Chris_124W
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 0
First up, just wanted to say what a fantastic source of info this forum is - a real find 
. Afraid this is another newbie post, but will try not to duplicate things I found via the forum search.
Been trawling the web and online classifieds for info on W124 Estates with a view to buying over the next few months- I didn't realise this kind of quality could be bought so cheaply!!!
I am basically looking for a good load lugger / tow car and motorway cruiser to use whilst restoring my other car (an '83 Mk1 Golf GTi). It needs to be reliable, DIY servicable, have a long MOT and not set me back much more than £1500 (including any work to make it a runner).
Really after recommendations and opinions on the best engine / model combination for my needs within my budget. Need to know if I am wasting my time at this price range on a W124 or not.
Other info / questions that may help with replies:
- Needs to be a pre '92 car for classic insurance (big price diff. for me as I am in a higher risk London postcode)
- won't be doing big miles so fuel consumption not a biggy, but think I'd prefer a petrol to a diesel on relative performance grounds (I know these cars are fairly pedestrian anyway in the acceleration stakes)
- auto or manual box best from a reliability point of view? Can you do DIY work on the auto boxes?
- Is the head gasket only an issue on the 6 cyl cars - what about the 4 cyls?
- My DIY mechanical skills are pretty OK and happy to strip and refurb a 4 pot VW motor - will I have any probs working on a W124 (special tools needed, limited engine access?). Is a DIY head gasket job straightforward for example?
- GSF / ECP was my plan for most parts if needed on cost grounds - is there anything really expensive to watch for that will be an MB only genuine replacement (and therefore pricey)?
I would love to be able to afford a 300TE-24, but suspect its out of my budget. Cosmetically the car doesn't have to be pristine - its more important that its mechanically and structurally sound.
Will I regret going for say the 4cyl 230, over the 300 6cyl petrol or the 300 Diesel. I would like to experience the legendary MB refined driving experience, so I guess in my heart of hearts I'd like a 6cyl, but a bit concerned that component failure on a 6cyl will involve more expense than on the 4cyl.
Just to emphasise that getting the classic insurance is a biggie for me in London, so the '92 or later W124's are not really a goer for me at the moment (too big a price hike on non classic policy).
Been checking out autotrader, the very informative http://www.w124.co.uk site, plus of course ebay. Anywhere else I should be looking?
Any advice / opinions gratefully received.
Chris
. Afraid this is another newbie post, but will try not to duplicate things I found via the forum search.Been trawling the web and online classifieds for info on W124 Estates with a view to buying over the next few months- I didn't realise this kind of quality could be bought so cheaply!!!
I am basically looking for a good load lugger / tow car and motorway cruiser to use whilst restoring my other car (an '83 Mk1 Golf GTi). It needs to be reliable, DIY servicable, have a long MOT and not set me back much more than £1500 (including any work to make it a runner).
Really after recommendations and opinions on the best engine / model combination for my needs within my budget. Need to know if I am wasting my time at this price range on a W124 or not.
Other info / questions that may help with replies:
- Needs to be a pre '92 car for classic insurance (big price diff. for me as I am in a higher risk London postcode)
- won't be doing big miles so fuel consumption not a biggy, but think I'd prefer a petrol to a diesel on relative performance grounds (I know these cars are fairly pedestrian anyway in the acceleration stakes)
- auto or manual box best from a reliability point of view? Can you do DIY work on the auto boxes?
- Is the head gasket only an issue on the 6 cyl cars - what about the 4 cyls?
- My DIY mechanical skills are pretty OK and happy to strip and refurb a 4 pot VW motor - will I have any probs working on a W124 (special tools needed, limited engine access?). Is a DIY head gasket job straightforward for example?
- GSF / ECP was my plan for most parts if needed on cost grounds - is there anything really expensive to watch for that will be an MB only genuine replacement (and therefore pricey)?
I would love to be able to afford a 300TE-24, but suspect its out of my budget. Cosmetically the car doesn't have to be pristine - its more important that its mechanically and structurally sound.
Will I regret going for say the 4cyl 230, over the 300 6cyl petrol or the 300 Diesel. I would like to experience the legendary MB refined driving experience, so I guess in my heart of hearts I'd like a 6cyl, but a bit concerned that component failure on a 6cyl will involve more expense than on the 4cyl.
Just to emphasise that getting the classic insurance is a biggie for me in London, so the '92 or later W124's are not really a goer for me at the moment (too big a price hike on non classic policy).
Been checking out autotrader, the very informative http://www.w124.co.uk site, plus of course ebay. Anywhere else I should be looking?
Any advice / opinions gratefully received.
Chris
