Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Consumer Reviews
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Live a little!
Climbing into a SLK is empowering one to cruise under the sun or in the rain with grace and style. Seating just two people this makes for an intimate encounter for a couple on a trip or night out. It is an upscale convertible with a hardtop neatly tucked away for open air cruise or engaged overhead for the more climate controlled person. Enjoying the feel of the road through great road handling ability and the minimum effort to steer this ride is very enjoyable. This is a great roadster for the price and mileage. Maintenance of this car is highly recommended to be maintained. As with all cars, the better you take care of it the longer it will last. This car is eye catching during a beach cruise or even a highway cruise. No need to speed to enjoy the power of this vehicle. Power seems to be at the fingertips for everything this little roadster provides. Recommend anyone interested to try various years and trim models to find the right one for yourself. I prefer the 2005 to 2011 body style which has a more sloping front end versus the boxy looking style introduced in 2012.
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The Ultimate Performance
I have had multiple BMWs and an Audi, but nothing performs like this car. The acceleration (and exhaust sound) and handling is awesome. If you can hang on, no corner is too fast. I put Michelin PS2s on and the handling (and red smoothness) is even better. I have 23k miles on mine and not a problem. I have finally found a car that drives/performs as well as it looks. I just hope MB is still making these when I replace this one!
- SLK280 ConvertibleMSRP: $9,9999 mi away
- SLK55 AMG ConvertibleMSRP: $15,99921 mi away
- SLK55 AMG ConvertibleMSRP: $15,99036 mi away
Best Bang for your Buck!
The SLK55 AMG has to be one of the best values in a sports car. Considering that most used 05-08 SLK55's are under $30K, that is an unbelievable value considering the technology, performance and amenities if offers. Mine is getting up there in mileage, but the performance and engine are rock solid, reliable and I've had no issues whatsoever. I really can't think of another car in this price range that turns as many heads, is as much fun to drive and feels as nice as this car. This could be your only car - it's plenty comfortable, and spacious if you're not carrying cargo much. Fuel mileage is pretty bad, but worth it for the great performance.
Perfect Convertible Except...
I test drove the Z4, Audi TT, and Miata, but found the SLK to be the best balance of practicality and fun. I love the way it corners while still eating bumps with the standard Mercedes THUD (this is my 3rd Mercedes). I think it has the best, most organic curves of the contemporary two seaters, plenty of power, firm but comfortable seats, and enough room for two weekend bags. My only gripe - and it's a big one - is the rattles and squeaks. I drove 3 SLKs and they all produced noises over bumps. I think it's a side effect of the hard top.
Put zing into your life!
I am 56, no I am not having a midlife crisis. But I did need a little zing , so i found the most perfect car to ram rod around in. I really love my car, It is fun, you get the looks, you feel like a million bucks, and the 06, was very reasonably priced. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Perfection
I really love this car. I also own a 2004 SLK 230. All the issues I hated about the SLK 230 have been fixed with this new generation. Car does not hunt the road on rutted highways anymore, smoother ride. This car will get 27 mpg if you behave yourself. I can't say more about how much I love this one. This is my fourth MB and so far it is the best one.
Cool MB, SLK350
Purchased this SLK350 in Chicago and immediately drove home to Texas. A fun drive. Averaged 28 mpg over the 1500 miles. We have no complaints. The car is what it is, a fun, attractive two seater. We had enough trunk space for an overnight suitcase and space for wine, etc. At the end of the day averaging 400 miles each day, we still felt good. Lots of honks and thumbs up on the road and walkaround inspections by other drivers at rest stops. The HK sound system is great. the navigation system, once you figure it out, works like a charm. Coffee cup holders are a bit of an after thought, but they do work. We love the car and think it will be fun to own and drive. Fit and finish in and out-great
What's best for $60-70k
I drove them all, and this was the best as it has all the creature comforts, can be driven in any format ie commute, aggressive back roads, flying on the highway, all the way to flat out racing, -- equally well. Watching the jaws drop as you fly by is alone worth every cent. For the first time I got everything I ever wanted in a sports car with no sacrifices in safety or comfort. Drop the top, crank the sat radio, classic vinyl born to be wild and feel the smile spread from ear to ear, sing your lungs out and have more fun and performance than you ever ever thought possible.The one gripe I have exists in all exotics and that is annoying small problems that require a short dealer fix.
Fast, great looking, and safe!
I bought my 2006 SLK55 AMG a year ago. I adored this car and its unique look. The handling was great, and it was a little rocket! Well, last week a woman in a truck crashed into me head on! She didn't see me and it happened so quickly that neither of us had time to brake. I estimate the combined speed to be about 75mph. Well, that little car saved my life. The entire engine compartment looked like an accordion, but due to the safety design, the engine dropped versus penetrating the cab. The car looked like a smashed tin can with an intact cab! The seatbelt and airbags deployed, and I escaped with relatively minor injuries. I am ordering my brand new SLK55 right now!
SLK280
I bought the car new. Love it and still do. However, there is a command center issue that apparently Mercedes can't identify..but whatever it is, it drains the battery when the car sits for lest than a week without being driven. Now it appears that it takes 24hrs or less for it to drain without driving. Mercedes can't seem to figure out what the problem is but I suspect it has always been an issue.
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Great Car!!
This is truly a great car to drive everyday! It's fast, comfortable, reliable and just overall amazing. With the top up or down there is no better ride out their for the money!
Wow...what a fun toy!
Finally I've got a toy that I always wanted. A fun to drive, powerful car that is a convertible as well. After riding in the Cayenne and the A6, the SLK is so much fun. Yes, the ride is stiff, yes, it is a gas guzzler, but the feeling you get when you step on gas and the way the car responds can't be beat! I tired the new Cayman S, but the SLK55 won me over with its looks and performance. The Capris Blue with light beige Nappa leather is amazing. The Command and the satellite with the upgraded sound system is excellent. I thought that the trunk space would be limited, but is big enough to pack for 2 people for a weekend.
Finally, a great looking SLK
I just got a new SLK280 a few days ago. So far it has been near perfect. I was concerned about MB quality based on what I've read but so far so good. The car has great performance, styling, comfort and even good gas mileage. I'm fairly short and the Comfort Package with the 8 way power seats allowed for a wide range of adjustment. I restored and drove vintage British sportscars for 15 years. This car is as much fun to drive and seems to be very high quality. Styling is great. I'll write another review in six months or so and let you know if there have been any problems. By the way, I got the 280 instead of the 350 because it has plenty of power, better gas mileage and a $4K lower price.
Great Car!
This is a great car. Bought it used with under 15K miles, get better than rated mpg, quick, solid, turns heads, loads of fun convertible hard-top design is awesome.
Unreliable
Two weeks after purchasing the car check engine light came on. Dealer could not find any thing wrong when took the car in. Engine check light comes on and off (Not because the gas cap is not tight). Dealer says nothing to worry about. A few days later ESP light came on. After that had problem to turn the car on. Tried to trade in the car that purchased for $60K with less than 800 miles, they offered only $41K.
Rain back washes into electrical when battery clogged. Hole too small! Defective!
Defect w/battery. The rain overflows fm the right side, into the battery box. There is a tiny hole for the rain to exit. The hole gets clogged up causing the rain water to back up into the electrical. Ruined A/C, Heat, cruise control, radio, etc. A total nightmare. I pushed the little black rubber stopper in & don't have the problem anymore. This is a manufacturer defect. Cost me thousands. The front bumper is also defective. 9 out of 10 are cracked. 1. It's too low 2. It's too flimsy. 3. It's high enough to scrape the top of a yellow cement parking block. Hello! Now that USA owns MB... starting to turn into crap!
Room for a big guy
I am 6 feet 6 inches, and this is the car that I found that not only I could sit in with comfort, but have a ball driving. This car is blessed with good power, very good handling, and an eye catching look. It comes with a nice standard package, but a few of the upgrades can make it special. I looked at the Boxter, and Vette, but couldn't sit in either with any comfort. Last but not least, the power hardtop on the Benz is awsome.
I LOVE this car!
I bought this car because I had always wanted a convertible. What a great first convertible experience! This car turns heads everywhere I go. The pick-up is great! The fuel economy listed is less than the 25mpg I've been averaging. It handles really well no matter where you may be. Great for sharp turns or straight roads.
SLK 55 AMG
Overall just an awsome car. Fun to drive anywhere except terrible roads or off road where you would not want to be anyway. Be careful of steep driveways as it is very low. Especially fun on the track. On the track you can really push it and use the power and stability the car has for a great experience. On the freeway I get about 24 mpg and on the track I get about 7.1 mpg. I wish they had the performance option available when I ordered mine in mid 2005. As long as it is not raining, the top is down and you never get cold with the heated seats, heater, and airscarf. I have driven it in sunny 38 degrees top down and just a heavy shirt or light jacket. You will love it.
Look Younger & Thinner
I bought the SLK350 just over a year ago. It's lived up to almost every expectation. Driving it is like handling a rocket. It has serious power and when you punch it, there is literally no hesitation. Even with the top down, there is no wind noise - you can listen to the radio and your hair doesn't look like you fixed it with a weed-eater. I do have the AirScarf and it makes a huge difference. Like everyone else I think the cupholder is an abomination. I knocked a full cup of coffee over in it (it's in a bad place AND it's flimsy). Now the buttons on my radio and heat/air are spongy and unpredictable. Mercedes can't fix them either. Still, a great car.
Mechanical Nightmare
OK, the car looks sexy and when it isn't in the shop it can be fun to drive. Only 18 months old I'm already in the market for a new car. The car has been in the shop seven times already. It blows tremendous amounts of smoke when it's cold and shakes violently when starting up. It leaks water from the roof. There is a constant whining noise on the passenger side mirror (which I'm told is pretty typical), new tires needed after 15,000 miles. Paint job is spotted in places looks like they missed spots. Lost display lights while driving and "remove key" light stayed on for days. Be careful, very low front easily damaged. Unfortunately, it's not worth the money. Very disappointed with car.
Dont bother
Although a great car to look at, you will generally have a Kia Sorento Loan Vehicle as it spends so long in the shop. Engine & transmission problems, roof locking down, ESP malfunctions & generally everything you can think of. Great styling & fun when it goes but way too unreliable for the $50K price tag. Wait for the X2 model before trying!
Love it
I love to drive this car. Especially with the top down. However, my husband leaves before I do in the morning so I usually have to drive our other car. This car is a lot of fun to drive. The hardtop convertible is great and very convenient to use. I love the heated seats and neck warmer. The ride can be a little jittery on some roads.
A Great Little Car
I had a Lambo door kit installed early on. For those not really in the know, people asked me if it was an SLR. I like the styling cues taken from the SLR. Several times other lesser car drivers have taken me on from a stoplite to their disappointment (just a quick launch).The exhaust note is wonderful, much better than my SLK32 AMG (which was a little faster). You just can't beat the sound of a V-8. The car receives compliments from both men and women alike. Handling through the canyons of So. Cal. is suberb.
The AMG Difference
It's everything I have dreamed it would be. Very smooth power delivery but responsive if need be. Very stable at high speed with very minimal body lean on corners. Rigid body structure but comfortable suspension, without compromising stability. Superb handling characteristic. Fade free braking experience. Awesome looks
Great Fun, Little Car
This car is built for those of us who have our transportation needs covered by our other vehicles. The car is fun and fast, with a depandable and quick response to what the driver wants it to do. The 3.5 liter engine can get you into "illegal territory" in absolutely no time. My wife and I love our SLK 350 and will recommend it to any one who wants to spoil themselves with some luxury fun. Get used to compliments, because people will walk up to you with some nice words about that car.
Zoomer
Only car I've owned that conforms to my body with no back pain. Even MB dealer could not get GPS to work - needs to be studied (I got it to work). Excellent driving & road ability! This car has been with me 5 years....I'm not selling like new condition - wonderful car!!! If I has known the 250 SLK was same size - I would have gone for it!!!! 4 cylinder with a blower, lighter weight - the car jumps on a quick start.....
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"crisis car"
Given my age at 65... I'm a good ways past a mid-life crisis! I decided to get a convertible "crisis car". Like MB says...life is too short and the road too long not to drive a Benz. I have owned and driven four Nissan Z cars in the most recent years. The SLK, in my opinion, is by far the better car! I think the car gives you beyond what you might expect from a roadster in this price range. Others agree that with a mere flick of a switch you're in a convertible or hardtop...it doesn't get any better!! In my opinion this car gives you all the power and all the performance that you would need in todays traffic conditions. The gas mileage is a definite advantage given todays current prices!!
great roadster
Love driving this car, I have two 3 series BMWs, but this convertible is great fun to drive.
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The SLK
Having traded a Corvette, I had no idea how exciting it would be to drive the SLK. This car feels like an extension of myself. It's responsive and performs very well. The 350 is no Corvette V-8, but it satisfies. I was surprised to find that the SLK is slightly heavier than the Corvette. It is so solid. It also has a boat load more features than the Corvette. The interior quality is far superior. The Corvette definitely has an agressive, muscular body. But the SLK is most assuredly sexy. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.
Road Trip
We all know it is blistering fast, fun to drive, and a real head-turner. The SLK 55 is also a very civilized beast. I use mine as a daily commuter, and it is a joy to drive, even in heavy traffic. The car is just as comfortable on longer trips. I've just returned from an 800-mile trip, and it was one of the most enjoyable drives I have ever experienced. I was also pleasantly surprised to find I averaged 26 mpg, driving at 75 mph! Mileage was the same with top up or down.
Excellent Automobile!
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is probably one of the fastest affordable roadsters around. With its Formula One inspired design, this car gets looks by all sorts of people. On the mechanical side, the Formula One inspired gear box helps deliver the V8's 355 HP to the wheels giving the driver a neck snapping take off. The steering response is the quickest I've ever seen in any automobile. The braking is superb. It can slow you down from 95 m.p.h. so fast that your organs fall out of place ( Attempted in a controlled enviroment). As for the interior, its very roomy. The nice bucket seats will keep you firmly planted. Finally, the paddles a nicely postioned behing the steering wheel. AMG Rocks!
Just simply amazing
OK, it's expensive and it's not a super light little racer. But it's pretty much a fantastic performer in every area. Race track fun, Top down crusing, luxury tour driving, and looks to simply kill. Pulling up to the finest manor house is not a problem. It's not perfect at anything, Just perfect at everything.
Don't get it.
Don't get it if you don't like attention. This car is a looker and you'll get random people approaching you giving you compliments. Unlike others, I like the sound of the stock sound system. What's ridiculous though is that in 2006, it still won't play MP3s. The air-scarf is a must-have option. Get it, or regret it!
Its a rocketship
The last car that I had this much fun driving was a 1972 240z. I traded a 2002 SL500 in for this car. It drives like a sports car and sounds even better
Perfect-10
Purchased the 030 package; well worth the price. The braking and improved handling over the standard 55 can be measured by the seat-of-your-pants dyno. Zero to WOW in about 15 seconds. The "Nuerburgring" suspension allows this vehicle to corner with anything- bar none.
One word, awesome!
This car is great! I always enjoy driving this car since it is not my daily driver. Great looks, top up or down, great handling, it's got it all!
2996 SLK 280
This car has been very reliable and fun to drive. It has good visibility, handles nicely, and has a smooth ride. I had a 350Z before - and that was a much bumpier ride. I only have minor complaints - the front bumper is so low that it is easy to ding it on curbs when parking. Also, the cup holder is in a stupid location - in front of the a/c vent and in your field of view. The thing I like best is the retractable hard top - most people are surprised that the car is a convertible. When the see the top retract - they are amazed.
My First AMG
I bought this car after a couple of test drives and I have no regrets. It accelerates like a 60's muscle car and handles beautifully. It was a great replacement for my TT roadster. While other manufacturers may offer fancier instrument panels (my wife's BMW 530i for instance), I love the simplicity of the MB cabin.
Love the Look
I have had the car for over a year now. I love the look. Rides a little rough though. The top rattles when up, dealership told me that that happens with convertibles. I like the gas mileage, and the trunk is surprisingly accomodating. Standard audio system could be better. My only real complaint would be the noises and creaks that the top makes when up. Like everyone else, the cup holder is in a funky place.
Disappointed
So yes the vehicle is great to look at and fun to drive. If you enjoy people staring and asking you how you can afford this vehicle than I recommend you buying one. However, I feel the vehicle being Mercedes and all they would have done better with a few things. The cup holder is right above the radio and a/c vents? Very uncomfortable and inconvenent place to set your drinks, very little support. There is no adjustment for the defrost function, it just blows out full force. So you are forced to turn in on and off when in use. Just recently the coating around the radio station program dials (0-9) has been peeling off. It seems to be due to the sun? This car is a convertible!
One of a Kind
I purchased my SLK55 AMG in March 2006. As a woman, I can tell you that it is awesome and the prettiest car on the road. It is also one of the fewest of this model around which I like because I like to be different. The stares are unreal. I think it could be more comfortable in the seating arrangement and the cupholder more accessible, but nothing major. Fast car!
Fun in the sun
I have had my car for a few months now and still get excited to drive it. It has more than enough power to imprint you into the seat and hugs curves like a glove. It performs like an exotic sports car without the six figure price tag. I can say that I have never been a Mercedes fan but have been won over with this car.
Fine for a Chrysler not good for a MB
I've been driving my 280 for 4 months, 5K miles. It's a pretty good car but the overall perceived quality is lower than I expect on a Mercedes. I had a couple of rattles, in fact I still do, but the dealer has been patient enough to check it. Still not up to what I'd expect, especially as a prior BMW owner. The drive is fun and the 3.0 engine is more than enough. I do find that it takes a little time to respond to a "full gas". The trunk is deceivingly spacious, enough for a couple of beach chairs, umbrellas an a picnic bag. But it lacks some in cabin storage, especially if you opted for the 5-disc changer that takes up your glove compartment's miniscule space.
This is an awesome Mercedes
Love it. I like this roadster. It has a presence and a sound that turns heads. I put 19" lorinser wheels on mine and they look sick.
Perfect car-SLK55
18-19MPG in town. 0-WOW in seconds. Optional 030 package is worth every penny. Braking is unreal.
Good motor, 7 speed automatic transmission..
Well built and engineered automobile, now in the 3rd generation of these seemingly small 2 place sports cars. The stock 3 liter V6 has been used in most of the Mercedes Benz motorcars and is a strong performing motor.I traded this Mercedes @ 138k running strong!
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Dream come true
I am so pleased with my new SLK 280. It is such a pleasure to drive especially in the "Sport" mode. It hugs the road and the stability and handling are second to none. The envious looks we get on the road are worth its weight in gold. A real "fun car" and enjoyable driving experience.
Sweet!
This is my first Mercedes and I love it. I look forward to going to work so I can drive it. Great power and handling. Turns on a dime, and stops in no time. Need to be careful, even with the top down it is easy to get over the speed limit without even noticing. Love the retractable top. Great sound system with the upgrade and neck scarf is nice. Gets surprisingly good gas mileage, I get 25+ mpg on my drive to work as long as the top is up and 22- 23 with the top down.
My new SLK280
Everything is perfect about the car except the stupid cupholder design! One tiny bump in the road and your drink drips down the center control panel. Also I should have waited for the model with the heat scarf and better stereo system. After market Mercedes did not wire the glove box to add a changer, and the base stereo package does not come with rear speakers, just dummy speaker covers which makes the sound thin. Drives great.....love it otherwise