Two things:

1) If the AC needs to be converted, then the AC doesn't work. $6500 for a non-AC car is a lot. It could be a simple fix (schrader valves); it could need a new compressor, drier, expansion valve. No AC lowers the price dramatically. If you buy it, take it to a mechanic who has a good sniffer and have him check for AC leaks - then fix what's broken and use R12. The w123 doesn't cool as well as modern cars, and you'll want the coldest system you can get.

2) No matter how well-cared for, expect to spend $1000 the day you get it. SOMETHING on it needs to be fixed; there's always a $1000 that needs to go into it.

That said, it sounds like a real good one. I'd tell him about the faulty AC and offer him $4500 for it as is. Ultimately, $5500 would still be a good deal.

You're car sounds a lot like the red 300D I just got - 113,000 miles, one owner (original 1985 title!), garaged its life, AC was out ($1.00 schrader valves!), not a spec of rust anywhere, needed a little love to make it look factory-fresh again. I sent it off to my mechanic for a complete going over and all it needed was a flexdisk, schrader valves, and ball joints - and he's thorough!

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600