Anyone in Pittsburgh to assist in a PPI? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

nhdoc · #1 10-10-2007, 04:41 PM

Any board members out there who can save me a trip to look at a car in Pittsburgh? Maybe even drive it to NH? It is a 1979 300SD. PM me directly if you can help!

RML · #2 10-10-2007, 07:13 PM

I am just north of Pgh and would be glad to help if I can. I also called a local guy recently who was advertising an 85 300SD with about 275K on it. I talked to him on the phone about a week ago but I do not have the room, time or money for another car now. Maybe it would be of interest to you as well. I'll PM you.

Richard

darkman · #3 10-10-2007, 09:40 PM

Hi,
I'm not in the 'Burgh right now... Would be glad to help if I could.

Thanks for stopping by

my site.

nhdoc · #4 10-16-2007, 07:12 PM

I am off in the a.m. to pick up my "new" W116. It's been pre-screened by one of our very helpful board members (thanks RML!) who declared it to be in "pristine, near showroom condition" so I will fly in and pick it up in the afternoon, have it checked and minor service done at his local mechanic's shop and hit the road on Thursday morning back to NH...with any luck I'll be back in time for dinner. Here's its listing for anyone interested in seeing it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=320165931507

A one owner car with at least some service records and looks from the photos to be quite original...right down to the radio.

RML · #5 10-16-2007, 08:47 PM

Marty:

Did I forget to tell you it doesn't have an engine? Woops!!

Richard

nhdoc · #6 10-16-2007, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RML

Marty:

Did I forget to tell you it doesn't have an engine? Woops!!

Richard

No Biggie...I think I know where to find one close by...in YOUR driveway

suginami · #7 10-16-2007, 09:39 PM

Looks like a beautiful car. I have always been a fan of the W116 chassis.

funola · #8 10-16-2007, 09:49 PM

nhdoc, Looks like a clean car and a good deal. Wonder why it only received 2 bids? Is it because the seller has zero feedback?

Also like to know (if you're willing to discuss) how you did the paperwork buying a car out of state and driving it back ($transaction/regi/ insurance etc).

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

I am off in the a.m. to pick up my "new" W116. It's been pre-screened by one of our very helpful board members (thanks RML!) who declared it to be in "pristine, near showroom condition" so I will fly in and pick it up in the afternoon, have it checked and minor service done at his local mechanic's shop and hit the road on Thursday morning back to NH...with any luck I'll be back in time for dinner. Here's its listing for anyone interested in seeing it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=320165931507

A one owner car with at least some service records and looks from the photos to be quite original...right down to the radio.

pizzachef · #9 10-16-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

nhdoc, Looks like a clean car and a good deal.
Also like to know (if you're willing to discuss) how you did the paperwork buying a car out of state and driving it back ($transaction/regi/ insurance etc).
Good luck!

I got my wagon off ebay from a mechanic in Delaware who buys/fixes up/sells german cars. He had a dealers liscense and could give me a temporary tag...that was convenient.

Then I sold my other car to a guy in Maryland, and he borrowed my liscense plate and registration to drive the car back and get it inspected/registered. Don't know how safe that would be with someone you don't know, but he had his own insurance...there probably would have been some kind of hassle though if something would have happened on his way home.
-Geoff

nhdoc · #10 10-16-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

nhdoc, Looks like a clean car and a good deal. Wonder why it only received 2 bids? Is it because the seller has zero feedback?

Also like to know (if you're willing to discuss) how you did the paperwork buying a car out of state and driving it back ($transaction/regi/ insurance etc).

Good luck!

I think you hit the nail on the head...zero feedback seller, no details in the listing and mediocre photos. All add up to more trouble than it is worth for most bidder. But I had seen this car in Hemmings and spoke with the seller so I knew a bit more about it than most bidders did.

As for the process, I simply bring cash and a set of valid plates off one of my other cars, pay the seller and have him sign the title, mount the plates and drive off. No muss no fuss. I'll register it once I get home. Never been caught (yet) and drive with a light pedal so as to minimize the risk. I carry the signed title and the registration that matches the plates just in case so I can explain that the plates are mine and valid, just not for this particular car. If I wanted to go the extra mile I'd get a temp plate from the state which they will provide with a bill of sale but I find this works best for me. I generally don't pay for a car until I have seen it so I can't register it before I go to pick it up.

Insurance is automatic once I buy a car I have 30 days coverage but in most cases I simply notify the insurance company of my plans and they add the car the day I pick it up.

funola · #11 10-16-2007, 10:44 PM

I have done that many times in the past and got stopped once in a real beater of a VW bus. This was many years ago and I was lucky that time. I explained to the state trooper exactly what I was doing and he let me go. Told me to get off the first exit and get it towed. I got off the exit, waited a while and took another chance and drove home.

Not sure if true but slapping plates on from another car carries a stiffer penalty than no plates. But then no plates attracts more attention so what are ya going to do?

They certainly don't make life easy for us.

What about having insurance on a vehicle not registered in your name (yet)? Did you check if coverage will be provided in case of an accident?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

I think you hit the nail on the head...zero feedback seller, no details in the listing and mediocre photos. All add up to more trouble than it is worth for most bidder. But I had seen this car in Hemmings and spoke with the seller so I knew a bit more about it than most bidders did.

As for the process, I simply bring cash and a set of valid plates off one of my other cars, pay the seller and have him sign the title, mount the plates and drive off. No muss no fuss. I'll register it once I get home. Never been caught (yet) and drive with a light pedal so as to minimize the risk. I carry the signed title and the registration that matches the plates just in case so I can explain that the plates are mine and valid, just not for this particular car. If I wanted to go the extra mile I'd get a temp plate from the state which they will provide with a bill of sale but I find this works best for me. I generally don't pay for a car until I have seen it so I can't register it before I go to pick it up.

Insurance is automatic once I buy a car I have 30 days coverage but in most cases I simply notify the insurance company of my plans and they add the car the day I pick it up.

nhdoc · #12 10-17-2007, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funola

What about having insurance on a vehicle not registered in your name (yet)? Did you check if coverage will be provided in case of an accident?

Title proves ownership, so once the title is signed over I would think the insurance company would be on the hook. In fact I just read the Hagerty policy and it does not make any mention about a requirement that a vehicle be registered, only owned by the insured person. It does say that in order for the collision coverage to be in effect it needs to be a listed car so you can't use the 30 day coverage and expect them to pay for damage to the insured vehicle itself. I already applied for coverage, effective today on the W116...so I am all set. They accepted my estimate of its value for agreed upon coverage.

NH82W123 · #13 10-17-2007, 08:37 AM

Hi Marty,

If you don't mind my asking, who's your insurance carrier? I have Liberty Mutual, and when I signed up my W123, they wouldn't discuss the value of the car for agreed-upon coverage. Rather, they would only say that the value was "probably close to NADA" and that they would determine the car's value at the time of a future claim if necessary. Apparently, they just plug the VIN into a computer and it spits out the premium rates.

Safe travels today. I work in Nashua, so I'll be on the lookout for your new W116.

Charlie

hitwtom · #14 10-17-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

I am off in the a.m. to pick up my "new" W116. It's been pre-screened by one of our very helpful board members (thanks RML!) who declared it to be in "pristine, near showroom condition" so I will fly in and pick it up in the afternoon, have it checked and minor service done at his local mechanic's shop and hit the road on Thursday morning back to NH...with any luck I'll be back in time for dinner..

Don't be in such a rush to leave Pittsburgh. Take some time and see some of the city. I grew up there but hadn't been back for about 30 years until this past April for this http://www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com/6746108221812390/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=53151 What a great weekend. I would recommend it next year for anyone, although Mercedes won't be the featured marque. If anyone is interested the burgandy and gray 170 was a diesel. Very nice car.

nhdoc · #15 10-17-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NH82W123

Hi Marty,

If you don't mind my asking, who's your insurance carrier? I have Liberty Mutual, and when I signed up my W123, they wouldn't discuss the value of the car for agreed-upon coverage. Rather, they would only say that the value was "probably close to NADA" and that they would determine the car's value at the time of a future claim if necessary. Apparently, they just plug the VIN into a computer and it spits out the premium rates.

Safe travels today. I work in Nashua, so I'll be on the lookout for your new W116.

Charlie

My collection is insured with Hagerty. They are not daily drivers so I have collector's insurance on them.

Today was a mixed bag of luck. My travel plans went flawlessly and I was everywhere when I expected to be...at the car by 2:00 - paid, signed the papers, mounted the plates and drove off about 2:20. The car was very nice indeed (more details on that when I get home). We stopped at Richard's mechanic and I immediately noticed a tire which I didn't like the looks of that had obviously been run close to flat and the sidewalls were badly scuffed. The tech didn't think I would have trouble making it home but alas he was wrong. I don't know precisely how far I got but it wasn't more than about 30 miles when I noticed the wheel shaking, first it was subtle then more violent. I spied and exit off the turnpike and took it...by the time I reached the end of the ramp it was completely disintegrated. Fortunately there was a good spare in the trunk as well as a jack and lug wrench. 5 minutes later I was on my way to a Sears that was only a few miles off the turnpike where I got 4 brand new tires fitted and booked a room for the night across the road from the mall. Tomorrow AM I will get an early start and be in NJ for lunch with my ailing mom.