Buying a 420 SEC any top tips??

[PJayUK]

Hi Guys

Going to look at a nice 420 SEC, 91K, in Red with cream leather.

It occurred to me that I dont know much about these so I would appreciate any quick and dirty tips for things to look out for......


She looks loverly, all shiny and red but I need to stop myself buying it on a whim

(oh and any advice on what to tell the mrs would be helpful too!)

 

[jberks]

For the Mrs, "It was a bargain and as a classic will appreciate in value". Else park it in a neighbours garage and tell her it belongs to a friend.

I believe they suffer corrosion around the rear window so check there. Other than that, normal stuff afaik. Leaks, running, brakes,suspension, does everything work properly etc
Inc the fold down seats and the seat belt arm.

Fabulous cars.

 

[PJayUK]

Thanks for the tip, forgiveness is easier to get than permission so the Mrs should be fine and she'll want to drive it when she feasts her eyes on its glory

I cant seem to find too much to worry me about it rather than the points you made....

What about using it daily say around 50 miles... good idea????

 

[Alex M Grieve]

What about using it daily say around 50 miles... good idea????

I think cars love to be used - especially as you will get the engine properly warmed through on that sort of mileage. Suspension also benefits from not sitting in the same position forever.

Although it is reputedly thrifty for a V8, it will still want a bit of fuel, but you didn't buy it for economy, did you?

We look forward to seeing the pics and to hearing your views when it is "in service".

 

[television]

Many use them daily so nothing wrong with that, and they keep better than just sitting around, the tyres are cheap enough, as are the brake parts, so that just leaves the fuel

 

[simon_wall69]

The fuel costs are not that considerable when you consider that it won't depreciate at all. Look for rust below the rear windscreen and around the sunroof. Check the ATF is nice and red and take it for a test drive.

Awesome car. Probably best Merc ever.

 

[stickandrudder]

A/C working?
Camshafts OK?
Timing chain noise when cold?
Rust under rear screen INSIDE boot?
Play in steering?
Smoke when hot start?
Seat belt arms working?
Rust to front wings?
Rust to chrome bumpers?
Knocking from suspension?
Ride height OK?
Driver's seat bolster OK?

Great cars but they can bite you in the pocket if you don't know what you're looking for.

 

[PJayUK]

Ok saw one, lovely lovely car. Coudnt find any issues with rust and mechanically very sound. BUT it just didn't feel me with confidence that it would cope with the rigors of a daily 50 mile journey much of it on the M25...... Felt more like it deserved to be cosseted in a garage and used maybe a less frequently. Not sure just in two minds whether its a viable replacement for my W220.....

Got my eye on another one, but cant get to see it until Monday....