Buying a 500 SEC...any ideas?

[andyMCR]

Hello all,

My first post, I've surfed around abit and found this to be the most reliable/ interesting forum.

Here goes...I live in South Manchester, I get a bus to work, never really thought about car ownership, then I saw an article in The Independent - and a picture of a 500 SEC. That made my mind up, I have to have one, it brought back memories of when I was a poor student, I remember seeing them in town.

Anyway, as a car virgin, has anyone got any advice about these beautiful cars? If so, please get in touch, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[csilk]

The W126 series is a well built and very duurable car in comparison with most. Despite the size of both the body and engine they do not cost a kings ransom to keep on the road. Advantaghes such as cheap classic car insurance + the fact they hardly ever go wrong significantly outweigh increased fuel consumption.

 

[grober]

As a car virgin you certainly want to dive in at the deep end. A good 500 sec is a wonderful car, a poor one is a money pit Unfortunately there are many more "dogs "out there than sound vehicles. Basically a sound car, many have suffered from a lack of adequate servicing from 2nd 3rd or "Nth" owner. :? Remember these cars are now >10 -17 years old so body condition is paramount. They seem to to rust more at the rear rather than the front. rear parcel shelf/rear window seal /boot floor are classic rust points. Look for a car with detailed service history with no gaps. To be honest most of the good ones are in the hand of owners who are determined to hold on to them. Unless you have a very large wallet or are able to do most of the servicing yourself I would not recommend you buy one. A better affordable introduction to mercedes motoring would be sound 190e or 190 2.6. Although not the prestige car the 500sec is the 190s do drive/handle in a similar fashion and are bullet proof if you get a good one. If you do buy a 500sec pay top dollar, a cheap one will simply drain money and you will end up with a very expensive car that will never be right. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings.