2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230K review from UK and Ireland

Heated rear window at 5000 mile.

Rusted wheel nuts x2 every 20k miles or so.

Paint very easily chipped - bonnet resprayed under warranty - better since, but most disappointing aspect.

Cruise control problems - ESP unit replaced 10000miles.

C pillar rub from roof 8000 miles.

Steering damper leak replaced at 38000miles.

Camshaft sensor causing odd engine noise replaced twice around 20k miles.

Tyres last about 20-25k miles - can wear unevenly at front.

Dream car and probably only one I shall ever buy new. The roof and style are classic.

Not enamoured at first when things seemed to go wrong rather too often, but all dealt with under warranty and without fuss apart from the paint - dealer coming up trumps when MB didn't want to know.

Car is quick enough for my driving skills (electronics cut in occasionally!!) and very comfortable - done over 700miles in a day a few times returning from Europe. Driving position excellent, but I'm quite small and can see how very tall people may have an issue.

Luggage space (with roof up) is excellent, bought two purpose made bags for the boot and no problems with enough room for the weekend roof down either.

Been cheap to run - service costs same as my old Astra and fuel used at around 30mpg - can get up to 36 on long motorway runs as long as speed kept below 80!

Roof down fine as long as sun out, though tiring at over 130mph for any length of time (in Germany of course!)

Get a post 2001 (230 or 320) and have fun.