Mercedes Benz Slk (2009)
2009 Mercedes Benz Slk
CarHunch analysed 2,719 real MOT records for the 2009 Mercedes Benz Slk. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK passes its MOT at 82.2%, slightly above the UK average of 80%, but this masks a serious concern: nearly 40% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is well above acceptable levels and a genuine safety flag for buyers. That high dangerous defect rate suggests systemic issues beyond routine wear—likely suspension, braking, or steering problems that are characteristic of this generation.
At nearly 50,000 miles median, these SLKs are showing reasonable mileage for their age, but the 3.13 average failures and 18 advisories per vehicle tell you that maintenance becomes increasingly expensive once problems start. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the suspension and braking system, and factor in that this model will likely need more than cosmetic repairs as it ages.
What to check before buying a 2009 Mercedes Benz Slk
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 39.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mercedes Benz Slk
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 2,717 | 82.2% | 3.13 |
| Diesel (0%) | 2 | 72.2% | 1.5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Mercedes Benz Slk vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2009 Mercedes Benz Slk vehicles fall between 34,421 and 61,159 miles.
2009 Mercedes Benz Slk — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,330 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 91% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2009 Mercedes Benz Slk
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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57.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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57.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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48.7%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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42.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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40.9%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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33.9%
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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33.7%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
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27.2%
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mercedes Benz Slk?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.