Drivers can pick up a Mercedes-Benz SLK R170 for under £1,000, according to car expert Luke Chillingsworth, who calls the model a true modern classic and says supply still outpaces demand.
The SLK R170 was built over an eight-year production run from 1996 to 2004, and high-mileage examples can be bought for as little as £500 to £1,000. These cars may need some DIY work to get them up to scratch, making them ideal for any petrolhead looking for a project.
What to expect from the SLK R170
For those wanting an SLK that is ready to go, around £2,000 will get a usable model with higher mileage, allowing drivers to get straight behind the wheel.
The SLK R170 has been praised for its composed ride, which is ideal for longer journeys. The car is comfortable on long motorway use, while the cabin is quiet and well-insulated with the roof up.
A roof that makes a statement
The car debuted the mass-market electro-hydraulic folding steel roof that would later appear on many convertibles of the era. With the touch of a button, drivers can retract the roof in 25 seconds.
From the outside, the R170 features bonnet bulges that pay homage to the iconic 1950s 300SL Gullwing cars.
Performance and practicality
The 230 Kompressor model is capable of up to 149mph and pushes nearly 200 horsepower, hitting 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. It achieves around 31 miles per gallon, the best of the four engine variations.
The two-seat convertible offers 348 litres of space with the roof up, ideal for a weekend away.
