ALERT - 6.9 in Spokane Clean? AZ plates

[Blue 72 250]

Not sure about the details, I am planning on seeing the car tomorrow for S&G. If anyone is interested I will give more details tomorrow night when I get home. Any specific pointers other than the obvious would be good (obvious = no rust, no suspension issues, some maintenance records)
From the pictures the paint looks to be in great shape. But the proof is in the puddin'

[280EZRider]

I agree. The paint looks nice. Check to be sure that it is the original paint. If it isn't, go over it w/a fine-tooth comb. Just think how beautiful this car would be with the original bumpers and headlamps! If you buy it, change these.

[Carson357]

Originally Posted by Blue 72 250

http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/601882691.html

Not sure about the details, I am planning on seeing the car tomorrow for S&G. If anyone is interested I will give more details tomorrow night when I get home. Any specific pointers other than the obvious would be good (obvious = no rust, no suspension issues, some maintenance records)
From the pictures the paint looks to be in great shape. But the proof is in the puddin'

nevada plates not AZ

[Blue 72 250]

I went to check her out this morning. She is sitting on a used car lot and was brought into the state via auction direct from NV. I was able to poke around for a while before the "skip" came around and started making noise. Here is my observations.

Body - I was not able to find any rust bubbles on the paint, around trim, in the truck, or near the rockers. In fact the car is almost rust free - i did notice the very smallest rust evidence along the seam by the front jack point. But this rust did not give when i pressed on it with a screwdriver (I did this before "skip" came around. Refrigerator magnet came in handy and proved that the body panels are not filled. There was no sign that she has been repainted. The paint is showing some signs of 30yrs age, and I would venture that she is likely to have the original paint.

Interior - The leather is in pretty good shape. Rear head rests are splitting due to sun. The front seats are soft - did not check the back yet. The interior wood is cracking in the normal spots but they have not been refinished. Climate control is slow to respond, and I have not done a detailed analysis of it yet. The speakers and radio have been hacked.

Mechanical - When Skip showed up he told me that she has been sitting around the lot for about 5 months, and he has not ran her in about 5 weeks. He was surprised of course that I was there and wanted to see her run. So he grabbed the keys. Auto door locks did not function. Car cranked for about 3 seconds and came to life. She was missing on a couple cylinders and never got firing on all 8. I had him drive me around the block and we came back to the lot. She still was missing when I left. 165K miles on the clock

Suspension - Given the reputation this car has for issues in the suspension design and maintenance I paid special attention here. I must admit that I need to do more research on the possible trouble points for the system before I go back for another look. The general appearance of the components seemed to be in good shape. All of the pressure "balls" had clean fittings, tight mounts, and visible rubber was looking good. The car was sitting at the normal height (which I take as a good sign if she had been sitting for 5 weeks like Skip said). When we took her for a spin Skip was happy to run her into the various obstacles which I normally avoid in my 114. She was smooth as butter.

Here is the status as I left the lot.
1. Skip is going to "change the plugs" to get the missing cleared up and give me a call.

2. I am going to do some research (that means get your humble opinion) on the potential problems that I could be overlooking.

3. I am going to go back later in the week after skip gets her running on all 8 and take her over to my local guy to put her up on the lift. At that point I am hoping to have a list of inspection points.

I am hoping to get some help from you guys on a couple of things.

1. The practical side of things - Yes this is a 6.9. I respect the car for the important role it plays in MB history and I would like to own one. However, I am trying to be somewhat practical and don't want to buy a money pit.

What I am looking for is daily driver that will make 15 mile round trips without mechanical worries (my 114 currently fills this role). It would also be fun to take her for more extended trips within the area, but my wife's ride currently is the workhorse of the two. Then when I take her back to Denver (in a year) I want to do the same duty, but a few more miles.

Should I really expect this car to fill that role? Or am I a fool that will be relieved of many $100 bills in the name of a 6.9 daily driver.

2. A punch list of things to check in more detail when I get her up on a lift.

I look forward to your help -

[Blue 72 250]

[cth350]

very nice car. Though at 10mpg, it's not an inexpensive one.

Be sure to join the international m100 club. Some of us hang here a lot (right Al). Others don't. We're at http://www.m-100.cc if you would like to get more advice.

-CTH