With more time to think and save than spend money, I'm currently the man with a million plans.
I know it may seem sacrilige but I'm sure some of you can appreciate other examples of fantastic German engineering and I quite like Porsches, but I'm starting from scratch financially and they're expensive.
So the current plan is looking like:
get done saving
W114 250CE
save
Porsche 944/951
save
Porsche 928S-4
Now I've done this kind of thing before and I'm pretty good at modifying a car on a budget, I know enough to get the most out of little. What I'm concerned about is getting a little help from a bit of work towards some solid resale value, ie. getting to that DOHC V8 Porsche quicker.
So what I'm interested in is what you guys like in a classic Merc with your eye to buy.
See, I can't stand a mediocre 0-60 and any car of mine absolutely must be describable as "quick," it's just a theme I've managed to keep since before I got my license and I don't want to break my own tradition.
But with my eyes on a 928 and years moving quickly I can't afford to simply toss money away. Well too much of it at least. I only earn a basic wage, after all.
So what sort of things do Merc enthusiasts look for when buying their own cars?
Good detailing, I've got that covered (trade experience).
Safety first, I'm into good tyres and brakes/steering/suspension must be maintained.
Clean interior, I only like to change the radio/speakers on a classic.
But what puts you off?
Engine modification is my sore point. I can't not do it. I'll buy a car and tear out the stock air cleaner on the way driving it home. ERB ends up in the boot within minutes.
I'll decide the engine from that body type, that I'm going to go with and get an aftermarket exhaust fitted. A performance air cleaner will be there as soon as I get to a speed shop.
I'll switch a carby 250C or an auto 250CE to a 2.8E/manual transplant. Or fit a turbo. Or both.
So since you guys are the Merc buyers, how much will I devalue or fail to increase the value of the car?
Say I'm looking at a 250C/CE at the moment for around AUD$3000 locally.
I clean it nice, fit good tyres, maybe upgrade the rims. Get the suspension, steering and brakes freshened up, drop the stance a little.
Put in a nice 2.8E/manual, very clean looking. A turbo/intercooler. Spend maybe $5000.
How much would you pay for a car like this? Would anyone even be interested, or would I be spending money on a boat anchor?
I know it may seem sacrilige but I'm sure some of you can appreciate other examples of fantastic German engineering and I quite like Porsches, but I'm starting from scratch financially and they're expensive.
So the current plan is looking like:
get done saving
W114 250CE
save
Porsche 944/951
save
Porsche 928S-4
Now I've done this kind of thing before and I'm pretty good at modifying a car on a budget, I know enough to get the most out of little. What I'm concerned about is getting a little help from a bit of work towards some solid resale value, ie. getting to that DOHC V8 Porsche quicker.
So what I'm interested in is what you guys like in a classic Merc with your eye to buy.
See, I can't stand a mediocre 0-60 and any car of mine absolutely must be describable as "quick," it's just a theme I've managed to keep since before I got my license and I don't want to break my own tradition.
But with my eyes on a 928 and years moving quickly I can't afford to simply toss money away. Well too much of it at least. I only earn a basic wage, after all.
So what sort of things do Merc enthusiasts look for when buying their own cars?
Good detailing, I've got that covered (trade experience).
Safety first, I'm into good tyres and brakes/steering/suspension must be maintained.
Clean interior, I only like to change the radio/speakers on a classic.
But what puts you off?
Engine modification is my sore point. I can't not do it. I'll buy a car and tear out the stock air cleaner on the way driving it home. ERB ends up in the boot within minutes.
I'll decide the engine from that body type, that I'm going to go with and get an aftermarket exhaust fitted. A performance air cleaner will be there as soon as I get to a speed shop.
I'll switch a carby 250C or an auto 250CE to a 2.8E/manual transplant. Or fit a turbo. Or both.
So since you guys are the Merc buyers, how much will I devalue or fail to increase the value of the car?
Say I'm looking at a 250C/CE at the moment for around AUD$3000 locally.
I clean it nice, fit good tyres, maybe upgrade the rims. Get the suspension, steering and brakes freshened up, drop the stance a little.
Put in a nice 2.8E/manual, very clean looking. A turbo/intercooler. Spend maybe $5000.
How much would you pay for a car like this? Would anyone even be interested, or would I be spending money on a boat anchor?