My journey into roadster ownership began somewhat impulsively with an Audi TT Roadster. As recounted in my previous article, this purchase was a bit of an experiment to see how much use such a car would get and whether my partner, Kristen, would enjoy it. At a modest $6,000, it felt like a low-risk venture, easily reversible if needed. However, the TT Roadster, affectionately nicknamed “The Roadster,” became a constant companion that summer, proving the concept undeniably successful.
The Audi TT Roadster that paved the way for a Mercedes upgrade.
Despite its charm, the TT was not without its drawbacks. Some were inherent to the first-generation TT design, issues I’ve previously discussed. Others stemmed from the car’s age and mileage (120,000 miles). The convertible top showed wear, with the glass separating from the fabric, occasionally letting in water and noise. Worn tires and front suspension noises further hinted at its age.
Beyond these issues, the TT Roadster lacked some of the refined comforts I had become accustomed to. 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 Kristen stick shift proved unsuccessful, leaving me with two fun cars – the TT and my Lincoln Continental Mark III – that she couldn’t drive. This, coupled with the TT’s sporty nature when I desired a more grand touring experience, prompted me to explore replacement options in August 2015.
The success of my TT Roadster experiment emboldened me to increase my budget for a second roadster, aiming for something newer and more refined. The criteria remained similar – a two-seat roadster – but now with an automatic transmission. I also sought a quieter, more practical, and more secure convertible, leading me to the appeal of a retractable hardtop. While BMW Z4 and Mazda Miata options with retractable hardtops existed, my sights were firmly set on a Mercedes-Benz SLK.
The sleek lines of the second-generation Mercedes SLK, the R171.
Finding a well-maintained, reasonably priced used SLK in Ohio presented a unique challenge. SLK owners tend to hold onto their cars for extended periods. In fact, the SLK ranks high on lists of cars with longest ownership, averaging 9 years for original owners. Compounding this, convertibles aren’t as prevalent in Cleveland’s climate. A search within a 100-mile radius yielded only a handful of SLKs for sale, with a mere three being the second-generation R171 body style I desired – the sweet spot between being too old (first-generation R170) and too new/expensive (third-generation R172). Compared to the thousands of Camrys and F-150s available in the same area, the scarcity of SLKs was evident.
Expanding my search radius led me to a 2006 Mercedes Slk 280 at a Volvo dealership in Annapolis, Maryland, a 400-mile drive away. This particular 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 ticked many boxes. While not fully loaded, it offered better equipment than the TT and was well-optioned for my needs. Its black exterior and striking red leather interior – a combination I had always admired – further fueled my interest. Negotiations for price and trade-in of the TT were conducted remotely via email and phone. I essentially agreed to purchase the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 based on photographs, and the dealership agreed to the TT trade-in similarly sight unseen. Remarkably, at this point, I had never even driven an SLK, yet I was on the verge of buying one.
The 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 in black, ready for its new owner.
Kristen and I planned a Labor Day weekend trip to Annapolis. The itinerary was tight: drive the TT to Maryland, test drive the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280, hoping it met expectations and was free of major issues, and then drive the new car back to Cleveland before work resumed on Tuesday.
Fortunately, upon arriving at the dealership and test driving the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280, it surpassed our hopes. It felt smoother, more comfortable, more powerful, and generally more refined than the TT Roadster. Minor issues like a broken passenger power seat switch and a damaged passenger-side dash vent were noted, but seemed easily addressable. Otherwise, all systems functioned perfectly. The 400-mile drive back to Cleveland in the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 was uneventful, solidifying our positive first impressions.
The SLK proved to be significantly more livable than the TT, both with the top up and down. The retractable hardtop provided much larger rear and side windows compared to a soft-top, and even included small rear quarter windows, creating a far less claustrophobic cabin when closed. The design inherent to retractable hardtops necessitates maximizing glass area to minimize roof storage space. This hardtop also offered superior temperature and sound insulation, making the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 almost as quiet as a conventional coupe on the highway.
The ingenious retractable hardtop mechanism of the Mercedes SLK.
The retractable roof stowed neatly beneath the trunk lid, eliminating the need for a separate tonneau cover. While this reduced the already compact trunk space by roughly half when the top was down, it posed no practical problem for us, as we rarely carried more than overnight bags. The 2006 Mercedes SLK 280‘s windshield is also more steeply raked than the TT’s, extending almost to your forehead, offering enhanced wind protection when driving with the top down. And while it lacked the power wind blocker of the TT, the higher rear deck and beltline effectively managed backdrafts, making a wind blocker unnecessary. Furthermore, the incredibly powerful air conditioning system allowed for comfortable top-down driving even in temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit without discomfort.
The vibrant red leather interior of the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280.
My only minor critiques of the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 are the somewhat undersized 16-inch wheels that came standard with the SLK 280 trim. This is a purely aesthetic preference, and I plan to address it when the current tires wear out by upgrading to 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and tires, perhaps sourced from an SLK 350 or SLK 55 model.
The other realization is the inescapable truth about used German cars: “cheap” is a relative term. Over the past year and a half of ownership, the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 has required a list of maintenance items, including engine mounts, intake manifold air lever, and a transmission conductor plate – all known weaknesses for this model. However, these are simply the costs associated with enjoying a vehicle in this class.
A personalized license plate, a nod to the previous TT Roadster.
As we begin our second summer with the 2006 Mercedes SLK 280, it has proven to be an exceptional addition to our family. It has become our fifth family member, much like my family’s 1971 Buick LeSabre convertible was a generation prior. The 2006 Mercedes SLK 280 is undoubtedly a keeper.
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