ok, operating on the "buy the best vehicle out there" theory, have a chance to buy 95 c280 for $1500 , 100k miles, very good condition.

however. seems like a smaller version of w140, with all the attendant over-engineered issues soon to come?

i will find out about wiring harness, ac, trans issues today.

any other issues to explore/ beware of?

or should i run, not walk, very fast?

You want to check the wiring harness for the issue you know about already. Check for head gasket leaks, which are a very common issue with M104 engined cars from that timeframe. Make sure the a/c blows cold because a/c repairs can get into the region of the price you're paying for the car. Also check the lower control arm bushings to see if they are cracking - that is potentially a $700-800 repair to replace them all (although it is probably cheaper to just buy new control arms with the bushings pressed in already and change the entire thing).

My 94 C280 has the same mileage as the one you are considering it. Once I got it sorted out it has been reliable. I enjoy driving it and it still feels very solid. My wife's W210 wagon feels like a whale by comparison. If you can verify that the car was well maintained and there aren't any glaring issues I think you'd be doing quite well at $1500. If you can DIY things like oil changes, spark plugs, brakes, etc then you'll have an easy time owning the car.

__________________
Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

thanks for the response.

excuse my ignorance (if u dare ) and clue me in on lower control arm thing. this would be steering, i assume (hey - there are no dumb questions, no?)

(btw-my lady love is from toronto. and my rock and roll music friend has a place there too. maybe you are los angeles' sister city?)

oh, and on head gasket, am i to invest in? some sort of somewhat arcane test i heard about involving radiator? or just check exhaust and oil filler cap and pray?

ok . many questions.