2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor review from UK and Ireland

Boot sometimes needs to be pressed down before you can open it. Particularly if it's hot.

Lacquer on the Alloy wheels has allowed moisture to seep in making the alloy white.

Paint is easily chipped and doors could do with some bump protection strips.

Rear parcel shelf rattles when cold with the roof up as it's made of alloy and sits loose unless the lid is down.

Given the reputation of not being a proper sports car, I'd say it's not bad. Mine is a 6 speed manual and it certainly has firmer handling than the previous model. The 2.3l is also not far off the power of the 3.2 V6, but turns in 32 MPG and will still show 150mph on the clock (obviously not at the same time).

It is also well equiped, with ABS, Air-con, cruise, speed limiter, brake assist and stability programme all as standard. Although the Air-con is difficult to figure out as the light is on (economy mode) when it's off, which doesn't make sense.

I've done 22,000 miles and still have the original tyres (not much left though), which is superb when compared with other 200bhp cars I've owned.

I was a little annoyed by the MB dealer selling me a spare littre of oil and screen wash, for 25GBP even though it hasn't needed topping up. But due to their inability to type meant I paid 6.95 rather than 69.50 for a part - which was nice!

The best bit about owning an SLK is that you're only losing 2,000 GPB per year, which means it's costing you less than a family Ford