2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 1.8L Petrol · KK57 AJO

The 1.8-litre supercharged petrol should return around 30-35 mpg in mixed driving, though real-world figures for a car of this vintage are often lower. Road tax will be in the higher pre-2008 brackets — expect around £325 annually given the 1796cc engine and 2007 registration date. Insurance for an SLK roadster generally falls into group 30-40 depending on the variant, so premiums will be notable for this performance-oriented convertible. Parts and specialist labour for Mercedes are pricier than mainstream marques, particularly for the roof mechanism and electrical components. Estimated annual running cost: £1,800-£2,400 covering fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance.

The MOT record consistently flags the offside front tyre for cracking, perishing, or being worn close to the limit. This recurring pattern across 2023, 2025, and 2026 suggests either alignment issues, suspension geometry wear, or simply that the vehicle has been standing long enough for tyres to deteriorate — all of which warrant a physical inspection. The July 2026 advisory of light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber is an early warning sign; have the damper physically checked as this can progress to an MOT failure. Beyond the recorded MOT items, inspect the retractable hard top operation thoroughly, including the boot divider mechanism and tonneau cover alignment. Check for oil leaks from the M271 supercharger unit and verify the timing chain has been addressed, as this is a known concern on higher-mileage examples. Finally, examine the rear wheel arches and underbody for corrosion, a known weakness on R171 SLKs of this era.