Just picked the 190E up from the shop. The list of work is loooong. Not surprising, since she's got lots of hard, really hard miles on the clock
She needs:
engine mounts
various suspension bushings, front end components
SRS computer (kinda optional, as I don't care about the bag firing, but the ETR's would be nice)
alternator is shot, brush set done before, but looks like a new one is going to have to go in this time
rear wheel bearings
both front abs sensors
fan/clutch
the headlamp wiper needs repairing (wouldn't really care, but when the windscreen is washed, the headlamp washer runs the reservoir dry)
flex plate
final drive seals
cam seal
tranny shifts nice, but is getting slow going into reverse. Hhhmmm.
The bill to cover the work I want done is closing in on $4,000. Could rocket to $6-7K with the SRS computer and a tranny redo if required.
Here's my problem. The car is worth $4000-$5500. $5500 is the top, absolute top price for this car with this mileage. I can get $4-4500 in it's current condition. Now, I'm not angry about the list, as this car has seen little care, five owners, and has not lead an easy life. A lesser marque would have been yard-bait long before now. Also, we've put so many klicks on without putting any work into it. I knew it would catch up, but what the hey...
If I put $4000 into the car, I have a car worth $5000. On the other hand, maybe I take the $4500 offer I have for it, the $4000 "repair" budget, and buy a newer car with a value of $8-9K. I spend $9000, but have an asset close to that value, instead of $5K tops?
We're cooling on the Mazda. The service costs are very high, and parts costs are enough to make a Mercedes owner weak-kneed. We drove it, and it's a very nice handling car. Very unlike most Japanese cars. It's not an understeering pig by any means. The guy that tuned the ES300 suspension should drive one. The interior is decent, and room is not in short supply, but there is just something "missing."
Also, since it's "just" a Mazda, you have to pay the high service costs that the Millenia commands, but get 323 service. No loaners, no frills. Yuck.
I think we might strike while the iron is hot (the price is good) and sell the 190E. Maybe. We've got some time to think. The person that wants the car lives outside the city, and just wants a "beater" to run down to the post office and back every morning. He wouldn't need to do too much to get years out of the car. We use the car on busy freeways and with "precious cargo" on board. I wouldn't leave it the way it is now. Anyway, our buyer is on holiday until the 28th of Feb, so it leaves us pondering.
I wonder if any R129 SL's are out there for $10-15K yet?
