Been offered a 1981 230E for £350. What do you think??

[Ger D]

Hi Guys,
A friends father has asked if I'm interested in this car that hes had garaged for 18 months. It was in daily use till then and hes run it once a week whilst in hibernation. Theres 100kmls on it and FSH. It had an lpg conversion done some years ago and now runs on a choice of fuels.

Reason its off the road is that theres some rust on the underbody that caused it to fail its NCT (Irish MOT). I havent seen the car but its reprtedly in very good condition otherwise. Manual transmision. Cost ?500 (about stg£350)

Has anybody got any experience of solving underbody rust problems on this or similar models?

Should I snap it up or walk away discreetly?

I'd appreciate your opinion.

Thanks in advance

Ger

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hi Ger, I have owned a few 123s(best in my opinion) in the past and the only rust I have encountered was on the inner sills where the seatbelt anchor is. You would really have to to see how bad it is. Have repaired my own for nothing really as I have a mig welder. If the outer body is clean and good paint I personally would take it but Im a bit of an addict.
Up to you really
Good luck
Mike

 

[landover]

If you see it. like it. buy it. If you don't you will allways wonder what if i had. Go for it' we only live once

 

[Mikesmerc]

Well said

 

[Mikesmerc]

Well said

 

[Ger D]

Ok Mike, Landover, you got me.
I'm now looking for a shed somewhere nearby where I can store her.
Still havent seen the car but thats going to happen on Saturday.

Far as I know once she's 25yrs, tax and insurance in Ireland will be considerably cheaper and the NCT (MoT) isnt a necessity.
If the rust doesnt seem terminal and I can find a home, I'm gonna go for it.

I can feel a few more posts coming...
I'll keep you informed
Thanks
Ger

 

[landover]

Go for it mate .Nothing a good mig welder can't do. Let us know how you get on.

I go threw this every week.

 

[Mikesmerc]

Posted twice again :? . Nice one Ger. Its 30yrs for cheap tax Im afraid and 20 for classic insurance. Not sure when NCT is reqd.
Good luck anyway
Mike

 

[Mikesmerc]

Posted twice again :? . Nice one Ger. Its 30yrs for cheap tax Im afraid and 20 for classic insurance. Not sure when NCT is reqd.
Good luck anyway
Mike

 

[Ger D]

Ok, I did say I'd let you know how I got on.
I didnt!
Saw the car, not in bad condition at all so if theres anyone out there interested I'd be happy to make the necessary introductions.

Mike, you were right, its 30 yrs for Vintage tax and as a result its the same for the NCT, all in all, too much road tax and other expenses in this country to justify.
I will say though, Landover and Mikes comments have lit the fire in the belly and I'm looking out for something closer to the 28-30 yr mark on which I can lavish my enthusiasm and spare cash.

It'll happen, just not with this one i'm afraid.

Thanks again for the words of encouragement, not fallen on deaf ears.

Ger