Buying Guide

Selling Your Mercedes SLK/ SLC? Here Are The 5 Best Alternatives To Buy

he Mercedes SLK and SLC were fantastic compact roadsters. If you're selling, discover the 5 best alternatives, from the ultimate driver's car, the Porsche 718 Boxster, to the high-tech Audi TT.

The Apany Team

Published on 13 September 2025

7 min read

Selling Your Mercedes SLK/ SLC? Here Are The 5 Best Alternatives To Buy

For over two decades, the Mercedes SLK was the benchmark for premium compact roadsters, pioneering the folding hard-top 'Vario Roof'. In its final generation (R172, 2016-2020), it was renamed the SLC-Class, continuing the tradition of comfort, style, and accessible top-down motoring. Whether you own an efficient SLC 200 or the brawny V6-powered AMG SLC 43, you own a piece of roadster history. But if you're selling, the sports car market has some truly incredible alternatives that offer a different kind of thrill.

1. Porsche 718 Boxster (982)

For the ultimate driving experience, the Porsche 718 Boxster is the undisputed champion. Its mid-engine layout provides a level of balance and handling precision that the front-engined SLC simply cannot match. While some purists lament the move to four-cylinder turbo engines in the standard and S models, their massive torque and sharp response make them incredibly fast. For those who miss the SLC 43's engine note, the GTS 4.0 model brought back a glorious naturally-aspirated flat-six.

Key Features & Variants

Superlative Handling: The mid-engine chassis is telepathically responsive and perfectly balanced.
Powertrain Hierarchy: From the 2.0-litre turbo (Boxster) and 2.5-litre turbo (Boxster S) to the sublime 4.0-litre flat-six (GTS 4.0/Spyder).
Practicality: Surprisingly practical, with both a front and rear boot providing ample luggage space.

2. BMW Z4 (G29)

The latest generation of the BMW Z4 (2018-present) is perhaps the SLC's most direct philosophical rival. It blends classic long-bonnet, short-boot roadster styling with modern technology and a choice of powerful engines. It switched to a lighter, quicker-folding fabric roof, which improved agility and boot space. The interior is a huge step up, featuring BMW's excellent iDrive 7.0 system and high-quality materials, especially in M Sport trim.

The Z4 M40i, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine, is a true modern muscle car, offering blistering straight-line speed and an addictive soundtrack.

Key Takeaway

The Z4 offers a perfect blend of comfortable grand tourer and sharp sports car, with a sensational six-cylinder option that rivals the AMG SLC 43.

3. Audi TT Roadster (FV/8S)

The third-generation Audi TT (2014-2023) is a masterclass in modern design and technology. Its sharp, angular styling still looks futuristic, while the revolutionary Virtual Cockpit interior places a configurable 12.3-inch screen directly in front of the driver, removing the need for a central screen. It offers a tidy, agile driving experience, especially with Quattro all-wheel drive, and the fabric roof is quick and exceptionally well insulated.

Checklist for the Tech Lover

Virtual Cockpit: A stunning and intuitive driver-focused infotainment and instrument display.
Engine Range: From the capable 40 TFSI to the potent 45 TFSI and the five-cylinder, 400 PS monster that is the TT RS.
All-Weather Security: Available Quattro all-wheel drive provides confidence and traction in all conditions.

4. Jaguar F-Type Convertible

If you want more drama and a sense of occasion, the Jaguar F-Type Convertible is a stunning step up. It’s a larger, more muscular car than the SLC, with breathtaking looks and an outrageously charismatic soundtrack. While early models offered a V6, the later facelifted cars (2020-onwards) focused on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (P300) and the legendary 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 (P450, P575). It’s less of a nimble sports car and more of a grand touring muscle car.

Standout Features

Head-Turning Design: One of the most beautiful convertible designs of the modern era.
Glorious Soundtrack: The V8 models, in particular, offer an exhaust note that is pure theatre.
Comfortable GT: A surprisingly comfortable long-distance cruiser with a high-quality cabin.

5. Alpine A110

For the purist seeking the ultimate in agility and driver feedback, the Alpine A110 is a left-field masterpiece. While it's a fixed-head coupé, not a roadster, its ethos of lightweight construction is a revelation. Weighing just 1,100kg, its modest 1.8-litre turbo engine delivers scintillating performance. The A110 flows down a road with a delicacy and poise that heavier rivals can only dream of. It’s a true connoisseur's choice.

Why Choose the A110?

Lightweight Philosophy: Its low weight is the key to its incredible agility, performance, and efficiency.
Sublime Handling: The supple yet controlled suspension provides a ride and handling balance that is almost magical.
Unique Character: Offers a truly special and engaging driving experience that feels different from anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best driver-focused alternative to a Mercedes-AMG SLC 43?

The best driver-focused alternative is the Porsche 718 Boxster. While the SLC 43 has a brilliant V6 engine, the mid-engined layout of the Boxster provides superior balance, handling, and a more connected driving experience. The Boxster S or GTS 4.0 models, in particular, offer a level of dynamic ability that is unmatched in this class.

Which alternative offers a similar folding hard-top roof to the SLK/SLC?

The BMW Z4 (G29 generation) is the primary alternative that also offered a folding hard-top in its previous generation (E89). However, the latest G29 model, which competes with the SLC, switched to a lighter, faster-folding fabric roof. For a true modern hard-top convertible experience, you would need to look at larger cars like the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Is there a more stylish, design-led alternative to the SLC?

Yes, the Audi TT Roadster (FV/8S generation) is a fantastic design-led alternative. Its sharp, Bauhaus-inspired styling has made it a modern icon, and its Virtual Cockpit interior feels incredibly futuristic and driver-centric. It offers a different, more technical kind of style compared to the SLC's classic roadster proportions.

“Most people aren’t aware that consignment, where a dealer sells your car for you, is even an option. It's the hassle-free way to get the best price without the risks of a private sale.”

Sell Your Mercedes SLK/SLC on Consignment with Apany

Ready to move from your classic roadster to a new sports car? Apany offers a seamless way to sell your Mercedes SLK or SLC for its true market value. Our network of trusted UK dealers handles the entire process, so you can avoid low trade-in offers and the hassle of private sales.

List your car with us, set your desired price, and let the experts find the right buyer. It’s the smartest way to sell. Start your consignment journey here with Apany.

The Apany Team

Apany Team