Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Might Be The Ultimate Bargain Right Now

Convertible, stylish, and a screaming V8 under the hood with a price tag that barely cracks five figures make the SLK55 AMG a killer deal.
 

Who doesn’t want a little two-seat sports car action in their life? Whether you’ve got a work commute that doesn’t require much space or just want something to enjoy on the weekends, the classic roadster formula always adds up to a good time behind the wheel. Add a taste of AMG to that formula, and the fun increases exponentially. However, a modern drop-top AMG model can easily eclipse the six-figure mark. If the low end of five figures is your budget, you might feel you have to compromise.
 
Fortunately, that is not the case! Stepping back into the early 21st century can put you behind the wheel of an SLK55 AMG for far less money than one might think. Recently, we kept our eyes on one for sale on Bring A Trailer. With 78,000 miles on the odometer, a fresh transmission, and remarkable overall condition, the final hammer price of $12,345 (clever) seems pretty dang good to us.
 
V8 Power, Open-Air Fun
What’s not to love? The SLK55 AMG is powered by a 5.4-liter V8 engine with 355 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. Back in the day, Car and Driver managed to squeeze a 4.3-second 0-60 time out of this awesome little roadster. Sure, we live in a world where a 0-60 that doesn’t start with a three is “slow,” but that is a pretty zesty sprint, even by today’s standards. We know it’s hard to keep perspective when a 2025 S63 AMG does 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, but let’s be real here!
 

All that power makes its way to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. According to the listing, the transmission was replaced recently. One commenter reported that Mercedes confirmed the transmission was done at an MB dealership with a new OEM transmission. Sure, a manual would be fun. However, for the price in comparison to the performance, this car is an absolute blast and a bargain!
 
On top of that power and performance, you still get lots of Merecedes-Benz goodness, too. It may be small, but it’s comfy!
 
Luxurious and Fun, the SLK55 AMG Rules
The interior condition is remarkable, considering the 78,000 miles on the odometer. Aside from some light wear on the driver-side seat bolstering and slight delamination on the door cards, it looks virtually brand new. The power-adjustable microsuede and leather seats are heated and have neck warmers. It has a Harman Kardon sound system and an aftermarket Kenwood infotainment system upgrade, too.
 
Overall, it’s not quite what one would call showroom condition. That said, it’s in more than good “daily driving” condition, and coming with a fresh transmission makes this an affordable hero car. For under twelve-and-a-half grand, we can’t help but feel the temptation.