has required no major maintenance other than preventative along with tires, brakes and battery. They just don't build them like this any more! The most satisfying car I've ever owned.
my red convertible
This is my second benz. I traded my 98 C230(was my favorite car). I love the ride and quality of my SLK. Gives that bank vault like ride that my C class gave. Definitely a collector car of the future. I plan on keeping this car for a very long time.
- SLK320 ConvertibleMSRP: $6,5953 mi away
- SLK230 ConvertibleMSRP: $7,495285 mi away
- SLK320 ConvertibleMSRP: $9,999362 mi away
Great Roadster
Bought this car last year with approximately 76,000 miles on the odometer. No issues until recently when the on board computer had to be replaced for $1500 - ouch! It's amazing how smooth and quickly the car accelerates. Before you know it, you're doing 70 mph! I bought the car that was equipped with the optional SP1 Sport Package (Sculpted lower body with aerodynamic enhancements such as bumpers, side sills, projector beam front fog lamps, AMG alloy wheels and performance tires). This is my second car that I drive only on sunny days. I've gotten many compliments on the car and deservedly so.
2001 SLK230
I have owned this SLK230 for 5 years. I got it used with 42000, and now have 98000 miles on it. The only issue I have had is replacing brake lights a couple of times, the dome light goes out about once a year and thats about it. This car GREAT! People always ask me how much the car cost (annoying) because the way it looks. It looks like an expensive car, but I picked it up for a good deal. The interior is comfortable for a sports car, the stereo is amazing, the hard top convertible only takes 20 sec. to go down so it can easily be done at a red light. I have taken this car to its limits, fast cornering and hard breaking, so this car can handle all kinds of driving.
Not for the long run
I've had my SLK for almost 6 years. While it's sporty, fun to drive and I love the hardtop, it's not the MB quality I expected. I've had a problem with the O2 sensor, the computer chip for the hardtop (2 times), leaking windows, recurring taillight burnout, a stuck gas guage needle, and water leaking into the electrical system. This past year I've spent almost $5K in repairs.
Good car but small nagging issues.
Just bought car which has 130k miles. Saw issues when bought and am fixing but suprised as after car in production over five years mercedes never fixed since I have read all slk cars have following issues: 1). Interior paint flaking off 2) Exhaust rattle 3). Trunk and hood hydraulic hinges not holding trunk or hood up failing Love car and enjoy driving. If going on a weekend trip trunk holds very little if putting top down so pack light.
MB SLK 230 - Great car
Performs great, looks great, extremely fun to drive. Couple things to know - if you leave it in the sun, occasionally the hardtop gets stuck and to open the trunk you need to press down on it.
Hold back
My dream car is a nightmare. It has been in for repairs more than any other car I've owned. Many, many electrical problems. I have the passenger side brake light bulb changed on the average of once a week. Went to far as to have the entire unit replaced which did not make a difference. Had the motor mounts replaced at under 30k miles. The radio and turbo charger is new. I am getting rid of this horrid little car asap!! Don't let the asthetic appeal of this model of Mercedes fool you!
Rich mans miata
Love this car unbelievable handling and drivabiluty! Sleek design matched with the hardtop convertible this car absolutely blows anything else I've ever owned out of the water love it!
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SLK what a car
I've had my SLK for almost 6 years. While it's sporty, fun to drive and I love the hardtop,this car is exhulerating to drive. Powerful, handles curves as if on rails. Hardtop operates like magic
It was a fun experience
I totaled my SLK 320 when I broadsided a huge SUV. I loved that little car. It's solidly built heavy engine saved my life. I paid cash for the car in 2001 and I'm really disappointed at how much it had depreciated over the years. It did not hold its value well at all. My biggest complaint was with the interior around the gear shift. The coating flaked off and was unsightly. I've noticed this in other SLK vehicles. I didn't leave my car in the sun, so you can't blame the environment. On a long trip, it's not comfortable.
Problematic
it's a fun car, when it's not in the shop. I've had my hardtop break, and the roof get all scratched up in the process. It was in the shop for a month on that. I've had a leak in the window, in the engine, in the radiator, and a taillight that continuously burns out. It's just been a pain to upkeep, and I'm only at 17,000 miles.
Fun but has a Dangerous flaw
Fun car to drive, very fast and sturdy. Reliable until my wife spilled a drink on gear shifter under cup holders, transmission locked up. Luckily she was in the driveway. Have read of people doing this @ 65mph and the car automatically skidding to a halt! That could kill someone! How does Mercedes not have to recall that and waterproof the PC board for the shifter? Right this second trying to dry it out so it will run again, hopefully without needing a new $700 PC board. BTW, removing/connecting battery cable requires a code to activate your radio again or you drive in silence: call the dealer for code.
Luxury...hah!
My wife purchased this car in 2003 from with only 3000 miles on it...in other words still almost in new condition. It looks beautiful on the outside and is pretty fun with the top down on a nice spring day. Since then, it's been nothing but trouble. O2 sensor burn-outs and associated problems ($1300-1500). Constant electrical problems esp. with cruise control. All sorts of exterior lighting issues like a poorly aimed headlight that Mercedes says can't aim any truer (higher) than it is (it shines maybe 15ft in front of car). God forbid you accidentally don't screw your gas cap on tight enough cuz that'll run ya about $175 to get the check engine turned off by Mercedes- Benz
2001 SLK 230
Traded my 2000 Green Jag 4.0 sedan for this little car. All for the wife. Even though I've heard the nightmares about MB quality not being what it used to be. I've had real no issues with the car. It gets really good gas mileage. Not bad for long drives. Great in the North Carolina mountain roads. Only bad thing. The wife spilled coffee into the triptronic shifter. $500 bucks to get that fixed. Odd place to have a cup holder in a car. MB replaced the rear tail light lense for both sides under a warranty recall. Put some Michelin Exalto tires on this car and it made all the difference in how it handled and felt on the road.
Simply recommendable
A so far very reliable car with an excellent look and feel of quality and driving. Maintenance cost is high though.
Love it!
The car is magic to drive! I was scared about buying an SLK. I read mixed reviews. I decided to plunge and get it. The retractable hard top was a desired feature. I wanted Lexus sc 430 so I could drive my nephews, but couldn't find one with my price range. I love my silver. Interior is red and black leather, which matches university colors. Manual 6 speed was recommended and does add to enthusiastic driving..and limits my cell phone use because I need to shift gears - probably a good thing! This car has Bose sound system and quality sound with top down. Car maneuvers like a dream and accelerates sufficiently. Behind the wheel I know I have a well crafted machine at hand.
Great project car
One must be willing to work on this car to appreciate its design value. I bought this 2001 SLK320 Manual Transmission as a project car. As such, I personally replaced/repaired most old-aged items, including sensors and brake rotors, to restore her glory. My wife, who owns a '13 Terrain and '15 SRX, even begs to ride on it when opportunity arises. Of course, we are Ford and GM faithful but this 1st foreign car does steal a big chunk of love. Unfortunately, I am only allowed to drive it once or twice a week because it's too sexy for my (near retirement) age.
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Love my car
I bought my SLK230 6 speed manual new in 2000 (2001 model). I drive it every day, I have 138K miles on it, and I still love it. Yes, it has had some problems over the years, like the hydraulics on the sunroof, convertible latch and the hood all needed to be replaced (once), but what can you expect after owning the car for over 17 years. I have had the same mechanic work on my car since I bought it and it has been wonderful. My driving to and from work consists of a bit of stop and go and I get 23 mpg (city). The few times that I have driven it when it is 90% highway I got 32 mpg. Although you are supposed to put premium gas in it, I rotate from premium to mid-grade gas and I have had no problems. The exterior still looks great, the interior is a bit lacking, because the interior finish is peeling/cracking off, which I definitely do not like, and the finish on the wheel rims are flaking off which is unattractive, but it does not affect the durability of the rims. It has great trunk space when the top is up but when the top is down you have very little trunk space but I think that is normal for most hard top convertibles. I am 5'2" and in order for me to push down the clutch pedal all the way down I need to sit pretty close to the steering wheel but I am use to that. My husband is 5"11 and he can drive it comfortably. Would I own this car where the is a lot of bad snowy/icy winters, that is a big NO, but since I live in Northern Virginia and we only have a few days of bad weather I have learned to stay at home on those days (rear wheel drive - not good on snowy/icy days) I love driving with the top down on ALL sunny days even when it is cold outside because of the heated seats and the great heater system I never feel cold. Would I but this car again? Absolutely!
Original owner of 2001 SLK320
When this car is running, it's great. Very responsive, quick steering, good braking. Very quiet for a convertible with the hardtop up. Never any problem with the roof folding into the trunk. Now the repairs: 3 cat converters, crank position sensor, drivers side inside door handle broke away from door, brake light sockets, engine hood and trunk hood struts, and rear engine gasket. The most serious problem was the CPS, engine just died in traffic and would not start. If I was on a busy highway it would have been a very bad situation. With only 85K miles I plan to keep this car for a long time.
- Performance
Most fun to drive ever
Only had it 3 months, but I just love it. The most fun to drive of any car I've owned. Great trunk space compared to competitors. Recent 1400 mile road trip averaged over 30 mpg cruising in the 80's over Sierra mountains. Takes curves like it's on rails. Comfortable for 2 on long trips.
Awesome car great performance for 4 cyl.
Owned for about 6 months now. love to drive it, especially with the top down. bought with 180,000 miles on it, but it runs great and had it inspected privately; everything is in tip top shape for how many miles are on it. those Germans know how to make a quality car. the top squeaks a little when going over bumps - to be expected, minimal road noise for a convertible. tiptronic transmission shifts smoothly. plenty of interior features, very luxurious. if you buy a mbz, you need to take it to a dealership for service, or at least make sure you use strictly mbz parts, and approved fluids.
Driving Machine!
Having driven earlier MB models in the 1970's and 1980's, I am impressed with the lack of stodginess in this vehicle. The SLK 320 looks, drives and feels like a true sports car. I can not find anything to dislike, and this car puts the FUN back in driving. I can't wait for spring so I can begin tooling around with the hardtop down. What a machine!
Jewel of a Roadster
Fabulous car with no vices. Bulletproof reliability and quality. While its not the sports car drive you will find in a Porsche it has a much nicer interior and an automatically retractable steel top. Also as a Mercedes its going to be safe if for any reason you get into an accident. If you are going to drive around a small roadster in SUV country you might want to consider this. The 320 6 cylinder motor makes this a much smoother, better sounding and quicker car than the 230. I never had any problems whatsoever with this car.
Nothing Better
I purchased my SLK 320 with about 30,000 miles on it. I upgraded from my 1999 SLK 230 Kompressor. Ever since I have owned the car my only regret has been that I didn't own it sooner. Great gas mileage, not as great as the 4cyl. But the V6 in the 320 is worth it for the power and the smoother ride. Great handling, Great looks. I still take the long way home. Did very well the 1 and only time it got caught in a freak snow storm. 1st and last time it will see the snow though. All and all if you are looking for a great 2 seater car with pleanty of power, affordable gas, and a great headturner, then this is the car for you.
little yellow SKL320
I purchased my "sunburst yellow" SLK320 in 2000 and love driving it any chance i get. The only drawbacks i have with it are: 1) issues with paint job 2) the ASB light and and dash light that is intermitted. otherwise it has held up great.
Excellent Convertible and Cute too!
Driving this roadster is not only luxurious, but also pleasant. When the top comes down, it is an absolutely sexy looking car!
SLK 320 - FUN MACHINE
Absolutely fun to drive. Feel the freedom with top off and Mercedes Engineering
My beauty
Bought the car used but hardly used! Super charged 4.5 seconds 0-60 mph
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Perfect Urban Commuter
It's been a great car for commuting on city streets in Houston, where the weather is warm and the top can stay down most of the year. Lots of torque for accelerating from stop lights. Decent gas mileage. It's also surprisingly good on long roads trips. Adequate trunk, unlike any of its competitors. Quiet, and a pleasant cruiser. Phenomenally solid and secure at 140mph! ;-) The 30 or so improvements made starting with the 2001 model year made the SLK a much better car. Don't buy an older one!
Fun to Drive
Traded my 4.0 S type Jag for this little roadster. That is for the wife. I'm 6'1 and I'm comfortable in the car. It's a fun car to drive! Fast, nimble, and great gas mileage. I have not had any problems with my hard top roof thus far. Fun to drive in the mountains of Norh Carolina with the top down. Haven't had any real issues with the car, mechanical or otherwise. My wife spilled coffee in the Triptronic shifter. $500 to get it fixed. Kind of a weird place to have a drink holder which sits towering above the gear shift lever in this car. I can be doing 100mph in the car and really not know it. Rides like a champ, and road noise is not as bad as I thought with the top up.
Best Car I Ever Had
This car is exhulerating to drive. Powerful, handles curves as if on rails. Hardtop operates like magic. No Problems after three years!
Nice Little MB
Have owned for about 8 months in Alaska so have only put on 3000 mi. Had to purchase winter studkess tires due to the original HP tires were not for winter driving.The winter tires have done the trick, the car handles very well with just the rear wheel drive due to the Positive Stability system. It is a fun Car with all the "Klass" you could ask for. Not exactly fast, but Quick enough & Smooth as Silk.
red hot
This is the one. I've owned this 2001 SLK car since 2005. She has been a dream. I originally bought this car thinking I would be safe from being the "taxi" Mom. I was so right! She has been a dream. I love the power, I love the sleek look, I love the gas mileage, I love the wind in my face and the sun on my skin. I bought this at 28,000 miles and have 150,000 miles now. I have had a few things that I've needed to fix. 1. There was a time that my whole electrical panel went crazy, and I was dead stop on both the freeway and another time at a stop sign. Kind of scary but I had it fixed and have no more problems. 2. ESP light went on and I had a horrible time on the freeway where it jerked hard to the right. I had to have it fixed ASAP. it was some sort of relay unit. I had it fixed with no more problems. 3. jerking transmission, changed the fluid and fixed a couple of O2 sensor problems. Perfect again. I'm a proud owner and can't think of any good reason to buy brand new when my old school is perfect.
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Sporty
I bought my 2001 SLK 230 compressor in 2017 that had 73000 miles on it. I now have 82000 and have had no problems with the exception of minor preventive repairs, oil change, back brakes, tune up, only preventive repairs. The air runs better than my 2011 C class. The acceleration is great and it is a fun car to drive. I am totally satisfied.
Great Car Fun to Drive
This has been a very reliable car. Very comfortable on trips with good lumbar support and excellent gas mileage. Actually got 33 mpg on one trip! Problems have been minor except for the catalytic converter, which was replaced under warranty by the dealer. This car has 80,000 miles on it and it will still get up and go and will stop on a dime!
My 2001 SLK Experience
Thinking I was buying a Mercedes "quality" product, I found some discouraging problems with mine. First, I got stuck with the hard top stuck in the trunk, and had to drive it to the dealership to get it fixed. After they fixed it, I found that they scratched the roof while bringing the top up. Then the whole computer system broke down, and I was only able to drive my car 25 mph until I could get it home. I have also found that the inside of the car is peeling on the center console, and the leather on my steering wheel is coming off. Please keep in mind that I bought this car brand new, and it still has 25000 miles of warranty left.
Happy to have a real car
I have had my 320 for almost 2 years and love it. I love it when I pull up next to some guy with a mullet in a mustang and smoke him off the line. I get more heads that turn from the great exhaust note to the killer xenon lights. I have replaced both fog lamps and many chips of my hood fixed from debris. P.S. Dont ever try the headlamp washers with the top down!!!!
Just keeps getting better
I have been driving the car for just over a year now and it just keeps getting better. I opted for the manual 6 and this adds to the fun, great exhaust note too. When hard top is up it feels like a sedan. I have not had any problems and at 9000 miles it is now starting to get even smoother and loosen up a little. Highly recommend it.
a joy to drive!
A wonderful car for two people! Hard top retracting never fails to bring smiles. Overall drive is very sporty, not at all mushy, sticks to the road like glue with the right tires. Highly recommended for people without kids or as second (or third!) car for wekends. Not great in snow even with decent snow radials.
Mechnical problem with my trunk
Great car to drive or show-off around town, except a few issues w/ my truck. It is not the size, but had problem opening it when it is hot...think it is a mechanical issue...also read complains from other owners. The problem can be resolved by moving the roof (open or close) so the trunk will open up..but not exact Merc's quality.
Dream Automobilie
I feel very fortunate to have this car. It is so fun to drive. I bought it used and the Starmark extended warranty as well, so I have 6 yrs of warranty left on it. Paint job is not as smooth as it should be. Minor problem with the trunk opening. But other than that, the car has been perfect. I cannot conceive having or wanting any other car. I plan on having it for many years to come.
Fun...But...
Let me start by saying how much I love my 320. Looks sleek, nice handling. Over all a beautiful car. I got a really great price for it $16,000 off the orignal sticker price. I've had it a year and have put about 3,000 miles on it. However there are a few annoyances I've had with it. For starters the driver side window leaks so forget about taking it thru the car wash unless you want to get drenched. Sometimes the trunk doesn't stay open. My mom almost got her head sliced off taking the groceries out. The retractable hard top has been fixed 2x. And the biggest pain, The brake light continually goes out. Other than that everything is ok. I get a a lot of compliments and head turns.
MBZ Owner
We've owned MBZ's since 1986 and this is the most enjoyable of all. Like the hardtop convertible for driving in all types of weather in the NW. We swapped our '37 Ford streetrod for our SLK. It's much more practical and we drive it more. We've had no problems and enjoy every moment of driving, plus there's no room for the kids and dogs. MBZ did a great job of design and performance.
The Perfect Car
This is the perfect car in town or on the highway. She acts like she has velcro on her feet in the rain. I would have to take some 'real' driving lessons to fully use her capabilities.
The Most Affordable Hardtop Convertible
I have always refrained from convertibles because softtops seem to cause the car to age quickly and also appear to be unreliable. Thanks to MB for its innovative technology, a retractable hardtop is like a dream comes true - incorporates the best of two worlds, not to mention it is the most affordable hardtop convertible out there as of this date. The SLK is too much fun to drive; the 320 model drives and sounds smoother especially during tight cornering; with wood trim as standard interior, it is even more classy and luxurious. I have had problems opening the trunk once or twice, but who use the trunk anyway!
slk review
fabulous to drive, safe and heads turn all the time.
My First Mercedes
Have loved this car since the day I picked it up at the dealership. A joy to own and drive, and problems have been minimal!
A Beauty
I love this car, wanted one for many years and finally had the opportunity to get one. It's a beauty in Black. 2001 with only 40k miles and perfect condition. I save it for the great weather and the weekends. Great handler and smooth ride, great head turner too
Closest to Perfection
Been driving this car for a year now and I really love it! Excellent and extremely smooth acceleration. Great top speed. Car is light so if you go faster than 80 mph, you'll feel you're really 'flying'. Great at turns, very stable. I'm amazed at its fuel economy despite its being quite a fast car. The mileage is comparable to that of the C240, and a little better than the C320 despite both of them using the same engine. I see it as a 3-in- 1 car: Sports, convertible and a roadster; the kind of car that is very suitable in states like California or Nevada. Quite flexible for tuning and dressing it up: very suitable with Brabus, AMG and Lorinser customization