1970 280SE -sales value?

[MTUpower]

I just made an offer for this car. (1970 280SE straight 6 FI) It has over $20K in work in the last four years, (then the owner died- perhaps from a heart attack after seeing the $20K bill) but it does have some rust- some, and not horrible. No rust on the undercarriage. The $20K was mechanical- and it drives like a dream- starts right up, purrs like a kitten with NO smoke, brakes and suspension are good. Interior has no major issues, but is not perfect. The dash is cracked, but the wood was redone a bit back. The A/C works great. All the windows work(they ought to- they are manual, as well as wipers, lights, blinkers etc. May need tires soon, and needs a hood star right away. What should I pay? Remember this is a Florida car- prices tend to be cheap, and they are not asking much.

[thebenzbar]

That looks clean, how much did you offer?

[JMela]

Total miles? Service records? How long has it been sitting?

[MTUpower]

Originally Posted by JMela

Total miles? Service records? How long has it been sitting?

I think it has around 100K miles- but I forgot to write it down. The owner died and his wife drove it infrequently, and then her neighbor did a little. The major receipts were in 05 and 03 and the engine bay look very nice. I did not see any old things in there- new hoses, new rubber etc. The work down was on the engine, the suspension and related areas. I offered $1500. It needs tires within a 20K miles if not sooner due to age not tread, and perhaps brake pads. My indie and my wife are against the purchase, but not strongly, and neither know the price I offered. I think it'll be a good infrequent recreational driver for some time after my first test drive that went so well. I did not get over 45 however, and did not drive it long enough to overheat it if there would be an issue there. It did come up to operating temp. The gear selector on the dash did not work- but the tranny shifted without issues- both up and down. It's a automatic tranny.
VIN 0801812062795

[sjefke]

Compare that with the other 108 280SE for $14,500 in Discussion: Is this W108 worth the price? and I think you cannot go wrong (famous last words...).

I would probably buy it for $1500 if it were in Atlanta.

Bert

[thebenzbar]

I agree, I am also contemplating on two different clean 108s... neither are priced higher than 1500. {peer pressure}

[MTUpower]

Here's the one I "bid" on, and here's another one that sounds like it's in better shape as far as the body an perhaps interior after talking with the owner, but I have not seen it.

[wolf_walker]

I'd call that a steal for 1500. Do the rest of us a favor and don't tell anyone you paid so little if you get it eh?

I just saw one identical to it in the salvage yard near here today, color and all. Isn't it amazing how beautiful these cars still are even in states of disrepair?

[thebenzbar]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

Here's the one I "bid" on, and here's another one that sounds like it's in better shape as far as the body an perhaps interior after talking with the owner, but I have not seen it.

I have personally seen the first one (gold 1970) and I have pics of it... it has sporadic rust problems & shoddy body repairs all over top to bottom and front to back... interior is tired too... it's not worth paying more than 1K (to me). Here's his ad before when he wanted more (see attached).

The white one is worth a look, I haven't checked it out. As an alternative if you're ready to pull the trigger, PM me... I know 2 nice examples.

[MTUpower]

Originally Posted by JMela

Total miles? Service records? How long has it been sitting?

What are the things that will stop it from being a good recreational driver?

[MTUpower]

Originally Posted by thebenzbar

I have personally seen the first one (gold 1970) and I have pics of it... it has sporadic rust problems & shoddy body repairs all over top to bottom and front to back... interior is tired too... it's not worth paying more than 1K (to me). Here's his ad before when he wanted more (see attached).

The white one is worth a look, I haven't checked it out. As an alternative if you're ready to pull the trigger, PM me... I know 2 nice examples.

The white one is a non FI engine- and I'd think that would be less desirable- plus it's not running. PM sent.

[JMela]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

What are the things that will stop it from being a good recreational driver?

Well, sitting for years and years is can cause FI system probs. Your offer sounded like a good price. Let us know how it turns out!

[pj67coll]

That bill sounds like it includes a complete engine and suspension rebuild. If that's the case and if the body is basically sound I'd certainly take it at that price. The interior is all cosmetic stuff that can be addressed over time. Would make a nice project based on sound mechanicals. These are GREAT cars. One of the nicest Benz ever made.

- Peter.

[MTUpower]

I'll know by Sat- I'm still 50/50 and I have to make a commitment soon. Please folks keep chiming in - the benzbar says it's worth a grand to him, but if it's a good recreational driver I thinkj it'll be just fine for around town stuff while I fix the wife's car and perhaps even good enough to take to NY when I go next summer. It'll be worth more money up there than here in FL if I want to sell it.

[thebenzbar]

I mentioned a grand because of the rust issues but your 1500 offer is still a reasonable albeit "ceiling" price since you mentioned it's mechanically sound. I figured 1K because thousands more will be needed for interior and exterior cosmetic issues if you plan to go all the way in refreshing it. I'm also comparing it to the two I looked at so it's my subjective viewpoint. But for a great running 108, I agree with you on the 50/50 contemplation. It's been on CL for many months so you have time to sleep on it a little more if you're still unsure. If you need an extra set of eyes firsthand, just let me know... it's not too far away from me as long as I'm not busy.