1974 MB 280 daily driver? (Newb)

[friendlybunny]

My wife and I have been looking for an older MB for daily driving. There is a local ad for a 1974 280 with 87k original miles and all service records for $2500. It currently drives, but we haven't checked it out yet.

My question is, is this a good model for daily driving or should we be looking for a diesel 80s model, like an 300sd?

Any advice is appreciated, we don't know much about Mercedes.

Also... I don't have a garage, but I do some mechanical work (admittedly poorly).

Thanks!

[TX76513]

If your question is will a 31 year old car be a good dependable daily driver that will require little maintenance then the answer is no. Based on what you posted it would be a very good idea to have this car PPI'd by a mechanic who is familiar with older MB's before you purchace.

[friendlybunny]

Yeah... I know that buying a vintage car is not the same as owning a new Honda. I've heard that some models of Mercedes are more unreliable, and harder to fix than others. The newest car I've ever owned was a 1984 BMW. And I had a 71 Oldsmobile that ran like a tank and was easy to fix. I'm just wondering what to expect with this model MB. I've heard that the 80s diesels can go forever, but I haven't heard much about the 70's 280. I don't mind putting money into repairs every once in awhile, as long as it's cheaper than a car payment.

Thanks for any advice.

[cth350]

The car is a great car, with two notable problems...
- The factory carb is aweful. Be sure to get the car inspected and the emissions tested. Ignore them if they say it's too old to matter. There's a spec. Make sure the car meets it.

- All the 70s mercedes are prone to rust. This one is no exception. Look for and reject holes in the floor or firewall. Also reject holes in the rocker panels (the metal under the doors running from front wheel to back).

That last item would reject 95% of the 70s benzes out there. If you want a daily driver, you don't want the hassle that rust is going to open up for you.

If you want a basic, stable, daily driver then a well maintained diesel or post-1977 fuel injected car will be better than a carb'd one. But again, it's that "well maintained" clause you have to wonder about.

-CTH

[friendlybunny]

Thanks... I'm in TX, so there aren't emissions tests... yet (unfortunately). So I assume there isn't much rust as well. I'll check it out and try to decide.

Thanks,

[250 Coupe]

I use my 1971 250C for a daily driver.

The biggest issues are poor fuel milage and leaking windows.

I get around 13MPG on my 18 mile round trip commute and it may go up to 14! on the highway. Keep in mind I have the 2.8L SOHC six with two carbs rather than the 2.8L DOHC with the four barrel that comes in the 280.

I had the front windshield sealed at an auto glass place and it no longer leaks but I tried to do the rear and of course it still leaks. Even if you don't get much rain there, expect anything in the trunk to get wet when it does rain.

Keep the ignition points clean, they will strand you when they get dirty.

As for maintenance, I tinker with it every few months and that's about it.

My wife says she feels safer in the 250C than she does in her '95 Dodge Stratus. Hmm.

This is my third early 70's MB ('70 250/8, '76 280C, '71 25C) and I'll probably get another.

Michael