Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto (1997)
1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto
CarHunch analysed 248 real MOT records for the 1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto.
Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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This 1997 Mercedes SLK 230 Kompressor is a reliability nightmare on MOT: just 10.2% pass first time compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol versions achieve a startling 0% pass rate. While dangerous defects are absent from the sample, this is an almost-27-year-old car with a median CarHunch score of just 45, and virtually every one tested fails something on its first attempt.
At an average mileage of 94,806 miles for a vehicle this age, these cars have been moderately driven but clearly suffer from systemic build quality or maintenance issues rather than simple wear-and-tear. The fact that advisories barely register (0.0 per vehicle) while failures are common suggests these aren't minor niggles but actual defects that need fixing to pass. If you're considering one, factor in a full pre-purchase inspection by a Mercedes specialist and expect a first MOT retest to be almost certain.
We have limited data for the 1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.
These stats describe 248 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.
See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches
Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 248 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto cars.
Before you buy a 1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto
Based on MOT data from 248 vehicles — here's what to check.
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Check the full MOT history.
0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded -
recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle. -
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Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price.
Inspection
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Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically.
History
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (88%) | 218 | — | 0 |
Colour Breakdown
Based on 736 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.
1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Auto — Still on the Road
Numbers are thinning — 42% of 1997 Mercedes Slk 230 Kompressor Autos are still active.
Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (42% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.
MOT History Averages
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