i need some advice
 

this guy wants to sell me a 1993 s 500 mercedes in fair condition for $3500 cash the transmission was rebuilt a month ago. the engine has a little tapping thats what concerns me. its not nocking and it has a lot of power the speed tac says 130000 but i think it ma have stop working. the interior is fair the exterior is in good condition should i buy it. or turn my back and run like hell thanks for the help.

S's didn't come out until 94, so if a 93 this one has to be a 500SEL.

You can undoubtedly find other 15 y/o MB's in excellent condition and that have been taken care of better for equal money.....?

Maybe you should price out some of the maintainence parts (caps/rotors/filters), as well as items that seem to have a high percentage of failure, and then decide if you still want the car.

Myself...? I don't know if I would "run", but I would certainly walk in some other direction.

after the 'regular tune up parts' and a possible cam worn to the extent of the tapping, I wouldnt pay that much money- remember the 12-16mpg should also factor into your decision- for 3500 I have searched and found some nice E class cars- If the car is running bad, and you think it is something like wires, do not conclude that is the total reason. I learned the hard way- after 1500 in "reg parts" turned out there asa a fuel distributor that was needed. ... not pretty-