W124 Estate - advice please!!

[David M]

Dear al,

I've found a W124 E280 Estate for sale.  1996, N plate, blue paint, grey leather interior, aircon, steel sunroof, built in blaupunkt phone, approx 70,000 miles, owner is asking £7,500.  Only thing is, it's left hand drive.  Having driven RHD cars in Europe, I personally don't mind this too much - most of my driving is on the motorway.  However, does the price sound right or wrong?  The owner is a chap called Mr Hansa, who runs a Merc/Porsche specialist garage in Cheltenham, seems pretty genuine.   I've yet to check the service/log book, but he says it has full history and one previous owner in Germany, and has been professionally imported (hence the UK plates).  The lights have got converters on them.  Clocks obviously in kph - mileage reads 140,000-ish, hence 70k estimate, which seems lower than the average 1996 W124.  The paintwork looks excellent, the interior just as good.  Alloys with Merc labels on them (he says they are AMG style), but tyre size seems standard.  All in all a nice looking vehicle, he's happy for a full inspection and test drive.

Ideas please (especially ones relating to left hooker German imports)!!

Many thanks,
David.  

 

[Andy]

Hi Dave,

I would stay well clear. If you scour the internet and are patient you will get the vehicle you are looking for. The price the trader is asking for a LHD model is excessive. Thats the sort of price I would be looking for for a RHD version. Even if you had to pay a little more it would be worth it. We you come to sell it. No body except somebody retiring to Spain will wan't it.

Take this free advice and keep the cash in your pocket till you find the right vehicle.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[David M]

Andy,

Thanks for your advice.  I think I'll take it.  Do you come across the occasional vehicle?  Other than Auto trader (on he internet), can you recommend the right places to look?  Can spend up to £8k for the right 280 (or even 300E if right car is there), estate preferred.

Thanks,
David.

 

[David S]

Dear David,

I have to agree with Andy, that car sounds all wrong.

For that sort of money and a little patience I would wait for a E320 TE to come along. You should get full spec, reasonable mileage, the 3.2 engine (which is very quick indeed) and with a bit of luck, the 5 speed auto.

Personnally, I am very happy with my E280, however the E320 is a wonderful car.

David

PS: Will provide similar MPG and insurance cost. Plus you will leave the E280 for dead at the lights, and most other cars!

(Edited by David S at 6:03 am on June 29, 2002)

 

[Arnie]

I agree, Stay clear of that car.

Also, 140,000 km = 87,500 miles (not 70,000 !)