Continuing the thread, rather than creating a new one.
was browsing autotrader one day, wasn't really planning on buying anything, but always on the back of my mind is : i would want a V8, and a convertible one day.
found a red 2006 SLK 55 in BC for not unreasonable price, original Alberta car. talk to the dealer, they don't wanna go down too much in price. and out of province and transportation issue removed it from my consideration.
then on kijiji, found this 2005 white one listed locally.
it's originally a US car, from Michigan. last owner imported it 10 years ago, and has had it since.
it currently has 53k KM and most of service history since its relocation.
i went and looked at it when it was -10 and snowing... so clean. it looked new.
and test drove it when it stopped snowing and only -7.
and drove it home when it was -12 after 2 snow storms... it was kinda scary, to say the least.
the initial impressions after 2 drives are :
The sound of V8 when it starts is magnificent...
but when cruising, it is rather quiet... like,.. quieter than my M3.
100 lbs/ft more torque than my M3 is great. it will light up the rear tires on command on these cold pavements.
but car feels HEAVY as hell. (so i looked it up. weighs more than my m3. by more than a hundred pounds)
and it's surprisingly quiet going ~80 top down.
seats are not too bad. will have to get used to it, i think. leather feels good, and there's alcantara inserts on the shoulder area.
ride is rigid but doesn't feel all that harsh.
chassis flex.. it flexes more than the camaro open top. but it is old car, based on old tech.
to me, it is the best looking SLK of all generations so far, and even though i promised myself i wouldn't buy any special edition crap no more, the allure of V8 crammed in the small german muscle car was strong.
I am not sure whether i actually like the car or not.
i like the look of it, certainly, and i LOVE the concept of V8 convertible for sure.
but to fall in love, i would have to fully explore this car, i would need some new tires and warm pavements. only thing that concerns me so far, is that it feels really heavy. in such a small car. maybe i just need to get used to the automatic trans in this thing.
one last thing.
Fuel Economy. abysmal . recorded 16L/100 on my drive home from seller's house.
