I recently sold my r170, and have an ml350 that I got not too long ago, but have a good offer for it that I am tempted to take. And I have always wanted a w123. I really like those cars, and there is particularly one near me that looks really good that I am considering. My question is are these good cars to buy? I mean its gonna be a 40 year old car. Will it still be reliable? Will it just be a money pit? Or could this actually be a usable car I could drive without going broke? Also, the one I am looking at has real low miles. Under 50k miles. But it also says miles exempt. What's that mean? That that mean thats not the real mileage? Would love some help with this.
BigBiscuit
Manual or automatic trans? The auto makes these very sluggish, but apparently the shift-points can be adjusted to rev higher between shifts, that would help. With a manual it's more spirited and a forever car IMHO. Check out Pierre Hedary's videos on this model.
Well.......that's a deep subject
Sorry, couldn't resist. There are so many parameters and variables to consider when trying to decide if a W123 is a "smart" buy.
The list just goes on and on and on........ How are the mechanicals? How's the body (rust)? How does interior look and feel? Is it mostly original? Does everything work as it's supposed to? As you mentioned, no way to know actual mileage. So, that's a pretty big concern IMO. How much are you gonna hafta spend on it? If it's really cheap, then you can ease up on some of the previously mentioned details. Is the asking price really high? Then it better be worth it in fit, finish, operation, appearance, etc. Does the engine start quickly and run smoothly? How does it handle on a test drive......tight and smooth or loose and sloppy? Manual trans is def the best (manual windows, too). But, not a deal breaker if everything is working and functioning properly.
It really comes down to how much do you want to spend? How much work are you comfortable doing yourself or having done ($$$)? Used car prices are just insane, right now. I recently heard of a W123 selling for $20K! No doubt, top of the mark, excellent example. Worth it? Up to the buyer, I guess. If you could post a general condition, what's good and not good on the car and the asking price, the forum might be able to get you a little closer to your decision. Good luck!
Sorry, couldn't resist. There are so many parameters and variables to consider when trying to decide if a W123 is a "smart" buy.The list just goes on and on and on........ How are the mechanicals? How's the body (rust)? How does interior look and feel? Is it mostly original? Does everything work as it's supposed to? As you mentioned, no way to know actual mileage. So, that's a pretty big concern IMO. How much are you gonna hafta spend on it? If it's really cheap, then you can ease up on some of the previously mentioned details. Is the asking price really high? Then it better be worth it in fit, finish, operation, appearance, etc. Does the engine start quickly and run smoothly? How does it handle on a test drive......tight and smooth or loose and sloppy? Manual trans is def the best (manual windows, too). But, not a deal breaker if everything is working and functioning properly.
It really comes down to how much do you want to spend? How much work are you comfortable doing yourself or having done ($$$)? Used car prices are just insane, right now. I recently heard of a W123 selling for $20K! No doubt, top of the mark, excellent example. Worth it? Up to the buyer, I guess. If you could post a general condition, what's good and not good on the car and the asking price, the forum might be able to get you a little closer to your decision. Good luck!
Old 240 might seem like a good venture but in modern traffic they can be difficult at best. They are akin to driving a VW Rabbit 1.5D (or 1.6D) now...can't really get out of their own way very easily. Merging onto freeway traffic is a harrowing experience at best.
If it was MT it would be better, but even so they're severely underpowered by todays standards.
Just my .02....
If it was MT it would be better, but even so they're severely underpowered by todays standards.
Just my .02....
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