E320 Wagon - I'm being tempted

[JenTay]

Someone is offering me a 1994 or so E320 wagon with only 160,000 miles for only $1500. I think it was the last year of the straight 6 on the old body style. There is nothing wrong with it other than the a/c is shot. Apparently, it is $2000 job. I know the seller and the car has been dealer maintained. No accidents.

If i buy this car, I'll have 2 cars which I don't really need. But I feel like I should not pass on this deal. I could always sell it late and get my money back, right? Income-wise, I can afford it but help me out.

Give me your recommendations.

[Hatterasguy]

I'd buy that in a second. It must need an evap core, that would probably cost about $2k to have a dealer do.

[Chas H]

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

I'd buy that in a second. It must need an evap core, that would probably cost about $2k to have a dealer do.

I've heard flat rate to change an evaporator on a 124 is 22 hours. Add to that the cost of the evaporator ~$850, plus a drier ~$125, plus recharge, shop expenses etc and you're well over $3K.
And don't forget the wire harness or the rear suspension accumulators.

[MBeige]

So it's basically a $3500 1994 E320 with ice cold A/C

Get it!

[JenTay]

ok. i'm buying it. what the hell. it's a gas motor and i love my diesel but some deals are too good to pass up.

perhaps driving two cars will extend the life of both cars somehow. don't you think?

the money i save by not having to buy a new car in the next ten years will instead go into savings or my vanguard index funds.

[Dee8go]

You've got a spare tire, right? Now, you'll have a spare car. That sounds wise to me. Besides, Jen, now you've got that baby and all the baby crap to haul around everywhere. You NEED a wagon!

[rs899]

..and you might even consider changing that evaporator core yourself- especially if you have small hands. That's got to be one of those fiddly jobs that the dealer does't want to mess with .

[JenTay]

Originally Posted by rs899

..and you might even consider changing that evaporator core yourself- especially if you have small hands. That's got to be one of those fiddly jobs that the dealer does't want to mess with .

really? is this is pretty straightforward diy job? does it need any special tools? i can park it in the garage and make it a winter project.

[rs899]

I am not speaking from experince on this, but I would think it's a pretty rewarding type of non-backbreaking work.

Do you like jigsaw puzzles?

Is your child old enough to hold a screwdriver yet?
\
Rick

[MBeige]

Once you start doing repairs yourself, you'll get addicted. Most important is to have fun in doing so, otherwise they easily turn into headaches.