Strange indeed Styria, I think it may be the sheer amount of MB forums out there and that forums such as this one tend to appear "Slower" than say Benzworld in answering questions.
That said the larger forums also have their quirks and although i do research across the forums i find that a local forum although slower to answer does give far more relevant information.
Considering we have Euro spec cars here my understanding is that there are too many differences in these old bangers to rely solely on US based information and although i am reading about 107's on 3 different forums I will ask my questions here and be happy to receive an answer that is possibly more relevant to my marketplace.
What would be nice though is a blow by blow buyers guide to both the 116 and 107 chassis Benz for Australia and for dummies assuming the worst of us all lol
Anyway to aide that end here my golden generic rules for buying Euro cars.
Service history of any sort is a must on a high ticket item.
Coolant is a must and research to ensure correct type.
Panel rust is no biggie for me as I can weld lots as opposed to weld well lol
Paint condition unimportant but is a fair indicator of age and treatment.
No working aircon or heating = parts car and a price to match ($500 plus transport MAX)
Owner under 30 = Parts car and priced accordingly
Doof doof sound system = owner under 30 = parts car etc etc = swap you for a slab of beer or $500.
Always look under the car, bring a good torch preferably a quality LED light source.
Oil weeping from drive train/Diff/bellhousing = abuse so haggle accordingly or apply parts car rule.
Check for structural cracks, accident damage and miss coloured/shaded panels and price accordingly.
Always check the engine oil dipstick and underside of the oil filler cap for condense or yoghurt. (Yoiplat is French for blown head gasket)
Always check the service sticker, this tells you when, where and how the car was last serviced. Compare to odometer reading as if the owner cant be buggered doing 10k oil and filter then he sure as hell wont bother with timing belts/chains and the other important bits.
Never EVER inspect a wet car or a car in less than full sunlight.
With a performance car a cursory check for feathered rear tyres (Burnouts) and ball rubber on rear 1/4's and wheel arches plus check front tyres for scrub and alignment issues.
Test drive if possible or price accordingly.
Never buy a car in parts unless you just need the car parts.
You don't have to be the sellers friend and they are rarely your friend so behave accordingly and if you cant grow a pair then take someone to moderate potentially silly actions as this is a business transaction.
Never be afraid to walk away, there's ALWAYS another one just around the corner.
And for me if a car is less than $2500.00 im happy to buy sight unseen but over 5k deserves an inspection.
I have more but they are a but hard bitten and cynical, well more cynical lol.
Cheers,
Tony
