I can buy a 96 S320 with only 65k for $11,500. Its a one owner car (elderly people) and looks to have been well taken care of. It is dark Blue with the tan leather. There is a small crack in the front bumper, and some minor scratches around the car, but I consider that usual for a car this age. I was told it was maintained, but have no records, and was wondering what I should look for before I buy it. Any help would be great.
Vehicle: 1997 S600 - Bentley Turbo R (black/black)
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 311
RE: 96 S320 for sale
First run a carfax or autocheck. Most likely it will turn out alright with no accident or misrepresentation. For a piece of mind though, its worth the 20 dollar check..
Second.. if there isnt any maintenance history, thats fine but take it to a mercedes dealer and have them do a buyer's check.. usually (around $100)...WELL WORTH IT to check the car, not only to see if there is anything wrong, but to know expect to maintain for the future..
Dont worry if they point out little things, unless they point out a big leak in engine or transmission, and air conditioning problems... Sometimes dealers will try to scare you away giving you a list of things you have to fix and give you an even bigger $ amount for it. But like i said, as long as the main compenents engine, trany, air do not have a serious problem, your fine.
With 65k, and if the carfax and buyer's inspection goes alright, GO FOR IT...
carfax came back clear with no problems - everything works well aside from 1 rear window which needs a regulator, and 2 lights which are out on the dashboard. Otherwise the a/c is cold, tranny shifts great, and the car seems to run perfect. What are the usual problems I should look for in this car? I wasnt to know what I'm getting into b/4 I buy my first Benz
Vehicle: SEC 600 COUPE (RHD) One of the chosen few.
Location: Leicester UK
Posts: 1,358
RE: 96 S320 for sale
KNOWN PROBLEMS
Chicks thowing themselves at you coz you got a merc..
Gas station attendents with large grins..
Having to park in a clear space..
Looking at yourself in store windows..
Not comming out tonight got to wash and wax my car..
Looks of distain from hyudai kia and other rice burners..
Sharp intakes of breath from MB service agents..
Maybe other guys could add to the list
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Have a BIG one.
any help would be great!! what are this cars usual problems I should watch for??
Exhaust system - fairly expensive if leaky
Make certain the engine wiring harness was updated - $$$ if not...
Vacuum pump for pneumatic door closers and door locks
Instrument cluster - make sure there are no random warning lights
A/C evaporator - check service records to see if it was ever replaced. If not, expect a $3000 repair bill in the next couple of years.
Lower control arm bushings - need replacing every 30K or so...
I'm probably missing a few things. A W140 is in my opinion the best engineered car EVER. That said, it has 3x as many parts as anything else and some of them are EXPENSIVE. Don't buy the car if a random $1500-2000 repair bill will ruin your life. Otherwise, get a good one, stay on top of repairs using factory or OEM parts and enjoy it. I particularly recommend the 320's as they are adequate in power, fairly economical and mostly reliable.
I have often considered replacing minee, but I can't find a newer car I like half as well, so I just keep mine in as-new shape. If you can't afford to do this, stay away from the W140's and find a good W126 such as a '91 420SEL - which will be MUCH more forgiving in the maintenance/repairs department. Any neglected W140 will become a nightmare quite quickly.
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