Help to check out a 280SE in Kent.

[smallangryboy]

I've found a 280SE up for autcion in Kent. The bodywork looks immaculate but the owner says the cars MOT has lapsed, and also it turns over but won't start.

Basically as I've no mechanical experience, especially with a classic, I wondered if anyone could help check the vehicle over thoroughly to see if the problems are minor and to give an idea of the true value of the car before the auction ?

I've yet to get confirmation about viewing the car but if I do, I'm sure I can sort out a few beers and a bit of grub if anyone can help.

thanks in advance

SAB

 

[nasher]

This is my old 280CE. Looks great, but I sold it for nothing! The reason, it was patched up everywhere and the head gasket had gone. I think I know the car you're looking at and it does look nice. Just question A, why a nice car is not running and B, why there's no MOT. If it was an easy fix, why hasn't it been done. A 250se that was in good condition sold on ebay recently for about £3 or £4K

 

[smallangryboy]

Lovely motor BTW.

Yes alarm bells did start to ring a bit when he said it had no MOT and didn't start ! Anyway I'm in no rush to part with my cash so, I'm taking some time to look around for some good examples.

I've also seen a site called http://www.mercseller.com/home.cfm
which have some old 280's. Anyone have experience of buying through these guys, it looks a very comprehensive and reputable site.

cheers

SAB

 

[squealinneil]

SAB,
Mercseller tends to deal in the much better end of the more normal used/classic MB market. His cars generally are good service history, cared for, usable, everyday classics which can be relied on to last for a while. He got a good write up in the Saturday Motoring section of the Telegraph a few months ago.
http://www.mercseller.com/popup.cfm?p_n=128690&p_i=128690

He has a particularly good 190E 2.5-16 with a fantastic service history (19 dealer stamps in 73,000 miles) on his site at the moment .

On ebay right now is a one owner, FSH, 101K mile, 1970 250 4 door auto which spent most of it's life in S. Africa. I haven't seen it but it looks good. Current bid is 995. See for yourself at
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....p;item=2486517460&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT