Mercedes Benz SLK 280 Convertible Car Review
14-July-2010
- Vital Stats
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$96,400 - $99,900
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Unleaded Ultimate 98
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What boot?
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2
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So Sex and the City 2
Review by Louise Brogan.
4 words to describe this car:
My gorgeous baby blue (a dream come true).
What are the best things about this car?
Oh, where do I start! One of my life-time dreams was to own a convertible, where I could ‘go topless’ with the wind in my hair – plus what a great excuse to buy some zany hats and hip sunglasses!
The leather trim has red stitching, giving it a sporty feel and the leather seats are so comfortable – I could live in this car! They are heated (the seats) and they have what is called an air scarf. An air scarf is where there’s a vent in the back of the seat, at neck height, that blows warm air (3 different speeds and temperatures) onto the back of your neck. This, together with the heated seats, is so I can have the top down in winter and still be cosy and comfortable, driving along city streets or country lanes.
I love the mechanism that opens and closes the roof – 22 seconds from go to whoa – the design and workmanship is absolutely superb. I could watch it open and close for hours! Yes, I’m easily amused – but it really is brilliant.
What are the downsides of this car? Is there anything you think could be improved?
There is only one downside – one day, I’m not going to be able to get down into, or up out of, it. It is low, very low. But hey, what a great incentive to keep the old knees and hips in good shape!
Oh look, there’s one other downside. The skirts (it’s such a girl car isn’t it!) are very low at the front of the car and unfortunately I’ve split it by running up over those wheel stops in parking lots.
The parktronics don’t seem to pick up the distance that low down. A bit annoying but the split is not noticeable.
What’s it like to drive?
Pure bliss! The car drives as smooth as crème caramel, even though the suspension is hard, and the cornering is like no other. This car clings to the road like new lovers to each other. There’s no letting go!
I have the choice of cruising along on automatic (economy or ‘sporty’) or I can get racey and choose to go manual. It’s all up to me and how I feel like driving on the day.
What’s it like to park?
Parking is a cinch. I’ve got mirrors everywhere, and if they don’t show me enough, there’s the parktronics. You know, those little lights of amber and red that have been installed front and rear that show you how close you are to bumping the car in front or the fence behind.
There’s also an alarm that bleats in my ear, but it’s better to be annoyed by that alarm rather than having to pay a large bill to the panel beater!
The power steering is perfection plus.
What’s the storage space like? And does it fit a pram easily?
Well, the car is an SLK – a sports car – so the only storage space that counts in a car like this is what’s stored under the bonnet!
The boot really doesn’t matter and I’m pretty hard pressed to get anyone else in next to me, so forget about the pram – it aint’ gonna fit!
What kind of petrol do you use in it?
I believe it’s the closest thing to aviation fuel outside of the QANTAS depot. Unleaded Ultimate 98.
How many cupholders/bottleholders does it have?
Come on, we’re talking sports model here – 2 dainty cup holders. The holders pop up when needed and are placed right in front of the air con vents so those ‘too hot’ cups of double shot skinny latte are perfection after a blast of air.
What kind of women do you think would suit this car?
Mmm, this is a bit telling! It’s definitely an ‘empty nester’ type of car with a strong dash of ‘devil may care – I don’t have the kids to worry about any more’.
It’s a reward for all the hard years and yards that have been put in – invested if you will – family-wise and financially.
Anything else you’d like to say about this car?
The colour, the shape, the way it looks on the road, all these things are such a delight for me. It’s safe and still racey and when I put my foot on the ‘go’ pedal, wow, what a thrill!
Tell us about your business in a nutshell
I’m involved in a number of different businesses. My first business (which I so enjoy) is investing. Shares and property.
I’m also involved in a business which offers financial coaching and integrated money management education. Integrated’ meaning I (and my business partner) work with clients on their attitudes and beliefs around money, as well as teaching them the number crunching skills required for investing. All the work is fun and interesting and I love it. www.yourlifeyourmoney.com.au and www.allmoneymatters.com.au
P.S. Do you think I should ask Mercedes for some sort of marketing fee? ;-)
