1985 230E..... Should I?

[Sveinbi]

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a 1985 230E with 216.000km / 135.000miles but am having second thoughts about buying such an old car. Is it true that this car could last forever or will I be going to the garage every week to keep it alive? I've never owned a Benzo before, so any advice would be helpful.

A picture of the car, just for fun:

http://www.bilasolur.is/Main.asp?SHOW=CARIMAGE&BILASALA=4&BILAR_ID=180657&IMAGEID=12128

 

[Richard Moakes]

With a W124, the issue isn't age, it's all about rust and servicing.

If the chassis/bodywork isn't already rusty and you keep on top of it, it will last a very long time indeed.

Servicing is critical for the engine and transmission, has the oil been regularly changed?

Expect a certain amount of things to fail, it is 20 years old after all, but if you are handy with a spanner, 95% of all the jobs can be done yourself.

Good Luck,

Richard