why are used wagons so much $? and hard to find? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tonkovich · #1 08-12-2008, 02:19 AM

did they not make very many? especially the gasoline variety? are the fixtures gold-plated? help! i may have to buy a.....yes, one of those swedish things. i have actually um test-driven a few. (the shame, the horror)

iwrock · #2 08-12-2008, 03:30 AM

Which wagons, the Swedish wagons or the German wagons?

tonkovich · #3 08-12-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Which wagons, the Swedish wagons or the German wagons?

benz wagons = big dollars, good cars

swedish wagons = not so big dollars, not so good cars

iwrock · #4 08-12-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonkovich

benz wagons = big dollars, good cars

swedish wagons = not so big dollars, not so good cars

I know the diesel wagons are priced astronomically.....

Old Volvo wagons are pretty cool though....

Gas Benz Wagons can be had for cheap....

SwampYankee · #5 08-12-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonkovich

did they not make very many? especially the gasoline variety? are the fixtures gold-plated? help! i may have to buy a.....yes, one of those swedish things. i have actually um test-driven a few. (the shame, the horror)

It's just a matter of supply and demand. I think that most wagon owners tend to hold onto them longer, since they generally don't outgrow them and they are versatile, and when you throw the diesel durability and longevity on top of that it keeps even more of them off the market.

Sometimes it just takes $h!t luck. I got mine when I asked the owner if he was interested in selling it after I saw it parked in a parking lot in front of an office for a good year and a half. He, for all intents and purposes, gave it to me to get it off his insurance and town taxes (it was assessed at $6K on my recent tax bill despite the fact that I paid 1/60th of that and I'd say it's probably worth about $2K in it's current condition).

Keep an eye out and approach owners if you happen to come across them. Don't be afraid to talk to them, most of them are happy to talk even if they aren't interested in selling. Mention that you're looking for one and give them a number to call you at if they happen to come across anything. Do some networking. A lot of times the best deals are the ones that haven't made it to the classifieds yet.

What years and fuel types are you targeting?

Mistel · #6 08-12-2008, 08:01 AM

I have true Euro wagon that I may be considering selling. Manual everything,(except tranny) diesel 156k miles. I am working on an electric car as a local daily driver, so the wagon might go when it is finished. Progress has been slow on the EV!

nh500sl · #7 08-12-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonkovich

benz wagons = big dollars, good cars

swedish wagons = not so big dollars, not so good cars

Okay, I agree with you that benz wagon are good.

However the real volvos...aka non-fordvos are great. Give me a 122,140,240,740or940 and I would be very happy to own one. Heck I own three volvo wagons as I speak.

MBaholic · #8 08-12-2008, 11:01 AM

I started with an Volvo 1800 ES so I had an early taste of wagons that could drive like normal cars but have all the added practicality. I owned a 240 wagon that after substantial IPD parts upgrades to the suspension, would rival a Benz for high speed stability plus on/off ramps. My current 300 TDT (124) will eventually be restored to new condition just because it is just the right size for nearly anything. It only sounds like a diesel at start and waiting for a light to change, after that it is just as quiet on the road as a gas sedan and as mentioned, gets tremendous fuel economy. I know I couldn't replace it for what I have in it, which supports the value proposition.

SwampYankee · #9 08-12-2008, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistel

I have true Euro wagon that I may be considering selling. Manual everything,(except tranny) diesel 156k miles. I am working on an electric car as a local daily driver, so the wagon might go when it is finished. Progress has been slow on the EV!

Mistel, any details on your EV project? I've always been interested in the process and someday hope to have the time to tackle one.

And your wagon has piqued my interest as well.

el presidente · #10 08-12-2008, 11:21 AM

Wagons just look, well, cool....

Chad300tdt · #11 08-12-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el presidente

Wagons just look, well, cool....

How about a few more pics and additional info on that E320 Estate. It looks minty.

el presidente · #12 08-12-2008, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

How about a few more pics and additional info on that E320 Estate. It looks minty.

I bought that car last year (very late (10/1995) manufacture). It was a 2-owner car from California, located in Jacksonville, FL at the time. 107K miles the day I picked it up. Passed smog the day I drove it home. Been a great kid-hauler to date!

el presidente · #13 08-12-2008, 12:23 PM

Wagon fans!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn19Qj5jtf4

SwampYankee · #14 08-12-2008, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el presidente

Wagon fans!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn19Qj5jtf4

Sad to watch.

tonkovich · #15 08-12-2008, 12:53 PM

gee, i finally posted a thread that got responses. am i getting smarter or is it just dumb luck? probably the latter.

hey, i am looking for a gas model (sorry diesel lovers, but hey, its less competition for you), for about $8k. i am on the west coast, and appreciate all the responses (tho not the pictures of the late model wagons, especially the black ones; i believe envy is one of the seven deadly sins; if so, guilty as charged)

so tell me - please - what to avoid, i.e. 4matics? rust prone models?

thx