what's s decent price for a 1975 450SLC? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chetbaker · #1 10-26-2004, 03:25 PM

I was so excited about a 79 300sd (turbo) but took it to my mechanic this morning and he was really against my purchasing the car. oil leak, transmission shudder and he hates deisel. lol. so...there's goes that car.

anyway, he recommended the 450 series (specifically the 78-79 years - said they just run and run)

i live in LA and just saw a silver grey (navy interior)1975 450 slc. only 119,000 miles. automatic. sunroof. after this year (in california) i won't have to worry about smog certification.

what is a good price for this vehicle?

i assume it's the original transmission. but shocks, brakes, tubes and filters have been upgraded and changed.

body looks great. no dents. paint in really good condition. interior leather looks great. i would be the third owner.

what should i be aware of when looking at this? how much is too much for this car?

300SDog · #2 10-26-2004, 07:12 PM

Practically all Vintage MB's bleed a little oil. Cant remember seeing an immaculate dry lower engine casing/sump on any Vintage MB's I've owned. And tranny "shudder" is probably engine & tranny mounts, thats all. If the guy is ignorant/disdainful of diesels, then you took it to the wrong shop.

How much can you actually afford to spend? Cut that figure by 50% for "unknowns" that you discover in the first couple of years. Stuff like bad high dollar muffler system, rubber suspension bushings, suspension ball joints, motor mounts (again), valve work, timing chain, injectors, etc.

And if the resulting figure (half of what you can actually afford) is less than $2,700 then figure it might be some kinda deal that might work out. I dunno the California market, but that's my advice if you rely on professional maintenance for a fine 30 yr old Benz that's probably got another 150k miles of life in it (at least) on top of 150k miles that are already on the odometer.

Chetbaker · #3 10-26-2004, 08:17 PM

How much can you actually afford to spend? Cut that figure by 50% for "unknowns" that you discover in the first couple of years. Stuff like bad high dollar muffler system, rubber suspension bushings, suspension ball joints, motor mounts (again), valve work, timing chain, injectors, etc.

And if the resulting figure (half of what you can actually afford) is less than $2,700 then figure it might be some kinda deal that might work out. I dunno the California market, but that's my advice if you rely on professional maintenance for a fine 30 yr old Benz that's probably got another 150k miles of life in it (at least) on top of 150k miles that are already on the odometer.

are you talking about the 75 450slc?

i've been alternately excited and scared out of my mind (i'm a writer so please forgive the hyperbole) by happy owners and horror stories.

the owner is asking $5000 but is open to negotiation. are these cars REALLY ONLY for the DIYers? I'm really looking for a cool daily driver (with the occasional trip up to northern california)

i'm truly open to advice.

thanks

ctaylor738 · #4 10-27-2004, 11:01 AM

Sounds like a nice car.

One downside is that this year is the one with the under-hood catalytic converters or thermal reactors or some such trouble.

A second is that the SLC is sort of a poor cousin in the 107 world - not a lot of demand, especially in sunny California. Lots on the market, few buyers.

deanyel · #5 10-27-2004, 11:08 PM

It sounds like you want something a little bit different, and a 1975 SLC is that. With proper maintenance the car can go a long ways - 300k - 400k easily. But this "proper maintenance" thing cries out for a mechanic or a devoted, semi-skilled DIYer. A "good" price for the car would be free, which isn't likely. It clearly isn't worth anywhere close $5,000 - I doubt if an SL of that era would bring that. You're going to have to make him an offensive offer to have any hope of this being a viable proposition - maybe $2,000, or with larger cajones $1500. And even then you are going to have to either a) become an enthusiastic, if not skillful DIYer, or b) accept the fact that riding in classic transportation is at least as expensive as a new Camry, and a lot more trouble. On the upside if it's a disaster you could have something to write about.

ctaylor738 · #6 10-28-2004, 08:24 AM

That's very good advice. These cars are expensive to maintain, and hard to sell, so don't be afraid to make an offer in the $2000 range.