Looking at trading a car for a 1989 420SEL. 228k miles. Before you shout "high miles", I've had two cars hit 300k. 228, isn't high, in my book, really.
Owner has put quite a bit of money into it, just rebuilt the transmission, oil change, timing chain, replaced the plastic guide that has problems, all fluids cleared, passed emissions, new tires, new radiator, new water pump, new brake pads, etc.
First glance says the car was a heap. But if everything's been fixed, it should be in fair condition....right? That's the whole point of fixing things? Has all the service records of everything that he's done.
Took it for a test drove, seemed to drive fine. Handled like a big boat of a car, which it is. Brakes were responsive, didn't feel anything that felt like a concern.
Things he HAS mentioned: motor mounts need replacing in the future. It's an old car, not surprised.
Idle controller box. Looked that up, easy fix, not too worried.
Valve cover gaskets leak somewhat. Not a big problem, I can do that myself.
AC compressor is bad. Don't care. Really. I don't use the AC in my cars, I have windows for that reason.
Suspension needs normal things, for a 228k car. Not a huge concern.
What I AM concerned about:
Oil pressure gauge was pegged at 3, the whole time I drove it. He mentioned he has switched to a heavier weight oil, and I've read that heavy weight can cause higher oil pressure. And after searching google for an hour, I've found people swearing up and down that it's bad. Or fine. Or good. I know low = bad, but high, seems to be indecisive. Can a Benz owner or mechanic give me a solid answer?
Also, there's an "economy" gauge. Pegged in the red. According to him, it gets almost 20mpg, no problem with that....should I even be concerned? My guess is: Old gauge, faulty reading.
The car I'm trading smokes on occasion, doesn't go through the gears properly, has had some trouble starting in the past, etc. Have no money to buy another car. At all. Otherwise, I would. Have no other trade offers, so this is either take it, or leave it.
i understand Benz's are costly to upkeep, but my current car has sucked me dry of money already, and I haven't gotten anywhere with it.
I asked this earlier, but there were more trade options, and I didn't elaborate, I figured a full explanation might be useful.
So, trade, yes or no?
My old cars, that hit 300k, didn't suck me dry. Normal maintenance costs. The car I'm looking to trade, has barely over 100k. Which isn't bad for a 1980's car.
Awesome, pointless answer.
Owner has put quite a bit of money into it, just rebuilt the transmission, oil change, timing chain, replaced the plastic guide that has problems, all fluids cleared, passed emissions, new tires, new radiator, new water pump, new brake pads, etc.
First glance says the car was a heap. But if everything's been fixed, it should be in fair condition....right? That's the whole point of fixing things? Has all the service records of everything that he's done.
Took it for a test drove, seemed to drive fine. Handled like a big boat of a car, which it is. Brakes were responsive, didn't feel anything that felt like a concern.
Things he HAS mentioned: motor mounts need replacing in the future. It's an old car, not surprised.
Idle controller box. Looked that up, easy fix, not too worried.
Valve cover gaskets leak somewhat. Not a big problem, I can do that myself.
AC compressor is bad. Don't care. Really. I don't use the AC in my cars, I have windows for that reason.
Suspension needs normal things, for a 228k car. Not a huge concern.
What I AM concerned about:
Oil pressure gauge was pegged at 3, the whole time I drove it. He mentioned he has switched to a heavier weight oil, and I've read that heavy weight can cause higher oil pressure. And after searching google for an hour, I've found people swearing up and down that it's bad. Or fine. Or good. I know low = bad, but high, seems to be indecisive. Can a Benz owner or mechanic give me a solid answer?
Also, there's an "economy" gauge. Pegged in the red. According to him, it gets almost 20mpg, no problem with that....should I even be concerned? My guess is: Old gauge, faulty reading.
The car I'm trading smokes on occasion, doesn't go through the gears properly, has had some trouble starting in the past, etc. Have no money to buy another car. At all. Otherwise, I would. Have no other trade offers, so this is either take it, or leave it.
i understand Benz's are costly to upkeep, but my current car has sucked me dry of money already, and I haven't gotten anywhere with it.
I asked this earlier, but there were more trade options, and I didn't elaborate, I figured a full explanation might be useful.
So, trade, yes or no?
My old cars, that hit 300k, didn't suck me dry. Normal maintenance costs. The car I'm looking to trade, has barely over 100k. Which isn't bad for a 1980's car.
Awesome, pointless answer.