MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (1996-04)
The MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (1996-04) is a stylish and sporty two-door convertible that appeals to drivers seeking a blend of luxury, fun, and practicality. Positioned firmly in the used car market, it’s a popular choice for car enthusiasts, weekend drivers, or those wanting a luxurious open-top experience without the high costs of new models. With over 5,000 lookups on MyCarCheck.com and nearly 2,500 unique VINs, this model has proven to be a well-used and familiar choice among UK drivers.
Known for its distinctive design, quality build, and enjoyable driving experience, the MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (1996-04) stands out for its sleek appearance and reliable performance. It’s best suited to individuals or couples who appreciate style and comfort, and it often finds a place on the driveway of those who enjoy recreational driving or scenic weekends. Its reputation for durability and the thrill of open-top motoring makes it a notable contender in the sports-convertible class, standing out against rivals with its classic Mercedes-Benz build quality. Whether for casual driving or adding a touch of luxury to leisure time, the MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (1996-04) offers a compelling mix of elegance and driving fun in the used car market.
average use
The data shows that the most common recent mileage readings for the Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-04) are clustered between 80,000 and 110,000 miles, accounting for roughly 25% of vehicles. Notably, a significant portion (about 13.8%) has recorded mileages in the 100,000 to 110,000 range, with smaller percentages at slightly lower or higher intervals. There are also noteworthy numbers of vehicles with mileage between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, and a smaller, yet present, fraction with high-mileage readings in the 200,000+ range (up to 220,000 miles). The distribution indicates that most vehicles tend to fall within the 80,000 to 110,000 mile range, while very low or very high mileages are comparatively rare.
vehicle values
The private sale valuation data for Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-04) vehicles indicates that the majority of these cars are valued between £2,000 and £3,000, accounting for approximately 59.3% of sales. A significant portion, 33.3%, falls within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, highlighting the model's affordability in the private market. Very few vehicles are valued above £4,000, with only 3.7% between £3,000 and £4,000 and a mere 2.7% in the £4,000 to £5,000 bracket. Notably, just 1% of the vehicles are valued below £1,000. This distribution suggests that these cars are predominantly positioned as budget-friendly options in the private sale market.
production years
The data for the Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-04) indicates that the majority of these vehicles were manufactured between 2000 and 2003, accounting for approximately 92.7% of the sample (with 2001 and 2003 being the most common at 30.3% and 22.9%, respectively). Notably, manufacturing peaked around 2001, suggesting it was the most prevalent model year in the sample. There are fewer vehicles from 2004 and 2000, representing 12.1% and 15.5%, respectively. Overall, this distribution suggests that most of these cars on the road are from the early 2000s, with a concentration around the 2001 to 2003 period.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common main paint colour for Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-04) vehicles is Silver, accounting for approximately 50.8% of the sample. Black and Blue are also relatively popular, representing 18.2% and 16.2% respectively. Preferences for other colours such as Red (10.4%) and the remaining hues—Green, Purple, Yellow, Grey, and White—are notably less common. This suggests that Silver is the dominant colour choice among these vehicles, likely reflecting a trend towards classic, neutral shades in this model range.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-04) reveals that the majority of vehicles have between 6 and 11 keepers. Notably, the most common number of keepers is 6 (15.2%), followed closely by 7 (13.8%) and 4 (13.8%). A smaller proportion of vehicles have just 1 or 2 keepers, suggesting some vehicles may have remained with their original owners for extended periods. Conversely, a very small percentage have accumulated up to 17 or 18 keepers, indicating higher turnover in some cases. Overall, the data suggests a relatively stable ownership pattern with a concentration around 6 to 11 keepers.
engine choices
The data indicates that for Mercedes-Benz SLK models from 1996 to 2004, the majority are equipped with engines around 2295cc (approximately 39.7%) and 1998cc (about 32.3%), suggesting these are the most common engine capacities within this period. A smaller proportion have 3199cc engines (26.6%), with very few models featuring slightly larger capacities of 3200cc or 2300cc. Notably, all vehicles in this sample are petrol-powered, with no diesel variants represented. This distribution highlights a focus on petrol engines, predominantly near the 2.3L to 3.2L range.
