The way I look at it is any old car is going to require updating. Nothing lasts forever, radiators last 10-15 years, same with alts, water pumps, trans ect. It seems everything has a 10-15 year or 200k service life, after that flip a coin. If you have a W126 with 250k on it and no suspension work, you are due. However I did do a lot of the repairs because I want the car to be nice and not a beater, the rear window for example, floor mats, sound system, wheels ect. So I probably put $1500 into nice upgrades. Like the shocks and guide rod mounts, you can ignore stuff for a long time the car will drive like crap but it will get you around.

I paid to much for the car that was my only mistake, $2,500 + dealer bs and tax=$2,970. It was a $1200-$1500 car. I have probably what Brian has into his, but he has a little better body on his car. Their are a few dents I need to take care of on mine. Also my front fenders are shot. My paint is pretty good now though. If I keep it (leaning that way) I will probably do 1/3 of the stuff I did last year, I only need a few more things to perfect it. Then in 06 I will cherry the body out.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200