Mercedes SLK

SLK Buying Alternatives

Solid residuals mean the Merc's expensive. Here are some options

Auto Express Car Reviews

August 2002

With its electric folding roof and elegant 'mini-SL' styling, the Mercedes SLK is a favourite choice among trendy and wealthy buyers. But its popularity, coupled to the marque's traditionally solid residual values, means this two-seater isn't cheap. If you want to enjoy the same style, but without the expense, the following options are much more affordable...
Peugeot 206 CC
Closest in concept to the SLK but half the price, the 206 CC has deservedly become a hit. With its hard-top up it's an attractive coupί¿½, but at the push of a button the roof disappears into the boot smoothly. Despite a cramped cabin, awkward driving position and a few reliability issues, there's no denying the CC's style. All used ones are snapped up quickly.
Engines: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol. Years: 2000-present. Prices: GBP12,750-15,000
Astra coupe/cabrio
Answering criticisms on the hatchback Astra's drab looks, Vauxhall farmed out the coupe and cabriolet versions' design to Italian styling house Bertone. What came back was a brace of elegant and attractive machines which look good and drive well, too. The 2.0-litre turbo engine is too much for the soft-top, but the sweet and responsive 2.2 is a belter.
Engines: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2-litre petrol. Years: 2000-present. Prices: GBP8,750-18,000
VW Golf Convertible
If you want the Germanic build quality of the SLK but only have GBP10,000, then the cabrio Golf is the way to go. Screwed together reassuringly solidly, and with an image which betrays its reasonable price tag, Volkswagen's cabriolet is a super buy. It's not that great to drive, though, as underneath its Golf MkIV nose and smoothed out lines is a 10-year-old MkIII chassis.
Engines: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol. Years: 1998-2002 Prices: GBP7,500-16,000
Megane coupe/cabriolet
Unusually styled but not unattractive, Renault's Megane coupe and cabriolet are affordable alternatives to more expensive machinery. The soft-top looks best, and costs from GBP6,200 on a 97 P plate, while the 2.0-litre is lively and comes with top spec. Depreciation is steep, so it pays to buy older cars, especially as a new Mί¿½gane is due next year.
Engines: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol. Years: 1996-present. Prices: GBP4,500-14,000

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