 I bought my SLK in June of '98 and plan 
to keep it a long time as a weekend 
car. Performance is fine, handling is 
simply outstanding. The hardtop has 
been trouble free so far -- one 
adjustment in 2000. California traffic 
is heavy, so the 5-sp auto is the way 
to go. Luggage space with the top up is 
cavernous -- much better than Z3, 
Boxster, S2000. Most important, the car 
stands out -- there are tons of 
Z3/Boxsters in Southern CA, but SLK is 
rarer. If buying a used one check 
maintenance recs -- any Mercedes will 
cost a fortune if it wasn't cared for.