what u guys think??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stcbenz83 · #1 09-07-2006, 12:58 PM

ok i admit, im a diesel head and currently drive a 240D euro. But i was looking on craigslist and couldnt pass this up without wonder. tell me what u guys think deal or no deal and y

thanks

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/car/203728573.html

Mark DiSilvestro · #2 09-07-2006, 01:26 PM

Well, it's a Mid-Western 'Rust-Belt' car. Rust is the killer of most Fintails. If you're considering this one for anything other than a parts car, you need to go look at it yourself first. Especially - check for rust-through at the rear unibody chassis where the rear axle trailing arms are bolted on below the rear seat area. Also inspect the front subframe/crossmember leaf springs where they fasten to the front unibody at either side of the radiator. And check the oil pressure guage with the engine hot. At idle, it shouldn't go much lower than about 15, and pressure should quickly & easily rise to max as it's revved up. Note: The old oil may have thinned out from gas dilution, so an accurate pressure check may require an oil change first. I wouldn't run anything thinner than 10W40 weight.

Happy Motoring Mark

rs899 · #3 09-07-2006, 01:27 PM

Boy, that looks like a lot of work. I really don't know much about finbacks (yet), but if I were within a close tow of that car I would probably go for it. I'm sure one of the more experienced vintage guys will pipe up.

Rick

Tomguy · #4 09-07-2006, 01:55 PM

RUN AWAY.

$500 for a $5000 car if it's in fully restored condition that will cost you at least $5000 in parts ALONE to get there.

You're looking at spending at LEAST $1500 to get it up to daily driver status on TOP of the $500 purchase price (carb rebuild, exhaust, brake lines, brake pads, rotors, fuel tank cleaning, tail lights, tires, etc etc!)

Just pass it by, MUCH nicer examples of this model or other 111's are available for the same or only $500 more. They will already have most of that work done and be in driving condition at least.

rs899 · #5 09-07-2006, 02:14 PM

The wildcard with a lot of these "rare" deals is location, location, location. Sure there may be a better one, but where? If it's not in an inspectable location, you are relying on the "goodwill" of the seller to provide an "honest" description or an fair representation with an assortment of photos. Then , if you commit without a visual inspection you may compound the error by having a car hauler bring you a parts car. It's a problem. Anybody can make a $500 car look like a $5000 car on Craigslist or ebay with $5 worth of rattle can paint. It sucks.

Tomguy · #6 09-07-2006, 02:32 PM

Although it sure is possible to do worse than that, you'd have to make some pretty bad mistakes on eBay or CL to do worse! If you do want a vintage benz, patience IS your friend - take it from me.

snp8990 · #7 09-07-2006, 03:05 PM

Certainly,there are better fintails you can even get the 220S or 230S model's that are in running condition for a around 2 grand.More restored models go for around 5 or 6 grand on average.I too was considering a restorable fintail before I bought my 1968 230S and I realized its just to much work.

snp8990 · #8 09-07-2006, 03:11 PM

Also,a forum member,is selling his 1968 230S that used to be mine.Its had alot of work put into it and is ready to be driven anywhere and it looks awesome too.