Choosing my first benz (and car!) - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Holoublahee · #31 05-04-2016, 11:10 PM

Hmm. It seems like interior overhaul is an endeavor I should try to avoid at least early on.

I spoke to the owner of the WA 240d (Mercedes 240D) and she was very nice! The car has documentation for the last 7 years, it has had a good bit of work done on it too. She also offered to send some more pictures which I'll post when I get them. At the moment, it seems like one of the better options available for the price. I would love to have someone go look at it if possible!

Shortsguy1 · #32 05-05-2016, 08:11 AM

Of if you feel like gambling, here is a option:
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/pts/5549781256.html

If the engine runs, you could hire a shop to do all the work to get it safe again (brakes, fluids, etc) and still come out ahead. If the engine doesn't run, you would need to do a lot of work yourself for it to make sense financially.

BWhitmore · #33 05-05-2016, 09:05 AM

Engine and transmission are gone.

Shortsguy1 · #34 05-05-2016, 01:59 PM

Sorry, I was in such a rush that I didn't notice that detail. Thanks for catching it.

He has even sold the brake lights already. So pretty much ignore my prior post. That is what I get for just looking at the pretty pictures and not taking the time to read.

Holoublahee · #35 05-05-2016, 08:17 PM

Hahah yeah I was about the say... anyways, I don't really think that is the kind of project I want to take on.

I think my next move is for that car in WA. Does anyone know of good shops up there that may be able to look at it if I can't find someone here? The car sounds/looks pretty good and I don't want to let another one slip by!

Just a thought, do any of you know how much shipping a car might cost? That seems like it might be a safer option with most of the cars I am looking at.

BWhitmore · #36 05-05-2016, 10:28 PM

I know of a good shop in Portland-MBI Motors, (503) 231-0444. They normally do pre- purchase inspections for $150. If the car is close to Portland, the seller should not have any problem taking it for a PPI.

If you decide to use MBI send them a list of the areas you want inspected.

n10 · #37 05-06-2016, 01:09 PM

Hey Holou...

Just a heads up from Seattle...Port Townsend would be a chore to get a car from. Google map that area and you will see why

There are a few good older Benz mechanics around here that can help you with a PPI but getting there would be interesting.
Continental Motors in Lake City is great for older benzes as well as BenzFrienz in Burien. They are older guys and really know their stuff as they have been working on them forever.

I have had very good experiences with both in the past before I sold my 108

There is a shop in Bellingham that might be your best bet if you go the WA route. I cant post the name because they are not affiliated with Pelican Parts...it got bleeped out.

***EDIT*** Actually nevermind Bellingham is too far north.

Holoublahee · #38 05-06-2016, 02:04 PM

Oh wow! Yeah that seems a bit of pain to get to.

Thanks for the contacts! I'll probably call the owners again and see if they'd be willing to drive it to Seattle. The problem I have is that I am wayyy over in Ohio so getting someone to go look at it for me has been tough. Maybe getting the owners to take is the way to go.

Any ideas of the cost of shipping a car? I'm trying to do a little cost/benefit comparison between shipping it and flying out and driving it back myself. It would be an amazing trip, but I'm worried about taking a car that I am new to on such a long journey. That is probably something I would ask the people doing the PPI to think about while looking it over.

n10 · #39 05-06-2016, 02:14 PM

No worries!

You have a good idea there but honestly I think asking the seller to take it in town might be abit of a stretch. That's a lot of work for someone that might buy the car and is across the country. I think most of them would say take it or leave it.

When I shipped my car out to Idaho I think the guy paid about $300ish. I suspect from WA to Ohio would be around $700-900 depending on the truck and company.

joshhol · #40 05-07-2016, 02:07 PM

When I got my Fin I flew from SF to Seattle, took a bus to Bellingham, and then drove it back. Anything is possible if you are motivated

Holoublahee · #41 05-08-2016, 06:13 PM

I would honestly love to make the trip and its certainly not out of the question--actually preferable to shipping in my eyes. It's really a question of whether or not the car is able to make it. I contacted the seller and I am hoping to talk about it today.

The car seems great, but it may have a few kinks that would need working out before driving the 3000 miles to Ohio. Either way I'd be happy taking the car. Its more of a question of planning how I get it.

gmog220d · #42 05-12-2016, 04:44 PM

No word from the seller in ABQ, not yet anyway. I got here Tuesday evening and sent an email yesterday. I've got a few days to play with. I'll keep you posted.

Holoublahee · #43 05-13-2016, 10:41 PM

Thanks! I do think I've come to an agreement with the owner of the green car in WA. I'd really love to make the road trip, but it is definitely not something I would want to do alone--most of my friends have already sorted out their summer plans so it's been tough finding someone

I also think the most practical thing would be to ship the car as I would be able to keep working during that time and not have to worry about breaking down thousands of miles away from anyone that I know.

Do any of you have suggestions for shipping companies? I've read good things about ABC auto shipping, but I've also heard it's good to shop around. Any options would be great!

Thanks so much for all the help! This has been very exciting and informative.

BWhitmore · #44 05-13-2016, 11:43 PM

Try: Racinman43@yahoo.com

Rick is the owner, great reputation, open or enclosed trailer. Based in So. carolina, makes frequent trips to the west coast.

Holoublahee · #45 05-16-2016, 08:18 PM

Thanks for the contact! I sent an email his way, but no luck. He's doesn't have anything in the Pacific North West at the moment. I also emailed ABC, but I'm still waiting on a response. Other suggestions are welcome and encouraged! I am super excited that this is finally shaping up.

Also, I am realizing I'll need to buy some tools! Any tips on what I should get first? The car is in need of a new speedo cable and a valve adjustment and it'd be pretty great if I could get started doing some work myself! I know I'll probably need some special Z shaped wrenches for the adjustment... Where's a good place to start as far as tools/toolkits go?