For the reasons you listed above, is why I purchased it. I know there are a ton of options out there. Plain and simple. I love the looks, love the way it drives. It's quiet, doesn't beat you up, and does quite well over 90 mph. Plus there aren't a million out there. I get looks and questions still to this day about the car. With the lease rate being as low as it is, its a STEAL. Besides back in 04 you could spend 10k more with MB for their SLK made up with the same components.