Can Anyone Help Me!!!
 

I am looking to buy a 1978 450 SEL with about 100k miles for $100. Its in great shape aside from the fact that the reverse doesnt work. Is it possible that I dont need a whole new transmission? And if so...is it worth spending a few thousand on it? How much is this car worth in good shape? I would really like to purchase this vehicle because other than the reverse not working its a great car and i only need it to go short distances a few times a week!

I heard from one person that i might be able to just tighten up some belts under the car and another told me he's never heard of that...i dont want to get screwed!


Thanks for any help you can give me!

Alicia

That car does have an adjustable reverse band. It also has a reverse band servo piston that breaks. Could be one of the above or just a blown seal on the servo piston. All repairable in the car.

Is that $100 or $1000?

I highly doubt it's worth putting a few thousand into it because excellent examples of 450SELs can be found for a couple of thousand. Nice 560SELs are available for $4-5000 which puts a cap on the value of the 450s. These cars are not [yet] worth the cost of restoring them.

These are terrible cars for short trips. They require a hard freeway run from time to time to stay limber and keep the equivalent of cholesterol in check. Stay off the freeway and you might see mpg in the single digits.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

Thats 100...if it needs a new tranny i guess i shouldnt go for it...unless its just the bands...if its not worth fixin ya think i could scrap it for more than that 100?

450
 

How is the front seat and what color? I'm looking for a brown driver's seat. I would buy the whole car for that and the hood orniment. Where in california are you?

the seats are black and there is some damage on the drivers side seat.

Why Not
 

For that price I would just drive it forwards until it dropped. Just think. Park it on a curve and someone will be bound to smack it. Then it has to be worth at least $2499 :D But in case your interested I have a nice 1980 300SD for about $2499 and the tranny is fine.