2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK 350

This is Mercedes' compact two-seat roadster, the one with the trick folding hardtop that turns from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button. It's a genuinely fun car to hustle down a back road, with sharp steering and a chassis that feels eager and balanced. The cabin is snug but well laid out, and the seats are comfortable for two, though the trunk is tight once the top is stowed. Owners mention the roof seals can leak over time, and some have had to replace radiators as the car ages. The SLK 350 swaps the base car's four-cylinder for a 3.5L V6, and you get the same power-folding hardtop and leather interior that make the SLK a year-round roadster. Its 3.5L V6 makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and with the standard six-speed manual it's a genuinely engaging car to row through the gears on a curvy road. The standard six-speed manual is the enthusiast's pick, though most were ordered with the optional seven-speed automatic; either way, expect 19 mpg combined.