Small Car, Big Engine: 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
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For October 1, 2020, our used car find is this nicely-kept 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG roadster with 93k miles and a potent 355 hp V8 engine under the hood. It’s listed for sale on craigslist by a private seller in the Tampa area for $14,500.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
The R171 generation SLK roadster was introduced to the US market for the 2005 model year. As Benz’s second generation of the SLK Class, which plays little brother to the flagship SL, the R171 provided a host of improvements over the outgoing car (the R170), including a higher-quality interior, a roomier cockpit, more power, and a stouter chassis.
These upgrades helped to land the revised SLK on Car and Driver’s 10 Best list for 2005, where the editors noted, “The bobtail cuteness of the original gives way to a grown-up look that echoes the theme of other SL Benzes, including the mighty SLR McLaren.”
And they made that call before driving the AMG version, which arrived a few months later, sporting a host of mods from Affalterbach, including a massive naturally-aspirated 5.4 liter V8 engine that applies 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque to the rear tires through an AMG-tuned 7-speed automatic.
That’s a crazy amount of power for such a diminutive car, making possible 0-60 mph runs in the low 4 second range. Better brakes and a lower, tighter suspension round out the AMG package, making this SLK far more sports car than boulevard cruiser.
The Listing
This particular car is a nicely kept example for a reasonable price. Despite having a few miles on the odometer (93k), it appears blemish-free inside and out, which seems to back up of the seller’s claim that it’s always been garage kept. We also spy it riding on Michelin Pilot Sport tires, which is another clear sign of proper upkeep.
The asking price of $14,500 is within the expected range for an SLK55 in this condition, according to KBB. Considering that gets you a lovely example of a top-of-the-line R171, which was well over $60k when new, that’s a heck of a lot of car for the money — even when it is Benz’s smallest roadster.
Details and Specs
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG (R171)
- 93k miles
- 5.4 liter V8 engine (355 hp)
- 7-speed automatic transmission
- Black on black leather
- for sale by owner for $14,500
- Tampa, Florida