I understand Mateo's point, but with MB's, I disagree.

Yeah, you may buy one for $5,500, but what condition will it be in? When I looked for my MB, I only looked at 93-95 W124's because I wanted the M104 engine. The one I bought was the oldest model I looked at, had the highest mileage, but was nearly immaculate, perfect dealer maintenance record, and an owner who had all kinds of receipts, tips, and two sets of dealer floor mats - winter and summer. Anyone who has looked at used cars will find himself shocked at the poor condition the average used car is in. I must've looked at 2 dozen cars advertised as in "excellent condition", that were barely average to poor. I was begging and pleading with sellers over the phone to be honest about the condition of their cars before I drive up to an hour on a weekend to see it, only to be disappointed.

You would save $2,000 (7,500-5,500) by buying another model, but all of us know how easily it is to sink well over $2,000 in a poorly maintained MB.

Just ask Cap'n Courageous. He has a nice thread going in this tech section right now.

A good car with a good maintenance record is everything. You also get piece of mind.

What dollar value do you put on piece of mind, especially when you are dealing with your children?

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Whenever I've sold my cars, I've asked premium prices.

People always call and tell me I'm too high. I explain that everything's relative, and you should see my car.

My mileage is always too high, as well.

Well, it usually ends up that either a friend of mine, or someone that understands car care buys my car. The former is the most common way I've sold cars.

No matter the mileage, all my cars have meticulous maintenace records, everything works, and interiors are in excellent condition. Since my cars are year-round warriors, they have some rock-chips, but otherwise I don't tolerate exterior damage at all, and my cars, no matter the age, don't have dings or dents.

Tires are never bald, and brakes are kept in perfect condition. Rotors changed at every brake job. All fluids and filters are kept fresh.

The last 190E I sold went for $9500, when there was others available with less miles for $8000-8500. But, my car was head and shoulders above all others, it was a snap to get my price. Pretty much every other 190E for sale at the same time needed at least $3K to get it to where my car was, and who knows what treatment they've received?

It's worth a MINIMUM of $2K to get a well-cared-for car. Everytime.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I bought my daughter an 89 300e three years ago for her 16th birthday so she could drive to H.S. school for $4500. It had 184K on it and the second owner didn't maintain it well. Although it has never broken down on her in three years, I always wished I had gotten a better maintained car just for the piece of mind. P.S. I also put in a CD player and took out the Becker and she loves it. The 86 does not have all the smog stuff on it and is a little easier engie to work on.
Good luck

I have an '86 300E that i paid $4500 for with 126K miles. It is in great shape but after I get done making it perfect I will have probably put anopther 2K into it. So I don't think you will be paying too much. These cars are great!

Well, yesterday I finally pulled the trigger... I bought the '86 300E with 90K.

Within hours of getting the car home, I did a basic inspection of the engine compartment and pulled the air filter (new), removed and cleaned the idle control valve, checked wires/rotor, etc. I also treated the leather seats with Connelly Hide Food. The car looks and runs better than I anticipated!!

Today, I rotated and balanced the tires, discovered new front brakes - but worn rear rotors and pads, and found one cracked head light ring.

Saturday, I plan to do the rear brakes and replace the "bogus becker" deck and speakers. I also plan to change the oil and do an inspection underneath... I don't anticipate any problems - other than a possible flex disk (there's a slight clunk when I shift from drive to reverse).

Anyway, I believe this car will prove to be a good buy at $7,300... only time will tell.

I will attempt to get some pics posted soon. Thanks for all the feedback.

That's Life in the Fast Lane!
Later...........
Paul

Excellent! Thanks for keeping us posted. I think you made the right decision.

Keep is in the loop with your experiences - good and bad - with this vehicle as you pile on the mileage.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I am sure you will have plenty of advice at this site, for any problems (hopefully you will not) that may arise in the future.
In the mean time, enjoy (or you kid) your new toy.

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J.H.
'86 300E

I would keep looking. haste makes waste. I bought a 91 300e for 3,700.00. Have driven it 132,000 miles. have had to replace the evaporator. Big job, moslty labor, dash has to come out. Manufacture should know better. Repairs should be easy but then why would we need to buy new MBs.
jbmcd

jbmcd,
Your post is about 3 years late.

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1999 Porsche 996 Carrera Convertible
1994 420E - SOLD
1986 300E - SOLD, what a car
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