Quote:
Originally posted by gilnsammy
I have very little knowledge about working on cars...I do know how to change oil, though (baby steps). I have a good job which supplies a company car. My wife's father is a new car dealer, so she gets a new car every 5000 miles. I have a '94 Toyota Camry to get around on weekends if my wife's working and I have my baby...1985 Ferrari 308...can't fix that either. Basically I want a 2 door Mercedes, older style as I like the classic look. But I need one that is mechanically sound and no rust. I'm not afraid of worn interior as I can always take care of that later. I know that diesel fans want nothing but, I was just wondering about the pros and cons so I can make an informed decision. I see more CDs than CEs around for sale, so if everyone thinks diesels are more reliable than I'll try and get one. I don't much care about quiter and faster...if I want quiter, I'll drive the 4 cyl. Camry. If I want faster, well the choice is obvious. I want a good older MB that won't need much engine work that I can enjoy running around in. On long trips, we'll take the wife's car.
Now that's a little on my situation. I really want an W123 coupe. And if Diesels are truly better, than I'll get one and look forward to being a regular on this site.
Thanks. I look forward to more replies.
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If you would like unique the the 123 coupe 5 cyl turbo diesel is that to say the least. They will be hard to find because there were very few built, and even fewer imported to the US and that also makes them more expensive.
That said I still say the 123 series 240D 4dr sedan is probably the most reliable car ever built, but with only 67 hp 2.4L 4 cyl engine people often shy away. Also it is one of the world's most recognizable cars and I seldom have a day out in the car that youg people don't smile and wave. Like you said you have a Ferrari 308 for speed thrills, a quite Camery, and wife's always with new car. So what you need is something total different and yet fun to drive. The 240D's, they are slow compaired to your other cars, but you are not looking for fast and quite are you.
The old 240D requires you to drive with more detail and plan you launches, but once you get the hang of it you are always ahead of most traffic in the city. The 240D has a very stiff, but smooth ride and goes around corners as if on rails with no body lean if shocks and springs are in good shape. I am in the edge of the Ozark hills and I use to take my motorcycles and one 'vette running the curves, now days it's the 240D. It is just so pleasent of a drive. Once in a while someone starts dogging my tail untill I run them in to a posted 15 to 30 mph curve, and hear their tires squalling and I have never touched the brakes.
However if you have your heart set on a 123 coupe they are out there, and I see a local diesel coupe on occassions. The guy is probably in his mid 70's, so he probably plans on keeping it till he has to go the the nursing home or the other.
He has my name and phone number if he desides to sell, but I'm not holding my breath. He's probably like me, want's to be sitting upright behind the wheel when they bury him.
