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Should I replace my 2006 Renault Megane with a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor?

I currently happily run a 2006 Renault Megane convertible 1.6 petrol manual. I do about 3,500 miles per year and the car has done 30,000. I have the oil changed annually and have had no trouble with it. It is reliable and comfortable, however, I regret not having bought an automatic.

A friend has offered me his Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor automatic for £6,000. He has had it from new in 2001 and it has done 70,000 miles. I think I should expect to get about £4,000 for the Renault. I am 67 and retired, so would I be better keeping my £2,000 in my bank or is this an opportunity not to be missed?

Asked on 10 February 2011 by JB, Bishop’s Cleeve

Answered by Honest John
It is an opportunity to be missed. It's crazy to swap a car for one five years older with more than twice the mileage and also £2,000 more expensive. Keep the Renault. These SLKs can be rustbuckets anyway. Mercedes-Benz had a very serious rust problem from 1996 to 2004.
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