This is how Styrias above post would have gone if I was sitting in his workshop having a cup of coffee with him, discussing Martins pending purchase.
This is a subject that holds more than a passing interest for me. To buy, or not to buy ? Good or bad ? Neglected or well maintained ?.....and how much to pay, and what sort of a car to buy - well, I'm talking about 107s, 116s, whatever, one just has to be careful, discerning, a good judge and have a darned good idea what you are contemplating - and that is that one buys an old car and money will need to be spent on it.
I think you are spot on mate, you have to know what your looking for and why, then do some homework.
I'll say it right from the outset that JoeB.'s summary and assessment is absolutely spot on except for one additional consideration -- it is most unlikely, and almost impossible, to find a car that will meet all of his criteria, thus compromises will be required when selecting a car to buy.
Another good point there are a few boxes on Joe's list that I couldnt tick for my slc, but its still a nice car. A good pre purchase inspection by someone who really knows the make/model is the only way to go. Realisticly whatever is found worn/damaged ect in the inspection will have to be fixed so the cost of the repairs should be added to the purcase price and possibly not all problems will be found, but it is a good indication of the true cost you are going to be paying for the car.
If I remember correctly, Hoddo took forever to find his 450SLC (I think I'm right in stating the time frame), and he has done very well yet he still had to spend good money on his car. Some of us saw it at the topklasse barbecue and what a splendid example it is.
My car thanks you for the compliment Micheal, that was a good BBQ. It actually took me 49 years to find my slc.. I just never knew I was looking for it. I was actually very lucky come across my car and it goes to show that sometimes cheap can be good.
There is also another owner that Parks and I are very familiar with and, in his instance, he looked for two years before finding a 450SLC that would meet his standards. Again, he has had to set aside and call on additional funds on top of his initial purchase price. I think it was in the region of about $25k., but several years ago.. It is also a splendid car, much cherished but again not without certain shortcomings. As I said earlier, we are dealing with thirty year old cars that would, if produced nowadays, probably command a retail price of $160k., if not more
Yep, thats why I dont hesitate to spend whatever is needed to keep the car in good condition. These old mercs are very cheap to buy considering the build quality but they do need to be maintained properly.
I have always maintained to purchase any 116 and 107 models in as good a condition as possible. Pay little money, and the car can bite you. Mind you, you can even pay really top money, and there is no guarantee that one will not have to outlay funds from time to time.
I agree buy the best condition you can find but I would say there is a guarantee that you WILL have to outlay funds from time to time
I guess a lot depends on the frequency of usage the car is put to.
Yep, a daily driver is going to cost more to maintain but they do like to be driven.
In your situation, Martin, I have my doubts if a 107 would be a cheaper car to maintain than your 124 - a model with a reputation of excellent longevity and quality, and user-friendliness. Obviously, watch out for rust, a nice clean interior, and ascertain that all heating and cooling functions work properly. Also pay some attention to the rear window louvres - to rectify blistering of paint, and refurbishment, is a time consuming process. Regards Styria
Right again Styria, heater and air working is a big plus, aircon repairs can be expensive possibly removal of the dash. Rust can be a problem but I think some ppl tend to be a bit paranoid about it, rust can be fixed just costs more if its in bad places like anywhere structural, around the screens or sunroof ect. or is very advanced like entire floors boots ect. I suspect even 'rust free' cars have rust in there somewhere just waiting to come out when the conditions are right. So keep them dry, and make sure drain holes are clear. Good luck in your search Martin, once you have driven a couple of slc's I'm sure you will be hooked. Hoddo