This is my second car that I have looked at in last couple of weeks. It has been offered for sale for long time (8+ month). Later this morning I am actually going to meet owner to go over it further (engine, test drive).
Obvious problems:
1) paint is cracking - looks like older lacquer paint job has reached its age limit.
2) Dash pad is cracking
3) Seats are covered, but I believe that they will need complete overhaul
4) Carpet is probably needs to be replaced
5) No rust, it is Cali car.
1) paint is cracking - looks like older lacquer paint job has reached its age limit.
2) Dash pad is cracking
3) Seats are covered, but I believe that they will need complete overhaul
4) Carpet is probably needs to be replaced
5) No rust, it is Cali car.
And if it has those problems, it has other neglected things you just haven't found yet. Why bother spending money on a car that needs the most expensive stuff fixed (paint and a full interior)? You'd be better off with a car that looks fantastic but has a dead transmission - it'd be cheaper.
Skip it and find a good one. Even if it's cheap.
__________________
- Brian
1966 250SE Cabriolet - 86,000 miles 1985 Euro 500SE - 33,000 miles
Whats your budget for the car man, you should be able to get a very nice car for a reasonable price. As the others say, keep looking you should be able to find something that has everything already done to it that you will need to do, but since its already done it should be alot cheaper.
For instance, touch up paint work, interior work, and one other major problem with the older cars your looking at is the undercarriage rubber(subframe mounts, bushings etc) only lasts ~30years so its all starting to die now. Find one with the rubber replaced and in general good condition and it will be ALOT cheaper then buying some bomb and trying to fix it up.
My budget is still TBD (I can go up if necessary) - as I just started looking into this closer. Regarding mechanical work - I can do most mechanical repairs except for body work. Frame bushings and undercarriage repair I've done in the past with the help of my friends (having a full lift is handy). It is dirty, grimy work - not afraid of it.
Body work and paint is my biggest concern (I will not consider rust )
It looks like a nice car . What are you expecting ? My 1980 one owner 450 SL is 29 years old with original paint and is showing some signs of wear . I may need to replace the original muffler soon . I have new Pirellis and a new battery . I replaced the original Becker radio with a CD panasonic but kept the becker for originality . Despite what you read on these forums of very high prices , the price that most interested folk want to spend seems to be $ 5000 . Did you know that my collectors car insurance is only $ 240 a year for full coverage ? Must be garaged like mine and you are allowed 5000 miles per year . I've seen dozens of nice ones for sale for under $ 8000 . Make sure the convertible top is perfect . I also own a s 500 Mercedes and a new C 230 . Any questions ? Alan
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