price means nothing.

what is important is what you want to do with the vehicle.

do you want it as a parts car? or do you want to use it?

if you want to use it, then examine it thoroughly. if there is rust in certain areas, you will want to walk away.

these are cars that benefitted from good care. failing to obtain that, these cars can be comets hurtling through your pocketbook.

i like to describe it this way: in december 1986 i purchased a loaded 560sel new.

today, it operates and appears as if brand new. and there is a reason, over 17 years it has been well maintained. and i know what has been done to it. and have the receipts to prove it.

i could go back and add up the numbers, but my guess is that the car has, on average, cost $2,000+ per year to maintain. if the po has not maintained this car at this level, then you know what you will be spending to put it into daily driving shape. the way i view it, if there is no rust[the presence of which i would consider an excuse for a walkaway] if the car has had no routine maintenance for 10 years, then you can expect to spend $20k-$30k within the first 6-18 months to compensate for that neglect.

the real world.