She's 17 and she needs surgery!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

euronatura · #1 08-21-2005, 09:45 PM

OK - the topic might of have thrown you but she is still my baby!

1988 W201 - 190e - 2.3L.

She has 167K miles under her hood and she still runs well. But I feel that I need to intern her into a shop! She needs to get her whole suspension redone. I am thinking that she needs at least US$1200.00 of suspension work to make her feel right again.

My question:

Is a 17 yr old car with 167k MILES on her worth the investment?

I could easily go out and get a Kia Sorento Diesel (or something similiar) with the triptronic box and make monthly payments of 300 bills and forget about the old hag. But should I do this or re-invest in her to make her feel young?

Iggy

Tymbrymi · #2 08-21-2005, 10:20 PM

I've spent about $1500 on suspension work for my car (new everything, including driveshaft rubber, and all new rubber...). Did a 90% of the same job on my white SD that my brother now drives... only thing I regret about that is the white SD will never be "nice" to my perfectionist self. It is a dead reliable daily driver though. If you think your car will be nice and are happy with it, spend it. It will make the experience a whole lot better, and you won't have to spend >$2k and buy somebody elses problem.

BrierS · #3 08-21-2005, 10:29 PM

Your signature holds your answer . . . you love the car. Can you do some of the work yourself in order to reduce the cost or would that create more havoc? Ones financial situation enters into the equation. We all understand these are high maintenance vehicles and with that carry a certain price non-MB drivers don't always understand. Have I ever thought, "why am I keeping these when I could go back to new a Toyota and do nothing but oil, filters, and tires"? Certainly but only fleetingly. I happen to enjoy the challenge and entertainment these Mercedes offer. Frustrating at times. Seemingly expensive at times. However, since hobbies always cost something my means of transportation being also a hobby makes it more practical. Best of luck and keep us informed on what you decide to do.
Steve

wbain5280 · #4 08-22-2005, 12:13 AM

Get the proper spring compressor and do the work yourself. I'm redoing my 300SE and while it's tough work, it's quite rewarding.

MTI · #5 08-22-2005, 12:18 AM

I bit the bullet last year, with about 140K miles on an '85 190E, spent about $1K to refurbish the front suspension, Eibach lowering and Bilstein Sports all around, along with tie rods, ball joints, steering damper, bushings and more. It was worth it.

#6 08-22-2005, 01:13 AM

I think its generally better to fix what's already working than to buy a "new" car. My MB needs a little front end work. I don't drive much so it isn't a priority, but its coming. I intend to have it done. These cars are too good to let a little maintenance get in the way.

I also spent about 1500 to get my Explorer up to snuff again. Debated over and over about getting a new car. Finally decided it was better to fix the freakin thing. It aint pretty and it eats gas but the thing starts and runs like nobody's business and it goes over the rough stuff easy.