Thinking of buying my 1st MB? - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Mark DiSilvestro · #61 04-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn T. W.

My point was that the previous new owners of 123's who are now driving something else, because they fell into the "only drive a new car trap" if they had a choice of buying the same car that they use to have, but only new off the floor, since they were happy with the original, they would buy another one . . . they may have bought an 80, then an 85, then a 90, but things change, and quality / reliabilty have fallen by the wayside . . . maybe it was just my crazy idea, but I think alot of manufactures would be able to sell a new old car again, they were great before . . . yes I know some people like all that "new stuff" but if a car is built right, why do you need all that extra stuff? look back in post #9 Charles tells us of a family walking away from an accident with no curtian airbags, probably didn't have front airbags, but even if it did, they did not help the passengers in the rear when that car flipped end over end, what saved them was a car built soundly . . . Your right about a lot of people wanting all the creature comforts in cars now . . . but tell me your not comfortable in your MB! If it is so horrable why are so many people using these old cars as daily drivers?

Because we appreciate the solid integrity these cars represent, and the philosophy that produced them - that these cars were built to last, and not be discarded after a few years like last years designer fashions. And that the cars were/are so popular that parts avaiibility is still better than average. And many of us buy these cars because they are availible for a fraction of what they would cost new today, or even what they cost new back in the late '70s. And unlike todays cars, and indeed most cars built in the last 25 years, cars like the 240D are excellent prospects for DIY repair.

Unfortunately, in addition to consumer demand for every computerised gadget that can be crammed into a new car, simple cars have been virtually legislated out of the new-car market by DOT and EPA demands for electronic engine controls and complex safety systems. And I sometimes wonder how much longer it will be before our old cars get legislated out of existence.

I suppose I could also ask - If it was possible today, would you pay $22,000 for a brand new W123 240D, or $34,000 for a brand new W123 300D?

Happy Motoring, Mark

Shawn T. W. · #62 05-08-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark DiSilvestro

Because we appreciate the solid integrity these cars represent, and the philosophy that produced them - that these cars were built to last, and not be discarded after a few years like last years designer fashions. And that the cars were/are so popular that parts avaiibility is still better than average. And many of us buy these cars because they are availible for a fraction of what they would cost new today, or even what they cost new back in the late '70s. And unlike todays cars, and indeed most cars built in the last 25 years, cars like the 240D are excellent prospects for DIY repair.

Unfortunately, in addition to consumer demand for every computerised gadget that can be crammed into a new car, simple cars have been virtually legislated out of the new-car market by DOT and EPA demands for electronic engine controls and complex safety systems. And I sometimes wonder how much longer it will be before our old cars get legislated out of existence.

I suppose I could also ask - If it was possible today, would you pay $22,000 for a brand new W123 240D, or $34,000 for a brand new W123 300D?

Happy Motoring, Mark

Mark, Sorry it took so long, I was just re-reading, and noticed I never answered your question . . .

If I were in the market for a new car, I would say that YES I would be happy to spend that on a new QUALITY car, I normally like to buy used as it is more friendly on the bank account. The only vehicle I ever bought new was my 05 Sprinter which I needed for my FedEx home delivery business . . . That was the worst $39K I every spent! I went back for warrenty 4 times in 7 months, during the down time I needed to rent another vehicle . . . that was junk! I was HAPPY to unload it for $27k! (it did have about 47k on the odo)

Mark DiSilvestro · #63 05-08-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn T. W.

Mark, Sorry it took so long, I was just re-reading, and noticed I never answered your question . . .

If I were in the market for a new car, I would say that YES I would be happy to spend that on a new QUALITY car, I normally like to buy used as it is more friendly on the bank account. The only vehicle I ever bought new was my 05 Sprinter which I needed for my FedEx home delivery business . . . That was the worst $39K I every spent! I went back for warrenty 4 times in 7 months, during the down time I needed to rent another vehicle . . . that was junk! I was HAPPY to unload it for $27k! (it did have about 47k on the odo)

Yeah. I've heard varying reports on the Sprinters. Some like them. Others hate them. Meanwhile, Mercedes declining reliabiity reputation over the past 20 years makes me hesitate to recommend any of their cars built since the '80s.
As for being able to buy a 'new' W123 today, the people wanting them are a tiny minority of American car buyers. And even if there was enough US demand to resume production, I'm sure the cars would cost more like 50 to 80K after all the safety and emissions mods were added to bring them into government compliance.
The W123 is probably one of the last Mercedes to maintain their world-wide reputation for durability. I'm just happy to be able to find them at affrdable prices and be able to work on them myself, without having to deal with overly complex and unfixable computerised electronics.
A friend has a 2000 ML320 that has suffered it's final major malfunction - total failure of the antilock/stability-control system - manifested by all the ABS/ESC and brake-warning lights staying on, with a loud, annoying beeper for company whenever the vehicle is moving.
The dealer installed, then removed a $1200 electronic module after it didn't fix his problem. Now they want to install a new $2000 hydraulc control unit at my friend's expense.
Then, if there's still a problem, they want to replace a $500 wiring harness. Total over $3000! Sounds like the old game of throwing parts at it until it works!
Now my friend is looking for a Non-Mercedes replacement vehicle and will have to sell off the ML as-is, for whatever he can get.
Just imagine how much aggravation it could be to repair one of these high-tech wonders when they're as old as our W123s!

Happy Motoring, Mark

Shawn T. W. · #64 05-08-2009, 03:05 PM

I don't think they will ever get as old as a 123, well . . . and still be drivable

And after the Goverment got messed up in it, I probably wouldn't want it with all that stuff in it . . .

On the sprinter my traction control was horrible! it would reduce power, then add brakes to the spinning wheel . . . how did they ever expect me to make it up the snow covered road in Vermont without spining a tire, I say let'em both spin . . . if I don't want them to spin, I'll back off a little!

Mark DiSilvestro · #65 05-09-2009, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn T. W.

I don't think they will ever get as old as a 123, well . . . and still be drivable

And after the Goverment got messed up in it, I probably wouldn't want it with all that stuff in it . . .

On the sprinter my traction control was horrible! it would reduce power, then add brakes to the spinning wheel . . . how did they ever expect me to make it up the snow covered road in Vermont without spining a tire, I say let'em both spin . . . if I don't want them to spin, I'll back off a little!

Well, isn't that the point of automatic traction-control - to take that control away from the driver. How dare you should want to make vehicle operating decisions yourself! My biggest gripe is not so much how well these wonderfull devices actually work, but whether they can be repaired when they fail.
It may get so bad that once a typical vehicle is out of warranty, it's not worth fixing.

Happy Motoring, Mark