W124 Estate for sale

[Rooinek]

Hi everyone...

My Father's nextdoor neighbour is selling his L Reg 220 W124 Estate. It's not in bad condition with 94K with a good service record (MB Main dealer and local specialist) and has MB tex interior (seven seater) with electric sunroof, air con and electric windows. The concern I have is that it has been standing on the drive for six months though I understand that it just passed an MOT test last week. Any idea on what would be a fair price to pay for such a car - is £1500 a fair deal plus are there any potential problem areas that I should be wary of considering its recent lack of use...?

Any advice or feedback would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Michael

 

[Bolide]

What the car is worth depends entirely on condition and you can't tell that without seeing it and driving it

I'd look at the many, many threads here on this topic - it's all been covered before in some detail


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Bigalshakespeare]

On the MOT look for an "advisory note" attached. This will outline any up and coming potential problems. At that mileage you need to be checking whether the exhaust has been replaced and whether the gearbox is original. Two expensive items to replace. How much tax left (1 yr =£180) and does it need servicing? These are ways to get the price down. Check all electrics and make sure ball joints are ok. £1500 is a good price for an L reg. Standing for a while find out if it has been turned over and look for flat spots in the tyres. Good luck!

 

[Rooinek]

Bolide/Bigalshakespeare

Thanks for the advice. I spoke to the owner who has had the car serviced at a specialist garage and it passed an MOT test two days ago with a few things on the advisory note: there was mention of a slight play in the steering box and corrosion to the exhaust. The owner wants £1750 for it but I'll try and knock him down to £1500 or less...

Out of interest when do the timing chains need to be replaced on this type of car? My current car (92 W124 230E) has 75K on the clock and I asked my local mercedes dealer for some guidance on the subject and was advised to change the chains when they got rattly...?! With a mileage of either 75K or 94K is this something I should budget for with my either my existing merc or the estate I'm looking at?

Cheers!

Michael

 

[Bigalshakespeare]

Glad the advice helped Rooniek. As for the timing chains dont worry too much. If you use a regular merc specialist (which you should) he/she will keep an eye on it. They generally start to make a noise when coming to the end of their life. Thats a sign to change.
If you can take a trip down to the garage that serviced the car you are thinking of buying and ask them what condition they thought it was in I would recommend it.