Need help here...I have the chance to pick up a 88 560sel mint condition with 166K on the clock. The only problem is a valve tap on a single valve. One mechanic quoted to fix it at $250 but the guy is connected with the dealer who is selling the car so he may be a little swayed on the dealers side to give a little repair to cover a larger on one I get the car.
I can pick up the car for $1500, and it has all highway miles.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
Some may say with such a low price you have nothing to loose. It may also indicate other possible problems not yet evident. Some also say there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Benz.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
$1500 if the car is in great shape other than the valve tap is a solid deal. The question is, is it truly just a single valve tap for $250 repair? If so, why didn't the seller just fix it and get more money for the car?
Forget the opinion of a mechanic associated with the seller, and get an independent opinion via pre-purchase inspection. Always assume there is something else you don't know about. I'd cut the deal at $1500, dependent on an independent inspection that verifies the single valve tap and nothing else major.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
At 166K it is probably due for a value job and timing chain replacement (w guide rails). Unless the dealer has proof that this work was already done figure on spending $1500-$2000 to take care of those two items. An independent assessment is still probably a good idea. The car's at the mileage where some serious problems can start to show up.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
Quote:
brucemendel - 12/14/2005 6:08 PM
Then again, a good used engine is $999 on ebay!
Bruce
The problem with a used engine is your a taking someone's word on condition. It could have more serious problems than the engine you already have. No doubt there are some nice engines from cars that have been totalled in accidents. Perhaps you could get the VIN from the engine and do a CARFAX report to verify mileage. I can't see how it is worth all of the trouble to remove and replace an engine when you don't know how long the replacement will last.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
$1500 could only be the begining of the spending. But when you consider you could put twice this back into the car and have a nice Benz for under 5 grand you may find it worth the money.
If you can do your own work then I would say go for it. If you are dependant on a shop pro for handling this type of work then you may want to think about if you can afford it or not.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
ALl good points..I really would not like to take the c hance, hoever I like the color and they are far and few between in this color, baby blue. I will try and attach a pic. Other it may be a crapshoot, but for 1500 I can always part it out since I don't even know the firts thing from a mechanics side what to do with these gas cars.
RE: 88 560sel with single valve tap..buy or no buy?
I bought my used OM617 Turbo Diesel motor on Ebay. 92,000 miles, everything attached to the motor including the transmission for $1,585.00. The motor runs great, and is in great shape internally as well. They are out there, you just have to be patient.
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