What is wrong with this car?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1807052287&r=0&t=0

I mean, what is some likely issues that are being covered up. There has got to be some.

[Gilly]

I think it's a reflection of the cars high mileage. It may last a long time yet without major repair, who knows? It's a ticking bomb, to put it bluntly. A reman engine doesn't equal a perfect car, there's lots of other components to consider.
Gilly

Every car with high mileage is a ticking bomb, if you follow that line of thought. My diesel mercedes MAY die next week to some unforseen problem, but its unlikely. How about a real answer, someone.

I'd have to agree with Gilly,
That car in good shape and low miles would sell for about 7k-8k
Buying it for 3+k is about right.
That does not mean it would'nt last, just that to replace the motor would require another 3k investment. & what about the Trans?

Just my opinion.

[Gilly]

Yeah, sorry it's not what you want to hear, but that's my honest assesment of why it's no going for more. Maybe it'll go up a little bit yet, if you like the car, bid on it, but I wouldn't pay a whole lot more than what it's at now.
tick tick tick tick......
Gilly

Ok maybe I missed something. I swear I thought I saw "Motor Rebuilt in 2000" (and by a pro benz tech) in the text of the ad.

Maybe my definition of rebuilt is wrong. Define rebuilt maybe? I can see this car going for 2500 with original engine and high miles on it.... rebuilt = ?

[Gilly]

Yep, that's just the thinking I cautioned about in my first post. Lots more to the car than just the engine. Trans, diff, axle shafts, front and rear suspension bushings, steering gear box, lots and lots of stuff. The whole rest of the car still has over 200K on it.
And if the engine was in such great shape, as the seller notes (Best engine I've ever rebuilt?) then why was it in need of rebuilding to begin with??? Usually you don't tear down an engine for no good reason.
Gilly

I agree with that, Im always wary of people who claim engine is solid but decided to rebuilt it. I'll never buy another mercedes car, at least not one made before 95, without looking at it personally. Now that I know what to look for and what could be trouble, I'm much more careful because a beautiful ad can hide a wealth of flaws.

That auction IS a beauty on the outside tho, looks in very good shape.

[Ken300D]

There is an ever-growing amount of electronic fraud happening on the Internet. EBay does not authenticate people who register - that is, you can register under any name and phone number you want, they don't check. All you need is a drop-box at Mailboxes Etc. and then get people to send you money orders, cashiere's checks, whatever........

So, exactly how much money are you willing to send to someone on EBay with zero (0) feedback and new user "shades"? Not very much I hope! I think this is contributing to keeping the price down on this auction - for my part I wouldn't bid.



Ken300D

Well if someone is stupid enough to put down a large deposit on a car sold by a person with no feedback and a newly registered account, then they deserve whatever they get.

I would never buy that car without inspecting/testdriving first, I never said I was even interested at all in it, I just wanted some opinions on what was wrong with THAT SPECIFIC CAR.

Instead I get lectured on ebay fraud and common sense.

[Gilly]

Anthony:
I do agree, the auction ad looks good, and they do seem to be up front about it's flaws. I'm not saying it's neccesarily a "BAD" car, but heads up are in order, and it's not worth a ton of money at that miles, but it does look pretty good for it's age/miles.
Gilly

[engatwork]

I agree with gilly - the guy is doing a good job with the ebay posting - showing the worn out stuff, don't you just love that MBTex over the leather. I would think that it would be a prime candidate for a big block Chevy engine .
Other than that it looks like somebody has taken pretty decent care of it. It probably wound not be too much trouble to put alot of $$ into it.

[Ken300D]

Am I a little too protective of my fellow forum members?

Sorry, I meant it more as a general comment to anyone reading the thread that might bid - - -

Ken300D

[Snowman]

Originally posted by Ken300D
There is an ever-growing amount of electronic fraud happening on the Internet. EBay does not authenticate people who register - that is, you can register under any name and phone number you want, they don't check. All you need is a drop-box at Mailboxes Etc. and then get people to send you money orders, cashiere's checks, whatever........

Well actually I recently registered as a seller on Ebay. I had to provide my checking account and a valid credit card. In that sense Ebay does check who you are.

Anthony,

It sems that most of the answers to your post were to proceed with extreme caution. I have to agree with them. It's not that you shouldn't buy this car. It is probably an OK value. Just be prepared to uncover lots of unknown/undisclosed faults after you own it. These repairs can add up or exceed the cost of a really nicely maintained, lower mileage car. even if your mechanical skills are top-notch. Consider also the down-time involved every time you make an unscheduled repair. Since this car is not a rare model, you may be able to find one locally so you will be able to see it first.
Some of the warning signs that would steer me away from this particular car are: aftermarket wheels; did a previous owner really like them or was the car driven over a median? Torn upholstery; someone who is really rough on seats might not be to careful with the rest of the car. Shiny paint; original or repaint? how much damage/rust is behind the paint ?
The list goes on and on. I guess the question to ask yourself is
are you willing to take the risk on that car at that price from an unknown person? Maybe it works out and you get a great car, but just be ready. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but that is whats great about this site. Lots of good advice from those who have been there before. Some of it may sound a little like a lecture, but these guys have saved me a lot of money and trouble, and have made owning a Mercedes a joy.
Good luck