PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Found a local 1985 500SEL w/106K $3800- better than 1987 420SEL w/178K for $2995?

86560SEL · #6 08-03-2004, 11:58 PM

I know you did not mean to sound rude- don't worry about it. I know when someone types a message here - it is easy to type something that sounds rude, but is actually not. I heave read a lot of your replies to other topics and I know that it is just the way you reply and you mean nothing bad by it.

Actually- you are right- I am really not sure of what to buy, which is why I have been slowly gathering opinions on different models. I am also considering many other cars besides Mercedes.

I passed on that 86 560SEL needing a transmission, not only because it was going to cost $2000 for a transmission rebuild, but because the woman said the car was out of gas and she could not get any- which seemed strange to me. I am guessing something was also wrong with the engine as well, so I passed. I passed on the local 87 420SEL, because I was hearing discouraging reports about it- that led me to believe I would have $1000s invested in a 17 year old car.

I have talked to one of my uncles who has a early 90s Mercedes 300 gasoline wagon. He has owned several Volvos and diesel Mercedes, as well as gas models. His son has a 85' BMW 633i, which is also a good car, but since my last BMW was a junker, I am trying to stay away from BMW. My aunt (his wife) only drives Volvos- which are also good, but I am not crazy about the styling on the older models, although I really like the 99 S80 sedans- which I am also considering. He said I would be better off getting a older Mercedes diesel model if I buy a German car, especially for what I would be using it for- which is really what I wanted anyway. So- I guess I will continously search for a good 81-85 300SD locally.

Thanks again for the information. You always have good, helpful information and I value your opinions. This is a great site that seems to offer a lot of folks help.