Purchasing a W123 Need Help - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

POS · #16 07-25-2007, 10:03 AM

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!

tobybul · #17 07-25-2007, 10:07 AM

Agreed.......I made some assumptions that you will do what is necessary to know what the car needs. My suggestion is still based on no matter how pristine this car is it is still 20+ years old with xxxx miles.