Used Mercedes-Benz SLK for sale: everything you need to know

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a stylish and comfortable two-seat convertible with a folding hard-top roof. It’s great for cruising to somewhere sunny on the other side of the country, or even the other side of Europe. If that sounds like your kind of car, you’re in the right place.

Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Mercedes SLK, including what living with one is like, along with the trim levels and engines that are available to you.

Rivals to the Mercedes SLK include the great to drive BMW Z4, the Audi TT and of course the extremely popular Mazda MX-5.

The Mercedes SLK was last sold in the UK in 2015 (it was replaced by the Mercedes SLC). It was pretty popular while it was on sale, so there is a good supply of used examples available. Take a look at a Mercedes SLK for sale on heycar to discover just what’s on offer.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz SLK?

The Mercedes SLK is a surprisingly small car, about the same size as a supermini hatchback. Yet it has a really spacious interior with enough room for two large adults to stretch out. It’s comfortable, too, so you can spend a long journey inside without developing any aches or pains. The boot is also pretty big for this type of car, at least when the roof is in place. Two adults could go away for a week and not have to worry about packing light.

It’s not the most engaging sports car to drive, but it offers a more settled, relaxing ride than pretty much all its rivals, even in the high performance AMG model. That car is ballistically fast and its V8 engine makes a glorious noise. However, other versions of the Mercedes SLK are considerably cheaper to run.

Speaking of which, it’s notable that the diesel engine was the most popular choice with Mercedes SLK buyers. That’s because it can offer very high fuel economy, vehicle excise duty costs just £35 per year, and it’s still plenty fast enough. It also has a relatively large fuel tank, so you can travel very long distances between fill-ups – as much as 900 miles if you drive carefully. The petrol engines are also very good, if that’s what you’d prefer.

You may have noticed a theme running through what you’ve read so far about the Mercedes SLK: it’s a great car for doing very long journeys in. That’s because it’s comfortable, practical, quiet and efficient. Which means it’s really easy to live with day-to-day: going to work, going to the shops, or doing whatever else you need to do.

Apart from the AMG model, running costs are generally low, although insurance premiums can be a bit steep. It’s also very well made and generally reliable. You can’t buy this car new anymore, so used examples are sought-after, which helps keep retained values pretty strong.

A Mercedes-Benz SLK not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What's the best used Mercedes-Benz SLK model to buy?

We wouldn't walk past a good example of the base model Mercedes-Benz SLK as it has all you'd every need in a sports car. However, it's hard to deny the added appeal of an AMG Sport trim version that has all the looks of the faster car but without the associated costs.

For those who want the ultimate in thrills in an SLK, the full-blown AMG model will be the one. Be warned, its running costs are high, which is why we'd recommend either the SLK250 petrol or diesel models as a better a--round bet.

Used Mercedes-Benz SLK fuel economy and performance

There are three petrol engines and one diesel available in the Mercedes SLK. Perhaps surprisingly for a sports car, the diesel was the most popular choice. It offers swift performance, excellent fuel economy and vehicle excise duty (VED, or road tax) only costs £35 a year. The petrol engines are very good, too, especially the stonking V8 in the Mercedes SLK55.

• Mercedes-Benz SLK200 petrol – This has a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 184PS. Zero to 62mph takes 7.1 seconds and CO2 emissions are 151g/km. You can choose between six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes.
• Mercedes-Benz SLK250 petrol – This model has a more powerful version of the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, with 204PS. The 0-62mph time drops nearly a second to 6.3sec, while emissions are barely any higher at 153g/km. Choose from a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
• Mercedes-Benz SLK350 petrol: A 3.5-litre V6 engine offered a bridge between the smaller petrols and the sensation 5.5-litre of the AMG model. With 306PS on tap, the 350 was good for 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and 155mph to be quick enough for most drivers. It returned average economy claimed at 39.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 167g/km.
• Mercedes-Benz SLK250d diesel – The diesel Mercedes SLK has a 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 204PS. Performance is virtually identical to the petrol SLK250, with 0-62mph taking 6.4 seconds, while CO2 emissions are significantly lower at 114g/km. A nine-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.
• Mercedes-Benz SLK55 petrol – The high-performance Mercedes SLK has a huge 5.5-litre V8-cylinder engine that sounds utterly glorious and flings the car from 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. CO2 emissions are a bit high, though, at 195g/km. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.

What used Mercedes-Benz SLK trim levels are available?

There are three trim levels to choose from: the nameless ‘standard’ trim, AMG Sport and the range-topping Mercedes SLK55 AMG, all of which are pretty plush for cars from the early 2010s.

• Mercedes-Benz SLK – The entry-point Mercedes SLK is equipped with air conditioning, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and cruise control. Its interior has the high-quality feel you’d expect of a Mercedes-Benz. 
• Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG Sport – This sporty-looking Mercedes SLK has bigger 18-inch wheels, deeper front and rear bumpers and a small rear spoiler. Extra features include leather upholstery and a CD multichanger. 
• Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG – The high-performance version of the Mercedes SLK has largely the same features as the AMG Sport model, plus sat-nav and climate control.

You may want to keep an eye out for Mercedes SLKs fitted with the optional Magic Sky Control roof. It’s a photochromic glass panel above your head that can be turned dark or clear at the touch of a button. You might also come across Edition 125 models, which commemorate Mercedes-Benz’s 125th anniversary and have sat-nav as standard.

Used Mercedes-Benz SLK dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz SLK’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 4,134mm
• Width: 2,006mm
• Height: 1,301mm

The Mercedes-Benz SLK’s boot capacity is 335 litres.

Used Mercedes-Benz SLK road tax

As all Mercedes SLK models of this generation were sold before the 1 April 2017 dat efor fixed road tax costs, the duty to pay on these version is based on their emissions. The diesel is the cheapest and will cost you just £35 per year at the time of writing.

The SLK200 and 250 petrol models will need an annual payment of £240, while the SLK350 with its V6 motor will relieve you of £290 for a year's road tax. Choose the SLK55 AMG and you'll be paying out £365 for the pleasure of hearing that V8 motor for 12 months on the road.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz SLK?

Insurance groups for the Mercedes SLK start from 41 (out of 50 groups in total). Even for a sports car, that’s pretty high, and it means annual premiums will be on the steep side.