Looking to buy a classic

[gavin_gil]

Hi everyone, I'm looking into buying an old mercedes benz estate. Something like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1983-Mercedes...ryZ31360QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem - have always had a soft spot for them!

My girlfriend is getting a company car, and I'm getting a lift to work so I'm getting rid of my car, but still need something to run about in and something that will haul some stuff about too!

Any advice would be great!

What sort of price should I pay? What MPG can I expect? Will it be hard to maintain? Can I get classic insurance on it? (27 years old, 2 years NCB!)

As I said, any opinions would be great!

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

My advice would be if you're not already, get handy with a spanner... these old mercs need tinkering to look and run their best.

For comparison, I pay £250 a year on my 1980 350se, limited to 5000 miles a year.

 

[gavin_gil]

thanks for the reply!

Do they need much tinkering with?

Also, would it be hard to get a diesel at that age??

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

It all depends I guess- you could go for a really excellent condition car, with all records, from another enthusiast and probably enjoy trouble-free motoring with just the usual service items to budget for, or a bit of a running project like mine.
My wife wouldn't let me spend over £500, so mine is a bit of fun that I get to restore and tinker with bit by bit (which is what I wanted anyway).

Whatever you get it'll probably need a bit more lovin' than a more modern car, but i think it's worth it- these old tanks are great fun to drive, and something a bit different.

I think there's still quite a few old diesel estates around, though I've seen more petrol ones on the roads. Probably something like 30-35mpg on an old 123 diesel, I'd say look around and don't jump on the first one you see- take your time and a good one will turn up.

 

[gavin_gil]

I've spotted a 240D for sale locally - 1985, automatic, 170k, one years MOT, 9 months tax - its advertised at £975, its not the estate but as I say, its local and its diesel!

Does this sound like a good enough deal? I'm going to phone about it tomorrow, what should I ask or even look out for if I go to see it?

Thanks

 

[television]

Rust is something to check on the 123, below front windscreen, tops of front wings,over headlamps, the sills and wheel arches. With the front wings,they are easy to replace, the other parts cost money to replace. No major problems on any engine. Try and get something with the inside intact and not worn out. In all very nice cars,very well made, if you milage is low, you could consider the biger 126 versions.

Malcolm

 

[stever]

check out www.w123.net - there's a buyers' guide. The diesels are VERY slow - I would go for a 230 petrol as the performance and fuel economy have a nice balance. I have a 280 CE and only get around 23mpg, though my insurance is only £160 a year for 3k miles.

 

[gavin_gil]

Bouncing this back to the top!!

I've been offered a 1984 W123 200T estate, seems in good nick, but I'm doing a few more miles now than I was last year - what sort of MPG can I realistically expect for a 30 mile commute every day on country roads and main roads?

Thanks!

 

[Hibbo]

Word up Gav, I love W123s and ran one as my only car for ages.

The carbed 200 (ie not 200E) is severely underpowered for such a heavy car and would be very heavy on the juice with anything other than a feather on the pedal.

But condition is the major concern with cars of this age, so you can't be too picky about engines.

That said, I would REALLY recommend a diesel. They aren't like modern CDIs, but the 300D is perfectly adequate and equally happy bombing along the motorway. The diesel engines are far more robust than the petrols (due in part to their simplicity) and can and do rack up HUGE mileages (300k is not out of the ordinary - check out some of the US sites, 400k is common!). You'll also get 30+ to the gallon easily.

PS. Where abouts are you?

 

[gavin_gil]

Hi Hibbo, I would love a diesel but can't seem to find any, I'm a diesel man by nature!!!

I'm in N.Ireland but willing enough to travel for the right car!

 

[ralphphilip]

have 2.5 td sport for sale with 95000 runs like a dream looking for sensable offer around 2700