MERCEDES SLK (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 5,347 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2295cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2295cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 17 years old, 81% of MERCEDES SLKs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 5,347 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,532 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
71,532
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 MERCEDES SLK has 71,532 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2009 sits between the two at 81%.
MERCEDES SLK by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 89% | 2,572 | 42,977 mi | |
| 2015 | 87% | 11,055 | 48,710 mi | |
| 2014 | 87% | 11,284 | 55,581 mi | |
| 2013 | 85% | 11,106 | 62,322 mi | |
| 2012 | 84% | 13,361 | 64,940 mi | |
| 2011 | 85% | 5,660 | 61,469 mi | |
| 2010 | 80% | 4,472 | 66,541 mi | |
| 2009 | 81% | 5,347 | 71,532 mi | |
| 2008 | 80% | 6,876 | 75,187 mi | |
| 2007 | 79% | 7,700 | 77,695 mi | |
| 2006 | 79% | 7,884 | 80,213 mi | |
| 2005 | 78% | 10,305 | 82,791 mi | |
| 2004 | 78% | 6,598 | 84,132 mi | |
| 2003 | 78% | 3,327 | 85,438 mi | |
| 2002 | 81% | 3,692 | 87,295 mi | |
| 2001 | 82% | 4,005 | 90,848 mi | |
| 2000 | 79% | 3,545 | 90,918 mi | |
| 1999 | 79% | 4,295 | 87,626 mi | |
| 1998 | 79% | 3,523 | 89,671 mi | |
| 1997 | 81% | 2,190 | 90,802 mi | |
| 1996 | 76% | 126 | 98,709 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 MERCEDES SLK
The 2009 MERCEDES SLK is a large car with a 2295cc petrol engine. 5,347 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 71,532 miles at 17 years old, MERCEDES SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2009 MERCEDES SLK Fuel Costs
The 2295cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 MERCEDES SLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES SLK Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES SLKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 MERCEDES SLK
At 17 years old, the MERCEDES SLK is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 5,347 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 MERCEDES SLK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2009 MERCEDES SLK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES SLK(2009) | 81% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£210 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2007) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£560 |
| AUDI A3(2010) | 77% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£410 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2010) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£210 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
NISSAN QASHQAI
2011 · 1997cc Petrol
BMW 3 SERIES
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
AUDI A3
2010 · 1984cc Petrol
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