want a new CAR

[sethza]

I'm getting tired of how crummy my car is. I just did an engine transplant in my car, just because that's all I had the money for to keep my transportation reliable...

But the rest of my car is definitely beyond "rustic". I have a leaky heater core,now bypassed, no a/c (as in compressor nonexistent) bad paint, BAD rust under the battery tray, nothing in the cluster works, cracks in the dash, back windows inop, busted headlight doors, NO vacuum accessories and I'm REALLY tired of having that spring in my seat trying to get frisky with me....the list goes on and on. After seeing rust form behind the rear wheels, I think there's only one easy solution.

This might not be the most appropriate place to do it, but does anyone have a w123, preferably a 240d, with a nice body that needs a powertrain? Preferably cheap? Preferably southern AZ? I will be looking to buy something next month, so just throw the idea around...

[sethza]

of course I know I could FIX things on my current car, but I think it would be a more cost effective route to use my beater as a parts car for something already pretty.

[Zacharias]

Originally Posted by sethza

I'm getting tired of how crummy my car is. I just did an engine transplant in my car, just because that's all I had the money for to keep my transportation reliable...

But the rest of my car is definitely beyond "rustic".

This is why I always caution people against doing a big body job or an engine rebuild on an older car. You spend a pile of cash and it's still the same old bag of bones.

In your case you did the sensible thing with the used motor install.

It honestly sounds to me more like you've reached the end of the road with this car, than the car is done. Battery tray rust, a bad seat and lousy headlamp doors do not a wreck make.... Come up and live in the rustbelt if you don't believe me on that. (I've seen what some of you guys in the southwest call rust , and it wouldn't be a huge concern in my neck of the woods.)

Ok enough of poking you with a stick.

I would suggest you put a 'WTB" ad in both our used parts for sale and used cars for sale sections. Also look for one of those sites that lets you search multiple craigslist sites at once.

If there's a euro import, or even better a Benz, specialist nearby you could also have a chat with the owner. Sometimes people give up on cars that have lots of life left.

If you have the wherewithal to trailer a car back to Tucson, all the better. In that case I would poke around Southern Cali. From what I hear, people park decent cars at the junkyard (or give to charity lots) for little reason. Probably a few post-Lovecraft WVO victims sitting around unwanted there too.

[sethza]

very true about the rust. the car is still structurally VERY sound. i feel bad about wanting to ditch my wheels, but i want a NICE mercedes, something i can take pride in. it just seems logical to try to find something more worth my while to drop my healthy engine and maybe trans into. i've even recently replaced my axles and ball joints. then i could find a good home for the remnants of my old car for somebody in the midwest or east coast (;

[supercub]

I drool over the nice western cars on ebay, you could drive it to CA with a laptop and drive home with a cherry car. Sell the bomber to someone there for whatever you can get for it.

[Junkman]

I see plenty on craigs list for $2500 or less. Go to crazed list & set your search specs & check every day or so.

[sethza]

Originally Posted by Junkman

I see plenty on craigs list for $2500 or less. Go to crazed list & set your search specs & check every day or so.

yeah i have been. Just thought i'd set my feelers out a little further.

[lorainfurniture]

Buy a new/ slightly used car, deal with the car payment. These cars are hobbies, not reliable transportation.

[Desert Panther]

Originally Posted by sethza

I'm getting tired of how crummy my car is. I just did an engine transplant in my car, just because that's all I had the money for to keep my transportation reliable...

But the rest of my car is definitely beyond "rustic". I have a leaky heater core,now bypassed, no a/c (as in compressor nonexistent) bad paint, BAD rust under the battery tray, nothing in the cluster works, cracks in the dash, back windows inop, busted headlight doors, NO vacuum accessories and I'm REALLY tired of having that spring in my seat trying to get frisky with me....the list goes on and on. After seeing rust form behind the rear wheels, I think there's only one easy solution.

This might not be the most appropriate place to do it, but does anyone have a w123, preferably a 240d, with a nice body that needs a powertrain? Preferably cheap? Preferably southern AZ? I will be looking to buy something next month, so just throw the idea around...

Yeesh, and I thought my w123 was a lil rough! Whereabouts in Tucson are you? I'm next door, in Marana

[sethza]

I live on pima and alvernon. Yeah my car looks like something a crack dealer would drive. Over it!

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

Buy a new/ slightly used car, deal with the car payment. These cars are hobbies, not reliable transportation.

You can't afford the car if you need to put it on payments. Better to ride a bike, walk, take a bus or cab or hitch hike than have payments.

[JiveTurkey]

Originally Posted by lorainfurniture

Buy a new/ slightly used car, deal with the car payment. These cars are hobbies, not reliable transportation.

That's a bit insulting to those of us with enough mechanical skill to keep our cars in good running order. I have never (knocks superstitiously on nearby hardwood) been stranded by one of my old Mercedes. The air con may not work on all of them, and one or two may be "down" for long term repairs or rehab projects, but once sorted they provide perfectly reliable transportation. In fact, I find most new cars to be piloted by the kind of lethargic cell phone clutching idiots who cause massive accidents while they wolf down their third big mac. Also, most new cars are big gaudy plastic stylistic eyesores.

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by Junkman

You can't afford the car if you need to put it on payments. Better to ride a bike, walk, take a bus or cab or hitch hike than have payments.

That is ridiculous. Not everybody has 20k+ laying around for a car. Why would you shell out that kind of cash when you can borrow it for 1.8% SIMPLE interest? Some are 0% interest!

There is nothing wrong with borrowing money when you have the means to pay it back.

[lorainfurniture]

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

That's a bit insulting to those of us with enough mechanical skill to keep our cars in good running order. I have never (knocks superstitiously on nearby hardwood) been stranded by one of my old Mercedes. The air con may not work on all of them, and one or two may be "down" for long term repairs or rehab projects, but once sorted they provide perfectly reliable transportation. In fact, I find most new cars to be piloted by the kind of lethargic cell phone clutching idiots who cause massive accidents while they wolf down their third big mac. Also, most new cars are big gaudy plastic stylistic eyesores.

Im not insulting anybody. I love my benz as much as the next guy. Some people do not have the space to have 3 cars as back ups.

I do have the mechanical skill to keep my benz running. Unfortunately, when the car is down, one needs to have a reliable piece of transportation to get to work.

Have you ever figured how much it costs to insure, plate, maintain, and clean 3+ vehicles? I did, and now I have one benz to play with, and the fiesta to get me to work so I can pay for the parts for my benz.

[TylerH860]

Yup, I wish I had taken the money I paid cash for on the GTI, financed the GTI at the 2.9% they were offering, and put it to use. There's so many good opportunities.