Quote:
Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe
An old adage around here is: The highest priced Mercedes-Benz is the one you think you got cheap.
|
While this can be true, it all depends... does everything need to work "like new"? than this might be true
(edit I still even question that... I'm sure many things could be refreshed for MUCH less than a new MB and all in all keep driving your car on the cheap)...
But... and I'm sure others would second this "but"...
I have several vehicles that haven't cost me much upfront or later:
- 87 Mercedes 300D purchased with 161k for $500 in halfway decent aesthetic shape and needing minor repairs (old suspension/steering parts and bushings, glow plugs, etc). It's cost me maybe $2k in updates ($500 of that being in Air conditioning and some other of that in updates that it could have lived without like new injector nozzles etc.) I've probably put $200-300 into it in 3 years and that is nothing major. I think that's a cheap car.
- 84 Mercedes 300D pretty much no money into it other than brakes, mono valve, minor upkeep. I didn't keep it long but I'd bet the new owner has done well with it.
- 84 Suburban Diesel. $1200 upfront... probably $300 in the past 4 years.
Those are just a few (my own personal). My wife and I are paying back LOTS of college debt and while not show cars, these have been enjoyable; reliable transportation and saved us a car payment. Learning to work on MBs has been a great experience. It's well worth the while.
I would think that your 95 wagon would last well fixed. You'll have to spend some money in getting things repaired/renewed even after your fix but like the others said, it'd be WELL worth fixing. Also, there's a good security in that it's your car. You know where it's been and you know how it's been taken care of. You don't get that with another used car and you'll for CERTAIN pay WAY more than it'd cost to keep this up if you buy new. If you don't want to have to have things break on you as a surprise, get on here and learn what Preventative Maintenance measures to take and beat the problems.
And... can't stress enough... find someone who loves MB cars to do your work at a reasonable rate. Talk with them and get a feel for their character. Just because they love MBs and have a wrench and even know a thing or two doesn't make them a good person to work on your car. I learned that the hard way. CHARACTER goes a long way. I had a hard enough time finding a good Indy that I just do everything myself. You'll amaze yourself if you get your hands dirty doing what you know and learning what you don't know (any time you have a question about a MB specific just ask). You'll do way more than you thought you could and you'll do it right. When in doubt, that's what this place is for. We'll help you!
