Advice/Opinions on possible 1989 300CE Purchase

[Holson Adi]

Hi everyone,

I have been a little itchy lately and want something to clean up and make beautiful and the CE has always been a favorite. However, I don't want to replace the E420 for I really like the M119 motor in it.

Anyway,

I found a 1989 300CE Black Pearl w/ Grey Leather Interior with 118k mi. on the odometer.

Initial impression :

Straight body but the paint needs some cleaning, claying, polishing and waxing - good.. something I enjoy doing.

The tires are recent 205/65/15 (they looked huge) Michelin XGT H4s - found receipt for them in the service records for $120 ea.

Mechanicals/Electrical Stuff:

• Oil all over the right hand side of the motor down to the lower plastic panel
• Oil around the P/S fluid reservoir
• pitch black brake fluid :p
• A/T Shifts nicely
• All windows, A/C, sunroof, mirror, seatbelt extender, seats, etc. work
• Remanufactured Bosch Alternator (looked pretty clean and recent)
• HIGH TEMP - 110*C standing still with AC on. I got scared so I turned the AC off and started moving
• Aux. fans did not come on
• owner said that the fuse blew and he had it replaced 2 mo. ago - wasn't there an update? (i.e, higher rated fuse?)

Cosmetics :

• Worn steering wheel, shift knob - no big deal .. dont want the original shift knob anyway
• cracked and dull lacquer on the wood - will probably replace them all with burlwood from the 94+ cars anyway
• hood pad was destroyed...
• rust on the right hand frame just below the windshield washer fluid reservoir?
• left side headlight looks new - accident I suppose

Misc:

• Driver's seat bolster had rips but otherwise normal wear and could be cleaned up I think
• hoses under the hood looked good, and the radiator seemed to have been replaced
• metal t-stat housing
• rear diff had some oil but it was not wet (just seeping?)

They want $6k for it. I don't think it's worth that much. How much do you guys think is a good price for it? I want to offer them $3500 - do you think that's low-balling it?

and.. any tips on how to politely offer the low price? The owner and his wife are really nice people - I don't wanna be rude at all.
and he's honest about someone backing up into it, trying to break into the car , oil consumption (1 qt. every 6 mo.), etc.

or.. should I pass?

btw, I don't want to make it a beauty queen - more like my fun 124 as the E420 is a little too nice to mess up.

Things found in the Service Records folder
-

• Valve guides, seals, and other seal related items (huge service)
• dist. cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs, etc. to fix idle problem
• brake work receipts
• oil changes obviously
• fuel filter, air filter change receipts
• timing chain, guides, etc.
• etc.

Thank you,
-Holson