if it's about fuel economy and cost, why not buy a used corolla? the interior will also be in better shape.

actually $4.9k < $13.5k

does he need that behemoth? if not, sell it and get something nicer than the slk.

 

keep in mind the EPA estimates for the SLK are on the old scale. More realistically, its 16/25

If he has the guts to by a late 90s Mercedes, then go for it. lol

 

Yes he needs it for work.

He doesn't like Corolla. Hes pretty old, 70; he likes the look of German cars I guess and a lot of his co-workers drives them to.

He originally wanted one of those old Mercedes-Benz R107 SL. But I talked him into getting some what newer.

 

buying an old 'cheap' mercedes because it's cheap is one of the poorer decisions someone could make.

 

Is $5k for a SLK cheap?

 

don't know if it's cheap for that car, but it's only 5k, so that's cheap for transportation. buying an old mercedes likely means some EXPENSIVE maintenance and more of it than a boring corolla, so the 5k ends up not being such a great deal (not to mention the hassle).

 

If he wants a drop-top, look at a 2002-2004ish CLK. It'll be cheaper than the CL while being miles ahead of a late 90's SLK.

 

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I posted this on MBworld.org and did not get one reply :/

I love ClubLexus

 

I would take that R107 SL over the SLK any day, especially if it's a 560 SL. It's a much better car. But the right choice for your friend over either of those two would be a Miata.

 

Ordell's:

 

You can turn up the volume, but don't touch my levels, I got them set just how I like!

 

I'm betting if you buy one of those old 80's R107 SL with a FULL SERVICE HISTORY, it will be cheaper to own and more reliable than that 1999 SLK with no service history. So many more complex things to go wrong with the SLK, that folding metal roof was the first of its kind and would cost a fortune to fix.

Also, just IMO the SLK is a hairdresser's car. The SL, even an old one that is NICE, still commands respect. The R107 is becoming a classic IMO.

 

Can you still even find parts for those SL without it costing an arm and a leg?

 

don't know how many ways we have to say it: any out of warranty mercedes is going to cost an arm and both legs to maintain, which is why they make no sense for someone looking for a 'cheap' car.

 

Yes I am aware that old Mercedes parts are going to cost more than a Toyota or even Lexus. That was not what I meant to say. What I am really asking is are parts for the old R107 SL going to be more expensive or harder to find than parts for a R170 SLK. Because I have not looked up parts for a R107 SL, but I found used or even aftermarket parts for the SLK230 and they are not too expensive at all.