Sadly the time to sell has come...

[ashg]

I have a 1986 380SL which I have owned since 1988. It has only done 95K and although it has some surface rust (which I could fix) I have kept it in great condition since purchase. But I do not use it anymore and do not want it to deteriorate. What's the best way to make sure it goes to someone who will appreciate it. I live in London. Should I fix the rust first?

Appreciate any help!

 

[sooper coop]

Fix the rust first.

pretend your a buyer.

 

[Myros]

maybe

as a seller you have to decide whether the cost of fixing the rust properly will outweigh the better price you might command.Doing it half-heartedly would probably be worse than not at all. As a buyer, I'd worry about a car that wasn't properly repaired, but could work out what to do with one which wasn't repaired at all.
pm me some digital photos, and I'll give you my honest opinion of the effect the rust has on my thinking. You never know, I might end up buying it.

 

[ashg]

Thanks. I will take some photos this week end and send them to you.

Ashg

 

[ashg]

I have taken some photos but am struggling to attach them to this site. I can email them to you if you send me your email address. Mine is ashkgupta@aol.com

Many thanks

 

[Myros]

photo trouble

Ash, run a search on images or photos within the website. There is set of instructions somewhere on how to attach them. Can't do email as I'm on a borrowed computer.

 

[ashg]

Photos attached

Three photos attached. Three more to follow

Ashg

 

[ashg]

Second batch of photos

Site only allows me to send you the 4 photos, but these do indicate the worse of the rust problems.

ashg

 

[ashg]

Forgot to explain. The worst rust is above one arch where I had a run in with a passing car. I tried to arttach another photos to show you the opposite arch which is pretty clean. Interested in any thoughts and I can always post more photos once you have had a look at these, as the site limits how many you can post at one time.

Regards

Ashg

 

[Richard Murray]

Treat Rust before Selling?

Hi

If it were me - I'd leave the rust. Once you start sanding - you're going to find that it probably has to be taken back quite a bit which may reveal pitting and holes. Most potential buyers for your '86 (380SL) will be aware that there will be some degree of rust, it's nearly 20 years old afterall.

Richard

 

[Myros]

concur

Ash, I agree with Richard. What you need to do is work out what an excellent example costs, find out what the cost of a professional repair and paint job is, and pitch your price about that much lower. The same again if there are any mechanicals to fix. You then present an honest and well-prepared face to any potential buyer, and there's less chance of them getting one over you in the haggling stakes by quoting absurd repair estimates at you as a bargaining ploy. Honesty does actually pay, on both sides of the deal. You'll probably find the car sells that much more quickly as well, as any clued-up buyer will spot it for what it is and buy it pretty sharpish if it's as good as you indicate.

 

[ashg]

Thanks

Myros & Richard

Many thanks. Your advice is appreciated

Ashg

 

[SL50096]

Restoration

Forgive me but it strikes me that what you have here is a restoration project... I'd try to sell it on that basis, you will have more interest...

 

[ashg]

Restoration project

Interesting thought. Welcome any views as to how I should go about that and whether you think that would get me a better price.

Ashg