1998 300e $1600? - Page 4

sc_rufctr · 08-10-2015, 04:24 AM

What if you can fix them yourself?

javadog · 08-10-2015, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

I have a completely different perspective on older Benzes because I know the cars and I'm stupid enough to waste time working on them

SO, when I sold my last one, I swore I'd never buy another. Years later, I'm thinking about buying an older Benz to have something different to tinker with. I'm thinking of pre-'90's cars, mainly because of the styling and the built-like-a-bank-vault feel.

Which one would you get?

JR

1990C4S · 08-10-2015, 06:25 AM

Quote-bot spam reported...

Shaun @ Tru6 · 08-10-2015, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yinh

This seems very common now. I worry who is going to buy my 993 when I die? They probably will be $10k cars like the model T are now ... [img]ht tp://loanfinanc eus.com/yel low/images/17.gif[/im g][img]ht tp://loanfina nceus.com/yellow/imag es/37.gif[/im g]

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speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

What if you can fix them yourself?

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

SO, when I sold my last one, I swore I'd never buy another. Years later, I'm thinking about buying an older Benz to have something different to tinker with. I'm thinking of pre-'90's cars, mainly because of the styling and the built-like-a-bank-vault feel.

Which one would you get?

JR

My only advice would be to buy a real cream puff, not a "project" of any kind. You will still get plenty of opportunities to work on it.

That's the only way it makes any sense. You're working on something that is in good shape and it would actually be worth something if you get tired of it and want to sell. As for which model to buy, I'd generally avoid V-8 cars because of the access issues under the hoods and other specific issues but there are some exceptions to this advice.

I have an old w116 300SD turbo diesel in nice shape, (but not concours by any means), that I am crazy about. I don't drive it as much these days but one day I will take a huge road trip in it, it's that great of a car. Just a tank. I actually highly recommend one of those if you can find a good one. Not easy these days.

I'm not crazy about the w126 cars or any of the '80s cars with plastic bumpers or cladding on the sides but they were still well-made cars. if you want my input on a specific car, either post it up here or send me a message.

speeder · speeder's Garage

To give you an idea of the supply situation with these cars, I put it up for sale 6 or 8 months ago and then changed my mind. I had people emailing, calling and cajoling me like it was an early 911, telling me why I should sell to them and not the other people who wanted it, etc... It was insane. There are very few good ones around, most of them belong in the junkyard.

VincentVega · 08-10-2015, 11:47 AM

My folks went through a 123/126 phase in the 90's. At the time the cars were inexpensive to buy/fully depreciated but were still new enough that they werent all beat to $#@. Reliable cars but they always seemed to have something wrong or obviously close to failing. Thing is I dont think they ever broke down, quite impressive for cars with over 200k. Most issues were due to age, vacuum lines, door lock actuators, fuel lines, dash pad, trim pieces....

I remember him saying what an upgrade the Accord was but he still liked the benz, it just became too much to deal with.

Rot 911 · 08-10-2015, 12:08 PM

For a kid, especially one that can't/won't want to tinker, I would not buy an old Benz. Nice cars, but they all need something. For my kid, I want them to have a reliable car that you can get parts for on a Sunday in Middleofnowhere, USA.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rot 911

For a kid, especially one that can't/won't want to tinker, I would not buy an old Benz. Nice cars, but they all need something. For my kid, I want them to have a reliable car that you can get parts for on a Sunday in Middleofnowhere, USA.

Si, señor.

javadog · 08-10-2015, 02:16 PM

So what can a decent W116 be bought for? Would you avoid the 450 gas engines in that body? What about the next generation of S-class?

JR

slow&rusty · 08-10-2015, 04:29 PM

Driving my 126 560 into work a few days ago, the tranny puked, I had to limp home in 1st gear with no reverse either, but at least the AC was nice and cold as I had fixed it two weeks earlier for only $2500

sc_rufctr · 08-10-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

SNIP:::

To give you an idea of the supply situation with these cars, I put it up for sale 6 or 8 months ago and then changed my mind. I had people emailing, calling and cajoling me like it was an early 911, telling me why I should sell to them and not the other people who wanted it, etc... It was insane. There are very few good ones around, most of them belong in the junkyard.

Nice car Dennis. Is it possible to backdate the bumpers on these?

Probably too much trouble but putting earlier chrome bumpers on black plastic bumper MGs is a common mod.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Putting small euro bumpers on is not a problem if you can find them, (tough for this model in the U.S.), you will lose some weight but also lose all bump protection as in ALL. I kind of like the big bumpers because I park in the city where people park by ear.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

So what can a decent W116 be bought for? Would you avoid the 450 gas engines in that body? What about the next generation of S-class?

JR

They are not expensive, maybe $8k for an absolutely mint car if you can find one. The only gas 450 I would own for any regular driving would be a 1980, (last year), and even still not in CA. Could be ok in other states where gas is cheap and no smog. 1980 models had lambda system, ran on 87 octane and got better mpg. Still horrible mileage but the earlier ones got 8-10 mpg city on premium.

The good news is that absolute cream puffs are out there for cheap. Check eBay often.