My neighbor is selling a 1975 450 SEL. The body is in great shape and the car has only 39K miles. He wants $5000. I know nothing about these cars, so I'm hoping that someone can tell me what factors I should consider in deciding whether to buy the car. Any input would be great.

Buzz:

If the body is in good shape and it runs, you've got to decide if a 30 year old car is worth $5000! A bit steep, but if really in excellent condition, OK.

It will get 12-14 mpg, the D-Jetronic injection system is getting expensive to maintain (although it should be in good shape on that car).

Serious concerns are rust at the upper suspension points on the front ("sway bar" mounts, really the upper control arm anchors) -- these cars are notorious for rusting under the weldment. It will be obvious if there is anything wrong, it will drive terribly. If so, it's a parts car.

By this time you are looking at all new rubber -- window seals, trunk gasket, suspension bushings, etc, to take a very good look at those. They die of old age and oil contact.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

I'll second that. Have the car looked at on a lift. No matter how pretty it looks on the ground, start looking under the hood and under the car for rust. Follow the heavy metal bar that holds the upper ball joints from one front wheel to the other. This, you can do in the drive way. Any hint of structural rust there is a bad sign and warrents looking more closely.

In the interest of keeping a good neighbor good, tell him you know him to well to let it possibly get in the way. Let him try and sell it to somebody else. More than likely, the highest offer will be closer to 3k.

And then buy it for close to that if he lets you. -CTH

__________________
- cth350@gmail.com
http://www.111lakeside.com/

I van't remember if only Calif cars had cats hanging on the exhaust manifolds or all U.S. models. If this car is equipped this way, I wouldn't touch it. Besides I have a rule. NEVER HAVE CAR DEALINGS WITH RELATIVES, NEIGHBORS, OR FRIENDS.

Peter

__________________
Auto Zentral Ltd.