Quote:
Originally Posted by biopete
I looked at the car today. It drove good and seats were comfy but that was about it. Volosong, how much was your seller asking? Mine wouldn't go less than 2500.00...
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I purchased my 190D 2.2 5-spd from my mechanic. The famous Enrique of Mr. M.B. Motors fame. This car was to be his retirement car for when he finally closes up shop, or sells out to his helper. He purchased it from the original owner who purchased the car in SoCal. Funny thing though...it spent about nine or ten years of its life in Auckland, then came back to SoCal.
Enrique replaced a bunch of stuff on the car that needed attention, such as the radiator, sun visors, and who knows what else. Being his own car, I know he fixed whatever needed fixing. Also, it has been said to never purchase a Mercedes without service records. This one has records from day-1, as recorded in the little maintenance booklet.
Enrique went to the AAA the other week and paid the insurance on his fleet. He realized that he has too many cars and it is financial drain on him. He knows that I admired this car, specifically it being a stick shift diesel, so he offered me first crack at purchasing it. He asked 5,000 for it...and I agreed to pay that amount if he would fix a few more little, minor things on it. He only owned it for about two months.
From what you say about this car you are looking at, I can't recommend it. If it is so "trashed" on its interior and exterior, and he didn't bother to fix all those little things you can see...what makes you think he took proper care of the engine and drivetrain that one cannot see? Lacking any type of records...this car is a junker and you were generous to offer 1250.
Keep looking. There are still some good, well maintained cars out there. When you find another, it will be obvious if the owner took pride in taking care of his/her car. I know I paid top dog for mine, but the peace-of-mind about the mechanics and the physical condition makes it worth the couple extra grand that I paid. I'm looking at dumping some money into the car because I want to...not because I have to.
Bottom line...no records...keep looking.