The rule of thumb is quite simple really.:thumbsup:
1. buy the absolute BEST example you can afford.
2. Before you buy it, make sure you get an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection - and list all the vehicles issues.
If he/she tells you it's a dud, walk away. If it costs more to get running than the purchase price, walk away.
the worst case scenario is that you chose a car that looked OK, and the mechanic brings out a list longer than your arm (it does happen) and you lost a few dollars on an inspection that saved your arse from losing thousands more.
so back to #1 - buy the absolute best example you can afford.
Now, if you have a budget that stretches to 2500, and you can do your own work on everything, then yes, that's the car for you.
But if your budget stretches to say 7500-10K then buying the 2500 car is simply going to cost you the balance of your budget in spare parts... and labour - especially if you cannot or are afraid to go inside an engine.
I really do not wish to dissuade you from pursuing your dreams, but when it comes to 107's boy oh boy do you have to be objective about purchasing.... because if you aren't - and we've all been there before.... that tired looking cheap 107 that you're eyeballing with jealous lust will absolutely kick you in the nuts and leave you penniless.....:crybaby2: much like how your wife will after she finds out how much you're spending in parts, and how many late nights you're in the garage and not in the bed.....
That will leave you penniless, with no roof over your head and no running car either.... so use your brains before you shell out cash on a car.
Do your research, take your time. There is no need to rush, or move on the first SL you clap your eyes on. Plenty of them to go around, and you should go and check out every single one in your area, just to get an idea of all the common problems, general condition, rust, interior wear, non-functioning electricals & vacuum stuff, general body condition, rubbers etc..
And when it comes to parts - there are some things that you just do not skimp on and plenty of opportunities to save money. The problem is, the bits you really need to buy as genuine parts, can be bloody expensive. Things like the door seals and a pillar seals etc.... all the rubber bits for body - gotta be genuine. not that üro shit on ebay.
headlamp lenses and tailights... yep $$$
But things like burl trim or zebrano - not so bad, and aftermarket supply is there.
mechanicals, and suspension - good aftermarket support is available.
So there is an opportunity to save some $, but not a huge amount, unless you really are prepared to do everything yourself. Then you will be able to keep several running reliably in good condition.... or do an m120 v12 swap or something
But let me be blunt and say this. If the 107 is your first Mercedes, then I would urge you to look first at something a little 'cheaper' like a 123 280CE, a 124 300e (maybe even a cabriolet) or 201 2.6 to cut your teeth on. They are all easy to work on (easier than a 107 by a mile) reliable, relatively rust free, better handling (maybe the 123 coupe isn't) and once you've done a bit of DIY and understand how the systems work, then you will have absolute confidence in being able to purchase a 107 and more importantly, have a backup car.
If you find that the car isn't for you, no great loss.
But if you're dying to have a happy 107 experience straight away, then look a little higher in the price range.
There is no such thing as a Cheap 107 Mercedes-Benz.
(and read the EG v107, because we've done this to death eleventy-billion times before)
Good luck, and get out there and look at some more 107's, so you have an idea of what you're getting yourself into. If you're heart is still in it after examining a dozen examples really thoroughly, then you might be the kind of person who has the right attitude towards owning one.
But don't spring for that tired old bucket in knee-high grass. buy the best car you can afford, and budget to spend a few K over the first 12 months to iron out all those little pesky issues.