Hi all,

We've just moved to Australia (tough life!) and need to get a car.... All cars over here are pretty expensive, but I've been looking at a 1999 Merc SLK230 R170 which has done 75,000 Km (about 46000 miles). Its on for about £8,000.

I wondered if there was any advice about what to specifically check for, and if anyone has experience of owning one? My hope is that is is built like a tank and will go on and on, but any tips gratefully received!

Cheers

Chris

No idea on the specific car, but I always assume cars must last longer in Aus pint he warmer drier climate. Is that the case or not?

I have owned Mercs for years but when it comes to sportscars the SLK of that era would not be something i would buy I'm afraid.

Most of that is based on the experience of Jeremy Stevens the technical director of the mercedes benz owners club (the original and only official UK club for mercs). He bought what looked like a great example and then discovered the hidden rust and the problems that were quite tricky to fix. he wont say anything against it but to me if a middle aged sports car takes more time and money to maintain than a really old classic one then thats a decider. MX5, Boxter etc all look more attractive as would an original MGB for that matter. Having said that a neighbour of mine has had one for years, he bought it from new, sold it to someone he knew after 4 years then bought it back off them several years later again and uses it as his everyday car. The jury is still out.

ive got a 2001 slk230 with 53,000 on clock
very nice car to own and drive, a couple bits of rust on edge of front wings (getting fettled soon) otherwise loverly, always gets admiring glances and comments about its condition and looks!