I currently own a 1981 300D but am looking at buying a 1987 420 SEL with only 67k on the clock for about $2,800. I've read through the posts and understand that the timing chain, and fuel pump are common probelms.

The price seems more than fair for the car. Are there any other items or issues with these cars that I should be wary of? I'll be using it as a daily driver and only drive about 7 miles total per day.

What are the MPG's on this car?

Just the normal problems dealing with 20 year old parts.....

I get 15 in town and 18-20 on the road with my 560SEL, drop 1mpg for A/C. Less if I don't drive like an old man....

Jim

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14 E250 BlueTEC black. 45k miles
95 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 66k miles
94 E320 Cabriolet Emerald green 152k miles
85 300TD 4 spd man, euro bumpers and lights, 15" Pentas dark blue 274k miles

The timing chain and fuel pumps are not an issue , it's the chain guides and fuel pump relay that fail , but both problems are easy to resolve ,, just change the upper guides rails and tensioner every 100,000 miles or 8 years and keep a spare fuel pump relay in the glove compartment, these are great cars , I have owned mine since 1999, with no major issues . I get 22 MPG and I have 160,000 miles on it . If the A/C works , the transmission doesn't slip , it tracks down the road straight and tight , and it has no rust , than $2800 is about right ... but parts can be expensive . the good news is ,most problems on these cars cars are easy to repair yourself , good luck..


Ben

Do you think the price is fair as long as the mileage checks out?

Yes , but check out my edit on the post above..

Ben

In the last two years I've replaced the shocks, plugs, wires, vacuum modulator, fuel filter, water pump, fuel lines, and maybe a few other things. I need to replace the window regulators, cv axles, idle control valve, and lower oil pan gasket and oil level sensor. If you can handle small repairs like these then this is a good car. I like the way it drives and it car surprisingly turn very well into parking spaces for its size. Also is the odometer working? I have never owned a W126 that had a working odometer until recently becasue I swapped one from a junk yard car. I have only observed 16 mpg mixed mileage. I wouldnt sell my car though like every one tells me too. I'd say but it becasue I paid 3500 bucks for mine with 200k miles.

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual