Thoughts on a 1990 560SEL with all maintenance records and very good body/interior?
 

What do you guys think of this car? I'm a diesel guy, so I'm not a familiar with gassers...
http://images.craigslist.org/3n33G43...9d86a21fcc.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3L63Ib3...428ea815b1.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3Gb3Ld3...f70d41183d.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/3G43M83...e6ed871486.jpg

I would not do it if you are a diesel guy.

I once bought a 560SL. The gas mileage sucked? If you are used to diesel mileage, even knowing that this is a gas guzzler, you will be disappointed.

just my opinion. oh by the way, I sold the 560SL 6 months later.

Jooseppi,

The ad's been deleted, so I didn't get to see the miles on it, if they even listed the miles.

I think it's a definite buy, (w/o more factual info) from what you posted ie pics/description and what I read. Not knowing the miles accumulated or the maintenance records on the car leaves me at a loss for commenting further about the car specifically, but I would surmise that whoever bought it, which I assume is why the ad was deleted, thought it was nice enough to buy.

I believe they are a pricey car to keep on the road, from what I've read around PP, but man are they nice!

Thanks for sharing such a nice car with us!

Nice car and the price would be reasonable if miles and records were available. In my area, the V8 cars have very little appeal as they get shockingly good mileage. I think the last one I had was getting 13 around town, and no I am not kidding. For that reason I try to stay away from the 8's That said, the 6's as much as I like them, dont have the same feeling. Its tough to beat a Mercedes with a V8. I would not count on a lot of resale and you will be doing repairs. Make sure the trans engages quickly and shifts smoothly, check fluid level and color.

Good input, Douge. I parallel your thoughts......

I sold a V8 manufactured in 1996, 9 years ago, that according to it's on-board computer - averaged 13 mpg aroung town, and 16 mpg highway. Just not in-the-cards for me to keep a vehicle like that for basic transportation. However, the V8 was testosterone pumping! :)

Actually, I can still see the ad here: http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/cto/3632271818.html

I fell in love with the car, but it's not for me, but for a friend's friend who wants a car with "luxury" and "class". I never understood big gassers until I saw this car. :)

Nut-uh......"This posting has been deleted by its author."

What were the miles on it?

Thanks for the input so far! I think we are trying to drive the buyer toward this beautiful 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis coupe with black exterior/red leather interior. instead -- better mileage on 87-octane, cheaper parts, cheaper insurance "class", "luxury".

The Benz must be gone, it was a little high for me anyway and that Ford thingy is through the roof!!! It looks nice but man that is way too much imo. Be patient, something will fall on your head.

You think that car will have better fuel economy? You are in for a shock.

That 5L is a gutless turd in those... I had that same setup in my F150 before I did a pile to it and my old '88 Towncar. That Mercury is rated at a stellar 155hp. The AOD has no torque multiplication in 3rd and 4th gears and falls on its face as soon as it upshifts to 3rd. I think they have a 3.27:1 rear diff and a 2.40:1 first in that trans.

The only thing cheaper about it would be the price of parts. Insurance cost on both is pretty much moot as these cars are nearly worthless.



PS, the 560 burns 87 just fine and you are better off driving these in 3rd gear around town. Mine averages pretty much the same fuel economy as my gutless wonder 300SEL but has ~100tq more around 1000rpm sooner.

Best deal going in the W126 is the 420SEL. No Diesel fuel upcharge at the pump (same price at 93 octane here) and returns slightly better econ than the 560 along with less crap to fail.

^ I agree with the red head.

Darn it, you win. It's gone.

He never published the mileage -- my one misgiving on the ad. The only thing he stated is that they were "below average", a phrase very much open to interpertation.

It is very overpriced -- we would try to negotiate it.

Well, being a "gutless wonder" may not be a bad thing; we are concerned about the friend's propensity toward too much speed. Here are the EPA figures for both vehicles (12/16 for the 560SEL, 16/24 for the old Mercury). If you want to tell me that the figures for the Mercury are inaccurate, I'll wholeheartedly agree; however, it remains that the Mercury still gets better gas mileage (never thought I'd say that!).

Also, I misspoke; I meant cheaper taxes on the Mercury. Massachusetts tries to claim that the 560SEL is worth $12,000, whereas they put the Mercury at a (relatively!) reasonable $5000.

You can run the 560SEL on 87? How is that?

This is a lopsided conversation. Get your buddy whatever he wants. If he is happy with the Mercury, he probably wouldnt appreciate the Mercedes and would probably get pissed the first time a regulator failed. Different strokes for different folks..