Age old dilemna
 

Whether to put more $$ into my '86 300E or....? I've owned it since '89, now with 182,000 miles and I've never regretted keeping it "nice". Within the last three years I've done front struts, rear shocks, a/c compressor with conversion to new "freon", rear suspension work, yada yada yada. Now, I'm looking at two front springs (one broken), engine belt tensioner, rear control arms, .....and other work totaling about $1,500. None of this addresses an engine using 1 qt per 1000, and a tranny that leaks a bit. Have I reached the point of no return? I would love to be able to rationalize keeping it.

Your thoughts. Help!

Figure out how much car payments would be for 6 months. Can you repair your car for less?

Best Regards,
Jim

Yes, the repairs would be less than that. But does that make keeping it a good choice?

I don't know if it makes sense or not. I have been at the point of questioning throwing money at my car thinking "I have almost replaced everything, this last fix should do it" HA HA You just start over when everything has been done only once. Of course, you CAN do this if it is a Mercedes.

I have tried buying new cars and trying to make them daily drivers, but I always miss the MB when I am not driving it. So I keep going back.
You look to have plenty of good cars to drive, so your situation is different.

I have been driving a 6.9 for 10 years as a daily ride and no, I don't think that makes sense, but I have to ask myself, what is as much fun as this car when it's running right? I look at repairs as a car payment on something I really like. I have no doubts that this car will run for my lifetime if I keep maintaining it. And when something breaks, I fix it and it runs like a new car again. You can't have that with every other car out there.

I have replaced all items you mentioned and I am an average DIY!
 

All the parts mentioned are not that expensive. As a matter of fact, I still have all the original springs somewhere in my garage which I can let go for cheap :D . The rear control arms are around $30 a piece and normally you just need to replace one on each side. Do a search! The belt tensioner is more involved but, not difficult.
I have been thinking of replacing my car also but, when I looked at the newer vehicles and their PRICES :eek: ... I just keep working on my car and eventually my son will get it. On the other hand, if you are not mechanically inclined and the car is a money pit and/or the car is not safe nor reliable. It is time for it to go...Only you will know that point.
Good luck with whatever you decide!

Since we are all erroring to the side of emotion regarding these cars, ask yourself what would make you happy?

What would it take to make to make you happy with this car? Make a list. Add it up. If it is too much money, then get something else.

Is the tranny leak simply a new pan gasket? $30 +/-

Is the oil consumption the front chain housing seal or a head job? $20 or $600+/-?

There is something I really enjoy about figuring out what my car needs, figuring out how to fix it, fixing it and then enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Maybe inexpensive therapy? (Considering all the hours!)

Haasman

Lots of good advise here. Have pondered the same question myself and always decide for the status quo. For the first time in about 40 years I have no car payment per se, but the repairs are an expense. The truth is that if you are going to drive, it is gonna cost you,,, one way or another. Loving the cars we have now makes the choice a bit easier, and I do most of the repairs myself, having just done the evaporator on the 400E. After that job, you feel you can tackle just about anything. :D

I faced the same decision about 1 1/2year ago with my aging 1989 260E, with close to 400k on the clock. I bought this car back in 1991 (almost 14 years ago) with 20K. on it. I looked around trying to find a newer car (94--95 W124, or a BMW or a Volvos)I even looked at a few Acura. Nothing fit my needs, considering the amount of money I would have to spend to get another used car..
I Finlay decided to revamp my old trusty '89.
Valve job, Rear suspension bushings/arms
Front ball joints and tie-rod-ends, steering damper. 4 new shocks, Engine and transmission mounts, radiator, a new alternator, full tune-up, replaced all lubes and filters, replaced all vacuum tubings, brake job on 4 corners, 4 new tires,...and more.
This was the best $4,000. I ever spent on a car.
In a few weeks, the car is going to the paint shop (still have the original paint on it.
I will keep this car until it literally falls apart......in about 10 years.

Thanks for all your replies and advice. I've pretty much decided to do the repairs and hope that the $$ I've will have sunk into it in the last 3 years does not evaporate in a traffic accident, as no fault insurance will not reimburse me for all the hours and parts that have made the car well again.
:(

I appreciate all your answers. :juggle: It's been.....emotional. :sick2:

Since66

Also let us help you if you needed it......

When you learn, I learn.

Haasman

Last I checked payments on a 2006 E350 would run just under $600 ($579 maybe?) a month. How much does your car cost to run a month over a 12 month period? Ask yourself if the difference is worth a new car to you.

You've put a lot of money into it keeping it running right. Your taxes are low on it, depending on your local, 1 quart every 1000 miles is considered normal by MB standards.

If you can DIY, it's even cheaper.

Keep the car, get replacement springs, fix the trans leak and later, replace the valve seals.

IMHO