My journey into roadster ownership began somewhat impulsively with an Audi TT Roadster. As detailed in my previous article, it was a bit of an experiment to see how much use a two-seater convertible would actually get, and whether my partner would enjoy it. At a modest $6,000, it felt like a low-risk venture, and I figured I could always resell it without much loss if it didn’t work out. However, the TT Roadster, which we affectionately named “The Roadster,” quickly became a beloved vehicle, seeing almost daily use during that summer.
Image of the Audi TT Roadster, highlighting its sporty but slightly flawed nature.
Despite its charm, the TT wasn’t without its drawbacks. Some were inherent to the first-generation TT design, which I’ve discussed before. But many issues were specific to this particular high-mileage (120,000 miles) example. The convertible top was showing its age, with the glass beginning to separate from the fabric, leading to occasional leaks and wind noise. The tires were worn, and the front suspension emitted unsettling sounds, particularly from the tie rods.
Beyond these repairs, the TT Roadster lacked some of the refined comforts I had grown accustomed to in my other vehicles. While surprisingly well-optioned with features like a Bose sound system, heated seats, HID headlights, and automatic climate control, it missed conveniences such as power seats, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
The most significant challenge, however, was the six-speed manual transmission. My optimistic attempt to teach my partner to drive stick shift proved unsuccessful. Suddenly, I had two “fun” cars – the TT and my classic Mark III – neither of which she could drive. This was, understandably, a point of frustration. Coupled with the TT’s sporty nature, which felt more demanding than the grand touring experience I was starting to crave, I began exploring options to replace it in August 2015.
Given the unexpected success of my initial roadster experiment with the TT, I felt justified in increasing my budget for a second, more refined convertible. My basic criteria remained the same: a two-seat roadster, but this time with an automatic transmission. Crucially, I sought something quieter, more practical for daily use, and more secure when the top was up. My ideal was a retractable hardtop convertible. While the BMW Z4 and Mazda Miata (or MX-5, if you must) offered retractable hardtops, my heart was set on a Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Image showcasing the sleek lines of the Mercedes Benz SLK, hinting at the desired upgrade.
Finding a reasonably priced, well-maintained used SLK, especially a Benz Slk 2006 model, in a northern climate like Ohio, presented a unique challenge. It’s a bit like searching for a snowmobile in Florida. SLK owners tend to hold onto their cars for extended periods. In fact, according to a Cars.com study, the SLK ranks fourth among vehicles kept longest by their original owners, averaging 9 years of ownership. Combined with the fact that convertibles aren’t as prevalent in Cleveland, the limited availability became clear. At the time of my search, within a 100-mile radius, only 14 SLKs were listed on Cars.com. Of those, a mere three were the second-generation R171 body style I was targeting – specifically, the Benz SLK 2006 generation. The others were either older first-generation R170 models or newer, pricier third-generation R172s. To put this scarcity into perspective, the same search radius yielded 1,661 Camrys and 4,886 F-150s.
Undeterred, I broadened my search and eventually located a 2006 SLK 280 at a Volvo dealership in Annapolis, Maryland, roughly a 400-mile drive away. This Benz SLK 2006 ticked many boxes. While not fully loaded, it was better equipped than the TT and had sufficient options for my needs. It was finished in black with a striking red leather interior – a color combination I had always admired. Negotiations for the price and trade-in of the TT were conducted remotely via email and phone. We essentially agreed to purchase their car based on photographs, and they agreed to take the TT in trade, also sight unseen. It’s worth noting that at this point, I had never actually driven a Benz SLK 2006, and I was about to buy one without a test drive!
Image capturing the author’s first in-person view of the Benz SLK 2006, emphasizing the anticipation.
We planned a Labor Day weekend trip to Annapolis. The itinerary was tight: drive the TT to Maryland, test drive the Benz SLK 2006, hope it met our expectations and was mechanically sound, finalize the deal, and drive the new car back to Cleveland before work on Tuesday.
Fortunately, upon arriving at the dealership and test driving the Benz SLK 2006, it surpassed our hopes. It was noticeably smoother, more comfortable, more powerful, and overall more refined than the TT Roadster. We noted a few minor issues – a broken passenger power seat switch and a damaged passenger-side dash vent – but these seemed like minor fixes. Everything else functioned perfectly. We confidently drove our new Benz SLK 2006 the 400 miles back to Cleveland without any problems.
The Benz SLK 2006 proved to be significantly more practical and enjoyable than the TT, both with the top up and down. The retractable hardtop provides much larger rear and side windows compared to a traditional soft-top, and even includes small rear quarter windows. This design makes the interior feel far less confined when the top is raised. Indeed, the engineering of a retractable hardtop necessitates maximizing glass area to minimize the roof sections’ storage space. The hardtop also offers superior temperature and sound insulation, making the cabin nearly as quiet as a conventional coupe on the highway.
Animated image demonstrating the elegant retractable hardtop mechanism of the Benz SLK 2006.
The retractable top stows cleanly beneath the trunk lid, eliminating the need for a separate tonneau cover. While this does reduce the already compact trunk space by about half when the top is down, this has rarely been an issue, as we typically only carry overnight bags. The windshield of the Benz SLK 2006 is raked at a much steeper angle than the TT’s, extending almost to your forehead, which provides significantly better wind protection when driving with the top down. And while it lacks the powered wind blocker of the TT, the higher rear deck and beltline effectively manage backdrafts, making it unnecessary. Furthermore, the remarkably powerful air conditioning system allows for comfortable top-down driving even in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit without breaking a sweat.
Image highlighting the striking red leather interior of the Benz SLK 2006, a key feature the author desired.
My only minor criticisms of this Benz SLK 2006 are the slightly undersized 16-inch wheels that came with the SLK 280 trim. I plan to address this when the current tires need replacing by upgrading to 17 or 18-inch wheels and tires, possibly sourced from an SLK 350 or SLK 55 model.
The other realization, common to used German cars, is that “cheap” is a relative term. Over the past year and a half, the Benz SLK 2006 has required a fair amount of maintenance, including engine mounts, an intake manifold air lever, and a transmission conductor plate – all known points of weakness for this model. However, these are the costs associated with enjoying a vehicle in this class.
Image showing a personalized license plate as a nod to the previous Audi TT Roadster, signifying the new Benz SLK 2006 as a worthy successor.
As we embark on our second summer with our Benz SLK 2006, it continues to be a delightful vehicle. It has become a cherished member of our family, much like my family’s 1971 Buick convertible was a generation ago. This Benz SLK 2006 is definitely a keeper.
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