Hi everybody, first post here and I'm jumping right in.

I stumbled onto this car:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2439370966&category=6329

I was hoping I could get some thoughts. Let me explain my situation:
This car is potentially for my Dad. He really likes this model and a friend of his gave (dumped on? ) him a 6-cylinder version that , ummm, needs work (it does run). My Dad is not a mechanic, and although enthusiastic, I don't think he is up to the task.
I like this model as well and have been looking at the 280 SEL 4.5 for awhile. Even though I never would have guessed that I could get excited about a sedan, I must confess to have really developed a soft spot for this car (I guess I am preaching to the choir). I have surfed the ads on autotrader and ebay as well as lurking here in an attempt to educate myself. You could say I possess a "novice" level of knowledge. I have been restoring an old Datsun 260 Z, so I am not naive when it comes to old cars. If I didn't have the Z, I would seriously consider one of these cars for myself. So, that's me in a nutshell.

Now.....the car. It isn't perfect but it looks like it will go for under $2000, and I havn't seen any of these models go for that price in this condition. I think it is safe to say that the salvage title is keeping the price down. The seller has done a pretty good job of describing the car and has responded quickly to emails. Considering he is in San Diego, I imagine he has other things to worry about. I don't get a bad "vibe" from him, but I am apprehensive about the thought of buying any car, no matter how nice, under these circumstances. The car would be driven back to Texas.

Sorry for the long post, but I tend to ramble when I write.

thanks in advance,
-Adam

Looks to be a fairly nice example. I'm sure the mileage is 150K at a minimum, which really isn't much for these old gals. I have been assured the bottom end on these V-8's are good for 400K+. Others might fret about a salvage title, I don't think I would but that's me.

Do be warned that 4.5's like to drink. I average 12-13 in town on easy throttle and 15-16 on the highway. Techs familiar with the oldies are getting fewer and fewer, and labor costs will kill you. These cars aren't too difficult to keep up for a DIYer, not sure how they would be for someone who doesn't do their own work.

The 4.5 requires the valve clearances be checked/adjusted every 15K miles. Definitely spring for a PPI is serious about this car.

PS: one of two things is up with the non-op shift indicator. Either the cable to the VDO unit is broken, or it is disconnected at the shift tube. If disconnected it is a 5 minute fix (including adjustment). If broken, the part goes for something like $120.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Thanks Mike. I know they like fuel, but 15/16 on the highway is surprising. I don't suppose the bellhousing from the three speed would fit on the four speed from the six cylinder....ha ha.

BTW, PPI=pre purchase inspection, I assume?

If the body is truly rust-free, then <$2K is a very nice deal. I come from the Northeast, where local rust-free w108's are very uncommon.