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  #16  
Old 07-05-2013, 08:56 AM
Stretch's Avatar
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Update

Well folks you can all take a deep breath of relief it looks like I've found a rust free enough Mercedes!

I found a dealer who had several options - he said 0,0% rust on all of his cars so I had a choice of a W124 and two W201s. I've gone for a 1992 black W201 with a 1.8 litre engine and a four speed manual gear box. I did find rust but it seems treatable - the dealer beat himself down to a reasonable price (although I know he's made a fair amount of money on the vehicle as it is an import from Germany). Still I don't have the time or the energy to go car shopping in Germany and it most certainly didn't break the bank. I think I'm going to be happy. He's repairing the driver's seat that wears on the outer edge and getting me a new safety certificate (APK / MOT) for a year. I should be able to pick the car up sometime next week.

Thank %$^%%& for that! Car shopping should now be over and done with! I hate buying cars!

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #17  
Old 07-05-2013, 08:57 AM
Stretch's Avatar
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Now I'm off shopping for a 5 speed gearbox and a black leather interior!!!!
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #18  
Old 07-05-2013, 09:14 AM
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You certainly are staying true to your signature line!
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  #19  
Old 07-05-2013, 10:59 AM
Admiral-Third World Fleet
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Central FL
Posts: 3,069
I realize things W201 are very different there, but couldn't you have held out for a funfganger?
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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)
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  #20  
Old 07-05-2013, 10:59 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
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Yes well ermmm I'm also investigating just how close the M102 is related to the cossie engine too!
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #21  
Old 07-05-2013, 11:00 AM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Quote:
Originally Posted by rs899 View Post
I realize things W201 are very different there, but couldn't you have held out for a funfganger?
Wot's that?
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #22  
Old 07-05-2013, 11:03 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Central FL
Posts: 3,069
5 speed (I thought...if not...serves me right for trying to be cute in a languge I don't speak)
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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)
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  #23  
Old 07-05-2013, 12:01 PM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rs899 View Post
5 speed (I thought...if not...serves me right for trying to be cute in a languge I don't speak)
Doh! now I get it - sorry I don't actually speak the language either. When I read the German FSM it seems almost familiar most of the time but that's only because Dutch is a weird combination of German English and French as well as some sort of regional messed up dialect language between the two countries...

...and what do you mean wait for a 5 speed? It took long enough finding any Mercedes without too much rust! I'm counting my blessings. I've seen several 717.412s for sale at about one hundred and fifty notes - seems like a reasonable start and an excuse for a how to rebuild a manual gearbox DIY!!!
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
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  #24  
Old 07-07-2013, 01:28 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix Arizona. Ex Durban R.S.A.
Posts: 6,104
I share your frustration

Glad to hear you've finally found a food one. After some incredible experiences I am of the same opinion as you. The ad, the pictures and the conversation with the seller mean nothing. Only an inspection in person means anything and then expect the worst.

I've seen some incredible things recently. A 300sd 116 that looked good in the pics and was advertised as a runner. When I went to see it it was hooked up to a battery charger but we were never able to get it to start. There was no air left in the front tires at all. The entire exhaust system was lying on the ground under the car in pieces and it looked as if a family of gerbils had inhabited the interior for a few years and tossed a couple of hand grenades into the cabin when they left.

Then there was the 123 300d that I went to see which seemed a lot better. The guy was using it as his daily driver and I arranged to meet him when he got back from work with it. So I figured this looked promising. But no. Looked like the car had been sprayed down with acid and the interior wasn't much better. It shook so badly I doubt there was anything left of any of the mountings on the car at all. But the best part was the oil pressure gauge didn't move at all. Remember he had just returned from work so it should have been fine. So when I looked at the dip stick it was bone dry. Not a hint of oil in the engine. Idiot feigned amazement but curiously just happened to have a a lot of bottles of oil on hand and we managed to get the gauge to register after putting several in.

Then there was the 240d looking great in the pics but stated as having a slight parking lot ding on the right side. Well apart from being quite incredibly badly trashed it looked as if someone had dropped cannon balls on the roof. I mean there were three dents about the size of cricket balls in the roof above the doors and the entire right side had been smashed in along the whole length of the car.

So I no longer have any expectation of honesty or frankly even common goddamm sense from these idiots when I go to look at a car and I try not to to have any hopeful expectations about it.

- Peter.
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2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S
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  #25  
Old 07-07-2013, 02:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretch View Post
Now I'm off shopping for a 5 speed gearbox and a black leather interior!!!!
Well, I settled on a "5-speed with black leather interior" too.......an '06 CDI.

Never thought I'd buy a black interior car, but I love it. It's the black exteriors I will not tolerate.
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  #26  
Old 07-07-2013, 04:47 PM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe View Post
Well, I settled on a "5-speed with black leather interior" too.......an '06 CDI.

Never thought I'd buy a black interior car, but I love it. It's the black exteriors I will not tolerate.
What's up with black paint then?

I've been told it is a bugger to keep clean and looking good...

...is it a Texas gets too hot in the sun thing for you?
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 07-07-2013, 04:52 PM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Quote:
Originally Posted by pj67coll View Post
Glad to hear you've finally found a food one. After some incredible experiences I am of the same opinion as you. The ad, the pictures and the conversation with the seller mean nothing. Only an inspection in person means anything and then expect the worst.

I've seen some incredible things recently. A 300sd 116 that looked good in the pics and was advertised as a runner. When I went to see it it was hooked up to a battery charger but we were never able to get it to start. There was no air left in the front tires at all. The entire exhaust system was lying on the ground under the car in pieces and it looked as if a family of gerbils had inhabited the interior for a few years and tossed a couple of hand grenades into the cabin when they left.

Then there was the 123 300d that I went to see which seemed a lot better. The guy was using it as his daily driver and I arranged to meet him when he got back from work with it. So I figured this looked promising. But no. Looked like the car had been sprayed down with acid and the interior wasn't much better. It shook so badly I doubt there was anything left of any of the mountings on the car at all. But the best part was the oil pressure gauge didn't move at all. Remember he had just returned from work so it should have been fine. So when I looked at the dip stick it was bone dry. Not a hint of oil in the engine. Idiot feigned amazement but curiously just happened to have a a lot of bottles of oil on hand and we managed to get the gauge to register after putting several in.

Then there was the 240d looking great in the pics but stated as having a slight parking lot ding on the right side. Well apart from being quite incredibly badly trashed it looked as if someone had dropped cannon balls on the roof. I mean there were three dents about the size of cricket balls in the roof above the doors and the entire right side had been smashed in along the whole length of the car.

So I no longer have any expectation of honesty or frankly even common goddamm sense from these idiots when I go to look at a car and I try not to to have any hopeful expectations about it.

- Peter.
Thanks Peter,

I've put down a deposit - I hope the deal goes through with out any unforeseen BS - it's not over till the fat lady sings...

...as for looking for a car I found it didn't really matter how much money you want to spend. I was considering vehicles between 1000 euros and 12000 euros. All of them - with the exception of one - were over priced for what they were; all of them have problems. Even the car I've agreed to buy needs a driver's door lock fix and some treatment of rust spots - that's what I know about. However, I've been looking at the cost of W201 spare parts and so far I must say I'm surprised at how cheap they are. I found such a good deal on new disc brakes and pads I nearly bought them before actually getting the car and checking to see if they are needed!
__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 07-07-2013, 05:18 PM
Skid Row Joe's Avatar
Banned
 
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Posts: 7,071
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretch View Post
What's up with black paint then?

I've been told it is a bugger to keep clean and looking good...

...is it a Texas gets too hot in the sun thing for you?
That, dust, too hot because of the dark color, too flashy.......the list is looong. Not in my preference or personal style, that's all....... I think it's (black ext.) great for others though!

Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 07-07-2013 at 06:28 PM.
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  #29  
Old 07-07-2013, 05:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretch View Post
Thanks Peter,

I've put down a deposit - I hope the deal goes through with out any unforeseen BS - it's not over till the fat lady sings...

...as for looking for a car I found it didn't really matter how much money you want to spend. I was considering vehicles between 1000 euros and 12000 euros. All of them - with the exception of one - were over priced for what they were; all of them have problems. Even the car I've agreed to buy needs a driver's door lock fix and some treatment of rust spots - that's what I know about. However, I've been looking at the cost of W201 spare parts and so far I must say I'm surprised at how cheap they are. I found such a good deal on new disc brakes and pads I nearly bought them before actually getting the car and checking to see if they are needed!
Choices. With a range of $$$ that w i d e, you've got a lot of latitude. That's where ya wanna be when shopping for used cars, IMO.
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  #30  
Old 07-08-2013, 01:09 AM
Stretch's Avatar
...like a shield of steel
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
Posts: 14,461
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe View Post
Choices. With a range of $$$ that w i d e, you've got a lot of latitude. That's where ya wanna be when shopping for used cars, IMO.
Well that's what I was thinking. But it still turned out to be pretty frustrating.

I was mainly looking for a second hand Mercedes but I did get involved with other loose females! Most people seemed to be asking way more than the value of the vehicle - some people wanted two or three times as much. I expect every seller to add on a bit of wiggle space on the asking price but not to double or tripple the value of the vehicle. May be I got unlucky but all of the vehicles I went to see in the last three months are still for sale (except for one).

__________________
1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits!
Reply With Quote
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