[alross89]

It's a sad story, but that won't stop the "I told ya so's." I bought my 1988 560 SL when I moved to this town, and from the moment I saw it, I was in awe that it would be my car. The man selling it to me said that the front bumper and hood was rebuilt, the reason for the good price. It looks great, so I didn't care about the big black "REBUILT" stamp on the title.

Now I need a new engine or a new car. I can't say I know the extent of the damage, but the shop tells me that a problem with the timing chain caused the right side cylinders in the engine to ruin themselves: pistons, rings, valves, and all. The price of the repairs is likely less than that of a new engine, if I can find one.

Now I'm basically at a total loss, and I don't know if I can afford to keep the car if this is a sign of things to come. So, I ask the community. You love your cars, but you also understand the risks of having them. Should I fix it, should I try to sell it as it is? Perhaps it's not yet my time to have this car.

 

[alross89]

I don't really know. I'm sure I could look around. Used cars are rather plentiful around here, maybe I could find something that'l work.

 

[alross89]

I'm in Yakima, Washington. It seems like everyone here sells used cars, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a good engine. Does anyone know what a good price range on used engines is?

 

[alross89]

Unfortunately, I think I have to sell it. The shop is probably going to gut me for the labor at this point. One recourse I have is to sell the car to the previous owner, a gentleman who approached me about the car after he saw me driving it around town. He told me that he sold it to the man I bought it from, and that he'd like to buy it back. I spoke with him today and he said that he's still interested in the car, and he'd fix it. It's a much better fate than parting it, to be sure. He asked me to tell him my price for it, but I don't know what it's worth, if I overpayed, anything anymore. I paid $4000 for it, thinking I was getting a good deal. Do I offer it to him for $3000, and give him all the engine information I've gotten by email in the last couple days?

It sucks to see the car go, but clearly this guy cares for the car if he still wants it now. Any advice on pricing, selling it, cars in general is welcome. Thank you all.

 

[alross89]

I would assume he is the one who wrecked it. The guy I bought it from only buys and sells classic cars, he didn't drive it from what I know. You really think I can get 4k out of it, without the engine?