so i was heading down the road last week and with great suprise saw a mid-80s s class sitting on the side of the road out in front of one of the local ford dealerships.

apply brake, u-turn

not a diesel, turns out it's a 1984 500SEL

i have been shopping for an '84 or '85 300SD and getting the run around. cars are all either in florida (2700 miles or $1000+ shipping) or they're overpriced, some to the tune of double.

does anyone have any comments on the '84 500SEL ? i know very little about old gasoline engine mercedes, i haven't researched them a bit. here's the kicker. the car only has 87,500 miles. what is more important to a gas engine, age or mileage? is that particular vehicle known for any failures or annoyances? what kind of fuel economy is it likely to get?

i haven't taken it for a test drive, but i sat in it and turned it on and it fired right up. things i noticed were rear passenger side window didn't work, AC didn't work (looked under hood i think there's no belt), not sure if heat worked as i didn't have it on all that long, some of the trim by the steering wheel was coming off but i think super glue would fix that ....

here's what i'm thinking. their business is new fords. not mercedes, and DEFINITELY not old mercedes in need of repair. the sales guy i talked to had no clue whatsoever about the car, and pretty much just wanted it off the lot. the moons are clearly aligned in my favor on this one . i might be able to get it for a song. and i can always buy a 300SD in a year or two.

is there any glaring reason why i SHOULDN'T buy that car, if the price is right? i really like the body style, and my 240d is only getting 16 miles to the gallon anyway so it wouldn't be much of a difference in the cost of my weekly commute (i think), and it is SURELY a pimp ride.

i would of course take it to a mercedes mechanic and have it inspected before i made them a (lowball haha) offer.

comments / thoughts please.

--Nick