Well, about 2 years ago I sold my 86 560SEC and did a partial trade with my father for a 88 300SE. I really dogged my 560SEC and drove it into the ground, but it was still driving very strongly. Ever since I let it go, I missed it terribly. The 300SE was in better condition and it's a nice ride and all, but of course I loved the power and potential of the SEC. It was my first car and I had always desired to keep my first car forever. I had big plans for it, AMG kit, Euro engine, new interior, painting it silver, the works. We sold it for $3500, it had almost 300K miles on it. The guy who bought it put about $3k into it mechanically and has been enjoying it. When my father sold it to him, he asked if he ever wanted to get rid of it, please contact us and give us the first option to buy it back.
Well, the other night my father and I had a discussion and decided we would try to get my SEC back and put a good $6k into it. He told me he communicated with the guy a few months back and he said he would sell it back for the same price. Well, a few days later my dad contacts him and tells him we want to pick it back up and to hold it for us. My dad was going to pick it up this weekend and surprise me with it. I was already excited looking for new interior parts, planning what would get done first, what color, blah blah. So today I find out from my dad and mom that he flew down to San Antionio with intentions on picking it up, but the guy sold it. He sold it for $1500 more than what my dad was going to buy it for. My dad of course was upset, because we would have paid the extra $1500 in a heartbeat, but it didn't work out. My dad drove back in a new W140 silver SE (another car he had his eye on to keep his S500 coupe company). I'm not too sure of the year and all, I'm not supposed to know, but oh well.
Anyways after hearing that my heart fell on the ground and was run over a million times. The car really needed some TLC, which I was ready to give it in every way, no matter how long it took. It's just the idea of having my first car back and this time I knew I would never let it go.
Now, I'm back to the drawing board. Options range from finding another SEC or paying down on another car and picking up a car payment. I've got about $10k to work with between me and my pops. Maybe I can find another SEC w/amg kit, low miles, etc., but I really wanted to pump my old one up. Another option is to pay down on a W140 coupe or E430 sport and pay it off for the next 1.5-2 years .
My heart still hurts though.
Just thought I'd share my sad story with you guys.

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1986 560 SEC *Sold* < Big Mistake I miss my baby!
1988 300SE *Sold*
1989 300CE - current car, but not for too long

Boo man the guy who was selling the car back must have been a real as*&le but maybe he did not know how much the car meant to you. I guess since you guys live far distance apart, downpaymnet or a deposit wasn't really possible.